10 Best Makeup Artist-Approved Drugstore Waterproof Foundations – 2024
Non-comedogenic and oil-free, these affordable foundations are perfect for every skin.
Elizabeth HickmanHair & Makeup Artist
Elizabeth Hickman is a hair and makeup artist in Southern California with over 15 years experience in styling people for weddings and special events. She believes in the ‘less is more’ concept and focuses on enhancing the natural beauty... more
srijita deMA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
rajeshwari dasMA (Journalism & Mass Communication)
Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from th... more
srijani roy chowdhuryMA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
Image: From Shutterstock
Retouching your makeup frequently is hectic, but it seems unavoidable in summers when you sweat more or have oily skin. Greasiness and sweat can ruin your makeup in a matter of minutes. This is why you need the best drugstore waterproof foundation that makes your makeup grease-free and doesn’t require touch-ups. Such foundations offer enhanced beauty by keeping your makeup intact, providing good coverage, and controlling shine all day. The waterproof formulae offer exceptional results to make the foundation long-wearing, providing full coverage that can withstand the summer sweat. They give a breathable texture and are ideal for travelers and working women. These foundations are available in flattering shades that suit all skin types.
For your convenience, you will find the 10 best foundations formulated to match every skin tone that goes shine-free, grease-free, and blends well. These drugstore foundations will become your go-to after just one use! Check them out below!
In This Article
10 Best Drugstore Waterproof Foundations For That Envy-Worthy Matte Finish
1. Best Overall:Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation – 200 Nude
This summer let your skin breathe with this lightweight liquid foundation. With a 24-hour long-wear guarantee, this drugstore waterproof makeup has a breathable oil-free formula that’ll stay put until you want it to. It is available in a matte formulation to be suitable for combination and oily skin. A great option for office-goers and travelers, the foundation leaves a glowing matte finish minus the shine and greasiness. Infused with natural skincare ingredients such as mallow extract, lily bulb extract, and silk, the foundation nourishes the skin from within. And as for protection from the harmful sun and UV rays, it has broad-spectrum SPF 15, so you can skip the extra sunscreen layer for a light and natural makeup experience. What’s more is that it is available in a wide range of shades to match your skin perfectly well. Several reviewers attest that it’s transfer-proof and will not stain your mask too! Watch this video for more information about a tester’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Buildable coverage
- Humidity-proof
- Sweat-resistant
- Medium-full coverage
- Available in 43 shades
- Suitable for combination and oily skin
Cons
- Contains paraben
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 16,911 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
2. Best Long-Wearing:Nyx Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation – Soft Beige
With this full-coverage waterproof foundation in your beauty arsenal, nothing can stop you from enjoying some sunshine. Step out confidently and watch your skin glow with a stunning matte and natural finish. Although many skip full-coverage foundations due to a heavy or cakey feeling, this makeup product with its creamy texture, will make you feel otherwise with its shine-free and lightweight formula. Suitable for normal, oily, and sensitive skin types and available in a wide shade range, its high-pigmented and creamy formula also conceals blemishes and will not clog pores. The product is also not tested on animals, making it an ideal cruelty-free option. This video showcasing a reviewer’s experience will help you know more about the product.
Pros
- Blemish-covering
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Transfer-proof
- Non-comedogenic
- 24-hour long-wear
- Available in 45 flattering shades
Cons
- May not come off easily
"This foundation lends my skin a matte finish that lasts for hours. The formula does not irritate my skin or cause flakiness. It controls my skin’s excess shine and reduces sebum production. It feels lightweight on my skin."
Quick Tip3. Best Oil-Control:Phoera Liquid Matte Foundation – 102 Nude – Set of 2
Are you airbrushing your blemishes in the selfies? You can stop immediately once you get your hands on this long-lasting drugstore foundation, available in a range of shades to suit fair to darker skin tones. The Phoera Liquid Matte Foundation corrects uneven skin tone and hides all the conspicuous blemishes with a soft matte finish, light skin texture, and flawless full coverage. With every use, it leaves a natural, smooth, and commercial-worthy glow that also moisturizes and protects the skin with infused skin-loving key ingredients like pineapple and guarana extracts. A great choice to conceal acne marks, redness, dark circles, and more, the foundation is also waterproof and shine-free, helping you achieve a photogenic look. Ethically-conscious reviewers also recommend this product as it is free of animal testing. Check out this video to know more about a tester’s experience with this product.
Pros
- Blends easily
- Even tone
- Oil-controlling
- Concealing benefits
- Flawless camouflage
- Lightweight foundation
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Some may find the consistency slightly thick
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 15,047 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
| Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation - 200 Nude Best Overall | Nyx Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Full Coverage Foundation - Soft Beige Best Long-Wearing | Phoera Liquid Matte Foundation - 102 Nude - Set of 2 Best Oil-Control | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | CombinationColor | AllColor | AllColor |
| Dimensions | 1.25 x 1.25 x 4.13 inches | 1.21 x 1.21 x 4.6 inches | 3.74 x 1.26 x 1.26 inches |
| Weight | 3.7 Ounces | 3.84 Ounces | 3.84 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 16,911 | 12,851 | 15,047 |
| Price | $10.19 | $9.16 | $14.99 |
4. Best Sun Protection:COVERGIRL Outlast Active Foundation – Fair Ivory
If you are looking for superior sun protection in your makeup, this waterproof foundation with SPF 20 is a must-try this season. Don’t let the sunshine dull your confidence. Prep your skin for summer with Covergirl’s flawless coverage and sun protection combo. It is non-comedogenic and will not clog your pores or trigger acne and breakouts. Just what you need if your skin type is oily or acne-prone, this long-lasting foundation is also sweat-proof.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Cruelty-free
- Humidity-proof
- Transfer-proof
- 24-hour long-wear
- Available in 16 shades
Cons
- Some may find it slightly sticky
"I love this foundation as it never clogs my pores. The formula stays in place on my skin without smearing or transferring onto my clothes. I can blend it nicely on my skin to achieve my desired level of coverage. It lends my skin a satin finish. It also never settles between my lines or makes me sweat."
