The 12 Best Waterproof Foundations
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These are the won't-budge foundations to take on your next vacay.
Ulta / Sephora
Fact checked by Nick Blackmer
Whether you’re spending the summer galavanting across Europe or soaking up the sun on the beaches of Puerto Rico, the last thing you want to worry about is your makeup not looking its best. Luckily, high-performance, waterproof foundation will help you stay Instagram-ready throughout all your adventures.
While finding the perfect match for your skin can be difficult, there are key ingredients to keep an eye out for when looking for waterproof foundation. “VP/VA Polymers are important ingredients to look out for when considering waterproof makeup,” says Make Up For Ever Global Makeup Artist and Brand Educator, Eddie Duyos. “[These ingredients] help to create a film that inhibits the skin from absorbing external moisture and bounces it off the skin. It also helps to hold ingredients together in a slightly harsher environment, so makeup does not cake, crack or separate.”
We spoke with skincare experts to find the best waterproof foundations with flawless finishes to pack on your next vacation – read on to see our top picks.
Best Overall: MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation
Why We Love It
It gives skin a silky feel.
What to Consider
It can settle into fine lines, and not all shades are available in mini sizes.
No one wants to stop and set or touch up their makeup when they’re busy enjoying their travels, which is why this long-lasting waterproof foundation made number one on our list. Available in 40 shades, this Make Up Forever foundation blends seamlessly into the skin for a natural look and silky texture. A lightweight, medium-coverage formula created with vegetable-based glycerin for moisture preservation and Exopolysaccharides to give off a glow, it won’t clog your pores or melt when you start to sweat. We love that it comes in a mini size that’s perfect to slip into a carry-on, backpack, or beach bag, however, it's disappointing that the 0.4-ounce option only comes in a few shades. Still, this resilient foundation is a great choice to truly feel your best through rain, snow, sweat, and ocean water — without a caked-makeup look. The best part? The bottle is made from 40 percent recycled glass and can be recycled itself when you’re ready to restock.
Price at time of publish: $45
The Details: 40 shades | 1.01 ounces, 0.4 ounces
Best with SPF: bareMinerals BAREPRO Performance Wear Liquid Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20
Why We Love It
It protects your skin from harmful sun rays with mineral-based broad spectrum SPF 20.
What to Consider
You may have to apply two layers for full coverage.
When wearing makeup for long periods of time, it’s important to have products with skin-loving ingredients – and it doesn’t get better than bareMinerals BarePro Performance Wear Liquid Foundation.
This breathable, full-coverage foundation wears for 24 hours while instantly blurring imperfections as well as visibly improving skin texture over time thanks to its formulation without parabens, formaldehyde, gluten, synthetic fragrance, tree nuts, and more. Long days in the sun? No problem. Made with built-in SPF protection and more than 35 true-to-color shades, you can trust this foundation for flawless selfies all day long.
Price at time of publish: $39
The Details: 35 shades | 1 ounce
Best Stick: Hourglass Cosmetics Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
Why We Love It
The formula is designed to act as concealer and foundation all in one.
What to Consider
It may not be a good fit for those with oily skin.
What’s easier to pack in your bag than a stick foundation? This lightweight and compact Seamless Finish Foundation Stick is perfect for use on the go thanks to its concentrated formula that acts as foundation and concealer all in one. This innovative formula adjusts to your body temperature to effortlessly blend into the skin for long-wear, 12-hour coverage.
This particular Hourglass foundation is extra versatile and can be used in a multitude of ways: from sheer to full coverage, to contour and highlight, and to conceal imperfections.
Price at time of publish: $49
The Details: 32 shades | 0.25 ounces
Related: The 11 Best Waterproof Makeup Products of 2023
Best for Hot Climates: Smashbox Always On Skin Balancing Foundation
Why We Love It
The formula is easily buildable for medium to full coverage.
What to Consider
It can dry quickly when applying.
Spend hours exploring new cities or lounging under the Italian sun without worry – Smashbox Always On Skin Balancing Foundation will keep you looking your best all day long.
This primer-infused foundation was created for true-to-color wear that won’t cake, flake, or streak for 16 hours. Not to mention the formula is water, sweat, humidity, crease, settle, and transfer-resistant – making it the perfect foundation for summer travel to any tropical or humid locations. With a fresh, natural-looking finish, this innovative, long-wearing foundation is formulated with a powerful blend of ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and adaptogens, to maximize hydration and protect skin from environmental aggressors like pollution and blue light.
