Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter

The beach requires a clean and natural look. - File

Summer, the time of year when people go frolicking on the beach or at the pool to beat the heat. But, how can you look your best despite the forces of nature?

Most people feel naked without their make-up and going to the beach should not be a hindrance to beauty. Make-up artist/skin care consultant, Camille Stephenson, notes that the beach requires a clean and natural look, but makeup meltdown can occur even with minimal makeup. She added that it may not only sag, but worst, it may even run. But there is a solution; sweat-resistant or water-resistant make-up that is designed to stay on without running. They are also recommended to sustain rain and tears.

On the beach

Stephenson notes, however, that the following should be considered when wearing make-up to the beach:

1. If you feel the need to wear foundation, then choose one that is oil-free, gel or silicone-based. These foundations will not only stay in place, it will allow your skin to breathe, look natural and also prevent make-up melt down. If your skin is oily or prone to sweat heavily, apply a primer that will make your skin more matte and absorb excess oils before the foundation is applied.

2. Choose gel or liquid-based formulas for the eyes. Less is more. First, apply water-resistant silicone-based mascara, then a gel or liquid-based eyeshadow in a subtle shade. Apply to the top lids only.

3. There are several make-up brands that carry colour-stay lipsticks; Revlon, L'Oreal and Maybelline are just a few. However, because it is summer, most persons would choose to downplay their lips and go with pretty and sheer lip glosses instead.

4. Removing make-up after a long day out in the heat is important. There are a variety of inexpensive make-up removers on the market that are specifically formulated to remove waterproof products and also soothe the skin. Look for greaseless formulas with botanical ingredients like lavender. Face pads and wipes can be just as gentle as the creams and gels and are more convenient.

Stephenson strongly recommends using sun protection formula (SPF) with all make-up, whether waterproof or not.

Also, here are a few tips to beat the heat, especially to prevent skin cancer. Being a darker hue, we may think our skin can withstand the heat, but the fact is, we do get burnt, too.

1. When you go to the beach or pool, swim either early in the morning or late in the evening.

2. The sun causes the most damage to your skin between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so avoid being in the sun between those hours.

3. Wear sunscreen on your entire body.

4. Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before sun exposure.

5. Re-apply waterproof sunscreens every 80 minutes or so, after being in the water.

6. Do not let the clouds fool you; many people learn the hard way that you need to protect yourself from the sun, even on cloudy and overcast days. Even in limited sunlight, the skin might not start to appear pink until it is too late.