The best waterproof foundation not only has to work to even out your complexion as a brilliant base should, but it also has to be able to withstand the elements and stay put no matter what gets thrown at it. An essential part of a weather-proof beauty look, one of these formulas is key to glam results that won't budge.
A makeup bag staple, the best foundation can be relied on to keep your complexion looking fresh, no matter what the day brings. In climates prone to dampness or downpours, waterproof properties are extra useful – but finding a waterproof foundation that still provides a luminous "healthy skin" finish without being overly matte or cakey hasn't always been so easy. Thankfully, there's now a huge variety of waterproof complexion products on offer, spanning lightweight skin tints to heavier-duty and full-coverage formulas.
"Water-resistant makeup has a sense of longevity," explains Rebecca Moore, National Senior Make-up Artist for NARS, which is why it is increasingly popular. "It doesn’t matter the time of year, water-resistant makeup can really improve longevity. In summer, it can help to prevent any excess oil, which can cause the makeup to shift. Equally, in colder months, this can help to keep the longevity of the makeup through bad weather or from transferring on your clothes, such as your scarf."
We've put many formulas through their paces to deduce which ones are truly the best waterproof foundations on the market. Consider this the need-to-know guide to help you find the right one for you...
The best waterproof foundation buys, reviewed by our beauty team
Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The MAC Studio Radiance Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation
If you're weighing up foundation vs tinted moisturiser and want a product that offers the best of both worlds, the MAC Studio Radiance Face and Body is it. Lightweight and glowy, this product boasts a long-lasting, lightweight and waterproof finish with extra radiance and hydration to boot. When testing, we loved its light watery texture that almost looked and felt silky smooth and weightless once blended. We also noticed that it sinks in quickly, not unlike one of the best face moisturisers, to deliver a natural luminescence that isn't at all oily. Think sheer-yet-buildable coverage.
In terms of its waterproof claims, we were somewhat sceptical due to its weightless feel and appearance, which sounded as though it could slide off easily. However, it really delivers. We tested it both on our hands under running water and also scrubbed at our face in a warm shower, and absolutely no product came off. We didn't even have to set it with a powder or finishing spray, which seriously impressed us. So whether you are planning to go for a dip in the pool or just want a foundation that can survive a downpour, this one won't go anywhere.
The L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32H Freshwear Liquid Foundation
The best drugstore foundations are constantly getting better, and L'Oréal products in particular are on par with some of our favorite high-end brands. The Infallible 32hr foundation promises no fading or shifting throughout the day, as well as being fully waterproof. When put to the test, we found all of the above to be true - even when we attempted to rub the foundation away with warm water. Despite the soft matte finish, it doesn't feel uncomfortable or thick on the skin, and when wet it really won't budge.
This foundation retains luminosity after blending, giving a flawlessly natural effect that is ideal for everyday wear and can be built up to give full coverage. Easy to apply and soft on the skin, this is a foundation that will impress and suit everyone that likes the look of smooth, blemish-free skin that isn't at all cakey. However, due to the matte finish, we recommend anybody with very dry skin applies a heavy-duty moisturiser or primer first to avoid any clinging. But for its price and performance when faced with water, we can't recommend this long-lasting foundation enough.
The Clinique Even Better Clinical™ Serum Foundation
Clinique foundations are some of our favourites as they combine skincare and makeup for gorgeous bases that also gets to work on improving your complexion. More specifically, the Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation incorporates vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid – i.e. a couple of the skincare acids that can make a real difference in your routine – to promote radiance and even skin texture. But aside from the skincare benefits, it also works fantastically one of the best waterproof foundations for oily skin.
Though this base can work for any skin type, we think it works best on those with an oilier skin type. We applied it over a mattifying primer, but for our combination skin, we reckon it would've performed best with moisturiser alone. When testing, we found that it instantly gives a matte finish even with a small amount of product, so a little goes a long way. But what we loved most about this foundation is how well it stayed on for a full day's wear – it even survived several hours in a sweaty London pub without budging an inch. When it came time to remove, water alone was no match and only one of the best cleansing balms (Clinique's) could do the trick.
