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B for Beauty Apr 24, 2009 @ 11:39am

Do You Wear Makeup to the Beach?

kate moss on the beach no make up.jpg After last week’s experiments and consequential post on waterproof eyeshadow, I started thinking about the rest of my face.

Every year around this time I get bombarded with emails promising the latest and greatest in water-resistant everything. I find that the women who buy waterproof buy it because it stays on all day and resists sweat. But most of these press releases boast their products’ ability to stay on poolside or at the beach which begs the question: who the hell is wearing makeup at the beach?

I’ll occasionally conceal a blemish here and there, but a face made up with bronzer, liner, shadow, lipstick and foundation? At the beach? Do people actually do this?

It’s like women who strut around the pool in stilettos, the sign of someone very uncomfortable in their own skin or very desperate for attention. So what do you think, is makeup at the beach a total faux-pas? Appropriate? Attractive?

And more importantly, what beauty necessities do you pack for a day at the beach?

—MEGAN MCINTYRE

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Fashionista Main

posted by emilyebba

Apr 24, 2009 11:50AM

i wear makeup at the beach and at the pool. it never seemed weird to me....

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 12:02PM

I never wear eye makeup, lipstick, blush, etc. to the beach or pool (though I don't wear a lot everyday, either).

But I have very fair skin that burns easily, and I discovered a couple years ago that mineral makeup with an SPF is a great way to add an extra layer of protection to the skin on my face. It's not waterproof, obviously. But I've discovered it doesn't sweat off the way sunscreen does, and I never get even a hint of color on my face, which is the goal.

And the added bonus is that it covers up any imperfections, but it's so light I don't look like I've got make-up on. And if I want a little bit of glow, I sometimes mix in a hint of bronzer.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 12:02PM

i guess it depends on whether or not you're swimming. though i never understood the girls who go to the pool/beach and don't swim either...

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 12:11PM

Never ever wear makeup to the beach, it bakes on your face! And causes you to age quicker. Always go clean faced when possible!

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 12:14PM

i wear concealer only... plus mine has spf. and i hate the way sunscreen feels slimy on my face.... i can almost feel the pimples forming while i'm laying out.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 12:14PM

Just waterproof mascara and tinted lip balm.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 12:17PM

I check Fashionista regularly for the info, and thanks for that, but I definitely get tired of the judgmental tone. Let me get this straight: girls who wear stilettos at the pool are desperate for attention, but the girls you photograph on the street wearing outlandish items are somehow not? Why the backlash against sexy? In particular, each woman's own brand of sexy? I don't wear anything beyond flip-flops at the beach/pool, but I certainly don't feel the need to psychoanalyze anyone who isn't dressed like me. And I definitely do wear makeup; for me, it's another social outing, just like shopping, going to lunch, clubbing, etc, and I want to look hot. Keep in mind that fashion is subjective, and you have a variety of readers. Embrace us, don't isolate us.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 12:22PM

sunscreen, maybe mascara.
http://isnotfashion.blogspot.com/

posted by rosielo

Apr 24, 2009 12:23PM

sunscreen.

just being at the beach is a natural beautifier-- you get a little color and beach hair. and your eyes are hidden behind sunglasses! why would you need any makeup?

posted by em7860

Apr 24, 2009 12:24PM

I do mascara and lip balm with spf.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 12:25PM

I've never worn makeup on the beach. However, this year I've had stress related breakouts (I think it's related to the economy) and I have some red marks on my face that haven't faded so I will be wearing a bit of concealer on the beach this year.

posted by darcykins

Apr 24, 2009 12:28PM

i love the beach even though i'm not much of a swimmer and not a tanner either.
i say why bother with eye make-up, everyone wears sunglasses. if you don't waterproof mascara would be about it, maybe eye liner.
Some lip balm, something yummy smelling and I slather on my spf 60.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 12:28PM

I keep it very light. A light coat of mascara, some rosebud salve, and sunscreen (SPF 70 - I'm african american and I don't like to get tan lol)

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 12:38PM

I think it's easy for women who have never really had big problems with their skin to not understand why some women feel so uncomfortable without makeup.

I had horrible problems with my skin for many years and now I have scars and such to show. I always wear foundation -everyday, no matter where I'm going or what I'm doing. It's not about trying to look sexy or "made up" at the beach but more about trying to look equal with all the other women who don't need make-up.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 12:41PM

[on make up at the beach]"It’s like women who strut around the pool in stilettos, the sign of someone very uncomfortable in their own skin or very desperate for attention. So what do you think, is makeup at the beach a total faux-pas?"

