Now that warm weather has officially arrived, we're embracing all the summer season has to offer, especially when it comes to extended beach and pool hangs. And even if you don't plan on spending hours and hours outdoors, utilizing a stable of protective beauty products is key. One staple in particular that's absolutely non-negotiable?
"Sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen," board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick tells Bazaar.com. "It's important to go to the beach with enough sunscreen for the day. Since the amount that's needed per application is the equivalent to one shot glass, this may mean if you're spending the day at the beach, one bottle of sunscreen actually may not be sufficient."
Shop the Best Expert-Approved Beauty Essentials for the Beach
Makeup
Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 50
In addition to face and body protection against UV rays, broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 and higher can even make applying your makeup of choice even easier. "Protection against the sun's harmful rays is important in leaving skin healthy, happy, and supple," celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay Braha says. "Sunburned or sun damaged skin is a major factor in how your makeup applies—a good beat starts with a good base."
And when it comes to your next no makeup-makeup look beachside, professional advise opting for hydrating, waterproof products with lightweight formulas that won't feel cakey on your face. Though tweaking your daily rotation may seem a little daunting just to swim or sunbathe, the makeup swap can ultimately mean the difference between a flawless finish and an accidental smudge.
For pro tips on exactly what to pack this summer and for blissful vacation trips ahead, we've pulled together a short list of expert-approved beach makeup and skincare products worth keeping in your tote bag.
Makeup
Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Makeup
Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Since this Charlotte Tilbury primer contains SPF, it's a quick upgrade. "This invisible primer nourishes the skin to provide a great base for a day at the beach," Garshick says. "It's lightweight, but also hydrating, as it contains hyaluronic acid."
To minimize the number of products in your bag, consider adding a multipurpose product to your rotation. Celebrity makeup artist Shadi Malek loves using this foundation on beach and pool days. "My favorite waterproof foundation is Dior's Backstage Face and Body Foundation, as it's lightweight and leaves behind a natural finish for the beach or pool."
Wander Beauty's coveted Upgraded Lashes Treatment Mascara is long-lasting, and has a two-in-one formula that Garshick loves that helps support lash strength and thickness.
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Skincare
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
Skincare
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
"This lightweight broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen features 12 percent zinc oxide, iron oxide, antioxidants, plus a patented Enviroscreen technology to protect against UVA/UVB, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation," Garshick says. "The sunscreen uses its iron oxide pigments to adapt to your specific skin tone without leaving the skin feeling greasy, making it ideal for all skin types."
And for a natural-looking rosy cheek on beach days, she opts for this subtle yet impactful blush from MAC. "This blush is the perfect mix of a blush and highlighter. Its luminosity is just perfect, and it gives you that sun-kissed flush without looking like you've actually just applied blush."
Another beloved multipurpose essential Malek swears by is Saie's all-in-one Sunvisor tint. "It's a serum, oil, moisturizer, and SPF in one, and the way it sits on the skin is perfect," she explains. "I always keep this product in my bag."
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Skincare
Bliss Mighty Biome Pre/Post Biotics + Barrier Aid Cleansing Balm
Skincare
Bliss Mighty Biome Pre/Post Biotics + Barrier Aid Cleansing Balm
Garshick recommends using this Bliss balm to remove lingering makeup and sunscreen after a day at the beach, since it effectively cleanses skin without drying it out.
To keep her beauty look in place, Gabbay Braha reaches for this face mist from Supergoop! "To refresh my makeup and reapply SPF without missing a beat, I spritz the Supergoop! (Re)setting Refreshing Mist all over my face every two to three hours," she says.
"A go-to for the body, this easy-to-apply sunscreen absorbs easily and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth, while providing SPF 60 UVA and UVB coverage," Garshick notes. "It also contains La Roche-Posay's Cell-Ox Shield technology, which provides antioxidant protection for both the face and body."
Makeup
KVD Beauty Tattoo Pencil Liner Waterproof Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
Makeup
KVD Beauty Tattoo Pencil Liner Waterproof Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
"If your makeup tends to slide in the heat, try KVD Beauty's tattoo pencil eyeliner," Gabbay Braha says. "They're legitimately waterproof since they feature a gel formula and are available in both neutral shades, like warm brown, black, and gray, in addition to more vibrant ones, like cobalt blue and emerald."
Makeup
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer
Makeup
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer
Garshick also recommends It Cosmetics' best-selling Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Concealer for seamless, all-day wear. "This concealer's formula contains peptides, vitamins, hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants that work to smooth and de-puff the under-eye area, as well as conceal it," she says.
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Makeup
Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Makeup
Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Malek always keeps this culty spray from Urban Decay in her beach bag—as do more than 11,000 Amazon shoppers who also swear by its makeup setting power. Plus, its formula locks your summer beauty look in place for up to 16 hours with just a few spritzes.
Skincare
Dove Nourishing Hand Sanitizer Antibacterial Gel Deep Moisture
Skincare
Dove Nourishing Hand Sanitizer Antibacterial Gel Deep Moisture
"When reaching for a midday snack while at the beach, it's important to be sure your hands are clean," Garshick advises. "I love this nourishing hand sanitizer from Dove, which effectively removes germs and bacteria without drying out the skin."
"I love the applicator on the Tarte Cosmetics' Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara, as I find it adds length and volume," Malek says.
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Meet the Experts
Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
Judi Gabbay Braha is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City.
Shadi Malek is a celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles, California.
Why trust Harper's BAZAAR?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.