Water baby beauty (From Worcester News)

Water baby beauty

10:29am Wednesday 20th June 2012 in Retail Therapy

IT'S official, this summer has been a bit of a washout.

But with holiday season approaching you might soon be jumping into crystal blue oceans instead of puddles.

Cue panic time; almost half of women (47%) admit that they would never step onto the beach without wearing make-up, a new QVC survey reveals.

If the thought of ditching the mascara puts a dampener on your vacation, it's time to waterproof your routine. Splash-proof make-up on the beauty counters allow you to take a dip - without losing face.

NATURAL BEAUTY

A summer holiday can also mean a vacation from a full face of make-up.

"When wearing make-up by the pool or on the beach, keep the application sheer and not too heavy," advises Chase Aston, international make-up artist for The Body Shop.

"Cheeks should look fresh and glowing with subtle tints of cheek stain and a sheer luminous golden glow."

Great for adhering to excess baggage limits, try a multipurpose waterproof stain that you can use on both lips and cheeks and won't budge easily.

You might even be able to forgo the mascara wand, according to Aston: "For long-lasting, hassle-free luscious lashes, try tinting both your brows and lashes with a DIY tint kit. There'll be no need to worry about messy mascara on the beach!"

MAKE WAVES

If the thought of going bare-faced brings you out in a hot flush, don't panic. You can still achieve bold make-up that won't splash off in the sea.

"Line, define and accentuate the lash line using a product like The Body Shop's water resistant Metallic Eye Definer (£8)," suggests Aston.

"This instant pop of shimmer liner will open up the eyes and last throughout hot summer days and balmy nights."

A priming potion will be your best friend for summer staying power, and ensure smudge and crease-proof eyeshadow and liner that really lasts.

Aston says: "Smooth an oil-free primer onto the lids, allow to fully absorb, then apply a powder format shadow (this will absorb any excess oil/moisture) and team with a waterproof eyeliner."

JUST GO WITH IT

If you're big on low maintenance looks, this summer's wet-look is the way to go.

Water was a key theme on Chanel's spring/summer runway, with shimmering pearls dotted through models slicked back hair.

If you've already got the sunkissed skin, all you need is a slick of juicy gloss, highlighted cheekbones and just-stepped-out-of-the-sea tresses.

"Hair can look so amazing after a swim in the ocean," says Antonio Corral Calero, Moroccanoil's artistic director.

"The saltwater provides natural-looking texture, but it can dry out the hair so run a product like Moroccanoil Treatment through it when you get out of the water, and then just let it dry naturally for sexy, beachy waves."

Avoid the frizz factor with a top-up product when your hair is dry. Try a glimmer shine spray or gloss to maintain your mermaid locks.

BEACH BAG ESSENTIALS

Ensure your make-up has holiday staying power with a few emergency supplies thrown in with your SPF bottles. Make-up artist Jemma Kidd has these suggestions:

:: Carry cotton buds with you to clean up any smudging under the eyes so your make-up looks polished all day long.

:: If your foundation starts to melt in the heat, blot with blotting tissues.

:: Mineral make-up is so effective in warmer weather to avoid the melted look. Carry a product like my Mineral Skin Nourishing Tint SPF20 (£28), which is protective and water-resistant.

:: Sheer balms and glosses look far more summery and natural than lipstick. Pack a tinted lip balm containing SPF to keep lips hydrated and protected.