13 best waterproof foundations that won’t budge in any heatwave
Waterproof foundations are unmatched when it comes to facing things like humidity, rain, sweat, or even a Nicholas Sparks–induced ugly cry. And considering how much effort we put into our makeup looks, it's reasonable to want it to stay put throughout the day. Luckily, you can count on the best waterproof foundations to help with that.
A quality, long-wear formula that can withstand all of the elements is essential to almost any glam routine, whether you’re going for a soft matte finish for a blurred daytime look or looking for a buildable, full-coverage option for a full-face beat. So whether you're prepping for a day beside a pool, trying to heatwave-proof your look or are planning your wedding makeup, long-lasting and waterproof foundations should be on your radar.
Best waterproof foundations at a glance – our top picks:
- Best waterproof foundation overall: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation, £39, Sephora
- Best long-lasting waterproof foundation: Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation, WAS £33 NOW £29.70, LookFantastic
- Best waterproof foundation for a matte finish: Dior Forever Matte Foundation SPF 15, WAS £45 NOW £38.25, Boots
- Best affordable waterproof foundation: L'Oréal Infallible 32HR Fresh Wear Foundation, £9.11, Amazon
.png)
You may be wondering: Is there really a difference between traditional formulas — be it a lightweight foundation, tinted moisturiser, or full-coverage sitch — and waterproof ones? The answer is a resounding yes. Waterproof or long-wear foundations “typically contain silicone-based compounds and polymers that create a barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing water from penetrating and causing the foundation to break down,” says professional makeup artist Oscar Velazquez. Meaning that, like waterproof mascara, they’re water-resistant and formulated to withstand the hottest of days — and you’ll get even more staying power if you lock in your makeup look with a setting spray.
But before you shade match to just any waterproof foundation, make sure to consider your skin type; those with acne-prone skin should be mindful of the formula, as it’s those exact polymers that also may contain comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients. The good news? There are acne- and sensitive-skin-friendly options available too, as well as more hydrating options powered by ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. And don’t skip your nightly face wash, as tired as you may be; use a good makeup remover and cleanser to give yourself a bare face before bed, to avoid any next-day irritation or breakouts.
To help you find the best waterproof foundations on the market, we've quizzed dermatologists and MUAs for their recommendations. Plus, we also scoured all the top retailers and browsed all of our favourite beauty brands such as Fenty Beauty, L'Oreal Paris, Maybelline New York, Dior and Charlotte Tilbury to find the most highly rated sweat-proof makeup products out there.
Feeling inspired to upgrade your makeup routine? Check out our guides on the best bronzers, best concealers, best lipstick, best highlighter, best setting sprays, best makeup brushes and more. And don't forget about skincare – we've got guides on the best face SPFs, best hyaluronic acid serums and the best sun creams and sunscreens.
For more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Scroll down to check out our full edit of all the best waterproof foundations…
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation, £39, Sephora
Why we love it: Looking for impeccable, buildable coverage that won’t budge, no matter how sweaty you get? Say no more. This transfer-proof formula contains a proprietary Magic Replexium technology that helps reduce that appearance of fine lines and wrinkles at the same time. Plus, the formula is available in an impressive shade range to suit both cool and warm skin tones and undertones. Perfect for combination skin. Also available at Sephora.
Enjoy extra savings when shopping for the best waterproof foundations using these Sephora discount codes.
Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation, WAS £33 NOW £29.70, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Many waterproof foundations can bee too heavy for those with oily and acne-prone skin, but luckily, not this long-wearing pick. It comes in 38 colours, offers a blurring matte finish and contains special oil-absorbing powders to help keep even all skin types free from excess shine. The transfer-resistant and sweat-resistant formula also promises a full 24 hours of wear no matter what your day brings.
Save more while shopping for the best waterproof foundations using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Dior Forever Matte Foundation SPF 15, WAS £45 NOW £38.25, Boots
Why we love it: This long-wear foundation delivers a mattifying finish that’s ideal for everyday wear. In addition to lasting for up to 24 hours, it works hard to nourish skin at the same time. Iris extract offers protection against oxidation, rose extract improves texture, and wild pansy extract boosts hydration. Plus, SPF 15 is a nice bonus.
Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup, £40.23, Amazon
Why we love it: A single layer of this body foundation is enough to cover just about anything. It’s highly buildable, so you can conceal even the darkest spots — even tattoos, blemishes and acne scars. It’s smudge- and transfer-resistant for up to 16 hours, especially when set with your favourite setting powder. And as an added bonus, you’ll gain some extra sun protection wherever you apply this foundation.
Make sure to take a look at our Amazon discount codes to save some money at checkout.
.png)
L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32HR Fresh Wear Foundation, £9.11, Amazon
Why we love it: This affordable drugstore foundation from L'Oreal Paris is an editors' favourite. What's not to love? It has a waterproof formula that's lightweight and breathable, yet is able to offer medium coverage and a natural finish without feeling cakey. One of the best items of waterproof makeup you can get for this value.
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation, WAS £30 NOW £24, Boots
Why we love it: The trending foundation in Rihanna’s line of beauty products comes in a whopping 55 shades, all of which provide medium to full coverage. The formulation also boasts long-lasting pigments and special climate-adaptive technology to fight heat, sweat, and shine all day long.
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, £49, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: For targeted coverage that’s easy to apply on-the-go, try this full-coverage foundation stick. It comes in 32 different tints and provides 12-hour coverage. Plus, the unique triangular shape differentiates this product from others like it, since the corners make it super easy to get into all of the contours of your face — even tight areas like the brow bone. So convenient to bring with you anywhere you go for whenever you need a touch-up.
Enjoy extra savings when shopping for the best waterproof foundations using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Why we love it: This full-coverage foundation has one of the lowest price tags around, but since it functions as both a foundation and a concealer for mature skin, it gets the job done in a single pass. Perfect for reducing the appearance of undereye circles, redness and other skin imperfections.
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.
NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation, £29, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: This full-coverage foundation doesn’t just conceal and smooth on a hot day. The 16-hour-wear formula also contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid to hydrate dry skin and micro algae extract to control shine. Because of this, we recommend this foundation for mature skin.
Enjoy extra savings when shopping for the best waterproof foundations using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, WAS £38.50 NOW £32.73, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation promises to last for 24 hours, despite heat, humidity, and sweat. Still, it’s lightweight and buildable, so you won’t feel weighed down—and you certainly won’t experience caking, settling, or streaking. And shine? What’s that? The matte finish blurs effortlessly.
Save more while shopping for the best waterproof foundations using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation, £62, Pat McGrath
Why we love it: According to TikTok, this is the very foundation that got Taylor Swift through an epic rainstorm during her Eras Tour (and we believe it). This premium foundation works wonders to smooth out skin—almost as if there’s a subtle filter over your face. And even though it doesn’t have quite as much coverage as other formulas, it’s highly buildable to achieve the look you’re going for. Plus, this is what makes the nonclogging product feel so weightless.
MAC Studio Radiance Face And Body Radiant Sheer Foundation, WAS £32 NOW £25.60, Boots
Why we love it: Who doesn't love an ultra-light, waterproof foundation that can help deliver provides a sheer buildable veil of coverage? After all, a radiant glow is always in style, especially on a hot summer day.
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Oil-Free Matte SPF 40, £36.50, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: In addition to sun protection, this oil-free formula offers several skin-loving benefits. It delivers a matte finish, improves your skin texture and even helps reduce the appearance of pores and blemishes. 10/10.
Enjoy extra savings when shopping for the best waterproof foundations using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
