Waterproof Makeup: You put on your usual makeup before the beach or pool, and later, swimming, splashing, and sweating, you catch yourself in the mirror and Your makeup is smudged, smeared, or gone, and you wish you had worn it.
Although some people choose not to wear face on summer days, there is nothing wrong with wearing makeup all over your face for any occasion you choose. And that includes days at the beach!
There are many reasons why you want to wear waterproof makeup. If you wish to hide pimples or dark circles, fill in sparse brows, or look more stunning in photos, it’s all suitable. You deserve to feel like your best, most confident self in whatever you do! And this is where waterproof cosmetics come to the rescue.
Waterproof makeup has come a long way in recent years. You can wear makeup all over your face on hot days at the beach and pool and still look good, even after swimming or swimming.
Let’s get to it! Here are the best waterproof beauty products this year, both high-end and drugstore.
1. Best Waterproof Makeup Primer
Best Overall: Tarte Poreless Mattifying Primer
Setting up a makeup base is one of the most vital steps you can include in your daily routine to ensure your makeup lasts no matter what.
Your makeup needs something to stick to, whether in the sun or water. Try choosing a primer that suits your skincare needs or a mattifying one to cope with the heat.
Tarte Poreless Mattifying Primer is specially formulated to be waterproof and last 12 times.
Other top-rated water-resistant primers:
- Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Look Primer
- e.l.f. Putty Reader
- Hourglass Veil Inorganic Primer
2. Best waterproof concealer
Best Overall: Tarte Hydroceler Concealer
Concealer is an essential step in most makeup routines. And if you want a natural look, you may want to use a little concealer as a base for the day.
Whether you want a little coverage or a lot, an excellent waterproof concealer will cover what you need and stay in place all day.
Tarte Hydroceler Concealer is a light to medium-coverage concealer that looks natural. It’s also waterproof, so it stays in place all day. A small tube of concealer fits easily into your purse for touch-ups throughout the night.
Other top-rated waterproof concealers:
- Take advantage of Boi-ing Cakeless Waterproof Full Coverage Liquid Concealer
- It Cosmetics Bye Bye Below Eye Anti-Aging Full Attention Waterproof Concealer
- Waterproof concealer Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 hours
3. Best waterproof foundation
Best overall: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Perfect Longwear Foundation.
If you’re looking for a waterproof foundation that will last you even in the pool, there are plenty of options today. They come in all formulations, from powder to stick, so the choice depends on which one you prefer.
This classic waterproof liquid foundation from Charlotte Tilbury is the best on the market.
Charlotte’s Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation is the deal: It offers full coverage and is “sweat-proof, moisture-proof, waterproof and transfer-proof.” Translation: It’s not going anywhere.
Other Best Waterproof Foundations:
- L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24-Hour Fresh Wear Waterproof Powder Foundation
- Hourglass Vanish No Seamless Finish foundation stick
- Smashbox Studio Skin 24-Hour Waterproof Full Coverage Foundation
4. Best Waterproof Eyeliner
Best Overall: Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
Many waterproof eyeliners are on the market today, and most of them do what they say: they last for hours, even when submerged in water. However, some products are higher than others.
If you like pencil eyeliner, the Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner is fantastic. It claims to provide up to 12 hours of flawless wear, which is true in my experience. Plus, the pigmentation is great and applies like a dream.
If you prefer liquid eyeliner, check out NYX’s Epic Ink Liner, which is intensely pigmented, lasts forever, and is super affordable. It is so long that it is difficult to remove! It’s an absolute dream if you’re going to be swimming or sweating all day.
Other top-rated waterproof eyeliners:
- NYX Epic Ink Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
- KVD Beauty Tattoo Pencil Liner Waterproof Long-lasting Gel Eyeliner
- MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Struggle Graphic Pen 24 Hours Waterproof Intensive Eyeliner
5. The Best Waterproof Eyeshadows
Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Color Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil
If you want eyeshadow to last all day, the key to waterproof eyeshadow is to choose a stick instead of a powder. Creamy sticks do not spread throughout the day and are pleasant and easy to shade.
Once again, Charlotte Tilbury doesn’t play around regarding waterproof makeup. Her Color Chameleon eyeshadow stick comes in eight beautiful shades and blends like a dream until it sizzles. Once the product dries, it stays in place for up to ten hours, even in water! The key is to work quickly when submitting your application.
Other top-rated water-resistant eyeshadows:
- MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Repel Smoky Eyeshadow Stick
- Julep Eyeshadow 101 Cream Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow
- Waterproof eyeshadow and eyeliner Tarte Quick Stick
6. Best waterproof lipstick
Best Overall: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Fluid Lipstick
If you want your lipstick to be waterproof, choose a long-lasting liquid lipstick. This formula lasts only after eating, drinking, sweating, and swimming. And these days, these cosmetics are 10/10 amazing for staying powerful!
My favorite long-lasting lipstick is Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick because it’s affordable, accessible everywhere, and nearly impossible to remove without makeup remover.
