The Holiday Makeup I Recommend If You Hate Feeling Bare-Faced Around the Pool
As holiday season approaches, the sentence I hear so often is;
“I just wish I could find a good SPF with a bit of coverage that still looks natural around the pool.”
Because while holidays are meant to feel relaxing, many women actually feel quite exposed without makeup, especially if they struggle with:
acne
redness
pigmentation
scarring
rosacea
or skin that simply feels uneven or hormonal.
But equally, nobody wants to sit in heavy foundation in 30-degree heat feeling like their makeup is melting off by lunchtime.
The truth is, holiday makeup needs to work differently.
Most skin looks far better in the heat with lightweight, breathable products that:
protect the skin with SPF
even out tone naturally
allow your skin to breathe
and still let you feel confident and polished around the pool or beach.
Two Holiday Makeup Products I Recommend Again and Again
For holidays, I personally love lightweight complexion products that combine:
coverage
skincare benefits
SPF
and a natural skin-like finish.
Two products I come back to again and again are the GENOSYS Blemish Balm and the GENOSYS Blemish Balm Cushion SPF50.
GENOSYS Blemish Balm
The original Blemish Balm is brilliant if you prefer:
quick everyday application
lightweight but buildable coverage
calming redness
and a soft healthy glow without feeling overly shiny.
It’s especially popular with clients who struggle with:
acne
redness
post-breakout marks
pigmentation
or skin that becomes sensitive and reactive in the sun.
The texture feels much lighter than traditional foundation while still helping skin look even and healthy.
GENOSYS Blemish Balm Cushion SPF50
The cushion version gives a slightly fresher, more dewy finish and is perfect for:
holidays
hot weather
easy top-ups
and quick application throughout the day.
Because it contains SPF50, it’s ideal for women who want lightweight coverage around the pool or beach without layering heavy makeup over thick sunscreen.
I also find cushions work beautifully for more mature or dehydrated skin because they tend to sit more naturally and comfortably in heat and humidity.
What About Powder?
A lot of women avoid powder on holiday because they’re worried it will make skin look dry or cakey.
But when used properly, powder can actually help makeup look fresher for longer, especially in heat and humidity.
The GENOSYS powders work beautifully alongside the Blemish Balm and Cushion because they help:
softly blur pores
reduce excess shine
help makeup stay in place
and give a smoother finish without looking overly matte.
The key is applying it lightly only where needed, usually around the T-zone - rather than heavily all over the face.
Why Lightweight SPF Makeup Often Looks Better Over 35
As we get older, skin naturally becomes more dehydrated and makeup can start sitting differently on the skin.
Heavy matte foundation often:
settles into lines
emphasises texture
clings to dry patches
and can feel uncomfortable in heat.
That’s why lighter, skin-focused makeup usually looks far fresher and more flattering on holiday skin.
The goal isn’t completely flawless skin - It’s healthy-looking skin that still feels like you.
My Simple Holiday Makeup Tips
A few things I always recommend before travelling:
Prep skin properly with hydration before makeup
Don’t rely on heavy foundation for coverage
Choose breathable SPF makeup where possible
Apply thin layers rather than thick makeup
Use powder strategically, not heavily
Focus on healthy glow rather than full coverage perfection
Final Thoughts
If you hate feeling completely bare-faced around the pool but also don’t want heavy makeup sitting on your skin in the heat, lightweight SPF-based makeup can make such a difference.
The right products should help you feel:
confident
comfortable
protected
and still like yourself on holiday
Genosys Blemish Balm - Clinic - Grade Coverage + Skin Healing in One!
This bestselling BB cream isn’t just makeup- it’s skincare with a purpose.
Blemish Balm Cream
This blemish balm cream or ‘BB cream‘ as it’s often referred to is a product by world-renowned South Korean advanced skincare manufacturer, Genosys. This BB cream is a combination of moisturiser, SPF and cover-up and will reduce redness, the appearance of spots and brighten the appearance of the skin.
Created by dermatology professionals, GENOSYS BB Cream blends seamlessly while actively working to:
Soothe redness and inflammation
Heal blemishes and post-treatment skin
Provide long-lasting hydration
Offer SPF protection
Leave a flawless, natural-looking glow
Want to learn more Blemish Balm?
Read:
BB Cream vs Foundation: Which Is Better for Acne-Prone Skin?
Why I Recommend the GENOSYS Blemish Balm for Sensitive, Hormonal and Post-Treatment SkinThe Holiday Makeup I Recommend If You Hate Feeling Bare-Faced Around the Pool
Suitable for all skin types.
Used daily by professionals (including myself) in skin clinics around the world.
Non- comedogenic, lightweight, and breathable.
Directions:
Apply sparingly every morning. But make sure to spread it evenly across your face, like you would a moisturiser.
The GENOSYS Blemish Balm Cushion SPF50 is a lightweight Korean BB cushion designed to give natural-looking coverage while helping protect and support the skin.
Perfect for:
- holiday makeup
- acne-prone skin
- redness and uneven skin tone
- sensitive or hormonal skin
- and anyone who dislikes heavy foundation.
Unlike traditional matte foundation, this breathable cushion formula gives a fresher, skin-like finish that feels comfortable even in heat and humidity.
Containing SPF50 PA++++ and hydrating ingredients, it helps protect the skin while creating a healthy glow without looking overly cakey or heavy.
The cushion format also makes it ideal for:
- quick morning makeup
- easy top-ups throughout the day
- travel and holidays
- and lightweight poolside coverage.
Many clients love this product because it helps them feel more confident and covered while still looking natural and letting their skin breathe.
Benefits:
- Lightweight breathable coverage
- SPF50 PA++++ sun protection
- Natural healthy glow
- Ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin
- Easy to apply and travel friendly
- Helps blur redness and uneven skin tone
- Comfortable for mature or dehydrated skin
- Includes 1 replacement refill
Ivory is light in colour suitable for Fitzpatrick 1-2
Directions
Press the puff lightly onto cushion and pat evenly onto skin. We recommend patting the puff gently on the skin several times to enhance the long-lasting effect
Read more about the benefits Blemish Balm Cushion has to offer your skin below: