Waterproof Your Makeup

Joanna Douglas
·Senior Editor
Updated
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Photo: Christian Kettiger/Trunk Archive

You already know that waterproof makeup works wonders in the summer. But who wants to buy a whole new set of aqua-resistant cosmetics when you already love the formulas you have? Thanks to this batch of stealthy products, you don’t have to. Mix them with everything from your mascara to your bronzer for a flawless — and completely splash-proof — face.

For cheeks and eyes:

Make Up For Ever Aqua Seal ($21)

Your favorite powders and pencils may not stay after 20 laps, but they will if you’ve added a few drops of this clear liquid. It’s best used when applied directly to a brush before lifting up pigment for your lids or cheeks, and it even heightens the color a bit. It also makes an awesome eyelid primer — just add one drop directly to lids before applying.

Illamasqua Sealing Gel ($13.54)

This turns your powders into stay-put cream or gel liners. Use an angled brush and add a drop of this gel to paint on a cool cat eye. Work fast, because once you blend this with your makeup, it dries quickly and won’t budge within just a few minutes.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Genius Clear Waterproofing Gel ($18)

This gel formula will bond typically messy powders, glitters, or pigments to the skin. Blend the product of your choice with one swipe of this gel. Use less gel to get more color and coverage or more gel for a sheerer application.

For lashes and eyebrows:

bareMinerals Locked & Coated Waterproof Lash Topcoat ($12)

Apply one coat over your regular mascara to make your favorite formula completely waterproof. It works on brows, too.

For eyebrows:

Sumita Brow Set ($15)

Keep your brows—and any pencil or powder brow makeup—perfectly arched in place with this clear wax. It won’t flake or rub off, even when you’re swimming or sweating.