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Style > Beauty

Waterproof Makeup That’ll Last Through Any Beach Day

Summer getaways are all about beachside resorts, poolside relaxation, and tons of outdoor activity. Needless to say, regular makeup just won’t cut it when activity levels rise! Unfortunately, summertime has a lot working against you—salt, sand, surf, and sweat are practically inevitable! Luckily, we’ve searched rigorously for the best waterproof, heat-proof, sweat-proof, and overall beach-proof makeup, so you can optimize your vacation time with the peace of mind that your makeup will stay put no matter what you do. Whether you’re keen on sticking to one brand or are totally down to explore products by category, we’ve got a comprehensive list that’s sure to meet all of your summertime makeup needs. Take a dive with these waterproof makeup-bag staples—they won’t disappoint! 

Brands to Look Out For

We totally understand that you might not want to search high and low for your waterproof fix, mixing and matching products from different stores for the perfect beach-ready makeup bag. So, if brand loyalty is your thing, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best of the best when it comes to makeup brands and lines that promise beach-ready beauty. Rather than feature individual products from these collections (which would result in a complete takeover of our list!), we’ve decided to highlight the entire line, because these products are too good to pass up.

Make Up Forever Aqua

Everything in this line is waterproof, and better yet, almost every Make Up Forever Aqua product showed up in our search for the best of the best when it comes to beach-proof makeup. We’re talking shadows, mascaras, eyeliners, lip liners, lip colors, and even eyebrow correctors. The Aqua Cream ($23, Sephora) is a total multitasker, because depending on the color, it can be used on your lids, lips, or cheeks—it’s even been used by Olympic swimmers! Best of all? Use the amazing makeup setter, Aqua Seal ($21, Sephora), to make any makeup waterproof, including whatever is lying in your makeup bag right now! We’re seriously impressed.

Stila Stay All Day

Like Make Up Forever Aqua, Stila’s Stay All Day monopolized our search, coming up again and again as the most recommended and trusted products. This collection features liquid eyeliners, liquid lipsticks and lip glosses, a foundation and concealer combo, mascara, eye shadow, beauty balms (regular, illuminating, and bronzing, all with SPF), bronzers, and brow tools—basically, everything you could ever need. The line promises to last in all conditions, and the adorable travel-sized options and trial packs are perfect for any beach getaway.

Have some extra time? Explore all of your waterproof options, divided up by category.

Eyeshadow

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow ($6.99, cvs.com)

This product promises 24-hour wear with zero creasing, and we can vouch for it! The formula is strong and sturdy, and we all know cream shadows last far longer than powder. Each of the many colors is extremely saturated, meaning that even if it fades (which it shouldn’t!) your lids will still retain vibrancy. 

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Eye Shadow ($6.36, Drugstore.com)

Another great pick, this shadow boasts being waterproof, crease-resistant, and fade resistant. Like Maybelline’s Color Tattoo shadows, each shade is extremely intense and promises to last all day long. Better yet, the shadow comes in tons of colors, meaning you can find the perfect shade to match your suit!

Eyeliner

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner ($4.49, ULTA)

This incredible eyeliner is water-proof, sweat-proof, heat-proof, and humidity-proof, a.k.a. completely beach-proof. It’s even safe for those of us with sensitive eyes!

MAC Pro Longwear Eye Liner ($20, Macy’s)

Okay, we’re pretty much in love with this product. It’s water-resistant and stays in place all day. Best of all, it’s one of the only liners out there that is completely safe to use on your sensitive waterline.

Mascara

Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara ($20, Nordstrom)

Reviewers are obsessed with this product. And with its unique design that makes us long to jump in the nearest pool, we can’t help but share the excitement. Though pricey, this mascara doesn’t fool around. The product description includes the phrase “mermaid-worthy,” and it’s been intensively tested in both the gym and at sea. That’s all the proof we need.

Lancome Hypnose 24 Hour Waterproof Mascara ($27.50, Macy’s)

Known for one of the best waterproof formulas out there, this mascara packs a serious punch. Say hello to unbelievable volume with a weightless finish, guaranteed to maintain its waterproof powers for a full day. There’s even a variety of formulas, from “Doll Eyes” to “Drama,” so you can achieve any lash style you desire.

