Meet The Waterproof Makeup Formulas That Don't Budge Come Rain Or Shine
Waterproof makeup isn't just a summer staple. While it proves especially useful in the heat - think pool parties, music festivals, and beach days – waterproof makeup can offer unrivalled wear time all year round. Whether you're facing winter rain, a sweaty gym session, or even thinking about your wedding day makeup, these hard-working formulas are built to outlast just about anything.
A waterproof and sweat-proof makeup routine is rooted in clever skin prep, strategic layering and heavy-duty formulas that resist sweat, oil, and external factors like rain or water. It’s all thanks to ingredients like silicone, waxes and film-forming agents that act as a barrier to moisture and prevent your makeup from smudging, fading or breaking down throughout the day. All skin types can benefit from this routine, but it’s especially valuable for oily skin, where sweat and sebum can compromise the appearance and performance of your makeup.
Meet the waterproof essentials deserving of a spot in your makeup bag, from waterproof mascara and long-wear foundation to smudge-proof setting spray and eyeliner.
The Best Waterproof Makeup Buys to Shop Now
Hourglass
Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, £49.00
Best Waterproof Foundation
Looking for a waterproof foundation you can trust to stay in place? Look no further than the Hourglass foundation stick. It triples as a concealer, foundation and powder thanks to its impressive coverage and semi-matte finish, making it particularly ideal for festivals or destination weddings where you want a full coverage base that won’t budge as rain, sweat or (happy) tears set in.
Laura Mercier
Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Concealer, £28.50
Best Waterproof Concealer
Infused with silicone and film-forming agents, the Laura Mercier concealer provides cake-free coverage with a waterproof finish. Whether you're celebrating at a wedding, tearing up during a movie, or pushing through a spin class, you’ll find that moisture beads and rolls off the skin, rather than smudging or settling into the delicate undereye area.
Milk Makeup
Kush Waterproof Mascara, £26.00
Best Waterproof Mascara
If you have oily eyelids, you’ll understand the lifelong battle of finding a smudge-proof mascara. But fear not: we’ve found the ultimate waterproof, transfer-free mascara that also delivers on volume and impact. The hero ingredient is vegan ‘beeswax’ that forms a moisture-resistant barrier to oil and moisture. Bye-bye panda eyes.
Charlotte Tilbury
Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, £32.00
Best Waterproof Setting Spray
Charlotte Tilbury fans have gone to impressive lengths to put this iconic setting spray’s waterproof claims to the test. A quick TikTok search reveals countless videos of users dunking their heads underwater and drenching their faces - only to reveal flawless, smudge-proof, and transfer-resistant makeup every time. Trust us, this bestselling essential has truly been battle-tested.
Rare Beauty
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, £22.00
Best Waterproof Blush
When on the hunt for a long-lasting, weather-proof blush, liquid formulas are hard to beat. They offer the same natural, skin-like finish as creams but with superior staying power. Take Rare Beauty’s cult favourite Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. It delivers rich, buildable colour payoff (really, you only need a little) that blends seamlessly for anything from a natural, healthy glow to vibrant, peachy cheeks.
Sisley-Paris
Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof, £47.00
Best Waterproof Eyeliner
Waterproof eyeliners often feel dry and tricky to apply - but not the Sisley-Paris Phyto-Kohl Star Waterproof. The clever formula contains rosehip oil, vitamin E and bisabolol to keep it feeling creamy, but dries down after application and won’t budge. What’s more, it comes in a range of flattering, flexible matte and shimmer shades, so you can create a whole host of looks and trust that they'll go the distance.
Chantecaille
Waterproof Brow Definer, £37.00
Best Waterproof Brow Product
Whether you’re spending a day by the pool and want to wear a touch of makeup, or you struggle with oily skin that causes your brows to smudge, a waterproof brow pencil is a smart, reliable choice. Chantecaille’s features an angled nib perfect for creating real-looking brow strokes.
By Terry
Hyaluronic Pressed Hydra-powder 8ha, £42.00
Best Waterproof Powder
While this face powder isn’t entirely waterproof, it is incredibly effective for keeping makeup in place in all types of weather. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid which keeps the skin feeling moisturised without veering shiny. Plus, inside the compact is a powder puff, so it’s perfect for touching-up on the go.
Read More
• The Best Sweat-Proof Makeup Essentials You Need For Summer• Your Makeup Will Last All Day With These Setting Sprays • Six Summer Skincare Essentials
• Our Honest Sol De Janeiro Perfume Review
