This Is the Sweat-Proof Foundation Taylor Swift’s Been Using on The Eras Tour (2024)

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Sweat, humidity—even the pool—are no match for these long-wear formulas.

This Is the Sweat-Proof Foundation Taylor Swift’s Been Using on The Eras Tour (4)

By Brigitt Earley

This Is the Sweat-Proof Foundation Taylor Swift’s Been Using on The Eras Tour (5)

    Courtesy of brands

    When you’re faced with humidity, rain, sweat, or a Nicholas Sparks–induced ugly cry, you want your makeup to stay put—and you can count on the best waterproof foundations to help with that. A quality, long-wear formula that can withstand all of the elements is essential to almost any glam routine, whether you’re going for a matte finish for a blurred daytime look or looking for a buildable, full-coverage option for a full-face beat.

    Our top picks:

    You may be wondering: Is there really a difference between traditional formulas—be it a lightweight foundation, tinted moisturizer, or full-coverage sitch—and waterproof ones? The answer is a resounding yes. Waterproof or long-wear foundations “typically contain silicone-based compounds and polymers that create a barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing water from penetrating and causing the foundation to break down,” says professional makeup artist Oscar Velazquez. Meaning that, like waterproof mascara, they’re water-resistant and formulated to withstand the hottest of days—and you’ll get even more staying power if you lock in your makeup look with a setting spray.

    Before you shade match to just any waterproof foundation, consider your skin type; those with acne-prone skin should be mindful of the formula, as it’s those exact polymers that also may contain comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients. (The good news? There are acne- and sensitive-skin-friendly options available.) And don’t skip your nightly face wash, as tired as you may be; use a good makeup remover and cleanser to give yourself a bare face before bed, to avoid any next-day irritation or breakouts.

    To help you find the best foundations on the market, we tapped dermatologists and MUAs for their recommendations, plus scoured top retailers and browsed all of our favorite beauty brands to find the most highly rated waterproof makeup products out there.

    All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    • Best for Combination Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

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      Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

      For impeccable, buildable coverage that won’t budge, no matter how sweaty you get, turn to Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation. “You get a poreless, natural-looking matte finish that feels weightless and lasts for hours,” says makeup artist Karol Young Moses. The transfer-proof formula contains a proprietary Magic Replexium technology that the brand says fights wrinkles at the same time—it touts a 22% decrease in fine lines over the course of eight weeks. Plus, the formula is available in an impressive shade range to suit both cool and warm skin tones and undertones.

      • Pros: Offers full coverage, mattifying, fights wrinkles, natural finish
      • Cons: Expensive
      • Coverage: Full
      • Shades: 44
      • Size: 1 ounce

      Save on the best waterproof foundation with theseSephora promo codes and theseNordstrom promo codes.

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      Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation

      Many waterproof foundations are too heavy for those with oily and acne-prone skin, but not this long-wearing pick from makeup-artist-loved brand Make Up for Ever. The formula, available in 38 colors, offers a blurring matte finish, plus contains special oil-absorbing powders to help keep even all skin types free from excess shine. The transfer-resistant formula also promises a full 24 hours of wear no matter what your day brings.

      • Pros: Incredible staying power
      • Cons: Expensive
      • Coverage: Full
      • Shades: 38
      • Size: 1.01 ounces

      Save on the best waterproof foundation with theseSephora promo codes.

    • Dior Forever Matte Foundation SPF 15

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      Dior Forever Matte Foundation SPF 15

      This long-wear foundation (the brand claims it won’t budge for a full 24 hours) may not cover everything, but it delivers a matte finish that’s ideal for everyday wear. Not to mention, it works hard to nourish skin at the same time: Iris extract offers protection against oxidation, rose extract improves texture, and wild pansy extract boosts hydration. SPF 15 is a nice bonus.

      • Pros: Offers some sun protection, glides on like butter
      • Cons: Expensive
      • Coverage: Medium
      • Shades: 42
      • Size: 1 ounce

      Save on the best waterproof foundation with theseSephora promo codes and theseUlta promo codes.

    • Best to Cover Tattoos: Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup

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      Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup

      For maximum pigment, hair and makeup artist Andrew Velazquez says you can’t beat this long-wear formula that’s a great face and body foundation. A single layer is enough to cover just about anything, but it’s highly buildable, so you can conceal even the darkest spots—like tattoos. Try it on scars, stretch marks, varicose veins, and acne scars too. It’s smudge- and transfer-resistant for up to 16 hours, especially when set with the Dermablend Setting Powder. And as an added bonus, you’ll gain SPF 25 protection wherever you apply this foundation.

      • Pros: Contains SPF, long-lasting, larger than other options.
      • Cons: May require multiple applications to completely cover dark spots
      • Coverage: Full
      • Shades: 12
      • Size: 3.4 ounces

      Save on the best waterproof foundation with theseUlta promo codes.

    • Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation

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      L'Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation

      This editor favorite is a worthy drugstore contender. “This is one of my absolute favorite drugstore formulas,” says contributing Glamour beauty writer Bella Cacciatore. It’s lightweight and breathable, yet offers medium to full coverage, plus has a natural, skin-like finish. “I wore one weekend under a mask in 80-degree weather, and it stayed put all day,” she says.