Uh, way to invite discussion.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 12:42PM

I've gone back and forth on this one. I hear "don't wear makeup to the beach" like it's the new hit mantra, but I think the minimum amount each person si comfortable wearing out in public is what one should wear.

Personally, I wear concealer, a bit of bronzer, lip balm and waterproof mascara - a lighter look. And of course, sunblock, sunblock, sunblock.

posted by Oni

Apr 24, 2009 12:57PM

If I am going swimming and/or if the sun is out and it is 80 plus degrees I wear concealer, mascara and lip gloss. If you wear some bigger than life shades on your face you should be okay without the makeup.

posted by nuhh429

Apr 24, 2009 12:59PM

I tend to not wear very much makeup in everyday life anyway, so when I go to the beach, if I'm being really ambitious I'll put on some waterproof mascara. Otherwise it's lipbalm and some spf 15.
Also, to those complaining about judgment, if you want objectivity, go to a newspaper. Otherwise, they're allowed to voice their opinions.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 1:05PM

Yes, I do actually. The beach/pool is typically a social outing with friends or family, and in broad daylight no less. I wear a little concealer and mineral foundation and powder with SPF (with sunscreen underneath). If it's a pool PARTY then I add mascara and lipgloss too. I don't really see why this is frowned upon? If there's any time we want to look hot, it's at the beach!

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 1:18PM

Fashionista! For shame!
Have you never been in a poolside situation in which makeup or heels would be not only acceptable, but nearly required? Some pools are considered very social spots at which I wouldn't be caught DEAD at without makeup. And I never attend an after-hours event without heels, poolside or otherwise, unless of course that event happens to be a bonfire. Call that insecure if you like, but I do believe the majority agrees.
Makeup at the beach? I'm sorry, but there is no need to hate when it comes to the makeup/no makeup discussion. Like many other girls, makeup is a crutch of mine, and if I need it, I EFFING NEED IT, please don't question; please don't judge.
Now, heels at the beach I can definitely disagree with for obvious reasons.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 1:19PM

Guest #7, thank God someone said it. I love this site and its articles but the preachy, holier-than-thou tone is getting pretty annoying.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 1:38PM

At the beach I wear concealer and waterproof mascara

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 1:44PM

It's just about what's right for you.

I think the big "faux-pas" is to wear noticeable make-up. If someone is showing up poolside with smudgy eyeliner and visible lipstick, it's just tacky. Plus gross - I wouldn't want that in the pool. But this is sort of a non starter anyway. In general, really obvious makeup is tacky unless you do it really carefully (a smoky eye but an otherwise fresh face, for example) or it's a party where you have an excuse to amp it up.

But yeah, there are so many natural looking makeup products these days, that if a little concealer or lip gloss, or a mineral powder, is going to make you feel better and not worry about yourself, go for it. Plus, the SPF provided by these products really can be good for you. The mineral powder I use is like magic -- you can still see my freckles through it it's so light, but I never ever burn through it (I also think it helps my sunscreen last longer by soaking up some of the grease).

I feel like make-up can be a bit of a touchy subject for a lot of women. I don't wear a lot of make-up, but I definitely use it to even out my skin tone and cover up blemishes during a break out. Once during a conversation with an ex-boyfriend, he told me his new girlfriend never wore make-up and he liked it so much better. It really stung -- most of us wear it to look better, but there is definitely an idea that a real "natural" beauty wouldn't need any.

(Oh and btw, I've me the girlfriend and she totally does wear make-up -- I think some men just don't realize that most women don't have naturally dark defined lashes and perfectly even skin.)

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 1:51PM

for the love of god won't you all stop your whining? it's just her opinion! she's obviously open to others or she wouldn't have initiated a conversation - just because she doesn't like one look doesn't mean you can't like the other. sometimes i swear the people who take the time to comment on this site are in 9th grade.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 2:02PM

way to go, #7

posted by shharvin

Apr 24, 2009 2:11PM

i really only wear sunscreen to the beach. What's the point? Its just going to wash off in the ocean. But hey, whatever's right for you, you know? If you feel more confident with a bit of mascara, go for it!

http://seamsandstitches.blogspot.com/

posted by rockferry

Apr 24, 2009 2:46PM

Sunscreen and lots of it! And maybe a little concealer and bronzer if I need it. And then some more sunscreen!

posted by darcykins

Apr 24, 2009 3:23PM

i just realized all these posts about going to the beach are because people are actually going to the beach.
I love Toronto, but its still a bit cold here for that.

posted by Love_My_Blahniks

Apr 24, 2009 4:24PM

Waterproof mascara and lip balm.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 4:27PM

I wear makeup to the beach! and lot of it. if theres any where i really want to look good it probably would be the beach.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 5:55PM

I live in So Cal the land of playboy bunnies and Hollywould. Yes, I wear makeup to the beach and sometimes also accessories. Wearing earrings while swimming is like wearing stilettos in the rain.

posted by Justina

Apr 24, 2009 6:12PM

Waterproof mascara and Neutrogena face sunblock - it really doesn't feel like anything!

