If you're like me, you want makeup that doesn't run at the first sign of sweat, rain, or heck, even tears (can't deny those emotional movie moments). That's where waterproof foundation is a lifesaver.
I'm a Maryland-based makeup junkie, in my 30s, and I've been a makeup fanatic my entire life. Recently, my team at Chelpfit.com and I embarked on a mission to unearth the best of the best waterproof foundations out there.
We spent weeks testing, sweating, and (let's be real) probably crying a little, to find the real standouts. Now, I'm thrilled to spill all the deets in this blog post (and yes, I sell makeup products online at my Shopify store with my favorite brand, Dominican Omnilife).
We tried them all, so you don't have to. Here are our top 10 favorites!
How We Tested the Best Waterproof Foundation
Let me be real; picking waterproof foundations is tricky. We didn't just go by online claims. We put these babies to the test! We wore them through workouts, rainy days, and even some pool time.
We didn't just take brands at their word. Our testing process was rigorous! We focused on:
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Longevity: How long did the foundation stay flawless, even through workouts and hot days?
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Water Resistance: We splashed, sweated, and simulated rain showers. Did the foundation budge?
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Coverage: Could you build up the coverage, or was it sheer? We wanted options for everyone.
- Feel: We all hate that cakey, heavy feeling! We searched for comfortable, breathable formulas.
Best Overall Waterproof Foundations
These are the top 3 waterproof foundation makeups we could all agree on, in no particular order:
1. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
(Price: $48)
Our Experience:
This delivered some of the longest wear time of any foundation we tried. Through 10-hour workdays, it didn't crease or look patchy.
About the product:
It offers full coverage with a semi-matte finish that looks polished enough for special events, yet natural enough for every day.
The oil control is excellent, and its claim of 24-hour wear is pretty accurate for most skin types. If you have very dry patches, prepping with a hydrating primer will create the smoothest canvas.
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Customer Reviews: People rave about its staying power in humidity and during workouts. Some with very oily skin find a primer helps even more.
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Key Ingredients: Oil-free, transfer-resistant polymers for long-lasting hold.
- Why It's Special: The OG of long-wear foundations, and for good reason!
2. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
(Price: $39)
Our Experience: Love the inclusive shade range and velvety finish, and it stayed fresh-looking through some serious sweat sessions.
About the product:
This foundation's main superpower is its adaptability. The enormous shade range ensures there's a match for almost everyone, and the formula itself plays well with various skin types.
It gives medium-to-full coverage with a soft matte finish that's neither too flat nor too dewy. Even with its long-wearing power, it doesn't feel heavy on the skin.
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Customer Reviews: It gets praised for being photo-friendly, and how well it works for different skin types.
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Key Ingredients: Blendable, oil-free formula with climate-adaptive technology to resist humidity.
- Why It's Special: The shade range is truly incredible and Rihanna always delivers top quality.
3. Omnilife SEYTÚ Liquid Foundation SPF 15 (Cocoa)
(Price: $40)
Our Experience:
Shocked by how it lasted through a workout without looking greasy. This foundation impressed us with its long-lasting wear, even during intense workouts, while still feeling comfortable and lightweight.
The matte finish effectively controls shine without feeling drying or cakey.
About the product:
Omnilife SEYTÚ prioritizes skincare-infused makeup, and it shows in this formula.
Cyclopentasiloxane & Trimethylsiloxysilicate: These silicones create a breathable film on the skin, helping to repel water and sweat. They contribute to the long-lasting, budge-proof wear.
Isododecane: A highly volatile solvent that evaporates quickly. This helps the foundation "set" and prevents it from smudging or transferring due to moisture.
Zinc Oxide: Not only does this provide sun protection, but it also has some water-resistant properties, further enhancing the foundation's longevity.
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Customer Reviews: People praise the natural-looking finish, and how it keeps oil at bay without clinging to dry patches.
