It all started with a poolside invite. The kind with soft lo-fi beats, inflatable flamingos, and a promise of sun-soaked selfies that would live forever on the grid. I stood in front of the mirror, SPF in one hand, lip gloss in the other, wondering: Is there such a thing as pool-proof pretty? Enter ‘The Pool Girl Makeup Look’. Think dewy, fresh, and just-came-out-of-the-water-but-still-perfect vibes. Not quite bare-faced, not fully beat, just a radiant middle ground that screams effortless cool.
So how do you actually pull it off without looking like your mascara took a swim before you did? Here’s the glow-down, told through one perfect pool day.
9:00 AM: Pre-Dip Prep
Before the glam even begins, skincare takes the lead. I slather on a gel-based sunscreen with a glow finish (hydrating but never greasy). SPF is the real MVP here. A tinted moisturiser or BB cream with SPF adds a light veil of coverage and goes a long way. It’s like a filter, but breathable.
P.S.: Leave the foundation behind. The pool girl doesn’t believe in melt-down moments.
10:00 AM: Brows, Bronzed & Breezy
Brows are brushed up with a clear or tinted brow gel, giving that naturally full, “I woke up like this” energy. Then comes a swipe of liquid bronzer or a cream contour stick, dabbed across cheeks and nose. The goal is sun-kissed, not sun-baked. A hint of cream blush in a peach or watermelon would be a chef’s kiss. I blend it with fingers, letting the heat of my skin melt it in for that flushed-from-fun look.
11:30 AM: Lashes, Lips & Waterproof Everything
This is when things get splash-proof. I curl my lashes and go in with a waterproof mascara, keeping it minimal. On the lips, it’s either a hydrating tinted balm or a gloss with SPF (yes, that’s a thing!). Shades like coral, rose, or even sheer shimmer catch the sunlight just right.
12:30 PM: Shimmer Where It Counts
Right before heading out, I tap a tiny bit of liquid highlighter on the high points- cheekbones, collarbones, maybe even a little on the eyelids. It’s the kind of subtle shine that looks like you just emerged from a dreamy plunge… even if you haven’t touched the water yet. A body oil or shimmer spray goes a long way on the shoulders and legs. It’s giving golden hour all day long.
Poolside Presence: Activated
With oversized sunnies on, hair in a slick bun (or messy braid), and a drink in hand, I slide into the party like I was born in SPF 50. The Pool Girl Look isn’t about perfection, it’s about ease, glow, and having just enough glam to feel like you in the sunshine.
The Pool Girl Makeup Checklist:
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Tinted Serum
Buy it here.
L’occitane Almond Shimmering Body Oil
Buy it here.
Kay Beauty Jelly Lip & Cheek Popsicle Wand
Buy it here.
Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara
Buy it here.
Dior Lip Glow Oil
Buy it here.