And there's really no need to be so judgmental and pretentious.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2009 6:42PM

i live in hawaii..and yeah, lots of people wear makeup to the beach, but it's more because we're not spending ALLL DAY at the beach...i mean it's warm enough here to go to the beach every day of the year, practically. I drop in for an hour or two and go on w/the rest of my day. I generally wear very light makeup (eyeline, eyebrow filler + concealer...powder if i'm feeling ambitious.) so I don't see it as a problem. I'm not caking it on like some people. What's really important is spf 60+ and not sitting under the hot sun overexposed. Bring a hat and use an umbrella.

posted by 808Kate

Apr 24, 2009 9:59PM

I live in Hawaii too :-D

Some people wear makeup to the beach, but I don't. I'm there to enjoy myself and I'd rather not have raccoon eyes all day long. Just take good care of your skin so you won't need any :)

I second number 33. SUNSCREEN!

posted by Pretty Young Thing

Apr 25, 2009 12:50AM

Hear hear 7 and 14! Some women prefer wearing makeup because their skin is imperfect, and so its a requirement. But that doesn't make them tacky! And since when is wearing stilettos to the pool a call for attention or an obvious sign of insecurity? I think it's glamorous and sexy, and it fits some women's personalities. Obviously it isn't your cup of tea, but everyone's different. You might embrace one designer whereas that type of woman would be all over Versace and sexy Milanese designers. That's what makes fashion fun- the variety and the uniqueness. Whatever someone feels confident and beautiful in is best- and you should respect that- not judge them for it. Everyone should reconsider their own insecurities for thinking everyone else is desperate when they aren't looking grungy and/or au natural. It's just a style.

posted by yuki

Apr 25, 2009 8:29AM

dior black out mascara (waterproof), fekkai summer hair beach waves, and kiehl's spf 15 facial moisturizer...

posted by guest

Apr 25, 2009 10:26AM

I don't wear makeup to the pool/beach, but that's because I usually don't wear makeup at all! This isn't because I have great skin (I don't), but because wearing makeup makes me feel twitchy. I think you can wear makeup to the pool if you want, but it's not very practical.

posted by guest

Apr 25, 2009 2:42PM

I think the general rule of thumb for makeup, whatever the situation, is that if you are enjoying yourself enough you won't care what you look like. Makeup is fine for those girls who just want to lay around in skimpy bikinis and look hot at pool parties or NEED makeup to feel good about themselves, but if you're actually swimming and running around playing in the sand and having a good time, then what's the point? Who are you trying to impress? Focus more on how much fun you could be having, and less on what you look like having it.

posted by guest

Apr 26, 2009 6:22AM

Well said # 7!

I personally try not to put makeup on other than lipbalm. your skin will become worse if you put on makeup and sit under the sun!
But I dont judge those who do.
Going to the beach has become a social outting.
I'm starting to love the hippie beach look with the long necklace and bandana! so cute

posted by guest

Apr 26, 2009 4:43PM

I agree with #14, some women dont feel comftrable going out sans-makeup and noone should judge them for it!

And i liked #23's comment too! Not all of us are "natural" beauties, i would look dead without mascara/eyeliner and it sucks when someone who has naturally thick eyelashes askes me why i "have to put on mascara all the time." Um, im wearing it for ME so but out!

posted by guest

Apr 26, 2009 6:23PM

i love the naked, natural summer look - i say no make up to the beach! or, if you feel too uncomfortable with nothing, just add a little bit of mascara to brighten your eyes.... too much make up at the beach looks ridiculous!!

xoxoalizee.blogspot.com

posted by guest

Apr 26, 2009 11:02PM

just some good ole sun screen and concealer if i've stayed out late the prior night!

posted by andreakcastillo

Apr 27, 2009 4:59PM

SPF 15 lip balm, SUNSCREEN, and maybe waterproof mascara...maybe

posted by guest

May 04, 2009 8:28PM

pretty much every girl in isla vista wears makeup to the beach. they also take time to curl or straighten their hair.

it's weird. L.A. is not like that. if you do wear makeup, it should be minimal---covering up a blemish or two, and maybe a bit of mascara. much else seems like overkill to me.