The 8 best waterproof foundations that'll stay put on even the rainiest winter days

The best waterproof foundations are a go-to for drizzly winter days – and these tried and tested buys will keep skin looking fresh all day

Collage of three of the best waterproof foundations featured in this guide from L'Oréal Paris, MAC and Clinique, set against a dark pink watercolour-style background
(Image credit: L'Oréal Paris/MAC/Clinique/Future)

The pressure is on for the best waterproof foundation. Not only does it need to do everything a good foundation does (even out skin tone, blur blemishes and smooth texture), it has to keep doing these things even when the weather is against it.

Waterproof is different to water-resistant when it comes to the best foundation. While the latter will do an OK job of staying in place if you have to nip from the door to your car without a brolly, the former shouldn’t budge if you get caught in a full-on storm. "Water-resistant makeup can improve longevity," says Rebecca Moore, National Senior Make-up Artist for NARS. "In summer, it can help to prevent any excess oil, which can cause the makeup to shift. 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."

The downside of waterproof foundation used to be consistency and finish. To be so budge-proof, they had a thick, cakey and overly matte texture. Lucky for us, there's now a huge variety on offer, spanning lightweight skin tints to heavier-duty and full-coverage formulas. We've put more than twenty bases 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...

Best waterproof foundation deals

Recent updates

These deals are checked daily and we will continue to do so to ensure that all of the products below are still in stock, still discounted and, most importantly, are the very best deals around at the moment.

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Freshwear Liquid Foundation
Get 24% off now
L'Oréal Paris Infallible Freshwear Liquid Foundation: was £12.89 now £9.82 at Amazon

For a more affordable options, you can now save 24% off L'Oréal Paris' Infallible Foundation. This hydrating formula is not only infused with SPF 25 but it also boasts waterproof and transfer-proof capabilities, while also leaving your complexion even and glowy.

MAC Studio Radiance Face And Body Radiant Sheer Foundation
Get 15% off now
MAC Studio Radiance Face And Body Radiant Sheer Foundation: was £35 now £29.75 at Debenhams UK

MAC's cult favourite Studio Radiance Face And Body Foundation is currently on sale, boasting a 15% saving. Offering a radiant, natural-looking finish to the complexion, this formula is definitely the go-to if you're looking for a sheer and lightweight finish.

Urban Decay Stay Naked Foundation
Get 20% off now
Urban Decay Stay Naked Foundation: was £31 now £24.80 at LOOKFANTASTIC UK

Get 20% off this foundation from Urban Decay which boasts a matte finish that lasts up to 24 hours. With a waterproof, breathable formula that's designed to feel weightless on the skin and minimise the appearance of pores, this foundation also offers a buildable coverage, so you can customise the finish anywhere between lightweight and full to suit your complexion.

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.

How we tested the best waterproof foundations

Original image of four of the waterproof foundations tested for this guide from Clinique, L'Oreal Paris, Hourglass and MAC, lined up against a plain background

A selection of some of the waterproof foundations that we tested for this guide

(Image credit: Amelia Yeomans)

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 which can be tricky, there are a few important considerations that'll help you get your hands on the best one for you.

  • Packaging: 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 kept 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; 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." If you want to go the extra mile to make sure your base isn't moving throughout the day then prep the skin with your best primer first and finish with a spritz of the best makeup setting spray.

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.

Amelia Yeomans
Senior writer

Amelia joined woman&home in 2022 after graduating with an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and is now a senior writer. She began building her career as a lifestyle journalist after completing a fashion journalism course at the Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design in 2019, writing for a variety of titles including OK! magazine, New! magazine and Notion on topics such as sustainable fashion and entertainment. She specialises in fashion and beauty content, covering everything from product reviews and nail art trends to reporting on fashion weeks and the best-dressed celebrities at red carpet events. With a keen eye for lifestyle trends, she is always on the lookout for the latest products and brands to hit the market.

With contributions from