12 Best Waterproof Foundations to Lock in Your Look





Last Updated: July 20, 2021

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Makeup: it’s a tool that can be both fun and expressive, but often becomes a chore when paired with the hot sun. When the summer rolls around, it can be a struggle to figure out what brands truly have the best waterproof foundations to hold your look all day.

Since everyone has different skin types and textures, the summer heat can be a deal breaker for a lot of makeup looks. Although a dewy look can be beautiful, it’s not as likely to last under the hot summer sun (especially if you take a dip in the pool).

What does tend to last is a slightly thicker and more matte to demi-matte foundation, with a few exceptions. Even if you don’t love a matte finish, you can still find something to suit your skin needs for the summer months.

Whether you enjoy wearing a little makeup or go with a full beat, wearing foundation in the summer can be a challenge for us all.

If you are currently struggling to find a foundation that will make your skin look flawless and also last, ahead we offer some great waterproof recommendations for when the weather turns hot.

Best Waterproof Foundations


Best Full Coverage

L’oreal’ Infallible 24 Hour Stay Fresh Foundation

With perfect, buildable full-coverage, this foundation is a great option for those who want their look to last all day but not have to break the bank for longevity. This foundation has a thinner feeling even though it is full-coverage, so you won’t feel cakey throughout the day.

The Infallible foundation also has a great shade range for a wide variety of skin tones and undertones. If you sometimes struggle to find a perfect shade, this option is a great choice.


Urban Decay All Nighter

For more of a splurge, the Urban Decay All Nighter foundation offers an even stronger full-coverage formula, but has a slightly thicker consistency as well. If you enjoy an incredibly full-coverage foundation, this product won’t budge all night.

The waterproof formula doesn’t move throughout the day but still offers a nice demi-matte finish that won’t leave your makeup looking heavy.


Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation

Even though this foundation is full-coverage, its weightless formula makes you feel as though you’re wearing nothing. 

Plus, this hybrid skincare-foundation combo nourishes your skin while you wear it. It hydrates while reducing the appearance of wrinkles for a truly flawless finish.

RELATED: 9 Summer Skincare Tips for Healthy, Glowing Skin

Best Lightweight

Make Up Forever Water Blend Face & Body Foundation

If you don’t want an intensely full-coverage finish, this Make Up Forever foundation is the perfect option. Even with its waterproof formula, this foundation offers a thinner and more water-like consistency that leaves your skin looking incredibly natural.

This foundation also offers a slightly dewy finish, so if you like a more glowy effect but still want your makeup to last throughout the day, this could be the perfect pick.


Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Foundation

Here’s a foundation that offers slightly more coverage than Make Up Forever but still sits in the light-coverage category. The waterproof formula is sure to leave your makeup looking fresh all night. 

This Lancome foundation offers 40 shades and optimal undertone options in order for anyone to find their perfect match.


Best All Over

Dior Backstage Face & Body Waterproof Foundation

Typically warmer weather often comes with showing more skin. If you want your face and body to look flawless, this Dior foundation is the perfect option.

With a weightless, medium-coverage finish, the waterproof formula will last through any vacation or special event you have planned. It’s also transfer resistant, so it won’t move around while you’re having fun.


Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup

If you really want your skin to look perfect all over, this Dermablend foundation will leave you looking spotless.

This product does have a thicker feeling to it, so if you don’t mind a heavier makeup this could be the perfect pick.


Best Matte

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

If you are looking for full-coverage and a matte finish that will last all day, the Estee Lauder Double Wear is a classic that won’t budge all day. A cult classic, this foundation has many loyal users and also offers 56 shades for a very inclusive shade range.

Though this product does have a slightly thicker formula, it is still comfortable to wear on the skin and keeps oil at bay all night.


Tom Ford Full Coverage Waterproof Concealer and Foundation

Another matte and perfecting option, this Tom Ford product is a foundation and concealer duo which means it offers extra coverage and lasting power. With its heavier texture, this foundation offers a lot of protection from the elements and also gives a natural and flawless finish. 

Though it is a slight splurge, this foundation will leave your skin looking perfect and protected for the entire day and into the night.


Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation

This foundation from Tarte boasts a soft matte finish with up to 16 hours of wear. Not only is it sweat-proof, long-lasting, and full-coverage, but it also helps improve the overall look of your skin from the Amazonian clay.

According to a clinical study, 100% of users saw improvement in their skin’s overall texture and a reduction in appearance of pores and fine lines.


Best Budget

Revlon Colorstay Foundation

A classic, the Revlon Colorstay is known not only for its fantastic coverage, but also its fantastic staying power. This foundation offers a soft matte finish, leaving the skin looking flawless but not cakey.

The formula has been used for years by many and has held onto its spot as a top contender for a reason.


NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Waterproof Foundation

For a foundation with a medium coverage that lasts, this NYX option is one of the best at the drugstore. 

The waterproof formula is super blendable and buildable so you will be left with a beautiful, yet natural finish. 

To Sum It Up

Though summer can be a tough time for makeup looks overall, there are plenty of options that allow your makeup to last through the day and night without getting splotchy.

Any of these best waterproof foundations are great picks, giving you coverage that looks flawless, protects you from the elements, and lasts through any sweat that might pop up throughout the day.