Price at time of publish: $45
The Details: 30 shades | 1 ounce
Best for Easy Application: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Liquid Foundation
Why We Love It
The lightweight formula is buildable without feeling heavy on the skin.
What to Consider
It can be a bit drying.
For maximum pigmentation and coverage, look no further than the Esteé Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation. This long-wear, 24-hour foundation offers a flawless, matte finish that unifies uneven skin tones and covers imperfections with just a single layer. Note that it can be a bit drying, so be sure to layer on hyaluronic acid and moisturizer before applying.
Whether you’re trying to conceal dark spots – or even tattoos – Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation is easily buildable for lightweight, full coverage. Available in over 50 shades, there’s a color match for everyone.
Price at time of publish: $49
The Details: 56 shades | 1 ounce
Best Cover: MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation
Why We Love It
It’s compatible with all skin types.
What to Consider
It can settle in fine lines and wrinkles.
Whether you plan to spend your nights bar crawling or out to dinner, this foundation is sure to keep you looking fabulous the whole way through – neither rain nor tears can budge this formula. MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation lasts up to 36 hours with medium-to-full buildable coverage and a satin finish, making it perfect for everyday wear. Not to mention, it can also be used on the body for covering up any scars or acne. Due to the lightweight formula, you may need to apply multiple layers to get your desired coverage.
Price at time of publish: $41
The Details: 25 shades | 0.84 ounces
Best Drugstore: CoverGirl Outlast Extreme Wear 3-in-1 Full Coverage Foundation
Why We Love It
It’s affordable and protects from harmful UV rays.
What to Consider
It has a thicker formula which may sit heavy on the skin.
Covergirl is known for their affordable prices and outstanding quality, and this foundation is no exception. Perfect for booked and busy agendas or multi-city travels, this 3-in-1 foundation is designed to work as a primer, concealer, and foundation for 24-hour full coverage. With 21 shades to choose from, Covergirl Outlast Extreme Wear 3-in-1 Foundation offers a lightweight, breathable, and cake-free finish. However, the thick formula can sit heavy on the skin and be harder to blend.
Bonus: this foundation is formulated with SPF 18 for extra sun protection.
Price at time of publish: $15
The Details: 21 shades | 1 ounce
Best Matte: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Lasting Foundation
Why We Love It
It’s great for sensitive skin.
What to Consider
It may be challenging to find a perfect color match.
For the perfect, natural-looking finish, Lancôme's Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation is the gold standard. Newly reformulated to be extra breathable thanks to Advanced Airwear Technology, this foundation delivers lightweight, longwear coverage that seamlessly adapts to your natural skin tone. Available in up to 50 shades, it is also ideal for sensitive skin with active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and moringa seed extracts.
Price at time of publish: $57
The Details: 50 shades | 1 ounce
Best for Full Coverage: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
Why We Love It
It easily covers acne and scars.
What to Consider
It dries quickly, so be sure to apply in moderation.
If you really need something that doesn’t budge no matter what, turn to Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation. A poreless, natural-looking matte finish that meets easy-to-build coverage, this product is the perfect combination for sweaty days spent hiking in the sun or sipping cocktails on rooftop bars. As an added bonus, the transfer-proof formula contains a proprietary Magic Replexium technology that reduces wrinkles. Available in 44 shades, this light and easy-to-pack product is a match made in heaven when it comes to travel.
Price at time of publish: $49
The Details: 44 shades | 10 milliliters
Best Matte: Too Faced Born This Way Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation
Why We Love It
It doesn’t sink into fine-lines and pores.
What to Consider
It can feel heavier on oily skin.
Too Faced Born This Way 24-Hour Longwear Matte Finish Foundation is not only easy to apply, but it also sits so nicely on the skin you’ll forget you’re even wearing it. Formulated with nourishing ingredients such as coconut water, hyaluronic acid, and alpine rose, this foundation replenishes moisture levels while supporting skin health and resilience, making it the perfect base for your entire look. This waterproof foundation is also oil-controlling, which is perfect for acne-prone skin to help minimize breakouts. It is available in 35 shades – from fair to rich in varying undertones – so everyone can achieve a medium-to-full matte finish in seconds.
Price at time of publish: $45
The Details: 35 shades | 1 ounce
Related: The 12 Best Travel-friendly Makeup Products of 2023
Best for Cold Weather: Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15
Why We Love It
It’s easily buildable for your desired coverage.
What to Consider
It has a fragrance and mini sizes are only available in limited shades.
