8 Waterproof Makeup Products That Will Not Budge

Beauty is full of gimmicks, don’t get us wrong (unicorn essence, anyone?), but waterproof makeup shouldn’t be chalked up as one of them. Designed to withstand everything from splashes to sweat to seriously long days, they’re the Bravehearts of beauty. In short, nothing’s going to get in their way and ruin a perfectly good face of makeup.

But You're Not Going Anywhere Near Water

We see the predicament, but don’t be put off by the “waterproof” tagline. Instead, read it as durable, long-lasting and non-smudgeable. Now you’ve got your head around that bit, get ready for it to change your week—neigh, life. Need to slot in a quick gym session between work and bar? These products ensure you won’t have to start afresh after your power presses. Become emotional at your cousin’s wedding? Your flawless game face isn’t giving anything away when you bump into Uncle John at the buffet. No smears here, thanks.

Oh, and did we mention they’re fantastic on a hangover day when beads of espresso martini-fuelled sweat start threatening to scupper your almost sober façade?

What Makes Them Different From Normal Makeup?

The main variant between your mascara that runs and your mascara that doesn’t is the extra polymers and silicones that have been added. Creating a protective film on the surface of the makeup, they simply improve the resilience of the products. Let’s take Make Up For Ever. The brand adds an acrylic polymer to its formulas that are known for being hydrophobic, and hey, presto—even water babies won’t have to shun Bambi lashes. How do we know? Because MUFE got synchronized swimmers to test them.

But You Do Need to Know This

Just two things to flag up about these waterproof wonders… You need to work quickly. By the time these formulas dry, they’re not going anywhere, so, whatever you do, don't decide halfway through a cat-eye flick that you’ve changed your mind. The same principle applies if you’re etching out a bold lip or using brights on the eyes.

This leads us onto the second waterproof proviso: removal tactics. While it’s great that there’s no chance of your foundation or brow pencil running, you still want to get it off at the end of the day. Go for oil-based cleansers that dissolve the steadfast silicones and break down the pigments so you can wipe them away easily. Don’t be surprised if you need a double cleanse, either. And while it might mean more time spent at the sink come bedtime, it beats endless reapplications and panics about mascara runs as you shimmy out of the sea any day.

L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara $10.00

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The only difference between this and the original mascara is the fact this it’s waterproof, so you don’t have to sacrifice those curled-up lashes just because you’re off to a festival forecasting rain, wind, and showers.

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Color Paint $25.00

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With its extra silicones and mango butter oil, this slides across lids and stays put for long-lasting, crease-free coverage. In colors that pop, your eye makeup won’t mess up whether your head’s above or below water level.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Magic Marc’er Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner $30.00

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In shiny black or deep chocolate brown, this tapered nib means you can get right up to the lashes to give you a pro finish line that won’t flake or smudge after a few hours.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye $26.00

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Under and around the eyes needs serious attention at all times, especially when it’s warm, and makeup can start to crease and crack into any lines. A full-coverage concealer that won’t budge, this also contains antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to fight ageing.

Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick $22.00

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Highly pigmented, comfy on the lips and long-lasting, if you’re someone who’s never without a full-impact lip, this will survive workouts, beach parties and brunches on the trot. Also available in nudes for lower-key occasions.

Benefit KA-Brow $24.00

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One area people always forget to weatherproof is their brow's which is crazy because they’re the main sweat barriers between forehead and face and at high risk from makeup runs. This cream-gel keeps arches intact at all times.

Rimmel Natural Bronzer $4.00

Boasting SPF and waterproof credentials, this is one of those products that you’ll just keep coming back to. It gives skin a warm and natural glow and it doesn’t need constant top-ups.