      • Pros: Lightweight and breathable, long-lasting, less expensive than others
      • Cons: Some reviewers say it’s not great for those with oily skin
      • Coverage: Medium
      • Shades: 40
      • Size: 1 ounce

      Save on the best waterproof foundation with theseUlta promo codes and theseTarget promo codes.

    • Best for Full Coverage: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation

      Courtesy of brand

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      Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation

      For the most flexibility in shades, Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut, and associate clinical professor at Yale University, recommends the foundation in Rihanna’s line of beauty products. It comes in a whopping 55 shades, all of which provide full coverage. “It’s just the right mix of matte andnot cakey,” says Gohara. The formulation also boasts special climate-adaptive technology to fight heat, sweat, and shine all day long.

      • Pros: Vegan, cruelty-free formula
      • Cons: Expensive
      • Coverage: Medium to full
      • Shades: 55
      • Size: 1.08 ounces

      Save on the best waterproof foundation with theseSephora promo codes and theseUlta promo codes.

    • Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

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      Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

      For targeted coverage that’s easy to apply on the go—great for a quick touchup beside the swimming pool—try this full-coverage foundation stick, says Naissan O. Wesley, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “It comes in 32 colors and provides 12-hour coverage in its waterproof formula.” The unique triangular shape differentiates this product from others like it, since the corners make it super easy to get into all of the contours of your face—even tight areas like the brow bone.

      • Pros: Long-lasting, easy to apply on the go
      • Cons: Expensive
      • Coverage: Full
      • Shades: 32
      • Size: 0.25 ounce

      Save on the best waterproof foundation with theseNordstrom promo codes and theseUlta promo codes.

    • Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation

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      Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer Cruelty-Free Liquid Foundation

      I’m a huge fan of Milani products, largely because the value can’t be beat. This full-coverage foundation has one of the lowest price tags around, but since it functions as both a foundation and a concealer for mature skin, it gets the job done in a single pass. As a mom of four toddlers, I highly appreciate both the time and the money I save by using this product. Recently I spent two hours chasing multiple kids around a playground and can confirm that this sweat-proof formula did not budge.

      • Pros: Long-lasting, easy to apply on the go
      • Cons: Some users say it's too much coverage for daily wear
      • Coverage: Full
      • Shades: 38
      • Size: 1 ounce

      Save on the best waterproof foundation with theseTarget promo codes and theseUlta promo codes.

    • Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation

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      Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation

      This full-coverage foundation doesn’t just conceal and smooth on a hot day. The 16-hour-wear formula also contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid to hydrate dry skin and micro algae extract to control shine. Because of this, we recommend this foundation for mature skin. One reviewer says it’s the only foundation they’ve ever used that doesn’t settle into fine lines.

      • Pros: Long-lasting, hydrating
      • Cons: Expensive
      • Coverage: Full
      • Shades: 34
      • Size: 1.5 ounces

      Save on the best waterproof foundation with theseSephora promo codes.

    • Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation

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      Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

      Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation promises to last for 24 hours, despite heat, humidity, and sweat. Still, it’s lightweight and buildable, so you won’t feel weighed down—and you certainly won’t experience caking, settling, or streaking. And shine? What’s that? The matte finish blurs effortlessly.

      • Pros: Long-lasting, lightweight
      • Cons: Expensive.
      • Coverage: Medium to full
      • Shades: 55
      • Size: 1 ounce

      Save on the best waterproof foundation with theseSephora promo codes and theseUlta promo codes.

    • Best for Oily Skin: Oxygenetix Oxygenating Acne Control Foundation

      Courtesy of brand

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      Oxygenetix Oxygenating Acne Control Foundation

      Not everyone who has oily skin struggles with acne, but if it is a concern for you, consider this salicylic-acid-packed foundation. The lightweight formula gives medium coverage that fends off new bumps and lets your skin breathe. The inclusion of aloe vera also helps to calm any redness or inflammation from current breakouts, while the proprietary oxygen complex helps heal scarring.

      • Pros: Long-lasting, helps control acne thanks to actives in the formula, lightweight feel
      • Cons: Expensive, limited shade range
      • Coverage: Medium
      • Shades: 6
      • Size: 0.5 ounce

      Save on the best waterproof foundation with theseDermstore promo codes.

    • Best for Oily Skin: Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation

      Courtesy of brand

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      Biggest Shade Range: Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation

      The rumor mill is swirling: According to TikTok, it’s this very foundation that got Taylor Swift through an epic rainstorm during her Eras Tour (and we believe it). This premium foundation works wonders to smooth out skin—almost as if there’s a subtle filter over your face. And even though it doesn’t have quite as much coverage as other formulas, it’s highly buildable to achieve the look you’re going for. Plus, this is what makes the nonclogging product feel so weightless.

      • Pros: Long-lasting, lightweight
      • Cons: Expensive
      • Coverage: Medium
      • Shades: 36
      • Size: 1.18 ounces

      Save on the best waterproof foundation with theseSephora promo codes.

    Brigitt Earley, a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, has been testing consumer products and writing commerce content for 15 years and counting. She began her career in media as an editorial assistant at Real Simple, eventually rising to deputy editor of the publication's website before departing to pursue... Read more

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