10 Waterproof Foundations That Prevent Melty, Cakey Makeup

When it comes to perfecting your complexion, there are days when just a swipe of tinted sunscreen is perfect. There are also days when a full-coverage foundation is necessary. And then there are days when you need not only a full-coverage foundation but one that you know is going to last–no matter what the day brings. Enter the beauty of a waterproof formula.Made with higher levels of polymers—film-forming molecules that ensure makeup is long-wearing—along with waxes to block out moisture, these bases can withstand sweat, water, and tears, you name it.

The caveat: They do tend to be a bit heavier on the skin and some may contain comedogenic ingredients,so just make sure that you remove them completely once you are ready to go bare-faced again. (And FYI, you’ll likely need to use a dedicated makeup remover to do so.)

Still, for all those occasions when a long-lasting, flawless foundation is a must, consider these waterproof picks the ace of base.To select our shortlist, we’ve spent hours researching, testing, and speaking to our experts, scoring each one out of five on a number of factors such as application, texture, and wear.

Keep scrolling for the best waterproof foundations on the market.

Best Overall

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

Sephora

Buy On Sephora Buy On Nordstrom Buy On Bloomingdales

This formula feels so good on skin that you wouldn’t know it’s waterproof unless someone told you. It’s a favorite of makeup artist Shayna Goldberg, who lauds it for being so full-coverage, without ever looking or feeling heavy. To that point,along with the stay-put benefits, it’s also insanely hydrating; we’re talking it can boost skin moisture levels by over 200% in just one hour.Plus, it’s packed with wrinkle-fighting ingredients and the brand’s Magic REPLEXIUM® complex (yes, please), andtouts special pigments that help the shades adjust to your skin tone specifically.

Who It’s For

This foundation is best suited to drier skin types due to the extra moisture it adds to the skin. It’s also ideal for anyone with fine lines and wrinkles.

• Coverage: Full
• Shade Range:44
• Finish: Natural matte
• Size: 1 oz
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Runner-Up, Best Overall

MAC Cosmetics Studio Face & Body Foundation

Nordstorm

Buy On Nordstrom Buy On Belk.com Buy On Maccosmetics.com

Goldberg calls this product, “timeless and iconic,” noting that the finish strikes the perfect combination between being naturally dewy and still totally long-wearing.A blend of emollients (read: moisturizing ingredients) in the formula gives it its comfortable and creamy texture,and you can easily build it up from sheer to medium coverage.It also comes in a range of shades including cool, neutral, neutral warm, and neutral cool.

Who It’s For

This foundation is suitable for those who want buildable, natural coverage with a satin finish.

• Coverage: Sheer
• Shade Range: 13
• Finish: Satin
• Size: 1.7 fl oz
• Cruelty-Free: No

Best Drugstore

LOréal Paris Infallible 24-Hour Fresh Wear Foundation

Ulta

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Broadly speaking, drugstore foundations have come a looong way in recent years, and this waterproof pick is proof positive of exactly that.The staying power (yes, 24 hours worth) and waterproof capabilities are impressive in and of themselves, but add to that the medium-to-full coverage, breathable texture, and extensive line-up of shadesand you’ve got yourself a real winner. It gets extra points for its vegan formula and added SPF 25 protection.

Who It’s For

This formula has a matte yet hydrating finish so it’s ideal for both oily and drier skin types.

• Coverage: Medium to full
• Shade Range: 40
• Finish: Natural
• Size:1 fl oz
• Cruelty-Free: No

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Best Stick

Hourglass Cosmetics Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

Amazon

Buy On Amazon Buy On Sephora Buy On Ulta

We love foundation sticks not only for their ease of application (no tools or mirror required) but also for their creamy coverage that can pull double-duty as a concealer. This stick, from one of our favorite vegan makeup brands, does just that,offering a full, yet weightless color that’s long-wearing and waterproof. Bonus points for the triangular tip, which is perfect for swiping onto hard-to-reach spots like the inner corners of your eyes and around your nose.

Who It’s For

This foundation can be enjoyed by normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types.

• Coverage: Full
• Shade Range: 32
• Finish:Natural
• Size: 0.25 oz
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

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Best with SPF

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40

Sephora

Buy On Sephora Buy On Kohls.com Buy On Itcosmetics.com

Those who like multi-taskers will appreciate that this formula does it all.We’re talking hydration, delivering a ton of anti-aging and skin-boosting ingredients (including collagen to tighten the skin and charcoal to help minimize pores), while absorbing oil and providing that always-important sun protection.A new iteration of the original best-seller, it’s now also matte and waterproof. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it’s called a CC cream, either; it packs full coverage and is enough to hide everything you need hidden.

Who It’s For

This can be used on all skin types and has been clinically tested for safe use on sensitive skin. It’s also a great pick for anyone who wants their makeup to come with skin benefits, too.

• Coverage: Full
• Shade Range: 12
• Finish: Natural matte
• Size: 0.406, 1.08 fl oz
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Double Duty

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Ulta

Buy On Ulta Buy On Amazon Buy On Tartecosmetics.com

Yes, you read that correctly—we put a concealer on the list. According to Goldberg,the fan-favorite is actually one of her favorite formulas for using as an all-over foundation. It’s so highly blendable that you can sheer it out for more diffuse coverage, without compromising the performance, she says.Per the point of performance,it’s also crease-resistant for up to 12 hours, so it never settles into fine lines or other imperfections.

Our biggest takeaway after testing it? Our skin looked lifted immediately after applying,and the fact that we were able to use it to highlight our features too, was a big win.It also contains licorice root to brighten the look of dark circles while shea and mango butter add moisture and elasticity to the skin.

