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In the age of Instagram, the temptation to jet off to a far-flung destination where salty waves and a sun-kissed complexion await is ever-present. But no matter what white sand beach you’re headed for, the hot sun and balmy conditions present their own beauty conundrums (see: sweltering temperatures, the sun’s harmful rays, et cetera). Fortunately, there’s a whole world’s worth of homegrown solutions. As proof, we asked eight international It girls to share their summertime beauty secrets. From a glow-inducing Moroccan mask to a Brazilian beach-to-dinner hair fix, here, a look at how to master beach beauty from every corner of the globe.
Zoë Barnard, Australia
When I think of my summers spent at the coast, each one has a carefree attitude. I guess you could say I take the same approach with my beach beauty regimen. I try to embrace my natural texture, which becomes more curly and a little wild when dried with seawater. I also love to use natural honey as a face mask because it’s not only super-moisturizing, but full of antioxidants that will help repair your skin after being so exposed to the elements.
Hind Sahli, Morocco
After the beach, I use a homemade Moroccan ghassoul clay mixed with argan oil, which is hydrating and gives my skin a natural glow—especially with my skin tone. Also, once a week I love doing a Moroccan hammam bath to exfoliate and relax.
Aaliyah Hydes, The Cayman Islands
I don’t weigh my hair down with products since the sea will just wash it all away, so a bit of coconut oil or conditioner usually works just fine. When I’m washing my hair after a swim, leave-in conditioners help with frizz and moisturizing, and my go-to is Vernon François’s Pure Fro Afro Hair Care Moisture Spray. My personal all-time favorite product is Dark and Lovely’s Curl Defining Crème Glaze, which really keeps my curls alive when my hair gets all crazy after a swim.
Caroline Trentini, Brazil
I love what the salt does to my hair. At the end of a beach day, I put my wet hair in a bun and let it dry slowly. Then, I usually let it down by dinner time and it has amazing beachy texture. If it gets too dry, I use a tiny bit of coconut oil at the ends. Another one of my rituals at the beach is to go for a swim by myself. It relaxes me from the inside out.
Sabina Socol, France
If there’s one thing I love, it’s getting blonder during summer. I mix lemon with water in a spray bottle and then mist it on my hair. After I wash my hair it’s super-shiny and has these natural highlights. Very surfer girl. After I shower, I love using Bioderma After Sun lotion and Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, which is a dry oil that I use on my skin and hair to make them softer. It smells awesome. Good sun protection is also a must. I don’t like to be too tanned and I think most French girls think the same way. I feel it’s a little tacky.
Tina Kunakey Di Vita, Italy
Before I go to the beach, I do a monoi hair mask, but don’t rinse it out. I use sun protection on my body, of course, but monoi oil, too. It smells so good. I also drink lots of water and have a beach umbrella because often times the sun tires me and gives me bags under my eyes.
Jessica Jung, South Korea
The heat can really dry out my skin, so I always spritz on a mineral-rich hydrating mist. The Blanc Eclare Serein Hydrating Mist is my go-to staple to keep my skin cool and hydrated in the heat. At night, I use the Serein Soothing Luxury Mask, which is specially formulated to heal skin inflamed from the sun’s UV rays.
Salem Mitchell, California, U.S.
Saltwater is super-drying, so as soon as I get home, I make sure to moisturize and condition. I love using a local hair care line called Playa. I love their Ritual Hair Oil because it’s not heavy, yet really moisturizing. Skin-wise, I don’t burn too easily, but I definitely like to be protected and really love the Glossier sunscreen because it’s so lightweight on my skin. I’m not a fan of thicker sunscreen lotions because, in addition to feeling heavy on my complexion, they make my skin look discolored and my freckles a little muted.