The Genius Reason You Should Bring A Makeup Brush To The Beach

Of all the things to pack for a beach day, we're going to assume that you don't usually think of a makeup brush. But a trusty old foundation brush might just be your new beach BFF when it comes to applying sunscreen, especially if you're going with kids. It's safe to say that sunscreen is a non-negotiable, and it's especially important when visiting a beach.

Even though sunscreen is important, it isn't always easy to apply. Mineral sunscreens can have a thicker, stickier texture because of the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, making it more of a challenge when using it, especially when applying it to a kid's face. The other big issue with sunscreen is that people don't reapply it frequently enough, especially during a day outside of swimming, sweating, and horsing around. Thankfully, a makeup brush applicator can work wonders, both for the initial application of sunscreen and touch-ups throughout the day.

The easiest makeup brush to use for sunscreen application is a foundation brush made to apply liquid product. An oval foundation brush with a handle works well, as does a kabuki brush with a flat top and dense bristles. The best part is that you can get a cheap version of either of these brushes and use them exclusively for beach days. Simply apply a decent amount of sunscreen onto the brush and blend it into the skin. 

After @travel_with_jen3 posted a TikTok video featuring this hack, one person made a very good point in the comments: "Sun screen is supposed [to be] applied before being on the beach. It needs time to activate." This is certainly true. Use the foundation brush to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure, and then use it again throughout the day for reapplication.

A good rule of thumb for reapplication is to put it on after getting out of the water or if you've been involved in any kind of sweaty sport. Or, if you're experiencing minimal strain and just enjoying yourself outside, reapply sunscreen every one to two hours. The beauty of having a makeup brush for reapplication is that you don't have to worry about sandy fingers as you touch up your own or your kid's sunscreen. Store the brush in a resealable bag when you're not using it to keep it clean and use as needed.