If you’re not into matte lips, Urban Decay’s new Vice Lip Word Glossy Liquid Lipstick is extraordinarily long-wearing and has a glossy, shimmery finish!
Other top-rated waterproof lipsticks:
- Beauty Bakerie Matte Lip Whip
- Urban Decay Vice Lip Promise Glossy Liquid Lipstick
- Smashbox Always has long-lasting matte liquid lipsticks
7. Best Waterproof Makeup Powder
Best Overall: Urban Decay All-Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder.
Choose a matte, translucent setting powder that controls shine to set your makeup. Translucent powders are great for warm weather because they won’t add color but will make your makeup last longer.
A good powder will also help smooth out creases and everything, so you can’t go wrong.
Urban Decay All-Nighter Powder is specially formulated to be waterproof. This is a first-of-its-kind product in its category that will hold your makeup well and give your look a waterproof finish. It’s not precisely long-lasting, but it’s a good choice if you want your makeup to stay matte all day.
Other top-rated waterproof powders:
- L’Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Fresh Wear powder foundation
- Dermablend Professional loose setting powder
- Makeup Revolution Concentrating & Correcting Powder
8. The Best Waterproof Cream Makeup Products
Best Overall: Tarte SEA Breezy Cream Bronzer.
Here’s a great makeup tip: For blush, bronzer, and highlighter, choose cream products! The cream lasts longer in water than the powder and will feel lighter on the face.
So many great cream products are on the market today that they are easy to find anywhere! For added waterproofness, the Tarte SEA Breezy Bronzer is genuinely waterproof, just like their SEA Breezy Cream Blush.
Other top-rated waterproof cream makeup products:
- Cream blush Tarte SEA Breezy
- ILIA Multi-Stick Cream Blush + Lip tint
- Morphe Blush Balm Soft focus cream blush
9. Best waterproof mascara
Best Overall: Too Faced Improved Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
The next step seems pretty obvious but always choose waterproof mascara. It lasts longer than regular mascara in heat, humidity, and water.
If you want a more natural look during the day, a great trick is to use waterproof brown mascara instead of black, which looks extra dramatic.
My favorite waterproof mascara is the Too Challenged Better Than Sex Waterproof Formula. It costs $28 a tube but leaves your lashes thick and complete and lasts all day. You won’t go wrong with L’Oreal Lash Paradise waterproof mascara at the drugstore, similar to Better Than Sex.
Other top-rated waterproof mascaras:
- Waterproof mascara Eyeko Beach
- L’Oreal Paris Makeup Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
- Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
10. Best Waterproof Eyebrow Gel
Best Overall: MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Repel Water-resistant Tinted Eyebrow Gel
Ditch the brow pencils and powder for a waterproof look and opt for a waterproof tinted brow gel instead. It combines all the brow steps into one for a more accessible, more natural feel. Tinted brow gels also last long and keep your brows in place all day.
The shape of the eyebrows is of great importance in basic facial makeup, especially if you are trying to look natural. So, I highly commend not bouncing this step!
The best water-resistant brow gel on the market is MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Resist Waterproof Tinted Brow Gel. It will last up to 24 hours and won’t budge when applied. Perfect for pool days!
Other top-rated waterproof brow gels:
- L’Oreal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Tinted Waterproof Eyebrow Gel
- COVERGIRL Easy Breezy Eyebrow volumizing gel
- Maybelline TattooStudio Waterproof Eyebrow Gel
11. Best Waterproof Setting Spray
Best Overall: Urban Decay All-Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray.
Using a good setting spray is always been my favorite part of my routine. I use them before, during, and after my makeup, depending on what products I wear!
There are several waterproof sprays on the market today. Everyone’s OG preferred the Urban Decay All-Nighter spray, which gives a dewy, glowy look. For added durability, Skindinavia (the company that makes UD sprays) offers Wedding Extreme Hold Waterproof Spray, which is more affordable than Urban Decay.
Other top-rated waterproof sprays:
- Skindinavia Makeup Setting Spray: Wedding Extreme Hold
- Dermablend Lock and waterproof finishing spray
- ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr Matte Waterproof Setting Spray in Til ‘Til Dawn
12. Best Waterproof Sunscreen for Face
Best Overall: EltaMD UV Basics SPF 44 Tinted Face Moisturizer with SPF
My final tip and step you should never skip is SPF!
It’s essential to wear SPF to protect your skin, whether you wear makeup or not. Apply sunscreen to your face every morning. This is non-negotiable! I always wear it under my makeup and reapply it as needed throughout the day, especially after swimming.
My current favorite sunscreen is also waterproof! EltaMD UV Elements SPF 44 Tinted Face Moisturizer with SPF acts like a tinted conditioner and lasts on the beach. Just be sure to reapply for maximum protection.
Other top-rated waterproof face sunscreens:
- Transparent sunscreen stick Shiseido SPF 50+
- Neutrogena Sport Oil-Free Face Lotion with Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 70+
- Bondi Sands Daily Sunscreen Lotion Without Fragrance SPF 50
