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Spring is in full swing, and with Memorial Day weekend quickly approaching, the summer season is finally on the horizon. After securing summer skincare essentials, like sunscreens, pimple patches, and face serums, beauty enthusiasts will also want to switch up their makeup routines with a special hero product: waterproof foundation.
So, what exactly is waterproof foundation? And how can it benefit your beauty needs throughout the warm weather season? According to celebrity makeup artist Sofia Schwarzkopf-Tilbury, “Waterproof foundation is foundation formulated to stand up to moisture — whether that's humidity, sweat, tears or getting caught in a rainstorm!”
Ready to enjoy budge-proof makeup? Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of a waterproof foundation and my beauty editor-vetted recommendations. Since these suggestions start at just under $12.50, you can totally treat yourself to a new setting powder to complement your new foundation or even sign up for a streaming service like Max to watch a new show (we highly recommend Succession!)
Best Waterproof Foundations
- Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
- Best Budget Buy: Revlon ColorStay Longwear Makeup
- The Celebrity Favorite: Urban Decay Face Bond Self Setting Waterproof Foundation
- Best Skin Benefits: Morphe Lightform Extended Hydration Foundation
- Best for Oil Control: MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin
What to Consider
Your Skin Type
Anyone can use a waterproof foundation, but in order to get the best results, you should opt for one that's designed for your specific skin type. "As with any foundation, it’s all about finding a formula that works best for your skin type. Search for formulas infused with skincare benefits to help keep dry skin feeling hydrated, oily skin feeling cool and balanced, and sensitive skin feeling calm and glowing," explains Schwarzkopf-Tilbury.
For example, the new Morphe Lightform Extended Hydration Foundation is ideal for dry, mature, and normal skin types because it's infused with a proprietary HydroRelief Complex of moisturizing sugars, humectants, and hyaluronic acid. On the other hand, those with oily skin like myself will appreciate the oil-absorbing powers of the Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin.
Use Case
Schwarzkopf-Tilbury, who works with A-list celebrities like Kate Moss, Salma Hayek, and Penelope Cruz, says waterproof foundations are ideal for those who live in hot or humid climates in order to lock makeup in place throughout the day. "They’re also super useful for big events like weddings and graduation days because they last well, resist transfer, and hold up even in those super emotional moments!"
Spoiler alert: My all-time favorite foundation of nearly five years is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation, which also happens to be a waterproof foundation. My no-fail suggestion even helps minimize the look of my large pores and blurs fine lines and wrinkles. I also travel quite a bit, and this viral foundation works in all temperatures, ranging from summers in Florida and fall trips to North Carolina to frigid New York winters and Spring in San Francisco. I've worn it to weddings, the office, family dinners, and every occasion in between – it's really that versatile.
How We Chose
After chatting with Schwarzkopf-Tilbury, I sorted through my foundation collection. After examining several foundations, only three waterproof options lived up to the hype. But don't worry: the other waterproof foundations on this list are also legit and are from brands I trust. I carefully researched their longevity, comfort, and ingredients and ensured they all offer an inclusive shade range for complexions ranging from deep to fair.
For example, Urban Decay is a pioneer in long-lasting makeup. They recently created a waterproof foundation that earned Doja Cat's seal of approval. Ideal for someone who lives an active lifestyle, lives in an especially humid environment, or just wants a self-setting waterproof foundation, then look no further than Doja Cat's pick: Urban Decay Face Bond Self Setting Waterproof Foundation. She recently sported this foundation during her high-energy Coachella performance, and her face beat looked flawless throughout her performance. This foundation also comes in an impressive 40 shades.
Regardless of which of these carefully vetted waterproof foundations you decide to gift a loved one (or yourself, tbh, because you deserve some TLC, too!), you can rest easy they're going to perform. So log into your Sephora Beauty Insider account and have your card ready for the most impressive, gift-worthy waterproof foundations that cost $49 and under.
1
Best Overall
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
Pros
Created by a legendary celebrity makeup artist- Compatible with all skin types, including oily and combination
- Hydrates skin, while blurring the look of wrinkles
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some reviewers with oily skin say it goes on patchy
Schwarzkopf-Tilbury is obsessed with her legendary aunt's foundation (duh!), and so am I! Airbrush Flawless is my no-fail, ride-or-die waterproof foundation deserving of the best overall distinction. It has been a staple in my routine since 2019, and I've even published a solo review calling it my 10/10 foundation of choice.
