Browsing Tag

summer makeup

Beauty

How to do makeup that will stand up to a long beach day

24th December, 2023

Summer goes hand-in-hand with long days at the beach but it can often pose a bit of a challenge in the makeup department—how do you apply makeup in such a way that it stands up to sun, sand and swims? You could skip it altogether of course, but sometimes you may just want a little extra coverage or you may just want to go directly from your towel to drinks and you don’t want to be fussing around with having to apply a full face.

So, is it possible? Yes—if you approach application strategically. Enter makeup artist Nigel Stanislaus. Nigel has painted faces for editorials in prestige titles such as Harpers Bazaar and Elle; worked with uber models such as Coco Rocha and Erin Wasson and has directed countless fashion shows and was even a judge on Asia’s Next Top Model. In other words: he knows his way around how to do a makeup look for the beach. Read on for his tips.

What products are a must for makeup at the beach?

“I wouldn’t promise any makeup to last at the beach, it’s probably more of a mindset of what is more manageable. We want makeup to look good as it ‘melts’ into your skin. Start with a good sunscreen, then a matte gel primer. Instead of foundation, use a concealer with less slippage. When your skin is warmed under the sun, makeup will start to move, the magic is, you want to be able to press blend your concealer by tapping it back into place.”

What are your tips to ensure makeup stands up agains heat and also the water?

“A long-wearing primer is great, as well as a fixing spray at the end of the makeup. Remember, keep it all sheer and for the love of god, skip all the harsh contouring.

If it’s water you want to fight, op for water resistant foundation, like M.A.C face and body. It’s light and water resistant.”

How do you achieve the polished look of having makeup on but without looking too done?

“Always keep it sheer. If you really need to dramatise, the only thing I would dramatise is probably a matte red lippy, but keep everything minimal.

Certain products work better at the beach than others
Can you talk me through step-by-step, what order makeup should be applied for going to the beach?

“[Apply your makeup in the following order]:

1. Sunscreen 

2. Primer

3. Concealer / foundation or BB cream 

4. Waterproof gel liner + mascara. 

5. Powder bronzer 

6. Lip balm/ gloss

Are there any things people should avoid when wearing makeup at the beach?

Skip the metallic highlights and contouring, they only work under studio lights. With daylight, you can easily see all the tell tale signs of makeup. You don’t want that. Always aim for the sun-kissed, natural look.”

Beauty

3 summer makeup trends try according to top makeup artists

6th January, 2021
Image: Photo by Andrey Zvyagintsev on Unsplash

Along with your wardrobe the other great way to refresh your look is with makeup. Even if you’ve had the same routine for years, now is the perfect time to experiment with what’s currently trending. With a lot of our time in summer spent out and about, it’s a great opportunity to dip your toe into a few trends and give your look a fresh, updated feel.

And who better to give you an idea of what’s currently trending than those whose job it is to paint faces day in, day out? Between them, these makeup artists have worked on getting celebs glammed up for shoots and the red carpet, magazine editorials and fashion and beauty campaigns, so you know that you’re in good hands when they share with you the top trends to look out for.

Glassy highlights

While it’s always about skin when it comes to makeup (I’m a firm believer it’s the blank canvas that will make or break a beauty look) this season it’s being taken up a notch.

“This spring/summer we are going to see more hydrated and wet-looking skin. Powder highlighters are going to take a back seat whilst glass highlighters take over. Glass highlighters leave the skin looking like you’ve just emerged from the pool on a hot day. Sexy, glossy and glowing,” says makeup artist Julia Green.

It’s time to experiment with your summer makeup looks
Colour blast

As far as makeup artist Nigel Stanislaus is concerned, it’s all about colour. It’s time to embrace bold shades to truly make your summer look stand out.

“Floating liner is becoming a popular trend. And feel free to use other colours like cobalt blue or violet.”

Nigel also pinpoints the traditional smoky eye getting a vibrant makeover with metallics and colours giving it an updated feel.

And the ultimate finishing touch? “A matte fire engine red lip.”

Dolphin skin

Yes, let Flipper be your beauty muse this summer.

Michael Brown, one of Australia’s top makeup artists (he’s my go-to for any event) says it’s all about dolphin skin.

“Dolphin skin resembles that glassy wet shine you see on a dolphin when leaping out of crystal waters. So basically taking the common beauty words of glowy and dewy to the next level.

Light reflecting products that give radiance and glow are key, but also using creams and liquid colour pigments like highlighter and blush, plus glossy lids, all gives this wet-sheen that can imitate and be true to the dolphin skin trend.”