Apparel
15 waterproof makeup, skincare and sunscreen essentials every golfer should have
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For those times when you want to add a little oomph to your look, we’ve rounded up our list of the best makeup and skincare essentials that won’t go anywhere, no matter how much sun or sweat the day brings. Plus, our list includes sunscreen designed for protecting the delicate and exposed skin on your face all year round—that also won’t get into your eyes as you play. In addition to being water and sweat-proof, these products are durable, so you don’t need to worry about them bumping around—or spilling!—in your golf bag or Dopp kit. Many are also multi-use, like a brush-applicator sunscreen that moonlights as a setting powder, because we know space is limited, and there’s only so much space you want to take up with skin care when you’re traveling or playing golf. And, whenever possible, products—even makeup—are packed with SPF so you can keep your skin vibrant and healthy for many, many more rounds of golf.
So whether you’re adding a little something-something to your usual course skincare routine because of a date, important meeting, or in anticipation of your social media-savvy foursome, here are some essentials that won’t break the bank for you to stock up on.
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COOLA Organic Tinted Lip Balm & Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 30
If it’s a little color you’re after, this tinted lip balm is made with beeswax and raspberry butter to soothe and protect your skin while you play. Plus, it’s SPF 30, so you can enjoy applying the balm, knowing you’re also working to keep those delicate smoochers—the only visible organs on our bodies—safe. Coola products are also vegan and cruelty-free, and this one’s made with 70 percent organic (read: real) ingredients. You can dab a little on your cheeks for a hint of blush as well.
$18
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Amazon
Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm
Enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E to help your kissers stay hydrated and healed, this affordable chapstick protects your lips—so often overlooked in the sunscreen conversation—from damaging UVA and UVB rays. The Sun Bum line of SPF lip balms come in all sorts of juicy tropical scents like mango, coconut, and pomegranate that are so divine smelling you’ll have to keep reminding yourself not to lick it off.
$4
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Amazon
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50
This cult-favorite sunscreen is another product that actually does live up to the hype. This smooth, lotion-like formula is designed for sport; it’s sweat- and water-resistant for 80 minutes, and works for face and body, so you don’t have to worry about carrying a whole cast of different sunscreens for your round. The highly-absorbable consistency won’t leave that chalky white paste look or feeling, so it’s great for all skin types. Made without harmful chemicals that bleach corals and harm the environment (oxybenzone and octinoxate), you can feel comfortable and happy about lathering this goop all over your body—even if you have to wade into a water hazard.
$24
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Amazon
Vacation SPF 50 Super Spritz Face Mist
While generally you apply sunscreen before your makeup, this retro and vibey travel-friendly spritz is actually designed to go on over top of your makeup, so it’s great for adding extra sun protection—without compromising your #style) and for giving your face a gently satiny, finished look. You can also spray liberally, whenever you feel like it, and use this spray more like a refreshing, pick-me-up mist. The packaging and formula is earth-friendly, and the scent (called “Vacation”) is “world-famous” and beloved, albeit difficult to describe. Words that come to mind—and have been touted on the internet—are tropical banana, “pool toy,” and, well, luxuriousness.
$24
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Anthropologie
Tarte Travel-Size Power Flex Concealer
This popular concealer comes in 20+ shades and even a travel size option. It’s vegan and smudge-proof, formulated with resilient ingredients like ginseng (to reduce redness), white tea leaf (anti-inflammatory), marine plants (to smooth fine wrinkles), and sea daffodil (for brightness). Which is to say that, for the days when you have a few spots you’d like to cover up, you dab on this concealer and feel confident it will stay in place, so you can focus on your game.
$12
$10
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Tarte
Mineral Fusion Brush-On Sun Defense, SPF 30
Powdered sunscreens also make for great setting powders or natural-looking foundations if you’re in a pinch. Plus, the powdered formula will absorb oil and reduce shine when you dab it on your face; you hardly need a mirror, so it’s perfect for keeping in your golf bag and touching up here and there. Since it’s not a liquid, it’s also travel-friendly and won’t get in your eyes or taunt you with the threat of spillage (read: no more greasy clubs!).
$27
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Walmart
ColourPop Total Essentials Crème Gel Liner Set
Another twofer, these glide-on eye-liners have been fan favorites, so the cruelty-free brand just released an updated version that’s now waterproof. They can also work as eye shadow if you blend them out a bit with your finger or a brush if you’re feeling fancy. Heck, you could even draw stars on your cheeks or spell out “b-o-g-e-y” across your forehead if that would make you happy (or get a laugh out of your foursome). Also available in practically every color of the rainbow.
$18
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Colourpop
Kat Von D Dagger Tattoo Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Trooper Black
If you scour the internet researching makeup, you’ll find some pretty crazy stories about the tests wearers have submitted this eyeliner to. The bottom line: this waterproof eyeliner isn’t going anywhere. Want to play 18 in the perfect cat-eye? Go for it.
$25
$19
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Ulta
Thrive Triple Threat Color Stick
When space and time are of the essence, you want products that you can carry with you wherever you go and use for many different uses. This sturdy crayon-like stick goes on easily, so you smudge it around with your finger—no brushes required! But if you do want a brush, there’s one included. Swipe this evening primrose-packed, vegan formula on your cheeks for a little cheeky color, your lids for a hint of brightness, your lips for a little pluck, and even your nose if you’re going for that trendy I-just-got-off-the-ski-slopes look. The brand’s signature “semi-permanent micropigment technology” promises to deliver a sweat-proof glow.
$36
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Thrive Cosmetics
Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Brow Defining
This highly-rated beloved pencil is also waterproof. Its steely packaging keeps the pencil (which never needs sharpening!) secure, and the flip side contains a dual brush for blending, but it’s also useful for brushing strays even if you’re not in the mood or going for the look of filling in your brows.
$22
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Amazon
Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
If you really want your makeup to last—and not smudge on your polo collar—spritz this vegan and cruelty-free waterproof setting spray over your face after sunscreen and makeup. It boasts a 16-hour hold time, which means you could get quite a few rounds in before your mascara even thinks about running.
$17
$10
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Ulta
PLANTIFIQUE GuaSha Massage Tool
While not technically makeup, this gua sha massage tool is waterproof and certainly fits in your bag! In fact, it’s designed for travel, and even comes in a neat little tin you can toss in your golf bag. It only takes a few seconds (or minutes, if you like) to swipe this smooth jade quartz rock along your face for de-puffing and increasing circulation. You’ll leave feeling glowy, relaxed, and a little luxe.
$15
$13
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Amazon
RMS Beauty The Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipes
And when it’s all over—or you want to clean your face for a fresh start mid-round—these coconut-packed, pre-prepared toilettes will have all your sunscreen and makeup miraculously gliding off. Eco-friendly and designed for even the most sensitive of skin types, the organic coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties, ideal for cleansing and nurturing sweaty, tired skin, leaving pores free and clear for whatever adventure next awaits.
$20
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Amazon