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The Best Essentials to Keep in Your Beach Bag This Summer, According to Experts

From broad-spectrum SPF to top-rated waterproof makeup.

By Tiffany Dodson

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

  • Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 50

    Makeup

    Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 50

    $55 at Nordstrom
    Read more
  • Backstage Face & Body Foundation

    Makeup

    Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

    Read more
  • Upgraded Lashes Treatment Mascara

    Makeup

    Wander Beauty Upgraded Lashes Treatment Mascara

    Read more
  • Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

    Skincare

    Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

    Read more
  • Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul

    Makeup

    MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul

    Read more

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

Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Makeup

Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 50

$55 at Nordstrom
Credit: Nordstrom

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."

Makeup

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

Backstage Face & Body Foundation
Makeup

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

Credit: Sephora

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."

Makeup

Wander Beauty Upgraded Lashes Treatment Mascara

Upgraded Lashes Treatment Mascara
Makeup

Wander Beauty Upgraded Lashes Treatment Mascara

Credit: Nordstrom

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

Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
Skincare

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

Credit: Amazon

"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."

Makeup

MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul

On Sale
Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul
Makeup

MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul

Now 40% Off
Credit: MAC Cosmetics

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."

Makeup

Saie Sunvisor

Sunvisor
Makeup

Saie Sunvisor

Credit: Saie

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

Mighty Biome Pre/Post Biotics + Barrier Aid Cleansing Balm
Skincare

Bliss Mighty Biome Pre/Post Biotics + Barrier Aid Cleansing Balm

Credit: Bliss

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.

Skincare

Supergoop! (Re)setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40

(Re)setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40
Skincare

Supergoop! (Re)setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40

Credit: Nordstrom

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.

Makeup

MDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30

Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30
Makeup

MDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30

Credit: Dermstore

Here's a tinted balm our experts love that uses a blend of shea and olive butters, along with SPF 30, to keep lips feeling supple and protected.

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Skincare

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60

Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60
Skincare

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60

Credit: Amazon

"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

Tattoo Pencil Liner Waterproof Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
Makeup

KVD Beauty Tattoo Pencil Liner Waterproof Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

Credit: KVD Beauty

"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

Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer
Makeup

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer

Credit: Amazon

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

All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Makeup

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Credit: Amazon

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

Nourishing Hand Sanitizer Antibacterial Gel Deep Moisture
Skincare

Dove Nourishing Hand Sanitizer Antibacterial Gel Deep Moisture

Now 61% Off
Credit: Walmart

"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."

Makeup

Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara

Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara
Makeup

Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara

Credit: Dermstore

"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

best beach beauty 2023
  • 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?

best beach makeup 2023

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.

Lettermark
Tiffany Dodson
Associate Beauty Commerce Editor

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.

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