What's In This Post
What is the best waterproof foundation makeup for swimming? Is it right for your skin? This post aims to answer these questions and more. Waterproof foundations can be considered as one of the most “mysterious” types of makeup out there. The word “waterproof” tends to give people the impression that this type of foundation is very sticky and hard to wash off. Although it is true that waterproof foundations are designed to last longer on your face, they are not as “scary” as they seem to be.
I know that many of my readers have some kind of phobia towards waterproof foundations. Quite honestly, I think a lot of people feel that way because they don’t know this type of makeup enough. After all, you probably wouldn’t think about using waterproof foundations unless you’re going for a swim or participate in sweaty sports.
Consider wearing waterproof foundations before emotional events, such as watching a sad movie, will ensure that your makeup will stay on your face, rather than on your favorite clothes (Which, by the way, is very hard to wash off).
Here is my smart guide to choosing waterproof foundations that works for you.
Contents
Best Waterproof Foundation Makeup and Brands List
Smashbox Studio Skin Full Coverage 24 Hour Foundation
It contains hyaluronic acid, a superior skin hydrating ingredient that helps to lock in your skin’s moisture. It is non-acnegenic and cruelty-free. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles.
After application, the waterproofing effects start in minutes which allows you to go for a swim with peace in mind.
For these reasons, the Smashbox Studio Skin Foundation
BTW, I have written a detailed guide on other foundations with hyaluronic acids. Check it out if you want to find out more.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10
- 24-Hr Staying Power – You won’t have a lot of time on your wedding day. The foundation lasts up to 24 hours and once it’s on, it doesn’t require any touch-ups. This allows you to focus on your wedding and not on your makeup.
- Sun Protection SPF 10 – If your wedding will be held outdoors, you will be protected from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
- Natural Matte Finish – Helps to keep shine and control oil throughout the day. This is especially important on your wedding day since you will be taking a lot of photos and you wouldn’t want the shine to reflect light from the camera flash. It’s also oil-free
- Waterproof – Lasts in humid weather and will stay in place even during those emotional wedding moments.
- Transfer-resistant – You don’t have to worry about it getting on your wedding dress or other outfits.
- Medium to full-coverage – You can easily control the coverage as it’s buildable.
This foundation is dermatologist-tested, non-acnegenic and non-comedogenic. It’s fragrance-free.
Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation
This is a full coverage foundation with sun protection SPF 30. It’s a long-wear waterproof foundation that stays on all day you barely require touch-ups.
This an “oxygenating foundation”, meaning that the formula is enriched with oxygen. When applied, the oxygen is easily absorbed into your skin, allowing it to easily breathe. This helps to boost circulation, promote cell turnover and stimulates your skin to heal.
Notable ingredients include:
- Aloe – Offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, soothing, qualities for your skin.
- Cerevisiae – Used for hydration and skin conditioning.
- Salicylic Acid – Kills acne bacteria, clears acne blemishes and prevents new breakouts.
- Vitamin E – Antioxidant that helps to prevent damage from free radicals.
This foundation is lightweight, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. It works well on dry or combination skin and it’s safe for sensitive skin.
It is paraben-free, cruelty-free and vegan.
Mac Pro Longer Waterproof Foundation
It is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. It’s oil-free making it one of the best waterproof foundations for oily skin. The formula does a great job absorbing oil, keeping shine away throughout the day.
This product is universally loved and was found to last all day through even extreme humidity. It is great for someone needing full coverage in a lightweight and comfortable package.
Furthermore, this foundation lasts up to 24 hours and is one of the best long-lasting waterproof foundations around.
Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation
This foundation is also perfect if you need extra coverage for pimples, scarring, rosacea or discoloration. It comes in a wide variety of shades so you can match your skin tone using undertones. 
This foundation is vegan and cruelty-free. It is free of parabens and phthalates.
Dermacol Make-up Cover
This foundation is my personal favorite and, in my opinion, is the best waterproof foundation for sensitive skin. When applied in a thin layer, it sits on top of your skin in a natural finish. It lasts up to 24 hours through sweat, humidity, and tears.
Cezanne Waterproof Liquid Foundation
This product contains four times more water-resisting agents than the average waterproof foundation and also shields your skin against the sun with SPF 26.
It is guaranteed to stay in place through even the most grueling days. 