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Key Ingredients: Vitamins and natural extracts help nourish skin, alongside oil-balancing elements. Plus, built-in SPF!
- Why It's Special: The brand's focus on natural skincare-infused ingredients sets it apart.
Get the Omnilife UP+ liquid foundation SP15 here, for amazingly glowing skin.
Waterproof Foundation for Swimming
Listen, if you're an active swimmer who loves a flawless face, you NEED waterproof foundation. The wrong products will leave you with raccoon eyes before you finish your laps. We tested a bunch, and I'll reveal our top picks later!
Our top picks:
1. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation
(Price: $40)
Our Experience: We did a full-on pool test with this and were blown away! Hardly any transfer, and a smooth matte finish.
About the Product:
Amazonian clay doesn't just absorb oil, it helps balance skin for less shine over time. The coverage is true to its "full" claim, but buildable so you can control the intensity. Despite the matte finish, it doesn't cling to dry patches, making it great for combo skin.
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Customer Reviews: Love that it's vegan, and people swear by it for outdoor events in the heat.
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Key Ingredients: The star is Amazonian clay, helping control oil and balance skin.
- Why It's Special: It's skincare-infused, so feels less drying than some super long-wear picks.
MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Foundation
(Price: $41)
Our Experience: Like a shield for your face. Handles all-day rain and shine with zero issues. A little goes a long way.
About the Product:
Its medium coverage looks very natural, with a slightly satin finish. It won't budge in rain, intense humidity, or even a dip in the pool. Those with dry skin should definitely prioritize a hydrating primer and moisturizer, as its oil control is top-notch.
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Customer Reviews: MUA's love it for its reliable, photo-ready finish. Some find it a tad drying, so moisturize well!
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Key Ingredients: Oil-controlling, film-forming polymers for serious staying power.
- Why It's Special: THE waterproof workhorse if water exposure is a big concern.
Best Waterproof Foundations for Oily Skin
Oily skin will require waterproof foundations that balance oil production and will not clog your pores.
1. Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Liquid Foundation
(Price: $13)
Our Experience: Held up even during hot yoga! Surprisingly comfortable for the price, and oil control is top-tier.
About the Product:
This rivals even luxury brands when it comes to its shine-control and longevity. The full coverage can be sheered out slightly, and it blends effortlessly.
The product is ideal for someone who wants that airbrushed matte finish on a budget, or anyone with acne-prone oily skin that needs coverage that won't clog pores.
- Customer Reviews: Acne-prone reviewers are fans, as it doesn't clog pores or look cakey.
- Key Ingredients: Oil-free, micro-flex technology moves with your skin, not against it.
- Why It's Special: Drugstore gem that rivals expensive formulas in terms of staying power.
Check out our guide on how to apply liquid foundation for a perfect glow, if you’re not sure how.
2. Omnilife SEYTÚ Liquid Foundation SPF 15 (Cocoa)
(Price: $40)
Our Experience: Shocked by how it lasted through a workout without looking greasy. Felt very comfortable and lightweight.
About the product:
This liquid foundation surprised us with its ability to both combat oiliness and feel nourishing on the skin.
The medium coverage looks incredibly natural, and the built-in SPF 15 is a convenient bonus. It strikes a great balance for combo skin, and its breathable formula feels comfortable enough for daily wear.
This product is perfect for someone seeking a natural look with reliable oil control, who appreciates the skincare aspects the brand infuses into their makeup.
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Customer Reviews: People praise the natural-looking finish, and how it keeps oil at bay without clinging to dry patches.
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Key Ingredients: Vitamins and natural extracts help nourish skin, alongside oil-balancing elements. Plus, built-in SPF 15(Sunscreen, level 15)!
- Why It's Special: The brand's focus on natural skincare-infused ingredients sets it apart.
Get the Omnilife UP+ liquid foundation SP15 here, for amazingly glowing skin.