Before I explain why I can't shut up about this foundation, allow Schwarzkopf-Tilbury to share her thoughts: "Airbrush Flawless Foundation is my ultimate pick for full coverage, natural matte, fast-setting waterproof foundation. It creates the most flawless canvas for any makeup. It’s the most reliable foundation in my kit, especially on the red carpet, because I know everyone will look just as flawless by the end of the night."
As a beauty editor, I'm constantly testing exciting and new products, but Airbrush Flawless Foundation has stood the test of time since launching in the summer of 2019. Nearly five years later, I can consistently rely on this foundation for daily wear and special occasions like weddings.
It's perfect for achieving a flawless finish because I don't need to use concealer with this foundation. AFF neutralizes redness and dark spots (buh-bye post-acne marks) with ease. On days I want lighter coverage, I can mix it into my face moisturizer for an even tone complexion. Or, as Schwarzkopf-Tilbury summarizes, this foundation "still looks and feels like your own skin while providing a skin-like finish." And honestly, I couldn't agree more.
More: Best of Summer Beauty: Lip Oil Edition
Key Specs
| # of Shades | 40 at Sephora and 44 when purchasing via Charlotte Tilbury's site |
|---|---|
| Size | 30 mL (1.01 fl. oz) |
Pros
- Humidity-resistant
- Oil- and fragrance-free
Cons
- The tan and deeper shades lean warm, so it's not your best fit if you have cool or neutral undertones
Revlon's budget-friendly waterproof foundation is available in two formulations: Normal/Dry and Combination/Oily. The former is infused with hyaluronic acid for hydration, while Combination/Oily forgoes the moisture magnet.
Regardless of which formulation complements your skin type, both waterproof foundations provide buildable medium coverage that will last against heat and are transfer-resistant when sporting a face mask. They're also lightweight and feel comfortable on the skin for waterproof coverage for up to 24 hours of wear time.
Your giftee will appreciate that it has a relatively thinner consistency that applies without any obvious streaking from their makeup brush of choice. It does dry down a little tacky, so just encourage your loved one to dust on setting powder. In fact, you could also gift them a budget-friendly one such as the Best Tested Coty Airspun, which is extremely popular among nearly 111,000 Amazon shoppers.
Key Specs
| # of Shades | 24 |
|---|---|
| Size | 1 fl. oz |
3
The Celebrity Favorite
Urban Decay Face Bond Self Setting Waterproof Foundation
Pros
- Transfer-resistant
- Natural matte finish
- Celebrity-approved
- Doesn't congest pores
Cons
- Skip if you don't enjoy foundations with a thinner consistency
Urban Decay's thin and lightweight waterproof foundation provides a medium-buildable coverage and a natural matte finish. Best of all, it won't congest pores. Instead, it contains a 3% concentration of niacinamide to improve the skin's hydration, calm redness, minimize the appearance of pores, and treat dark spots.
It's even celeb-approved! I've been covering the intersection of beauty and pop culture since 2016 and have interviewed hundreds of celebrity glam squads. On red carpets, talent tends to showcase glowy skin, while musicians' performance looks need to keep up with their high-energy sets. In order to stay looking on point, the key is a long-lasting waterproof foundation, especially when they're broadcasted to thousands of concertgoers (with footage that will live forever on TikTok and Instagram).
Case in point: Grammy-winning artist Doja Cat recently wore a face full of Urban Decay makeup, including this waterproof foundation during her Coachella set.
"To prep Doja’s skin for a long-lasting base, I applied a small amount of the All Nighter Face Primer to her T-zone. Next, I buffed in the Face Bond Self Setting Waterproof Foundation in shade 20 and brightened up the center of her face using the Quickie 24 HR Full Coverage Waterproof Concealer in 40NN," says her go-to makeup artist Ernesto Casillas.
It's also the only self-setting foundation on this list, meaning you aren't required to use a setting powder to ensure its longevity.
