You Are Already Beautiful!

Recommendations by Sandra Gallo, Makeup Artist, Cairns

Let’s start with the most important thing: you do not need to wear makeup for your underwater photoshoot. Full stop.

Whether you step into the water bare-faced, with just a swipe of lipstick, or fully glam — every single one of those choices is perfectly, completely valid. What makes a photograph truly beautiful isn’t the products on your face. It’s the confidence, the joy, and the absolute magic of YOU in the water.

“Every woman is beautiful. It’s the confidence that shines through that matters.”

That said, some women feel more like themselves with a little something extra — and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that either! If you’d love some guidance on what holds up underwater, we’ve asked Sandra Gallo, professional makeup artist based right here in Cairns, for her top picks.

The best part? Everything on this list is completely wearable in everyday life too. This isn’t just shoot prep, it’s a shopping guide for products you’ll actually use and love.

💧  Most women find that a bold lip and a flick of waterproof eyeliner is all they need — and honestly? That’s a stunning look. But you know yourself best, so do whatever makes you feel incredible.

1. Setting Spray — Lock It In From The Start

A good setting spray is your best friend underwater. It helps everything stay put from the moment you dive in. Sandra recommends these options across different budgets:

→ Kryolan Ultra Setting Vaporiser — Professional grade, long-lasting hold  [Shop here]

→ Morphe Continuous Setting Mist — Lightweight and buildable  [Shop here]

→ L’Oréal Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist — Affordable, available at Chemist Warehouse  [Shop here]

2. Sunscreen Setting Powder — Beauty + Sun Protection

These clever multitaskers set your makeup AND protect your skin from the sun. Bonus points for reef-safe formulas where possible when you’re shooting in or near the ocean.

→ Inika Loose Mineral Foundation SPF25 — Organic, vegan, reef-friendly  [Shop here]

→ Esmi Loose Mineral Foundation SPF15 — Australian brand, skin-loving ingredients  [Shop here]

→ Designer Brands (DB) Mineral Veil SPF25 — Budget-friendly option from Chemist Warehouse  [Shop here]

3. Waterproof Lip Stain — The One Thing Most Women Swear By

If you only wear one product for your shoot, make it a waterproof lip stain. A pop of color on the lips reads beautifully in underwater photos and holds up remarkably well. These are Sandra’s picks:

→ Clarins Water Lip Stain — Sheer, buildable, gorgeous finish  [Shop here]

→ Maybelline SuperStay 24 Lip Color — 24-hour wear, widely available  [Shop here]

→ Covergirl Outlast Lip Stain — Vibrant colour with serious staying power  [Shop here]

4. Waterproof Eyeliner — Define Your Eyes

A little eyeliner goes a long way in photos, and waterproof formulas mean you won’t resurface looking like a panda. Sandra’s favorites:

→ Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner — Cult classic, ultra-precise tip  [Shop here]

→ Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Pencil — Creamy, smudge-proof, easy to apply  [Shop here]

→ Maybelline Tattoo Liner Ink Pen — Accessible and affordable, available at Coles  [Shop here]

5. Mascara — Or Skip It For Fake Lashes

Here’s where Sandra gets real: she personally leans toward false lashes with a waterproof glue (like DUO) over mascara for underwater shoots. Waterproof mascaras can still migrate, and false lashes hold their shape beautifully. But if you prefer mascara, these are worth trusting:

→ L’Oréal Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara — Voluminous and waterproof — a drugstore favourite  [Shop here]

→ MAC In Extreme Dimension Lash Waterproof — High-end formula for serious length  [Shop here]

→ Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara — Tubing formula — wraps each lash for easy removal  [Shop here]

Sandra’s tip: tubing mascaras (like the Tarte option) form a tube around each lash rather than coating them, which means they remove cleanly with warm water and are less likely to flake or smear.

6. Foundation — Only If You Want It

Foundation is by no means essential for an underwater shoot. Many women skip it entirely and look absolutely stunning. If you’d like a little extra evening-out coverage, opt for full-coverage formulas designed to last:

→ Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF10 — A legendary long-wear foundation  [Shop here]

→ Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation — Buildable, skin-like finish  [Shop here]

→ Maybelline SuperStay Lumi-Matte Foundation — Budget-friendly, long-lasting option  [Shop here]

The Bottom Line

There is no wrong way to show up to your underwater shoot. You can wear all of the above, some of it, or none of it. What we want is for you to feel like the most radiant, confident version of yourself, because that is what the camera will capture, and that is what you’ll treasure for years to come.

You are enough, exactly as you are. 💕

Happy shooting!

— Recommended by Sandra Gallo, Makeup Artist, Cairns