5 Best Waterproof Foundations, Ranked by Beauty Experts

Isn’t it frustrating when your makeup looks perfect in the morning, only to find it streaky and smudged by the afternoon? Whether it’s the heat of the summer, an unexpected rain shower, or the intensity of a workout — the battle against makeup meltdown is real. But that’s where the best waterproof foundations come in!

Despite the promises of many products, finding a foundation that stands up to its waterproof claims can be daunting. However, we have good news! Your quest to find the perfect stay-put foundation is about to get easier. We’ve gathered a list of the best waterproof foundations that live up to their promises. They are most often recommended by beauty experts across seven websites. And thanks to the list, you don’t have to waste time and money trying every brand at the makeup counter. Did we miss a foundation that keeps your makeup intact all day? Let us know in the comments below.

A woman applying liquid foundation
A woman applying liquid foundation (Photo by RomarioIen on Shutterstock)

The List: Best Waterproof Foundations, According to Beauty Gurus

1. Makeup For Ever HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation

Makeup For Ever HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation
Makeup For Ever HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation (sephora.com)

This foundation is almost as good as your natural skin. Elle calls it the “holy grail” of waterproof foundations and says it stays on until you take it off your face. The magazine likes the buildable nature of the foundation, which gives a “true-to-skin finish.” It’s a higher-end brand you will only find in department and makeup stores.

The foundation comes in 40 different shades — so you won’t have trouble finding one that matches. The best part? Travel and Leisure insists it won’t “clog your pores or melt when you sweat” thanks to the formula that includes a vegetable-based glycerin to help retain moisture. The bottle is also made from 40 percent recycled glass and you can recycle it again when it’s empty.

Cosmopolitan loves Makeup For Ever’s Water Blend Face & Body Foundation saying, “The glow the foundation leaves behind will stay just how you like it all day long.” It’s a thinner foundation that is barely detectable once it’s on.

2. MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation

MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation
MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation

If you like a natural finish you’ll love this product from MAC. Not only is it comfortable to wear, but Cosmopolitan just about guarantees it will last through “splashing, swimming, sweating, rubbing, and wiping.” After you put it on, it dries to a “satin” finish.

Humidity met its match with this foundation! Prevention says this will last all day, even if it’s hot and muggy! The medium-to-full coverage also looks so good, doesn’t feel heavy or look like you caked on your foundation.

Originally formulated to be a concealer, Byrdie says you’ll get quite the bang for your buck with this waterproof formula. You can wear it as a shear or full coverage foundation depending on how much product you build up. You’ll never be mopping up your face with this one.

3. L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24-Hour Fresh Wear Foundation

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24-Hour Fresh Wear Foundation
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24-Hour Fresh Wear Foundation

If you’re looking for a more affordable option that won’t disappear during the day consider this one from L’Oréal. Dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur tells ELLE it’s “long-lasting” and has SPF 25 to protect your skin from the sun.

This is Glamour’s favorite drugstore formula and at this price, you can afford more than one of the 40 shades. Beauty writer Bella Cacciatore says it even stayed put all day when she wore it under a mask in 80-degree weather. You won’t believe how much coverage it offers, while still allowing your skin to breathe. According to Prevention, the finish “lasts and lasts” thanks to shine-defying spheres that absorb oil and sweat. Even the sweatiest face won’t melt under this cover.

4. Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation

Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Foundation
Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation (ulta.com)

This foundation is pricey but works wonders if you have combination skin. According to Glamour, it has buildable coverage that won’t budge in the gym, the sun, or the rain. Not only will it stay on, but it also will help decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles thanks to its proprietary Magic Replexium technology.

Byrdie agrees saying even if you start feeling hot or sweating, your makeup will stay in place all day long. Their review also says it’s just one of the summer essentials you will need to stay sweat-free.

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

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40 (itcosmetics.ca)

This product from cosmetics giant IT is great if you have acne-prone skin and it rounds out our list of foundations that won’t move a muscle. ELLE says the formula is long-lasting and helps reduce oil by not stripping the skin of essential nutrients. It also has detoxifying charcoal and colloidal clay.

The label may say cream, but Cosmopolitan says it’s basically a foundation with full coverage. It also moisturizes and has a waterproof finish to boot! Not only will this cream cover imperfections, but it will also keep covering them all day long. The Pioneer Woman says it also provides protection from the sun and an advanced anti-aging serum that will keep your makeup looking great 24/7.

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.

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About the Author

Amy Chodroff

Amy Chodroff is a recovering Morning Radio Show Host and award-winning broadcaster who recently retired from DFW’s Morning News on KLIF in Dallas. Fondly known as the “Chief Googler” by her friends, it was a seamless transition for StudyFinds to enlist her expertise for their “Best of the Best” franchise. Amy has an innate curiosity and a penchant for thorough research before any purchase and she’s constantly on the hunt for top-notch products. Outside of her digital explorations, Amy loves to explore the world with her husband and is the proud mother of two adult daughters. You can also find Amy on the pickleball court, perfecting her dink and drop shots.

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