Cezanne foundation is medium to full coverage, depending on your application. It lasts all day and is light enough for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation
It can be worn alone if you have sensitive skin or just want a lighter look. If you want heavier coverage, I recommend dusting this on over a light liquid foundation.
Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation
The waterproof formula in this foundation is excellent and will last throughout the day in all temperatures. Some people even found their foundation looked better at the end of the day than when they first applied it.
Sweet LeiLani Island Goddess Foundation
Other ingredients that make this foundation great for stretch marks and mature skin include:
- Sun-Drenched Cucumber – has skin lightening compounds and nutrients that help to fade stretch marks.
- Green Tea – have anti-inflammatory properties that calm red skin around stretch marks.
- Vitamin C – a strong antioxidant that fights your body’s free-radicals and slows down the effects of aging.
- Grape Seed – helps to improve the skin’s overall elasticity
- Rose Hip – helps to promote skin regeneration.
- White Tea – contains anti-bacterial and anti-aging properties that help to prevent wrinkles and sagging skin.
This foundation is formulated with optically diffusing minerals that control oil and minimize the appearance of pores. It is a medium to full coverage foundation with a silky airbrushed finish.
It is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, gluten-free and fragrance-free. It is formulated with a non-chemical sunscreen (Titanium Dioxide based and no risk of skin sensitivity). There are 5 shades to choose from.
Phoera Waterproof Matte Liquid Foundation
This foundation cream feels lightweight and provides a soft texture that doesn’t feel cakey. It contains skin brightening complex and skin moisturizing ingredients.
This foundation is vegan, paraben-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free and free of toxins.
Vertra SPF 35 Sports Sunscreen Face Stick
Vertra tested this product with athletes and have had great results. The product is designed for outdoor use formulated with sunblock SPF 35. It’s backed by the Skin Cancer Foundation and has received 5-star recommendations from users who have used it.
The designers have created this product with an easy to use applicator! It is truly fantastic for anyone looking to stay beautiful during intense workouts or swimming
Best Waterproof Foundation For Swimming
Since you will be in the water for an extended amount of time when you are swimming. You will need to wear something that is a little “tougher” than your regular waterproof foundation.
For this reason, I highly recommend Mac Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation
If you would prefer to use a BB cream instead, I recommend Nature Republic Super Origin Collagen Waterproof BB Cream
There should be a good reason why you would choose a BB cream over a foundation. I would only recommend this product and all other BB creams for people with lighter or pale skin.
Waterproof Foundations: What You Need To Know
Benefits Of Using a Waterproof Foundation
It’s obvious that there are certain advantages to wearing the best waterproof foundation. Most advantages apply to those who love outdoor sports or wet activities such as swimming. One great advantage is that most foundations come with sun protection. Anyone who plays outdoors knows the importance of protecting your face and staying beautiful while enjoying a day out in the sun.
If you are not an outdoors person. It might be a good idea just to carry a small bottle of waterproof foundation with you when you go out. Simply touch up during emotional situations and you will be good to go.
How To Waterproof Your Foundation For Swimming
If you already have a product that you feel comfortable with, you can “waterproof” it to make them become resistant to water or sweat. This is achieved by the use of a makeup finishing spray.
Most makeup sprays are designed specifically for special events and to minimize touch-ups. You can think of these sprays as special types of “ waterproof seal” which helps to hold your makeup together. Best of all, most come in small bottles which allow you to quickly waterproof your makeup during expected events.
One of the best waterproof makeup sprays that I like to use the most is the Skindinavia Bridal Makeup Finish
Many people do not know this but Skindinavia actually came out with one of the first sprays in the market which was what first got me interested in this brand. The product is tested by dermatologists and is completely oil free (perfect for acne prone skin). Skindinavia is popular with many Hollywood stars and can hold up your makeup for up to 16 hours!
To use your makeup spray, simply spray a fine mist of it onto your face after your makeup routine. The amount that is needed varies but you do not need to apply a thick layer. Make sure that you follow the instructions on the bottle. I recommend a quick 2-step spray. First, spray your face with a light mist. Once this layer dries, spray another layer to lock this layer in. This helps to ensure that your makeup is held firmly.
Some instructions on the bottle may tell you to spray after you apply your foundation. I find that this is not as effective as if you sprayed after your makeup routine. This is something that you have to try on your own to figure out what works best for you.
