Makeup continues to receive the brunt of popular cultural and social movements, often cited as unnecessary vanity. And yet, what many dissenters fail to understand is that many women wear makeup not necessarily to “look” better or more attractive but to feel more confident.

A recent study by Falcon Media found that over 70% of American women wear makeup. Of this population, almost half claim to do it for a confidence boost. Only around 20% use it to conceal signs of aging (and that too in the office, which does not say good things about our corporate culture for women).

If you love makeup, there’s no reason to skip it on an outdoor picnic or event. You may be going on a romantic getaway or attending a wedding in a garden, and you want the pictures to turn out dazzling. We have just what the doctor prescribes to look your best when surrounded by nature.

Makeup That Can Handle the Force of the Elements 

Outdoor picnics can involve several encounters with the elements, namely the sun, rain, wind, and whatnot. While these are intrinsic components for a day out in nature, your usual makeup routine may not get along with them.

For a day out in nature, choose waterproof and smudge-proof makeup that can withstand sudden showers without causing a mess. Since rain and wind can cause cream-based or glossy lipsticks to melt, explore matte-finish options. They will last longer, particularly if you also use a lip liner.

Waterproof makeup also works well to handle sweat. You might perspire a lot if the weather is especially hot and you’re not used to outdoor picnics.

Do not forget a long-lasting sunscreen with an SPF that correlates to the amount of sunshine your destination typically gets. According to the US FDA, a broad-spectrum sunscreen (i.e., one that protects against UV-A and UV-B radiations) of at least SPF 15 is necessary for protection.

You can get smooth sunscreens that don’t appear cakey in photographs. Just make sure they are non-comedogenic if you are vulnerable to breakouts or have sensitive skin.

Tip: Keep your powder and blotting paper handy! You can touch up and absorb extra oil or moisture whenever needed throughout the day.

Natural Shades for Sunrise/Morning Pictures

Depending on when your picnic starts, you should prepare for makeup to help you look glowing in the morning light. Sunrise can look particularly enchanting in pictures, but you may feel incongruous if you use makeup in loud or dark colors, such as reds and deep browns.

The key to getting travel makeup right is being prepared for a change in plans. Suppose you’re out picnicking in America’s Napa Valley, one of the world’s best-loved outdoor spots for its gorgeous vineyards. You may not think much about what to do in Napa besides wine until you discover possibilities like soulful paddleboarding or a sunrise hot air balloon ride. 

In fact, according to Napa Valley Balloons, the time just after sunrise is best for flights due to the calm, stable air.  What does the example demand photo-wise? Highlights that catch the golden light beautifully, and a general focus on glow and luminosity for your foundation and blush.

Another idea is to go completely natural for this time of day. Just get a good night’s sleep so you don’t appear washed out and take pictures as you are.

Packing Makeup for Hassle-Free Travel 

If you love makeup and also love taking pictures, you won’t think twice about packing your favorite products in your bag. However, an outdoor picnic is a different ball game compared to a lunch date with friends in a bistro. Carrying too many items in cumbersome packaging can weigh you down on the trip.

Consider getting travel-sized versions of essential products or transferring them into small toiletries bottles. Check they are securely sealed to prevent leaks and stains that can spoil your outfit. Some travelers swear by hacks like spare contact lens cases for foundation and Ziploc bags for liquids and creams.

While packing your products, include travel-specific items such as:

• Extra wet wipes
• Setting spray
• Blotting paper
• A small pouch to carry essentials, such as lip balm and a comb
• Multipurpose cosmetics, such as an all-in-one concealer and highlighter

Knowing When It Is Best to Avoid Makeup Outdoors

Whether you are out in a vineyard or exploring a farmer’s market in the country, makeup can help you feel more confident, vibrant, and comfortable in your skin. In most cases, wearing makeup outdoors is perfectly fine, if that’s what you want (don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!).

Consider avoiding wearing foundation if your picnic involves heavy-duty exercise, such as hiking or cycling. A 2024 study in the  Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reports that wearing foundation during exercise can clog your pores and cause acne. Instead, you can consider alternatives like color-correcting creams.

These occasions may also be opportunities to flaunt a no-makeup look, as recently popularized by celebrities like Pamela Anderson and Kim Kardashian.

The general idea here is to keep your makeup and hair simple and quick to maintain. The day might become too sunny, rainy, or windy, which can mess with a complicated look. 

That said, go with the flow, do what your heart fancies, and enjoy your brush with nature. When you feel happy from within, your appearance will reflect it for all to see.