This post lists the best waterproof makeup products of the year.
We’ve all been there: you apply your regular makeup before a beach or pool day, and after swimming, splashing, and sweating, you catch a glimpse of yourself in a mirror and… ugh. Your makeup is smudged, smeared, or completely gone, and you wish you hadn’t worn any in the first place.
While some people opt to skip makeup on summer days, there is nothing wrong with wearing a full face of makeup for any occasion you choose. And that includes beach days!
There are many reasons you might want to wear waterproof makeup. Whether you want to cover up acne or dark circles, fill in sparse eyebrows, or just look extra amazing in your photos, it’s all valid. You deserve to feel like your best, most confident self, no matter what you’re doing! And that’s where waterproof makeup products come in.
Waterproof makeup has come a long way in recent years. These days, you can rock a full face of makeup on those sweltering beach and pool days and still look amazing, even after swimming or splashing.
Let’s hop to it! Here are the best waterproof makeup products on the market this year, with both high-end and drugstore options.
Related reading: Glow Up for Summer with These Summer Beauty Tips & Must-Have Products
Table of Contents
Best Waterproof Makeup Primer
Best Overall: Tarte Poreless Mattifying Primer
Creating a base for your makeup is one of the most important steps you can incorporate into your routine to make your makeup last through anything.
Your makeup needs something to stick to if you will be outside in the sun or submerged in water. Try choosing a primer that caters to your skincare needs, or a mattifying one to beat the heat.
The Tarte Poreless Mattifying Primer is specifically formulated to be waterproof and last for 12 hours.
Other top-rated waterproof primers:
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Face Primer
e.l.f. Putty Primer
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
Best Waterproof Concealer
Best Overall: Tarte Hydroceler Concealer
Concealer is an important step in most makeup routines. And if you’re going for a natural makeup look, you may only need a little bit of concealer as your base for the day.
Whether you want a little coverage or a lot, a good waterproof concealer will cover what you need and stay on all day.
The Tarte Hydroceler Concealer is a light to medium coverage concealer that looks completely natural. It’s also waterproof so it will stay on through your whole day. Its small concealer tube is also easy to stick in your purse for touch-ups as the night goes on.
Other top-rated waterproof concealers:
Benefit Boi-ing Cakeless Full Coverage Waterproof Liquid Concealer
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer
Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof 12-Hour Concealer
Best Waterproof Foundation
Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
If you’re looking for a waterproof foundation that will stay on through pool days, there are a variety of options on the market today. They come in all formulations, from powder to stick, so it just comes down to which one you prefer.
For a classic waterproof liquid foundation, the best one on the market is by Charlotte Tilbury.
Charlotte’s Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation is the real deal — it provides full coverage and is “sweat-proof, humidity-proof, waterproof, and transfer-resistant.” Translation: It isn’t going anywhere.
Other top-rated waterproof foundations:
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Waterproof Powder Foundation
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Full Coverage Waterproof Foundation
Best Waterproof Eyeliner
Best Overall: Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
There are tons of waterproof eyeliners on the market today, and most of them do what they claim — stay on for hours, even when submerged in water. A few products stand above the rest, though.
If you like a pencil liner, the Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner is incredible. It claims to deliver up to 12 hours of smudge-free wear, and in my experience this is accurate. In addition, the pigmentation is excellent and it applies like a dream.
If you prefer a liquid liner, NYX’s Epic Ink Liner is deeply pigmented, lasts forever, and is super affordable. In fact, it’s so long-lasting that it can be difficult to remove! 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-Wear Gel Eyeliner
MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Resist Graphic Pen 24HR Waterproof Intense Eyeliner
Best Waterproof Eyeshadow
Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eye Shadow Pencil
If you want your eyeshadow to last all day, the key to a waterproof shadow look is to opt for a stick instead of a powder. Creamy stick formulations won’t budge throughout the day, plus they’re nice and easy to blend.
Once again, when it comes to waterproof makeup, Charlotte Tilbury doesn’t mess around. Her Colour Chameleon Eye Shadow Pencil comes in eight gorgeous colors and blends like a dream — that is, until it sets. Once this product dries down, it stays in place for up to ten hours, even in water! The key is to work quickly as you apply.
Other top-rated waterproof eyeshadows:
MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Resist Smoky Eyeshadow Stick
Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème to Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick
Tarte Quick Stick Waterproof Shadow & Liner
Best Waterproof Lipstick
If you want your lipstick to be waterproof, go for a long-wear liquid lipstick. It’s the only formulation that will stay on through eating, drinking, sweating, and swimming. And these days, these lipsticks are 10/10 amazing for staying power!
My favorite long-wear lipstick is the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick because it’s affordable, available everywhere, and near impossible to get off without makeup remover.
If you don’t love the matte lip look, Urban Decay’s new Vice Lip Bond Glossy Liquid Lipstick is incredibly long-lasting and has a glossy, gleaming finish!
