10 Summer-proof makeup buys

Makeup at the beach? Why not? There’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t. These days, makeup that will melt under the sun or smudge soon as you sweat or jump into the pool should be the least of your concerns. We’ve rounded up makeup that will stay on even after a wet beach romp, will still look pretty even in sweatiest moments and will withstand the crazy humidity and last the whole day long. These are makeup finds that are water-proof, sweat-proof, smudge-proof and even cocktail-proof. 

Skin

L’Oreal UV Perfect BB Cream

Enriched with the breakthrough Color Equalier Tech-nology, L’Oreal’s new BB cream instantly covers and corrects skin imper-fections so face looks even and brightened. It also has anti-pollution active ingredient and anti-free radical barrier to protect the skin against summer’s harsh environment.

Prep your beauty kits for your next summer trip with these smudge-proof and sweat-proof essentials.

Available at Rustans Makati and Shangri-La Plaza, P595

Shu Uemura Glowing-fit Lasting Compact

Sebum and sweat resistant. Water and oil-repellant. Protects from UV rays with an SPF 26.  Long-lasting. The newest powder foundation from Shu Uemura is all of the above, making it a must-carry in your beach tote this summer. Plus, like many of the brand’s wet/dry powder foundations, this product really loves skin: it glides on smoothly and gives a sheer, natural finish. It also incorporates a new light technology, i.e. luminous, glowing skin that will look amazing in a beach setting. 

Available at Power Plant Mall and Rustan’s stores, P2,500

Wet and Wild Ultimate Sheer Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15

If the thought of wearing foundation at the height of summer turns you off, then go for the next best thing: tinted moisturizer. Wet and Wild’s Ultimate Sheer Tinted Moisturizer is a light,hydrating formula that is ideal for both dry and oily skin. The Sunkissed shade gives skin a healthy glow with the barest hint of color. Put this on to avoid looking too pasty before you get to the beach.

Available at Pure Beauty, Serendra, P399

Eyes

Makeup For Ever Aqua Liner 

If you’re a fan of their best-selling Aqua Eyes stick liner, then you’d certainly love Makeup For Ever’s Aqua Liner, a long-wearing liquid eyeliner that’s perfect for drawing on that sleek cat’s eye look (now giving a fiercer edge to Asian eyes.) Just like the Aqua Eyes stick, this one is loaded with pigments and also comes in exotic colors aside from the usual black and brown, although this one glides on smoother. 

The best thing about this liner is how it’s waterproof, not just water-resistant. I’ve never gone swimming in them, although user reviews for the product state that you can jump in the pool with these on and not come out with Bela Lugosi-as-Dracula eyes. The Aqua Liner also resists smudging, particularly in today’s sweat-inducing climate. Instyle.com named it as a “melt-proof makeup must-have” in their list of summer makeup last year and described it as a liner “that won’t budge, come humidity or high water.”

Available at Makeup For Ever, Shangri-La Plaza and Bonifacio High Street, P1,380

K Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner

The package proclaims in bold letters: “1 Day Tattoo,” indicating that this liner can stay on for 24 hours. I’ve never had to keep it on for that long, although I can really say that this liner, particularly the waterproof variant, along with the K-Palette Real Lasting Eye Brow liner (also featured), stays on for a really, really long time. 

I learned about this product from Summit Media beauty director Agoo Bengzon who’s a big fan. I too became convinced after trying Super Black. The pigmentation is intense and the formula, fast drying. Other reviews for this liner are positively glowing — one user even said she’ll sell her soul for this product. In hometown Japan, this liner is a certified bestseller and has sold nearly 10 million sticks in just a few years of being out in the market.

One of these days, probably in one that extends to a late night of partying, I will try to prove if it really lasts for 24 hours and if, aside from being smudge- and sweat-proof, it’s also hangover-proof. 

Available at Beauty Bar, P895

Brows

K Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow Liner

Like the Real Lasting Eyeliner, this product is water and smudge-resistant, applies smoothly,  and supposedly also lasts way beyond happy hour. 

This brow liner comes in two colors: a natural brown and a grayish brown. I like how both shades don’t come off as too dark when applied and seamlessly blends with the brow hairs.

Available at Beauty Bar, P895

Lashes

Wet n Wild Mega Plump Mascara

Affordable but efficient, this mascara gives fuller, thicker lashes in three coats yet stays on for 12 hours without flaking. It’s great as a no-frills everyday mascara but can also be taken on beach trips; the waterproof version promises exactly what it says: no raccoon eyes even after a quick dip in the ocean. 

Available at Watsons, P399

Cheeks

Benetint

Benefit’s Benetint has been a cult favorite for decades. (Did you know it was originally created for an exotic dancer back in the ‘70s?) Loved, and sometimes hoarded, by thousands of women, this lip and cheek stain remains a summer must-have for its ability to give your cheeks that perfect red rosy flush. (It even looks more amazing on newly-tanned skin.) The formula dries fast so make sure to blend with your fingertips as soon as you put it on. Otherwise you’ll end up with splotchy red circles on your cheeks that would be quite difficult to remove — that’s how smudge-proof and waterproof it is. 

The tint also gives a great stain to the lips: as if you just devoured a juicy, red popsicle.

Available at Benefit, Greenbelt 5, P1,800

Tarte Cheek Stain

I discovered this cheek stain about 12 years ago and it has since remained a favorite. Unlike Benetint which has a watery consistency, Tarte Cheek Stain comes in gel form and is a bit easier to blend. The color stays on for hours and even deepens and looks better a few hours after application — I’d like to think that the color becomes more vivid when your body temperature rises, making it a great summer product. The finish is very natural; think post-mini marathon flush. 

It’s water-resistant, not exactly water-proof, which means it will lighten a bit if you wear it while swimming but the formula is so buildable and the rounded applicator so easy to use that you won’t mind retouching after getting out of the pool.

The stain comes in various colors, although I find that Tickled Peach is best for morena skin. Tickled and Blushing, which both have pinker hues, are recommended for fairer skin.

Available at www.facebook.com/RedGirlShop, P2,000

Lips

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick

Somewhere in between a lip stain and sheer lipstick, this relatively new addition to the popular Revlon ColorStay line combines color and a pigment-sealing topcoat in one formula to come up with a product that promises to stay on your lips for 12 hours. So you can do your morning run on the beach, swim in the ocean and then down a few rounds of happy-hour piña colada and survive with only a single application.

Like many long-lasting lip colors, this product can feel a bit tight and dry on your lips. Work with it by dabbing a tiny bit of lip balm on top of the liquid lipstick.

Available at SM department stores, P575