Key Specs
| # of Shades | 40 |
|---|---|
| Size | 1 fl. oz |
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Pros
- Provides up to 16 hours of longevity when paired with a setting powder
- Designed to cover tattoos, veins, birthmarks, burns, scars, and more
Cons
- SPF coverage is relatively low
Dermablend is the greatest to ever do it when it comes to full-coverage makeup, especially when you need a waterproof foundation for your face and body. This multipurpose base is so fantastic that I previously named Leg and Body Makeup as our best overall leg makeup.
It's incredibly lightweight, provides buildable coverage, and blends easily for a seamless finish. This fabulous waterproof foundation conceals imperfections like varicose veins, birthmarks, and scars, so you can confidently rock shorts and dresses throughout the summer season. As you can imagine, it also covers up post-acne hyperpigmentation on your face like a dream.
Even better? This is the only featured foundation that provides SPF 25 coverage, making it practical for summer. Although SPF 25 is slightly less than the typical SPF 30 recommendation, when layered over your favorite sunscreen, it provides extra sun protection, which is always a win.
Key Specs
| # of Shades | 12 |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.4 fl. oz |
Pros
- Waterproof, sweatproof, and long-lasting
- Most shades available
Cons
- Skip if you don't want a natural radiant finish
The only thing better than using a waterproof foundation is one that offers skin benefits. Infused with a blend of humectants and hyaluronic acid, Morphe's foundation provides immediate hydration to parched skin for up to 16 hours. With regular use, the brand swears Lightform will help support your skin's barrier function over time.
Since it's hydrating, Lightform isn't ideal for someone with very oily skin like myself. However, if you have combination, normal, mature, or dry skin, you'll love this. If you're still interested in this foundation but have oily skin, then layer a face primer underneath, apply the foundation, dust on setting powder, and blot your T-Zone as needed during the peak summer weather. You can even take things a step further and lightly mist on a setting spray, like the perpetually sold-out Beyoncé-approved On 'Til Dawn from One/Size by Patrick Starrr.
Key Specs
| # of Shades | 36 |
|---|---|
| Size | 1 fl. oz |
Pros
- Ideal for oily and combination skin, but someone with normal skin would enjoy this too
- Up to 24 hours of oil control
Cons
- Undertones are either yellow or red, so shade matching is tough if you have a neutral undertone
Make Up For Ever's HD Foundation is its signature product, but when you want something waterproof that can last up to 24 hours, you'll want the Matte Velvet Skin. What's most impressive about this product is that it provides full coverage without looking one-dimensional and flat. Instead, Matte Velvet Skin ensures your complexion is oil-free with a natural-looking, skin-like sheen.
This full coverage waterproof foundation utilizes MUFE's signature Flexi-Fit Complex technology to prevent it from fading, caking, or flaking for up to 24 hours. Even without setting spray this foundation doesn't transfer onto clothes or face masks, so you can feel confident rocking it throughout the day.
Because its long-lasting formula is so reliable, it was my waterproof foundation of choice on my (extremely hot) graduation day while living in Miami. Needless to say, it held up against Florida's infamous hot and humid weather for a camera-ready look all day long.
Key Specs
| # of Shades | 18 |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.01 fl. oz |
Nicole Saunders
Beauty Editor
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. She takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Best New Beauty Awards package.
Expert consulted:Sofia Schwarzkopf-Tilbury
Sofia Schwarzkopf-Tilbury
Sofia Schwarzkopf-Tilbury is one of the beauty industry’s rising stars and just like her aunt, the iconic Charlotte Tilbury, Sofia has makeup magic in her DNA. At just 30, Sofia has been a makeup artist for almost a decade and is currently Creative Executive at Charlotte Tilbury Beauty. An incredible makeup artist and beauty authority, Sofia is bringing a new generation of beauty expertise and insights to both the business and the beauty industry. After the incredibly successful Charlotte Tilbury Beauty brand launch at Selfridges, London in 2013, Sofia took on the role of Lead Artist at the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty counter in the Selfridge’s Beauty Hall. For two years, Sofia worked alongside other artists, gaining invaluable, first-hand experience of both the brand and its consumers while also developing and honing her artistry skills.Sofia is now a celebrity makeup artist with clients such as Salma Hayek, Irina Shayk, Olivia Palermo, and Sienna Miller, among others.