Tips for Spraying:
- Shake the bottle well before application. This ensures that the product is evenly mixed so that when you spray it, roughly the same amount of ingredients is applied to your face.
- It is a good idea to cover your clothes around your neck area with a towel or paper towels.
- If a sponge is available, spray a little bit of solution to the sponge and use it apply to areas that require extra coverage.
Waterproof Foundations with SPF: Should you use it?
Foundations with SPF saves you the need to purchase another bottle of sunscreen, but are they effective and should you be using them? Here are a few key points to remember:
How much coverage do you need?
If you’re only needing a little bit of foundation to cover minor blemishes, you would probably be better off purchasing a waterproof sunscreen and use that for the rest of the areas that don’t require a foundation. Waterproof sunscreens are cheaper and you get more for the price you pay for a foundation.
If you’re using your foundation for light coverage applications, consider how much you’re actually putting on your skin. Many people tend to apply more to help block out the sun but this will leave your skin looking cakey and uneven. Remember that light coverage foundations can only deal with minor blemishes and only thin layer is required.
What SPF do you need?
Study finds that the higher the SPF, the better. Well, I think that one should be pretty obvious to most people. However, what is the real difference between say SPF 15 vs SPF 30? Sejal Shah, MD explains that “SPF 15 protects against 93 percent of UVB rays, SPF 30 protects against 97 percent.”
Also, keep in mind that most people only apply 25% – 50% of the rated amount. There are two things here to point out:
- If you use a sunscreen that is rated to SPF 30 but not using the rated amount, you will end up with less sun protection (say SPF 7).
- Check the rated amount for the SPF rating of your foundation. If that amount is higher than what you would want to use to cover blemishes / skin impurities, then stick with sunscreen as a base and blend the foundation on top.
How to Remove Waterproof Foundation Makeup
Although waterproof, you may be surprised to learn that it’s not difficult to remove a waterproof foundation from your skin and you can do it with materials that you already have at home. Here are 2 ways you can try:
- Use Vaseline – Apply a small amount of Vaseline to the area of your skin that is covered by the foundation. Let it sit for a few minutes and then use a warm washcloth to remove the Vaseline. You will find that the Vaseline helps to “melt” the foundation, making it easy for you to remove it.
- Use Olive Oil – Like Vaseline, simply rub a bit of olive oil on the area of your skin that is covered by the waterproof foundation and then rub it off with a face towel in a few minutes. Warning though, not everyone is a fan of the olive oil scent. I would suggest that you follow up with your regular facial cleansing routine if you decide to go with olive oil.
How to Get Waterproof Foundation Off Clothes (Best Hack)
For those of us who wear a waterproof foundation on a daily basis, we understand how easy it is to get it on our clothes. However, if you got a foundation on your favorite pair or sweater or jeans, don’t worry as I will share with you a trick I use. Note that this method works for pretty much all types of waterproof makeup.
What you will need:
- Dish Soap
- Your Fingers
- Some Water (optional)
Procedure:
Step 1) First, squeeze a light amount of dish soap on the area where the foundation or makeup is.
Step 2) Rub the dish soap into the fabric with your fingers. Do not use brushes or wash clothes as they tend to ruin the texture of fabrics. You may notice at this point that the makeup has lifted up from clothes.
Step 3) Now that the makeup has loosen, you can choose to put your garment in the washing machine or wipe off the makeup with a wet tissue or paper towel.
Watch this in action in Shonagh Scott’s video below:
Cautions and Other Tips You Should Know
- As with all other types of foundations, selecting the right shade of waterproof foundation is important. I have written a post on this matter and have included tools in that post to help you find the perfect shade. Check it out here.
- Some waterproof foundations are heavier and may clog your pores. Always do proper research before choosing the right foundation. The ones that I have reviewed in this post are great recommendations.
- Waterproof foundations are not intended to be used daily. Excessive use will dry up your skin. Always remember to properly moisturize your skin after each use.
How to Select Waterproof Foundations for Dry Skin
When it come to selecting a waterproof foundation that works well for your dry skin, the key ingredient that you should look for in your foundation is oil. There are 2 reasons for this:
- Oil based ingredients will help to moisturize your skin. Oil locks in moisture and nourishes your skin to prevent irritation.
- Oil and water don’t mix well and this natural aspect simply works in your favor. Oil based foundations are much more “water repellant” than other types of foundations and it’s guaranteed to stay on your skin longer.