Beach beauty is all about that age old question: 'is it really OK to wear makeup to the beach?'
And when you add scorching heat, sweat and salt into the mixture, it's hard to know what will stand the test of sunshine time, and what will melt off your face in twenty seconds flat.
Read on for my beach beauty dos and don'ts
Do: Strobe
Those of you born in the rave era, fear not! I'm not asking you to get out your glow sticks and pump your fists in the air to 'There's No Limit' (although that would be fun). Strobing refers to using illuminating products to highlight specific areas of the face.
Beach beauty is all about keeping it natural, but there's nothing wrong with a teeny bit of enhancement. A creamy strobing stick, such as the Maybelline Master Strobe Stick, is perfect. Rub a little on the tops of your cheekbones and below the brow and let the light reflect off your face in all the right places.
Don't: Kimmy K Kontouring
Picture this: deep contouring lines at the side of your face melting down your neck like chocolate, blotchy noses sans flu and . Now that looks krap and kheap. (Sorry, had to).
Beachy beauty is all about working with the elements. And contouring and Summer is the human approximate of putting a Barbie doll in the microwave.
When your two hours of perfect contouring melts down your visage into a sweaty pool, there's only one thing left to do.... Wilson, is that you?
Do: Your Preparation
I hate to break it to you, but even your best friend doesn't want to see the bikini line you haven't shaved in months.
Beach beauty starts before you even hit the sands! The night before a beach day, or vacation, get your hair removal hat on and get shaving/ waxing/ epilating.
Rather than baking it out, give yourself a cheeky fake tan the night before.
If you're a total novice, here's my ultimate guide on how to fake tan.
Don't: Shave Just Before The Beach
Strong UV rays, scratchy sand and stingy salt do not make pretty babies with freshly shaved hair glands.
Do: Invest In A Specific Sunscreen For Your Face
Those of us who suffer from problem skin will know that 'any old sunscreen' will give us the worst ever breakout.
The number one beach beauty product I recommend forking out on is facial sunscreen. Opt for oil free options that have a matte finish. Le Tan Daily Face is like a BB Cream, making it perfect for beach bums who prefer a little coverage.
Don't: Rely on Makeup
Even if your makeup is harder to crack than the seven horcruxes, it's not going to protect you from the sun's harmful UV rays.
Before starting any beach beauty routine, make sure you apply a high factor facial sunscreen. Neutrogena Clear Face sunscreen is practically like being naked.
Do: Embrace Your Inner Boho Queen In A Hair Band
Hair band and salty locks are sexier than Zac Efron in 'Baywatch'. Well...ok, you got me!
Nonetheless, a cute hair band will give you all of the beautiful boho beach vibes, without the greasy fly-aways.
Don't: Scrimp On Sunscreen
Here come's the Nana bit **you roll your eyes**: you may be tanned today, but tomorrow you will be wrinklier than an old prune.
Even worse, the dreaded C. Pass the Factor 50 gurrrl!!
Do: Go For High Quality, High Factor
A car is a bit like your skin; you need it to get around. Would you buy the cheapest possible car that could be dangerous?
Enough said.
Check the labels to ensure the sunscreen is certified.
I depend on La Roche Posey Factor 50+ in my beach beauty routine!
Do: A Hot Red Lip
A hot red or coral lip is a sure-fire way to take your beach beauty game from 0 to 100 in one easy step!
Make sure you go for a waterproof lippie, such as a lacquer or stain, to avoid looking like Ronald McDonald when you decide to go for a dip!
Make sure you go for a waterproof lippie, such as a lacquer or stain, to avoid looking like Ronald McDonald when you decide to go for a dip!
Now get ye to the sea and be the ultimate beach beauty!