Who It’s For

This concealer is suitable for all skin types especially those with uneven skin texture, fine lines, and wrinkles.

• Coverage: Full
• Shade Range: 35
• Finish: Natural matte
• Size: 0.03, 0.33 fl oz
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

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Best Budget

Covergirl Outlast Active Foundation

Amazon

Buy On Amazon

Sweat-proof, transfer-proof, and humidity-proof, this active foundation is designed to stay put when you’re at your most active–from muggy summer runs to your favorite hot yoga class.We also like that it lasts for up to 24 hours without clogging the pores, and, like all the other CoverGirl products,was recently certified cruelty-free. Even more impressive, it’s available in 18 different shadeswhich we always love to see from our favorite drugstore brands. 

Who It’s For

This foundation is suitable for all skin types and is suitable for wearing during exercise.

• Coverage: Full
• Shade Range:16
• Finish: Satin
• Size: 1 fl oz
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Matte Finish

NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation

Sephora

Buy On Sephora Buy On Nordstrom Buy On Narscosmetics.com

Goldberg says this pick is ideal for those who want their skin to look totally shine-free. Credit a balancing complex comprising Micro-Algae extract and Bio Hyaluronic Acid for keeping the skin hydrated and excess sebum under control while oil-absorbing powders create a flawlessly matte (though never cakey) result.On top of that, it’s transfer-, sweat-, and humidity-proof,and also resists oxidation, so the color never changes, no matter how long you wear it.

Who It’s For

This oil-free and non-acnegenic formula is best suited to breakout and oil-prone skin.

• Coverage: Full
• Shade Range: 34
• Finish: Natural soft matte
• Size: 1.5 fl oz
• Cruelty-Free: No

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Best Natural Finish

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

Sephora

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The feel and finish of this formula are more akin to a featherweight tinted moisturizer than a full-on, long-wearing foundation, but indeed it is the latter.It’s waterproof and sweat-resistant, works equally well on the face and/or body, and imparts the ideal amount of medium, buildable color that makes your complexion look natural. We think it’s a standout as far as coverage products go.It left our skin looking bright and healthy, but never as if we were wearing a lot of makeup. Fun fact: It’s what Meghan Markle wore on her wedding day.

Who It’s For

This foundation comes in 40 different shades so is suitable for everyone who wants buildable coverage.

• Coverage: Buildable
• Shade Range: 40
• Finish: Natural
• Size: 1.6 oz
• Cruelty-Free: No

Diors Backstage Face & Body Foundation Is Like Good Skin Bottled

Best for Body

Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup Foundation

Amazon

Buy On Amazon Buy On Ulta Buy On Dermablend.com

Let’s face it, sometimes the skin below your chin needs a little perfecting, too.Whether you want to cover up bruises, veins, or tats,this ultra-thick, ultra-full coverage body base gets the job done. A little bit goes a long way, completely covering what you want to be covered, without the risk of smudging or transferring and staying put for up to 16 hours.

Who It’s For

This foundation is suitable for use on the face and body and can be used to cover birthmarks, burns, scars, hyperpigmentation, lupus, and vitiligo.

• Coverage:Full
• Shade Range: 12
• Finish: Natural
• Size: 3.4 fl oz
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Where We Stand

When you want to really ensure your foundation isn’t going anywhere, opting for a waterproof formula is definitely the move. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation is one of our all-time favorites in the category (and a go-to for pro makeup artists, as well). Many waterproof bases also work equally well on both the face and body because of their staying power; case in point, two of our other top picks, are the MAC Studio Face & Body Foundation and Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup Foundation. And if you’re on the hunt for an affordable though equally budge-proof option, don’t miss the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation with SPF 25 or the CoverGirl Outlast Active Foundation, both of which last for, you guessed it, 24 hours.

How We Researched and Tested

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Shade range Texture and applicationFinishCoverageFormulation and ingredientsCruelty-free options

What to Look For In a Waterproof Foundation

Coverage: According to Goldberg, a common misconception about waterproof foundations is that they’re all full coverage, but that’s not always the case. The staying power really doesn’t have to do with the level of pigment it offers, so make sure to consider the two separately, she says.Finish: Similarly, many waterproof formulas do have a more matte finish, but that’s not necessarily a hard-and-fast rule. Waterproof foundations are great for those with oily skin, point out Goldberg, and if that’s you, you will want to pick an oil-free, mattifying option. But you can find bases that are both waterproof and have more of a radiant or skin-like finish.Hydrating Ingredients: Though they arent a must, hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin can help skin your skin looking smooth throughout the day, since youll presumably we wearing waterproof foundation for a good number of hours. Hyaluronic acid is often found in anti-aging makeup products for its ability to provide moisture that smooths out wrinkles and fine lines, and glycerin offers similar smoothing hydration.12

FAQ

Is waterproof foundation bad for your skin?

Even though many people think that foundation is bad because it doesnt "let your skin breathe," some makeup artists believe it can benefit your skin. Some foundation formulas include sun protection and skincare ingredients (like the hydrating ones mentioned above) that can help create a healthier-looking complexion.

Will foundation age your skin?

No foundation will actually age your skin, though some may settle into fine lines and wrinkles (making them more visible).

How do you get waterproof foundation off?

When using waterproof products, youll want a makeup remover that is made to sweep them away. While some people prefer a waterproof makeup remover with oil, others opt for oil-free ones. Choose the makeup remover that works best with your skin and its needs.

Does micellar water take off waterproof makeup?

Micellar water has a number of uses, and a makeup remover is one of them. Depending on the formulation of the one you use, it may be able to remove your waterproof foundation without additional products needed.

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