See our full Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum foundation review to learn more
The Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Tint
We're big fans of a skin tint here at woman&home as they provide a little boost that brightens and evens out the skin tone – perfect for laid-back and natural makeup looks. However, we often find that these tints don't have the best staying power and they tend to fade throughout the day. At least, that was the case until we tested the Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Tint. Undoubtedly the best waterproof foundation for those who like a sheer, natural base, it retains its lightweight appearance without compromising on lasting power.
When testing, we loved how hydrating this formula felt on the skin. Promising to deliver 24-hour hydration, it's definitely one of the best foundations for dry skin and provides a long-wearing antidote to dry and dehydrated complexions. It also boasts 12 hours of waterproof, crease-proof and both transfer- and shine-resistant wear, all of which we found holds up pretty well. As the coverage is more sheer than most other foundations in this guide, its waterproof powers weren't immediately obvious as with thicker formulas, where you can easily spot streaking. However, after a long and sweaty day involving commuting, our skin still looked just as good as it did in the morning and had retained that naturally fresh finish. If you're after a tint that you can rely on to stay put, this one has our vote.
Morphe offers a great variety of makeup products that provide premium quality at more affordable prices and its foundations in particular are some of our favorites. If you like dewy makeup but want a base product that will survive day-long wear without losing its glow, the Morphe 2 Hint Hint Skin Tint is here to help. Designed to hydrate and provide medium, buildable coverage that blurs the look of "imperfections", this lightweight and comfortable formula promotes the ultimate healthy glow that still allows your natural skin to peek through.
When testing, we loved using the dropper tool, which ensures no product is wasted and means you can build your desired level of coverage. This is also ideal if you like to mix your foundations with other products, such as moisturiser or highlighter to get an even more natural look. Though touted as water-resistant, as opposed to fully waterproof, we found that it held up well against a day of sweat and rain, even making it through a workout without sliding off our face. Plus, almost immediately after application, it had zero transfer while managing to stay glowy. That said, if you are planning on going swimming or need something really heavy duty, you may want to opt for a thicker foundation. But for an everyday base that is luminous, easy to work with, reliable and that has strong staying power, we love it.
Among the best foundation sticks, Hourglass gets our vote every time. The Vanish Stick boasts a unique formula that's unlike many others on the market. We love it because it perfectly balances high coverage with a lightweight feel, gliding across the skin and yielding a blemish-free, not at-all cakey finish. It's a fantastic option for those with acne-prone skin or those who seek the best foundation for oily skin, as it can be relied on to apply over any skin texture and stay in place once set.
When testing its waterproofing abilities, we were extremely impressed by the way water beaded off our skin without penetrating the foundation, making it one of our top picks for wet or humid weather. It almost gives the skin a waxy protective layer without the thickness or discomfort that would entail but with all the occlusive properties. We also love how mess-free this product is, making it a perfect piece of kit to travel with or keep in your handbag for any emergency makeup application.
When testing the Airbrush Flawless foundation, we found that it has a slightly thicker consistency than most of the other waterproof foundations in this guide. For this reason, it pays to work quickly as it really doesn't take long to try down into a soft matte that is tough to budge. However, with some speedy blending, you will get a flawless finish that will really stay put all day long - even in a downpour. If your skin is on the drier side we recommend using your favorite moisturizer before applying the Airbrush Flawless foundation, but we think that the soft and radiant finish will work for everyone.
If you're on the hunt for the best waterproof foundation that also won't transfer or slip around throughout the day, this is a great option. Even when wet it takes some serious elbow grease to get any type of transfer, so sweat, humidity and rain are no match for it. We also love the subtle scent of this foundation that smells remarkably similar to some of the best perfumes for women, particularly Marc Jacobs Daisy. Channel the makeup trends of 2023 and wear it with a matching dark lip for a radiant and striking look that you can rely on to stay totally waterproof.
Read our Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation review for an in-depth guide
Urban Decay products have always fared well, in our experience, and the Stay Naked foundation is no exception. With a lightweight and breathable texture that can also disguise blemishes, this is the best waterproof foundation for those who can't stand that heavy, thick feeling of some base products and seek something lightweight. If you're considering a makeup declutter and want one foundation that can be worn several different ways, Stay Naked does just that. Thanks to its light-medium buildable coverage, it works just as well for no-makeup-makeup days as it does for full glam looks.