This foundation contains Amazonian clay, known for its long-wearing and waterproof properties. Thicker in texture, tarte Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Full Coverage Foundation is great for winter when you’re looking to build full coverage with more of a matte finish. Ideal for oily or combination skin, this foundation offers a breathable formula that helps control oil. We also love that it comes in a mini size, making it super easy to slip in a carry-on or weekender duffel bag. However, this product is scented, so you’ll want to take note if you have sensitive skin.
Price at time of publish: $40
The Details: 45 shades | 1.4 ounces
Best Shade Range: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
Why We Love It
It provides a natural, matte finish.
What to Consider
It dries quickly.
With an astonishing 55 shades that range from very fair to very rich, Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation is easily the most flexible when it comes to shades. Providing a full coverage matte finish, this foundation features climate-adaptive technology to fight heat, sweat, and shine. But be warned, it is not for the faint of heart. The quick-drying formula can be a bit intense for makeup newbies, so be sure to prep the skin thoroughly with a great primer and moisturizer.
Price at time of publish: $40
The Details: 55 shades | 1.08 ounces
Tips for Buying a Waterproof Foundation
Utilize digital shade-matching tools
One of the hardest parts of buying foundation is finding your perfect match. Luckily, there are tools that can help you find an ideal match based on photos, previous foundation purchases, and much more. If you’re unsure which shade is best for your skin tone, try these tools from Ulta or Sephora to help guide you.
Choose nourishing ingredients
Choosing makeup with nourishing ingredients is key to keeping your skin healthy, hydrated, and smooth. Look for ingredients such as castor seed oil, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin E, which penetrate the skin to impart lasting moisture. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to skip the moisturizer!
What’s even more important than good, clean ingredients is what your beauty products are free of. When purchasing your waterproof foundation, make sure it is free of parabens, which are typically used as a preservative to give your cosmetics a longer shelf-life, but are known to cause skin irritations.
Consider your coverage needs
The right amount of coverage is dependent on your personal preferences, skin type, and specific situation. If you’re soaking up the sun at a resort in Tulum, something more sheer may be your best bet – but if you’re headed to a destination wedding, full coverage is likely more desirable.
Think about the finish
There are varying different types of finishes with foundation – matte, silky, radiant, sheer; the list goes on. When picking out your foundation, keep in mind the finished product and what you’d most like to achieve. If you’re looking for something more natural, try a matte finish – but if you’re aiming for a more dewy look, something silky or radiant will be a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim with waterproof foundation?
Yes! That’s the beauty of waterproof makeup – it is specifically formulated with ingredients and properties that stay put and resist water, though it can only be removed with oil-based cleansers. So feel free to workout, swim in the ocean, or lounge by the pool without worry of your foundation coming off.
How do you apply and remove waterproof foundation?
You can use your waterproof foundation the same as your regular foundation. Professional makeup artist and Kevyn Aucoin Beauty ambassador Drita Paljevic recommends starting with a thin layer and adding more coverage as needed. You can apply waterproof foundation any way that fits your normal routine, whether that be with a foundation brush, sponge, or even directly with your hands. Be sure to spread the product gently around your skin, tapping it in to blend and achieve an even distribution. Be sure to prime the skin before applying foundation to ensure your skin texture is even. To remove waterproof foundation, Paljevic recommends an oil-based cleanser. Oil works best to help gently lift products from the face – especially the eye area – without hurting the skin. Be sure to gently apply any remover to the skin and make sure not to tug or pull to avoid damage.
How long does a container of waterproof foundation last?
The longevity of any makeup product is dependent on a variety of factors, including how often you use foundation, what your desired coverage is, and more. Most standard bottles (1 ounce) will last about 12 months, but be sure to check the expiration dates if you haven’t used your foundation in a while.
How much should I expect to pay for a waterproof foundation?
Waterproof foundation won’t cost more than your average bottle, so be prepared to shell out $40 to $50 per 1-ounce container.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Alyssa Rotunno is a trusted beauty, fashion, and shopping writer who thoroughly researches, tests, and reviews the products she recommends to her readers. Having worked in beauty for over five years, Alyssa is an expert with an overflowing makeup cabinet. In addition to speaking to pro makeup artist and Kevyn Aucoin Beauty ambassador Drita Paljevic and Make Up For Ever Global Makeup Artist and Brand Educator Eddie Duyos for their expert tips and advice, she did extensive research into each waterproof foundation and prioritized diversity in her picks to best provide a wide array of products guaranteed to live up to her readers’ expectations.
Related: The 16 Best Sweatproof Makeup Products of 2023
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