When you’re faced with humidity, rain, sweat, or a Nicholas Sparks–induced ugly cry, you want your makeup to stay put—and you can count on the best waterproof foundations to help with that. A quality, long-wear formula that can withstand all of the elements is essential to almost any glam routine, whether you’re going for a matte finish for a blurred daytime look or looking for a buildable, full-coverage option for a full-face beat.
Our top picks:
- Best Waterproof Foundation for Combination Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation, $49
- Best 24-Hour Waterproof Foundation: Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation, $40
- Best Waterproof Foundation to Cover Tattoos: Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup, $40
- Best Drugstore Foundation: L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation, $16
- Best Waterproof Foundation for Full Coverage: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation, $40
- Best Waterproof Foundation for Oily Skin: Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation, $69
You may be wondering: Is there really a difference between traditional formulas—be it a lightweight foundation, tinted moisturizer, or full-coverage sitch—and waterproof ones? The answer is a resounding yes. Waterproof or long-wear foundations “typically contain silicone-based compounds and polymers that create a barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing water from penetrating and causing the foundation to break down,” says professional makeup artist Oscar Velazquez. Meaning that, like waterproof mascara, they’re water-resistant and formulated to withstand the hottest of days—and you’ll get even more staying power if you lock in your makeup look with a setting spray.
Before you shade match to just any waterproof foundation, consider your skin type; those with acne-prone skin should be mindful of the formula, as it’s those exact polymers that also may contain comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients. (The good news? There are acne- and sensitive-skin-friendly options available.) And don’t skip your nightly face wash, as tired as you may be; use a good makeup remover and cleanser to give yourself a bare face before bed, to avoid any next-day irritation or breakouts.
To help you find the best foundations on the market, we tapped dermatologists and MUAs for their recommendations, plus scoured top retailers and browsed all of our favorite beauty brands to find the most highly rated waterproof makeup products out there.
Best for Combination Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
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Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
For impeccable, buildable coverage that won’t budge, no matter how sweaty you get, turn to Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation. “You get a poreless, natural-looking matte finish that feels weightless and lasts for hours,” says makeup artist Karol Young Moses. The transfer-proof formula contains a proprietary Magic Replexium technology that the brand says fights wrinkles at the same time—it touts a 22% decrease in fine lines over the course of eight weeks. Plus, the formula is available in an impressive shade range to suit both cool and warm skin tones and undertones.
- Pros: Offers full coverage, mattifying, fights wrinkles, natural finish
- Cons: Expensive
- Coverage: Full
- Shades: 44
- Size: 1 ounce
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Best 24-Hour Waterproof Foundation: Make Up for Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation
Courtesy of brand
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Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation
Many waterproof foundations are too heavy for those with oily and acne-prone skin, but not this long-wearing pick from makeup-artist-loved brand Make Up for Ever. The formula, available in 38 colors, offers a blurring matte finish, plus contains special oil-absorbing powders to help keep even all skin types free from excess shine. The transfer-resistant formula also promises a full 24 hours of wear no matter what your day brings.
- Pros: Incredible staying power
- Cons: Expensive
- Coverage: Full
- Shades: 38
- Size: 1.01 ounces
Save on the best waterproof foundation with theseSephora promo codes.