Other top-rated waterproof lipsticks:
Beauty Bakerie Matte Lip Whip
Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Glossy Liquid Lipstick
Smashbox Always On Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick
Best Waterproof Makeup Powder
Best Overall: Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder
For setting your makeup, opt for a shine-control or mattifying translucent setting powder. Translucent powders are great in the warm weather because they won’t add any more color, but will prolong the wear of your makeup.
A good powder also helps with creases and smoothing everything out… so you really can’t go wrong.
One powder that’s specifically designed to be waterproof is the Urban Decay All-Nighter Powder. It’s the first of its kind in the category and works amazingly well to set makeup and add a waterproof coating to your look. It’s not completely budge-proof but it’s an excellent option if you want your makeup to stay matte all day.
Other top-rated waterproof setting powders:
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder
Dermablend Professional Loose Setting Powder
Makeup Revolution Conceal & Fix Setting Powder
Best Waterproof Cream Makeup Products
Best Overall: Tarte SEA Breezy Cream Bronzer
Here’s a great sweatproof makeup tip: for blush, bronzer, and highlighters, choose cream products! Cream is going to stand up to water much longer than powder, and it feels more lightweight on your face.
These days, there are tons of amazing cream products on the market, so they’re easy to find anywhere! For extra staying power in the water, the Tarte SEA Breezy Bronzer is actually waterproof, as is their SEA Breezy Cream Blush.
Other top-rated waterproof cream makeup products:
Tarte SEA Breezy Cream Blush
ILIA Multi-Stick Cream Blush + Lip Tint
Morphe Blush Balm Soft-Focus Cream Blush
Best Waterproof Mascara
Best Overall: Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
This next step seems pretty obvious, but always, always go for the waterproof mascara option. It stays on much longer than regular mascara in heat, humidity, and — obviously — water.
If you want a more natural look for daytime, a great trick is using waterproof brown mascara instead of black, which tends to be more dramatic.
My favorite waterproof mascara is the Too Faced Better Than Sex waterproof formulation. It’s pricey at $28 a tube, but it makes lashes look so thick, full, and defined, and it truly lasts all day. At the drugstore, you can’t go wrong with L’Oreal Lash Paradise Waterproof mascara, which is similar to Better Than Sex.
Other top-rated waterproof mascaras:
Eyeko Beach Waterproof Mascara
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
Also read: The 5 Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascaras for Smudge-Proof Lashes
Best Waterproof Brow Gel
For a waterproof makeup look, skip the brow pencils and powders and instead, opt for a waterproof tinted brow gel. It combines all brow steps into one for a much more lightweight and natural feel. Tinted brow gels also last very long and keep your brows in place all day.
Doing your brows makes a huge difference when wearing a basic face of makeup, especially if you’re trying to look natural. So I definitely recommend not skipping this step!
The best waterproof brow gel on the market is the MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Resist Waterproof Tinted Eyebrow Gel. It stays on for up to 24 hours and won’t budge once you apply it. Perfect for pool days!
Other top-rated waterproof brow gels:
L’Oreal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Tinted Waterproof Brow Gel
COVERGIRL Easy Breezy Volumizing Brow Gel
Maybelline TattooStudio Waterproof Eyebrow Gel
Best Waterproof Setting Spray
Using a good setting spray is always my favorite step in my routine. I use them before, during, and after applying my makeup, depending on which products I’m applying!
There are quite a few waterproof setting sprays on the market right now. Everyone’s OG favorite is the Urban Decay All-Nighter spray, which gives a dewy, glowing finish. For a super strong hold, Skindinavia (the company that makes UD’s sprays) offers a Wedding Extreme Hold waterproof spray that’s more affordable than Urban Decay.
Other top-rated waterproof setting sprays:
Skindinavia Makeup Setting Spray: Wedding Extreme Hold
Dermablend Lock and Last Water-Resistant Setting Spray
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
Best Waterproof Sunscreen for Face
My last tip, and a step you should never skip, is SPF!
It is so important to wear your SPF to protect your skin, no matter if you are wearing makeup or not. Put on face sunscreen every morning. This is non-negotiable! I always apply it under my makeup and reapply as needed throughout the day, especially after swimming.
Everyone’s favorite sunscreen right now also happens to be water-resistant! The EltaMD UV Elements SPF 44 Tinted Moisturizer for Face with SPF acts like a tinted moisturizer and stays on at the beach. Just remember to reapply for max protection.
Other top-rated waterproof sunscreens for face:
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 70+
Bondi Sands Fragrance-Free Daily Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50
What is your favorite waterproof makeup product?
What kind of makeup do you like to wear in the summer? Do you have any helpful tricks? Let me know in the comments below!
