Starr’s Underwater Makeup Guide
Video tutorial coming soon.
Many makeup brands claim to be waterproof, and many of them are completely wrong. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried “waterproof” products, only to be immediately let down by a rainbow of lipstick, eyeshadow, and eyeliner melting right off my face during an underwater photoshoot.
Thankfully, this has led me to try hundreds of different products over time so that hopefully you won’t have to! I’m in no way saying that my recommendations here will 100% work for everyone, because everyone’s skin is different, but I do think these are all worth at least considering if you’re having difficulty finding something.
All products will be linked below, and this list will be updated as I try out new things. Some links are affiliate links, and some are not, but all of these are products that I actively use and vouch for. Products in bold are my holy grails!
Base and Foundation:
I do not recommend using any sort of primer, moisturizer, sunscreen, or skincare under base makeup in order to maximize waterproofing. You can do a hydrating skin routine the night before if you have picky skin like I do - and if you absolutely MUST use a moisturizer, make sure it is water based and not oil based.
L’Oreal Infallible Up To 32H Fresh Wear Foundation - This is the best waterproof foundation that I’ve found so far, out of all the drugstore and high end products I've tried. Even after hours of wear underwater, I’m left with 90-95% of it on my face when I’m done. The shade range is decent, the product does not oxidize on me, and a little bit goes a long way. Comes with SPF 25.
L’Oreal Infallible Setting Spray - I see a lot of mixed opinions on this product, but the bottom line is that this glues my makeup to my face, and that’s literally all I care about. It doesn’t cause any sort of caking or pilling, and makes my finished makeup look very smooth and seamless.
One Size Setting Spray - This is what I recommend to people who don’t like the L’oreal spray. However, I don’t personally find this to be as waterproof as L’Oreal.
L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Powder Foundation - For more coverage if you don’t want to layer on more of the liquid foundation, or to just set your makeup in place, reduce shine, etc.
Covergirl Clean Fresh Pressed Powder - Not a waterproof-specific product but I do like this for setting my makeup or adding a little more coverage.
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush - BLUSH. DOES. NOT. BUDGE. Will not move from my face, especially when paired with the Infallible foundation. A match made in heaven with those two.
Eyes:
Supergoop Shimmershade - The perfect sunscreen/primer/base all-in-one product for eye makeup. I genuinely love this. I’m not sure if it’s designed to be waterproof, but it is.
r.e.m beauty STARLET LUSTROUS LIQUID EYESHADOW - I cannot say enough good things about these. These are TRULY waterproof on my skin. The matte shades blend out beautifully even with just a finger, and act as great primers for eyeshadows that are not specifically waterproof. The shimmer shades are gorgeous and flattering.
HEROINE MAKE by KISSME Brown Mascara Waterproof - I originally found this during a trip to Japan in 2019, and it’s become something I use almost every day. I have very, very stubborn straight eyelashes that refuse to stay curled. Not a problem with this though! And yes, they do have a black version, but I’ve linked the brown because I don’t wear black makeup.
HEROINE MAKE by KISSME Waterproof Eyeliner - Same story regarding the Japan trip. This eyeliner has also become something I use on a regular basis. Does not budge underwater, and has a brush tip for fine details and sharp application. Again, I’ve linked the brown version, but there is a black one.
Nyx Epic Ink Eyeliner - I actually much prefer the brown options here as opposed to HERONE MAKE, but I don’t think this is nearly as waterproof. I can use it in a pinch, and have done so successfully, but it always ends up patchier/flaker by the end of a shoot than the other one. It holds up great on hot days with nasty weather though, and it’s very sweat-proof. So perhaps it’s best saved for shoots where you expect to get wet/damp, but you’re not dunking your whole face.
L’Oreal Infallible Volumizing 24H Brow Mascara - I put this in the same category as the Nyx Epic Ink liner. I do think, out of everything I’ve tried so far, this has the best hold and color payoff, but I have a feeling something better is out there. Again, it’s best for days where you aren’t dunking your face.
e.l.f. Instant Lift Waterproof Brow Pencil - This is a very good waterproof product, but I don’t love how it feels when applying, so I’m in search of something that doesn’t feel so crayon-y. It absolutely works though, and the color payoff is balanced.
Colourpop Super Shock Shadow - This eyeshadow surprised me with how well it stays on underwater. I prefer applying it with a finger over one of the r.e.m. shadows to sort of “fuse” it to an actual waterproof product.
Lips:
Nyx Shine Loud 16hr Lip Gloss - Fabulous. Truly waterproof. Does NOT come off. Excellent color payoff. The only reason why this is not a holy grail product for me is that the colors all look slightly-to-completely different on my lips than they do in the tubes. It’s weird, and I’ve never had that happen with any other full coverage lip product. I’m also not a fan of the packaging as the clear side of the gloss does not stay securely closed. Hopefully these things will be fixed in the future.
Have you tried any of these? Do they work for you, or do you prefer something different? Let us know in the comments!
