I'll have what she's having

There’s something about being by the ocean that makes me want to strip everything back—my routine, my schedule, and definitely my makeup. While on vacation in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, I embraced the natural, sun-kissed glow that only a beach getaway can give. During the day, my beauty routine was practically non-existent—aside from generous layers of sunscreen, of course. But when evening rolled around and I had dinner plans by the beach, I wanted to do just enough to look put together without losing that effortless, fresh-from-the-beach vibe.

Because here’s the thing—when you’re at the beach, less is always more. The beauty of a beachside escape is looking relaxed, luminous, and naturally bronzed, not overly made up. My goal was to enhance what the sun, sea, and humidity had already done for my skin, not to cover it up.

I started with the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint, a tinted moisturizer that acts like skincare and makeup in one. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients and SPF protection, which is always a win when you’re spending time outdoors. I used the Rare Beauty Foundation Brush to blend it seamlessly into my skin, pressing the product in for a natural, skin-like finish.

For warmth and subtle definition, I reached for the SoftSculpt Bronzing and Shaping Serum by Makeup by Mario—a sheer, lightweight formula that gives skin that sun-kissed glow without looking heavy. To blend it effortlessly, I used the Patrick Ta Duo Contour & Bronzing Brush, which has the perfect shape to diffuse product without harsh lines.

To add a touch of freshness, I went in with Merit’s Flush Balm Cheek Color in Cheeky, a soft berry tone that melts into the skin and gives that healthy, just-pinched radiance. Nothing too obvious—just enough to bring life to my complexion.

I curled my lashes with the Shiseido Eyelash Curler, a staple in my makeup bag because it curls lashes effortlessly without pinching. Since I wanted to keep the look soft, I skipped mascara and let my lashes stay natural.

For lips, I lined them with Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Pencil in Anywhere Caffeine, a warm, bronzed nude that enhances my natural lip shape. To keep things effortless and hydrating, I filled them in with the Nudestix SPF Lip Balm, which gives a sheer, glossy finish while protecting against sun damage.

And that was it—fresh, bronzed, and effortless, exactly what I love in a beach makeup look. The best part? It took just minutes to do, felt weightless on my skin, and enhanced my natural glow rather than covering it up. When it comes to beachside beauty, the key is finding products that work with your skin, not against it. And for me, this was the perfect balance between polished and relaxed.