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What would you recommend for oily skin? My skin is VERY oily, it seems that no matter what I use in less than an hour my face is super shiny, I’m trying to find the right makeup, especially foundation, to use for the summer but I never know what will work best with my oily skin and what will just make it worse.
i have like craaaaazy oily skin so I use Becca mattifying primer and im going to try the Skindinavia oil control spray as well
I have the most oily skin in the world it’s hormonal sweat and oil and severe hot flashes even in winter even though I’m not menopausal the only waterproof sweat proof foundation I’ve tried that works is Makeup forever mat foundation and the new MAc long wear waterproof foundation both re good coverage however the Mac is very thick and doesn’t set for a long time I’m definitely intrigued by the napolian perdis one and the nude concealer now though
i like water proof sunblock , which i think most important thing on beach. maskra and eyeshadow is secondary option specially when on Date
Estee Lauder Doublewear mascara stays on without smudging and washes off with facewash (no fancy makeup remover needed). I don’t know how they do it but it’s the only mascara I’ve worn for years. However, I’ve not tried swimming in it, but I use it everyday in Florida’s heat and it doesn’t smudge or flake. I also recently started using Covergirl Ageless foundation (Ellen D.), with bare minerals translucent touch-up Veil. This foundation is the only one I’ve found that covers a brown mark on my cheek and little sunspots on the sides of my face. I’ve tried the Covergirl concealer, which was terrible.
I break out really bad with mineral make-up. What setter can you suggest that’s mineral free?
The Laura Mercier powered is great but if you want a cheaper alternative the Cody air spun and the rimmel translucent powder is great too.
I’ve tried drugstore and high-end waterproof mascara and I always end up with it under my eye after only 2 hours. How come this only happens to me ?
I have tricky. severe acne prone, combination skin. I’ve slowly learned to use a toner, then a non comedogenic moisturizer, followed by a really good 15+ hour primer, then your concealer, foundation, touch-up with concealer, if you contour now’s when you apply it, then finally a makeup setter. In a pinch I sometimes lightly spritz my face with an aerosol hairspray (sounds crazy, but it works, and keeps eyebrows from moving out of place), but a matte foundation setter works really well. When I’m out in the world, and start sweating I just lightly dab my face with a tissue or paper towel, the makeup stays on. If it happens to come off I have a matching matte powder foundation I touch up with, it looks natural and works like a charm. If you do your eyebrows, I’ve learned that tinting or NYX waterproofing gel for eyebrows never comes off when wet (as long as you don’t scrub your face while wearing gel).
I was born and raised in Florida, so, a trip to the beach could come at any moment… So if you had been at work, or at school, or a number of other activities, you might find yourself at some point in the day on your way to the beach….therefore, have (potentially) a face full of make up on! Plus, I’ve been getting ready to go do one thing, only to have the plans change midway through… But now I’ve already got make up on and no time to take it all back off… Those are the times when having waterproof makeup on is a bonus! 🙂
Another really good waterproof eyeliner is the urban decay liquid eyeliner pen. Went to the beach on a trip it lasted all day between the pool, ocean, sunscreen, and the heat/sweating. Good waterproof mascara, Revlon Lash potion. helps volumes, gives length, AND helps your lashes grow. (I have very short thin lashes and extremely sensitive skin) To top it all off, before I apply ANY type of make up, Benefit stay flawless 15-hour primer is AMAZING. Again beach all day, makeup did NOT move at all. Friends were really impressed! hoped some of this helped!
Lots of moisturizing products make me break out or itch. Thank GOD I found the Citrus Clear Control Moisturizer because I can use it liberally and my face feels instantly fresh! There is no waiting necessary. You can instantly apply your makeup after and it is 0% oily.
I typically can not sleep in other moisturizers without waking up with little white heads (gross) and I can apply Citrus Clear morning and night after i wash my face. Even my toddler uses it in the winter on his little cheeks.
Any non comedogenic lotion should provide moisture without making your skin feel oily, Cetaphil Oil Control works well for my combination skin.
Hey Ladies! So I’m a make-up artist for Bare Minerals, and I think its important to note that our Mineral Veil Finishing powder also have SPF 15 or 25 in it (depending on the one you buy)! We have a lot of women who put only this on and use it as a sunscreen, but they also get the pretty flawless finish. For those of you who only wear sunscreen, (which is amazing and really really smart,) the Bare Minerals Mineral Veil might be an incredible option also.
Actually, the Bene-Tint that’s pictured is very distinctly rose scented. If you don’t like the smell of rose, you probably won’t like it. I have a bottle that’s lasted me a year and it’s not even halfway empty. It’s one of my favorite products for summer, hands down.
I get my eyelashes permed and tinted in the summer, so I always look like I have mascara on, then I just wear a matte primer (for shine) sunscreen and Burt’s Bees tinted Chapstick. Just did this for vacation and Hawaii and it was so low maintenance and perfect for swimming in the ocean and humidity.
Thank you for this post. My foundation sweated off of me a few days ago, and it was not pleasant. The only trick now is finding a lightweight one in the right color.
I agree with Marisa
Sunblock is an essential…….who wears make up to the beach (except kim kardashian) 🙂
I do, and a lot of other people obviously do too as you can see.
How about sun block and nothing else? It’s my favorite make-up for summer holiday 🙂