Foundation and BB Cream

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup ($33.30, Nordstrom)

This product guarantees 15 hours of flawless, heat- and humidity-proof finish, but that’s not all. It comes in 31 shades, meaning it’ll work for basically anyone, and its light formula will never cake or melt, no matter how many laps you swim. It’s so durable that it’ll leave absolutely no residue on your white bikini either, and since it’s proven to work even during high activity levels, you never have to pass up beach volleyball again. Just make sure you prime with some sunscreen!

Innisfree Mineral Sun Waterproof BB Cream ($21, Innisfreeworld.com)

If you’ve ever worn a BB cream to the beach, you’ll know that they barely budge! The beauty experts all seem to agree that the best beauty balms can be found abroad. Innisfree’s Mineral Sun Waterproof BB Cream proves that theory correct. Hailing from Korea, this BB cream is a showstopper. It has an SPF of 50+, and its amazing ingredients, including organic green tea water, aim to help your skin in all the best ways. BB creams are ideal for the beach because of how lightweight they are, and this one is specifically formulated to combat sweat, sun, and sea, so it doesn’t smudge. Even better? BB creams’ multi-purpose formulas work to perfect your skin from the inside out, meaning that no matter what brand you try, after a few weeks of wear, you’ll be left with glowing, natural, and healthy skin!

Concealer

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer ($24, Sephora)

The product description marks this concealer as “water, perspiration, and humidity-resistant” so it definitely won’t melt away. Its promise of 15-hour wear guarantees no fading or creasing, and just like the Double Wear Stay-in-Place foundation, it’s never going to leave makeup stains on your swimsuit.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof 12-Hour Concealer ($23, Sephora)

Tarte’s waterproof products have been used by the famous synchronized swimming team, the Aqualillies, and we can see why! The easy-breezy brushless applicator and skin-balancing Amazonian clay are enough to get us addicted, so with its excellent wear time and completely waterproof formula, we’re hooked. If you’re looking to get some highlighting in as well, we recommend choosing a shade lighter than your normal skin tone.

Bronzer and Blush

Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer ($30, Sephora)

Basically, anything made from Amazonian clay is perfect for the beach. This bronzer, like Tarte’s concealer, is made to withstand water while gliding on extremely lightly for a natural look. Mineral-infused, the formula will smooth and sooth skin.

Cargo Swimmables Water Resistant Blush ($26, Dermstore.com)

Reviewers are raving about this lovely, buttery product. Coming in three to-die-for shades—a soft tangerine, a shimmery bright pink, and a subtle rose—this blush means business. Like all of the best beach beauty products, it’s totally tear-proof, sweat-proof, and heat-proof. Its formula is silicone-coated for ultimate water resistance and strong adhesion to your skin. If you fall in love, they have a waterproof bronzer, too ($29, Dermstore.com)!

Brows

Too Faced Bullet Proof Brows ($30, ULTA)

The description for this product speaks for itself. It claims to be a “powder, gel, pencil, and setting wax” all in one. The formula gives “24-hour, waterproof, smudge-proof, budge-proof” brows—impressive!

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Brow Pencil ($42, Sephora)

This brow pencil has got water-proof, sweat-resistant, humidity-resistant, and fade-proof superpowers. Its variety of shades all last for 16 hours—what could be better?

Lips

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick ($22, Sephora)

For lips, we reverted back to our full cosmetic line suggestions, because honestly, no products work better! Stila’s Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick is creamy yet weightless, and will seriously stay put for up to six hours. The colors are also totally chic, coming in bright and floral hues perfect for some summertime shine.

Make Up Forever Aqua Rogue ($24, Sephora)

These waterproof, fade-proof, and transfer-proof colors are hard to beat. Two-sided, the applicator has both a vibrant color and a sheer gloss to top off your look. Best of all, while it’ll stick to your lips, it won’t make your lips sticky, and the creamy gloss feels fresh and smooth, so you’ll maintain the perfect, kissable pout all vacation long.

Whether you plan on spending the next few months at the beach, are longing to soak up the sun, have a lifeguarding gig at the nearest pool, or simply aim to be out and about this summer, these beachy beauty products will keep you covered—no matter how many cannonballs you perfect. 

Which products will you be storing in your beach bag?

Emily Platt is a former National Contributing Writer, Beauty Editor, Career Editor, and Editorial Intern for Her Campus. She studied at Vassar College and held additional internships at Cosmopolitan.com and MarthaStewartWeddings.com. Emily loves emojis, Beach Body workouts, and her cats. She takes pride in her single mysteriously-white eyelash.