The Best Waterproof Beauty Buys For Summer

When it comes to long-wear make-up, your base really sets the tone. In warmer weather, you want something that has staying power but still feels lightweight and breathable. The trick is to keep an eye out for oil-free formulas and ingredients like silicones (look for dimethicone on the label), which help create that smooth, long-lasting finish. Water-resistant or sweat-proof claims are always a plus, as that means these formulas have been specifically tested to withstand hot and sweaty conditions. If you have oily or combination skin, something mattifying can also help lock things in.

Foundations like Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation are classics for a reason. It’s been a go-to in my make-up kit for years thanks to its impressive staying power. For a more affordable option, the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Foundation is a brilliant high-street pick that performs like a higher-end product. Finally, if you want your base to look flawless from morning coffee to late-night cocktails, YSL Beauty’s All Hours Foundation has that luxe feel with serious longevity. Just make sure you’re starting with a good primer and setting it with powder or a spray for best results.

Concealer-wise, look for formulas that promise crease-resistance and long-wear – something like Laura Mercier’s Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Concealer, which blends beautifully and stays put throughout the day. If you like a more full-coverage, brightening effect, the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer is fab for covering the under-eyes or blemishes – a little goes a long way.

There’s nothing worse than perfecting your eye make-up in the morning, only to find it halfway down your face by the afternoon. Whether it’s heat, humidity or just a long day ahead, waterproof and long-wear formulas are a must if you want your eyeliner and shadow to actually stay where you put them. Gel-based eyeliner formulas tend to hold up best as they glide on easily but set quickly, and once they’re on, they’re on. One of my all-time favourites is the Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner. It’s creamy, super pigmented and doesn’t budge, even if your eyes get watery or you’re caught in an unexpected downpour. Another one I always come back to is the Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil. It’s iconic for a reason: lots of shades, smooth to apply and it really lasts. Great for tightlining or smudging out for a smoky look that won’t smear halfway through the day.

If you prefer a liquid liner, the Lancôme Idôle Ultra Precise Waterproof Eyeliner gives you that crisp, defined flick with a super fine tip, and it truly stays in place. No flaking or fading – just clean lines all day long. As for eyeshadow, cream sticks are your best bet. I’m obsessed with the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick – swipe it on, blend it out with a finger and you’re good to go. It sets down beautifully and honestly doesn’t move, even on oily lids.

It’s a good idea to use a setting spray as the final step in your make-up routine. Think of it like hairspray but for your face. It helps melt everything together for a more natural finish and adds serious staying power, so your look lasts longer without fading, sliding, or going patchy. For those days (or nights) when you need your make-up to really hold up, the ONESIZE On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray is a total game changer. It’s super mattifying, controls shine like nothing else and is basically bulletproof – ideal for long events, nights out or when you just need your face to stay flawless.

If you’re after something more affordable but still effective, the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3 Second Setting Mist is a fab drugstore option. It’s quick, lightweight and gives that soft, just-set finish without feeling heavy or sticky. And for those who need make-up to survive through anything – photoshoots, weddings, hot lights – Krylon’s Fixer Spray is a pro favourite. It’s been used backstage and on film sets for years, and it means business. Once it’s on, your make-up isn’t going anywhere.

Always make sure you’re spraying in an even mist from a good distance (around arm’s length) and let it dry naturally – no fanning. You can even use a light layer between base steps (like after foundation, before powder) for an extra-locked-in finish.

Waterproof mascaras are essential in the summer when the heat, humidity or just long hours can turn your usual mascara into a smudgy mess. The right formula will hold a curl, resist sweat and tears, and keep your lashes looking lifted from morning to night. One I keep coming back to is the YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Waterproof Mascara. It delivers major drama and volume without flaking or sliding, but somehow still feels weightless on the lashes.

Beauty Pie’s Waterproof Mascara is another great all-rounder that gives lashes a natural lift with buildable volume, and doesn’t smudge, clump or flake even after a full day on the go. Also, the Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara is perfect if you have sensitive eyes or wear contacts. It gives lovely definition and fullness but feels gentle and non-irritating, plus it actually stays put without making lashes feel stiff or brittle. Finally, if you’re after a brilliant high-street option, Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky-High Waterproof Mascara gives gorgeous length and separation, and the flexible brush makes it easy to reach every single lash. 

Once your base is sorted and everything’s locked in, a bit of colour on the lips and cheeks can make you look instantly fresher and more pulled together. The key is picking the right formulas that won’t slide off or fade an hour in. Creamy textures, tint formulas and anything with a balmy-but-matte finish are the way to go.

A new formula that I’m loving is the VIEVE Lip Tint Poutder. It’s really unique: a lip tint and powder hybrid that goes on silky and leaves behind a soft, blurred stain that actually lasts. It’s great if you love that effortless, diffused lip look with zero fuss. For cheeks, the Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge Velvet Matte is such a solid pick. It’s creamy but not sticky, dries down to a velvety matte finish, and gives the most natural flush. You can build it up or keep it soft, and it doubles up as a lip colour too. Finally, there’s the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed. I’m obsessed with this formula and honestly it is so worth the hype. It melts into skin like a balm but sets down with a slightly powdery, blurring finish. Ideal if you want something that won’t budge.

Wearing waterproof and long-wear make-up is brilliant but it also means you need to be committed to taking it off properly. Skipping a thorough cleanse can lead to clogged pores, irritation or breakouts, so this is where double cleansing comes in. The idea is simple: start with an oil-based cleanser or balm to break down all that long-wear make-up, SPF and daily grime, then follow up with a second cleanse to actually clean your skin. 

For that first step, an oil cleanser like the Eve Lom Cleansing Oil is lightweight but effective, and leaves skin feeling nourished, not stripped. I also love the Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil for a similar vibe; it melts make-up away in seconds and is super gentle around the eyes. If you’re more into balms, the Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm works a treat to break down even the most stubborn mascara and foundation. For eye make-up specifically, especially waterproof liner and mascara, the Lancôme Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover is a tried-and-true classic. It’s dual-phase, so you give it a shake and it whisks away make-up without tugging or stinging. Budget-wise, Garnier’s Oil-Infused Micellar Cleansing Water is a brilliant drugstore option. Super gentle, does the job and it’s great for sensitive skin too.

Once all that’s gone, follow up with a second cleanser to clean your skin properly. The Skin Rocks Gel Cleanser is lush, fresh, non-stripping and gives you that satisfying clean-skin feeling without drying you out. Trust me, your skin will thank you for taking the time to remove your make-up properly, especially when you're using products that are made to stick.

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