The Ultimate Easy Makeup Look for a Flawless Vacation Complexion

There are occasions that call for a full face of makeup—your wedding day, your first day of work, just to name a few—but your beach vacation isn’t one of them. When we’re lounging poolside or sitting with our feet firmly planted in the sand, a full face of foundation is the last thing that sounds appealing. Only issue is, going barefaced and looking barefaced are two entirely different things. Interested in learning how to get a flawless-looking complexion on vacation with just a few carefully placed products—like BB cream and blush? Keep reading! We’re sharing five simple steps to help you get that bronzed goddess glow while you’re on vacay.

Vacation Makeup Step #1: BB Cream

The cardinal rule of vacation makeup is to do more with less—especially since the TSA rules don’t really allow for your full cosmetic collection to come along for the ride. The ultimate less-is-more product? BB cream. Not only will a BB cream offer your skin sheer coverage, it also helps to hydrate a dry complexion, leaving you with a dewy glow that looks beautiful beachside.

Reach for a BB cream like L’Oréal Paris Magic By Studio Secrets Skin Beautifier BB Cream. This 4-in-1 multi-tasking product helps to hydrate, prime, perfect, and correct, for a flawless bare skin finish. For an added lit-from-within glow, try L’Oréal Paris True Match LUMI Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer. This highlighting glow lotion will illuminate your complexion, making it look brighter and healthier. It can be worn alone, under your BB cream, or in targeted areas for a highlighter effect.

Vacation Makeup Step #2: Bronzer

Bronzed skin is the true mark of a beach getaway, but baking in the sun can have some seriously negative side effects. Instead of accelerating the signs of aging, go for a faux glow with self-tanner and bronzer. On your body use a nourishing self-tanner like L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze™ Hydrating Self-Tanning Milk Medium. This self-tanner gradually delivers an even, believable tan while it hydrates and softens the skin.

For your face, use L’Oréal Paris True Match LUMI Bronze It Bronzer. The shimmer bronzer can be used all over for a truly bronzed complexion or as your contour product, to give you a sculpted glow.

For an added touch when you head out for Happy Hour cocktails, dust a bright pink blush over the apples of your cheeks. We love L’Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Fruit-Scented Blush Makeup in Fantastical. The warm-toned pop of pink offers a rich wash of color and an enchanting fruity scent!

Vacation Makeup Step #3: A Pop of Color

For another pop of color when you’re ready to head out for the night, pucker up! A flawless face on vacation is never complete without a bright and bold lip color, especially one that offers a radiant shine like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick Shine Lipstick. Available in 16 luminous, high-shine shades, this non-sticky lipstick leaves your lips comfortable and conditioned. Opt for a sheer pink like Dewy Petal or go for a more tropical vibe with Luminous Coral.

Vacation Makeup Step #4: Waterproof Mascara

Mascara is the ultimate finishing touch to every makeup look, but when you’re traveling to warmer climates, wearing a waterproof formula is key. L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara is the perfect travel companion. This waterproof mascara gives your lashes volume and length thanks to its soft, wavy bristle brush and flake-free formula.

Vacation Makeup Step #5: Setting Spray or Powder

If you want your flawless glow to last, you’ll want to give your look a spritz of setting spray or a sweep of setting powder—depending on your desired finish. For a “just-applied” look, try L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray. This lightweight mist, helps to keep your makeup looking fresh for hours—read: no melting, fading, or touch-ups necessary. If you prefer a setting product that helps to control shine, reach for L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder. This pro-inspired face powder formula helps to blur lines and pores for a smooth finish that gives your look a matte effect as it sets your makeup.

Need help figuring out how to pack your products for vacation? Read our article, How to Pack Your Makeup When You Travel.