Scroll To See More Images
Ah, summer—you tricky beast. We wait for you all year to come back and save us from the doldrums of winter, and you repay us by immediately spiking to 100-degree temps that threaten to melt off every tiny speck of makeup on our faces. And some of us need our foundation, OK? Some of us don’t have perfect, ethereal-level skin that can go without coverage on the beach or on sweaty picnics. But luckily, this problem isn’t really a problem anymore because the beauty world has blessed us with waterproof, sweat-proof, stay-all-day foundation formulas that actually work.
Sadly, though, waterproof foundation has gotten a bad rap over the years, thanks to some low-grade, early-edition formulas that applied like cake batter and dried down to a moisture- (and soul-) sucking finish that highlighted every bump and pore on your face. In a word, it was gross. But the new wave of long-wear foundations are nothing like their cousins; they’re infused with super-hydrating, skin-softening ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and they can be worn on even the driest of skin without fear of your face flaking off.
Basically, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t try a waterproof foundation, if you haven’t already, and to get you started, we rounded up the very best formulas, below.
Kat Von D.
Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation
A little bit goes a long way with this waterproof, 24-hour foundation from Kat Von D.
$36 at Sephora
Lancome.
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Foundation
Available in 40 shades, this foundation promises to stay on all day without caking or creasing.
$47 at Sephora
MAC Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation
This waterproof foundation not only lasts for 36 hours, but it can also be used as a concealer. Win-win.
$36 at M.A.C. Cosmetics
Smashbox.
Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation
From the gym to the beach, this foundation promises to stay put.
$36 at Ulta
tarte.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15
Available in 25 different shades, this oil-free, vegan, matte foundation from Tarte has 12-hour lasting power.
$39 at Sephora
Tom Ford.
Tom Ford Full Coverage Waterproof Foundation & Concealer
Tom Ford’s first full-coverage, waterproof formula, this foundation can withstand heat, humidity, and water while maintaining an even complexion.
$85 at Tom Ford
Clinique.
Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup
Apparently this product was tested for streaking and fading at 88 degrees with a constant 80 percent humidity… and it stayed fresh. Impressive.
$27 at Sephora
Estee Lauder.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
This foundation is not only run-proof, smudge-proof, and waterproof, but it also stays on for 24 whole hours. Can it get any better than that?
$42 at Ulta
Revlon.
Revlon ColorStay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin
Get ready for even, flawless finish without the shine.
$12.99 at Ulta
Dior.
Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation
If this formula, available in 40 shades, can keep model’s skin from getting greasy under the bright lights of a runway, I’m positive it can do the same for your next beach romp.
$40 at Sephora
Make Up For Ever.
Make Up For Ever Water Blend Face & Body Foundation
Few foundations deliver that dewy, second-skin glow better than this 80 percent water formula, available in 20 shades.
$43 at Sephora