Planning a seaside ceremony? While the backdrop might be breathtaking, beach weddings come with their own set of beauty challenges—think wind, heat, humidity, and sand. But don’t worry, the key to looking and feeling your best lies in leaning into the natural elements, not fighting them. From effortless hairstyles that embrace your hair's texture to skincare routines that help your glow last through the day, this guide will help you walk down the sandy aisle with confidence.
Simplify Your Pre-Wedding Skincare
The lead-up to your ceremony isn’t the time for a 12-step skincare routine. Stick to what works and focus on hydration, protection, and calming ingredients. This is especially important if you’ll be out in the sun all day—trying a new treatment too close to the event can lead to irritation, which the sun may only make worse. Lightweight moisturizers, gel serums, and broad-spectrum SPF are all musts for beach days. If your skin tends to get shiny in humid weather, keep blotting papers or a mattifying mist on hand for a quick refresh.
Layer on the SPF
Your wedding-day glow starts with protected skin. Don’t stop the sunscreen at your face; your chest, shoulders, arms, and even your feet will likely be exposed and need just as much attention. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and reapply throughout the day. A lightweight, non-greasy formula will keep you protected without compromising your makeup.
Keep Makeup Fresh & Light
Beach weddings are all about glow, so lean into light-reflecting, skin-first beauty. Don't be afraid to embrace the less-is-more approach! Begin with a hydrating, SPF-infused base, then reach for a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone without masking it. A swipe of waterproof mascara and a glossy, hydrating lip oil are often all you need to complete the look. The goal is radiant, not overdone.
Favor Cream-Based Products
For that fresh, sun-kissed look, cream blush and highlighter are your best friends. They melt into the skin, giving you a natural glow that won’t cake or flake in the heat. Skip heavy powders, which can settle into fine lines or look dry in sunlight—but if you tend to get oily, a lightweight setting powder dabbed on the T-zone can help. Finish with a setting spray to lock in your look while keeping skin radiant and breathable.
Embrace Your Natural Texture
When you're getting married by the sea, there's no need to fight your natural hair texture. Soft waves, curls, and coils all look stunning in this setting, and the ocean breeze only adds to the charm. If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, focus on defining and hydrating rather than smoothing or straightening. Sea salt sprays, curl creams, and leave-in conditioners can help enhance your hair’s pattern without creating stiffness. For straight hair, a light texturizing spray can give that beachy lift without too much effort. The end result should feel touchable, soft, and lived-in.
Flamingo Photo Collective, Danielle Frankel
Secure Your Style
When it comes to beach weddings loose hair and ocean breezes don't always mix. Wind is inevitable, so choose a hairstyle that can handle a little movement. Soft updos, low ponytails, and half-up styles tend to fare well in beach settings, especially when paired with subtle accessories like gold pins, silk ribbons, or floral combs. If you are leaving your hair down, consider pinning some pieces in place to keep your face clear and your look polished. The goal is to feel romantic and relaxed, not rigid or overdone.