During the testing process, we were impressed by this foundation's waterproof capabilities. It lasted through sweat and didn't run or transfer when we wiped our face – a huge plus for the warmer months. Despite its long-lasting power, it managed to retain the "second skin" look we love, with no cakiness in sight. If you have particularly dry skin, however, it may cling to any patches due to its matte formula. But for those with balanced to oily skin types, there's no going wrong.
How we tested the best waterproof foundations
A selection of some of the waterproof foundations that we tested for this guide
Each of the products included in this guide was thoroughly tested and performed well enough to be deemed one of the best waterproof foundations. The main thing we looked out for, unsurprisingly, was how well each product fulfilled said waterproof claims. We tried these foundations in a variety of conditions, from light rain to underneath running shower water, to see how well they stood up.
As well as this, we also paid attention to how well each foundation performed as a makeup product, looking at how it applied and sat on the skin, how well it lasted throughout the day, how it layered with other products and its finish and coverage.
How to choose the best waterproof foundation
When shopping for waterproof foundation, particularly when buying online, there are a few important considerations that'll help you get your hands on the best one for you.
- Packaging: To us, packaging can make or break a foundation (sometimes literally). Think about how you will be using this foundation and where you will store it. Will it be travelling, stashed in a gym bag, or simply keept at home for everyday application? If you'll be taking it on-the-go, avoid glass bottles and opt for a squeezy tube. Will its consistency be easiest to apply with a pump, dropper or by squeezing? Don't buy a foundation just because its packaging looks nice; really take time to consider the actual user experience and if it will work for you.
- Shade and undertone ranges: Many brands offer fairly wide shade ranges, but not all of them cater to the vast variety of undertones. If you wear a foundation with the wrong undertone for your skin, this can completely change your look. Establish your skin's undertone and shop for shades accordingly – our guide on how to find your foundation shade has more helpful insights.
- Finish: A foundation's finish is one of the most important things to take into account. If you have no real preference here, make sure you pick a formula that will work with your skin type. If you're prone to dryness, it's usually best to avoid mattifying formulas. If you're more oily, consider a waterproof foundation that isn't overly shiny or dewy.
- Price: If this is going to be your everyday foundation, it's worth spending a little more to get your perfect product. However, you may want to ensure it's one that you can afford to re-purchase when necessary. Don't assume that more expensive products are the best; take the time to read up on each foundation and choose in line with your budget and what seems like the best fit for your needs.
Are waterproof foundations good for oily skin?
They can be! "Water-resistant foundations are great for people with an oily skin type," says Moore. "People of this skin type will find that their [regular] foundations will move and separate throughout the day. A foundation with a water-resistant benefit will help to prevent this and ensure long-lasting wear." We certainly found this to be the case during the testing process, as we didn't feel the need for setting powders or sprays to keep our base intact.
How can I get a natural finish with a waterproof foundation?
Getting a natural finish with any complexion product is easier than you may first think, even with thick and matte formulas that can be prone to caking. "The best way to create a natural long-lasting complexion look is to apply less product and build up coverage - if needed with concealer," Moore advises. "At NARS, we love a simple technique of applying your foundation with your hands. Begin with a small amount of foundation in the palm of your hands and apply it from the centre of the face outwards. Finally, pat it into the skin for a skin-like finish."
Are all waterproof foundations transfer-proof?
Quite often the two go hand in hand. "The majority of the time, water-resistant foundations would [also] be transfer-proof, as they are designed to have a good longevity onto the skin," says Moore. Though it is not guaranteed for every waterproof foundation, if the product can survive a soaking, it is more than likely that it will avoid any form of transferring.
-
Velvet isn't going anywhere and Duchess Sophie’s sultry yet elegant dress from 2004 is still so chicThe Duchess of Edinburgh wore a fitted velvet dress 20 years ago and it would still make the perfect winter look to this day
-
Katie Holmes nails festive elegance with plum satin dress, red handbag and mustard velvet ballet flatsVibrant colours and layering textures are key for winter styling
