Dive Right In: How To Look Good Wet
Start with a glow that won’t wash off
“For swim shoots, I always send a message to the models to please self tan beforehand, so you have a healthy look to begin with,” says makeup artist Linda Hay. “I like those from Clarins since their colors are really nice and gentle. Just remember to use a self tanner that’s designed for your face, since I find the ones for your body turn your face too dark.”
Try: Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning Gel, $35, nordstrom.com.
Combine cover-up and SPF in one
“While you don’t want to apply a lot of makeup before a swim, your skin doesn’t need to be bare naked either,” points out Hay. “A tinted moisturizer with SPF or a CC cream will absorb into your skin easily and won’t turn cakey or dissolve in the water while also providing some sun protection.”
Try: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20, $43, lauramercier.com or Clinique Moisture Surger CC Cream, $35, clinique.com.
Stick with budge-proof eyeliner in a bold color
“Most pencil eyeliners are oil-based so by nature waterproof,” says Hay. “I like a thin line of a pretty blue violet or emerald green along your upper lash line, instead of just brown or black for summer. Look for pencils you can smudge a little bit before they set, like Lancôme’s kohl pencils.”
Try: Lancome Kohl in Love Eyeliner Pencil in Jade Crush, $25, lancome.com.
Avoid smudged lashes
“Yves Saint Laurent has beautiful waterproof mascaras that come in fun colors, which I like to either match or contrast with the shade of eyeliner. Or if a mascara you truly love doesn’t come in a waterproof formula, you can apply a clear top coat sealant to make it so,” recommends Hay.
Try: Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof in Majorelle Blue, $30, yslbeauty.com or By Terry Lash-Coat Mascara Aqua-Proof Topping Gel, $40, spacenk.com.
Swipe on long-lasting lip stains
“A lip stain is the easiest thing to maintain when getting wet since the color sets in deeply and can’t be easily rubbed off. I love the stains that have the color on one end and a lip balm or gloss on the other since a stain on its own is often too matte and dry. Giving your lips a little glow is nice,” says Hay. “I prefer shades that are close to your own lip color, such as a subtle peach, gentle coral, or pretty pink.”
Try: Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm, $8, target.com.
Set everything in place, or plan for touch-ups
“A setting spray might help keep your makeup in place, if you’re just going for a light swim. But if you’re like me, and do serious swimming all day long, it’s inevitable that you’ll have to reapply a little makeup at some point!” says Hay.
Try: Clarins Fix’ Make-Up, $27, clarinsusa.com.
Keep hair shiny and wet
Most hairstyles will look sad and limp once wet. Instead, leave strands loose and tip your head back into the water to create a sleek, glistening effect, says hairstylist Harry Josh. Once you towel off, comb through a serum to prevent frizz and tangles. “Then give yourself a dramatic, deep side part and slick hair back into a tight ponytail,” he says. A topknot also does the trick, and if flyaways get the better of you, simply reach for a chic beach hat.
Try: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Serum Original Formul, $9, drugstore.com.
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