Best Waterproof Foundations for Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, look for waterproof foundations with strong moisturizing and hydrating qualities. Here are top picks from the products we played with...
1. NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
(Price: $50)
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Our Experience: Surprisingly comfortable for a long-wear pick. Beautiful medium-to-full coverage with a radiant finish.
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Customer Reviews: Dry skin reviewers rave about how it doesn't cling or look heavy.
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Key Ingredients: Raspberry, apple, and watermelon extracts to boost skin's radiance over time.
- Why It's Special: That perfect balance of long-lasting, yet hydrating and luminous.
2. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
(Price: $42)
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Our Experience: Not 100% ‘waterproof,' yet super reliable even in humidity. Feels like skincare, with a beautiful dewy finish.
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Customer Reviews: Loved by mature skin for its ability to blend with your skin, coverage, and built-in high SPF.
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Key Ingredients: Skincare powerhouse – peptides, hyaluronic acid, collagen for plump, healthy skin.
- Why It's Special: Multi-tasking coverage, skincare, and sun protection in one. Let me know if you want any other specific categories reviewed!
Here's our mega recommendation of the best 15 liquid foundations for every skin type. Check it out.
Best Budget-Friendly Waterproof Foundations
If price is a serious consideration for you, we found a few waterproof foundations that were effective, but extremely affordable.
1. L'Oreal Infallible 24-Hour Fresh Wear Foundation
(Price: $16)
Our Experience: We were seriously impressed with this! Rivals high-end foundations in its wear time, and the finish looks smooth, not cakey.
About the product:
If you find higher-end foundations often settle into fine lines or dry patches, this might be your savior. It has a lightweight, almost serum-like texture that blends beautifully, leaving a naturally radiant finish.
While it provides buildable medium coverage, it never feels cakey. It won't eliminate all shine on very oily skin, but most people find the wear time truly impressive for the price point.
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Customer Reviews: People love its lightweight feel, and that it doesn't oxidize (change color) throughout the day.
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Key Ingredients: Blendable formula with shine-control ingredients for a fresh look.
- Why It's Special: One of the few drugstore finds that truly holds its own against pricier brands when it comes to staying power.
2. Revlon Colorstay Makeup for Combo/Oily Skin
(Price: $14)
Our Experience: An old-school classic for a reason. If oil control and budge-proof wear are your priority, this is a winner.
About the product:
This classic delivers exactly what the name suggests – color that stays, particularly if you have oily zones. It offers solid medium to full coverage that feels almost weightless on the skin.
It contains salicylic acid to combat breakouts, a bonus for acne-prone folks. If you have dry areas, be sure to moisturize well, as it's most forgiving on oily to combination skin.
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Customer Reviews: Acne-prone folks with oily skin swear by it for staying matte and not breaking them out.
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Key Ingredients: Time Release Technology balances your skin, with salicylic acid to combat shine.
- Why It's Special: A proven workhorse if you need long-lasting, shine-free coverage on a budget.
A Few More Tips
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Price Isn't Everything: Awesome waterproof formulas exist at all price points. Don't be afraid to try drugstore options.
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Skin Type Matters: Choose based on if you're oily, dry, or somewhere in between.
- Reviews Help: Sites like Sephora or Ulta offer tons of customer reviews to help you decide.
How to Waterproof Foundation: Tips and Techniques
Getting waterproof foundation right is an art form. Here's the lowdown:
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Primer: A good waterproof primer is key. It creates a barrier.
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Foundation: Choose a specifically waterproof foundation.
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Setting spray/powder: Sets the makeup and adds extra water resistance.
- Blotting: Careful blotting keeps shine away without ruining the waterproof effect.
Read our full guide on how to apply flawless liquid makeup, even if you're a complete beginner.
Conclusion
I hope this guide helps you find the best waterproof foundation for your needs!
We didn't want to bother you with all the images of the tests we conducted, but only the final picks.
Get these products to keep a glowing skin even on difficult days or workout sessions.