5. Best Transfer-Resistant:Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation – 0.5
As the name suggests, this one will deliver an all-nighter glow on your skin with its imperfection-hiding, waterproof capability, and revolutionary formula. Get ready to wow and be wowed by this waterproof matte foundation as it beautifully blurs imperfections under the light with its highly-pigmented full-coverage formula. And since it is waterproof, sweat-resistant, and long-wear, you can forget about touch-ups too! Reviews on online forums vouch that this foundation leaves a flawless matte-but-not-flat finish and controls grease and shine too.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- High coverage
- Transfer-resistant
- Little goes a long way
- Oily and combination skin types
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Quick Tip6. Best Waterproof:Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup – Pebble Cool
Don’t mind shelling out some dough for a luxe formula? Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Foundation is the glow-getter your skin deserves! A great choice for workaholics or if you dislike touch-ups, this dermatologist-tested, multi-purpose foundation will stay put all day while blurring imperfections, controlling grease, and that unwanted tacky shine. And that’s not all; it contains SPF 10 to provide sun protection too. Comfortable on the skin and promising a natural and flawless makeover with extra coverage, this drugstore foundation is also waterproof and suitable for all skin types.
Pros
- Buildable coverage
- Matte finish
- All-day wear
- Transfer-resistant
- 24-hour long-wear
- Award-winning formula
- Medium to full coverage
- Corrects uneven skin tone
Cons
- Expensive
7. Best Satin Finish:Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick – Nude
Unlike many hard-to-blend foundation sticks on the market, this one will make you a fan of its revolutionary formula. It is smooth as a liquid, light as a powder, and delivers coverage like a concealer, all in one go! Just what you need to make your on-the-go makeup session easy and quick, this waterproof foundation stick has become a must-have for many reviewers for its concentrated formula that blends seamlessly to deliver a stunning airbrushed look. With the wide range of shades, you can easily find your perfect match. And to top it all, it is not tested on animals and free from harmful chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, fragrances, nanoparticles, and synthetic dyes. Still, want to stick to a liquid foundation?
Pros
- Vegan
- Satin finish
- Non-messy
- Full coverage
- 12-hour long-wear
- Corrects discolorations
- Available in 32 shades
Cons
- Expensive
"This stick foundation is easy to apply. It offers full coverage for my imperfections. I like that it even reduces my redness. The formula stays put for hours without caking up. It layers well on top of my moisturizer. It does not irritate my skin or make me sweat profusely."
8. Best Humidity-Proof:Cargo Cosmetics Swimmables Longwear Foundation – 10 (Neutral Light)
Be it rain, sweat, or tears, this natural coverage makeup will stay put on your skin like a stunning shield! With fresh, ultra-fluid, and long-lasting texture, you can put your best face forward in those summer selfies confidently, flaunting your perfect skin. And its water-resistant power is no joke. You can take a dip into the pool or walk in the rain if you like; the makeup will stay intact flawlessly. Moreover, many reviewers attest that the texture melts and blends on the skin to leave a natural-looking and youthful glow.
Pros
- Weightless
- Transfer-proof
- Humidity-proof
- Buildable coverage
- Contains fruit extracts
Cons
- Not available in many shades
"This foundation feels lightweight on my skin. It improves my skin’s texture and enhances its glow. The formula spreads well on my skin and resists excessive sebum production. I like that it never irritates my skin or causes redness."
9. Best Oil-Free:MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation
What’s unique about this waterproof foundation by MAC that is used by professional makeup artists? Many things! Firstly, it repels moisture on the outside and keeps the skin hydrated on the inside, all at the same time. So, if you are dealing with excess greasiness or dullness, this dermatologist-tested, hydrating foundation will nourish your skin with instant hydration while preventing sweat or external moisture from ruining your look. Sounds interesting? There’s more. The weightless foundation is long-wear and provides medium coverage so that you can use it as a concealer to correct uneven skin tone and hide all the imperfections.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Satin finish
- Non-acnegenic
- Buildable coverage
- Dermatologist-tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Cons
- Slightly expensive
10. Best Buildable:SeneGence MakeSense Foundation
Not just beauty, SeneGence MakeSense Foundation has skin-caring, anti-aging, and long-lasting color benefits too. Like a mechanical shield to protect your skin with every use, it tackles aging signs, repairs skin, and leaves a radiant appearance with a dewy finish even after makeup removal. And are you dealing with blemishes or uneven skin tone? If yes, you must try this waterproof foundation for its tone-perfecting and flawless finish. And the best takeaway— the formula is breathable and summer-friendly!
Pros
- Oil-free
- Buildable
- Blends easily
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- It may not conceal enlarged pores as effectively as expected.
"My skin looks dewy and radiant, thanks to this foundation. It does not weigh down my skin. I love that it masks my fine lines. It never cakes up on my face and transfers onto my clothes. I use a small amount of this foundation and it is enough for achieving full coverage. I can also remove the foundation easily."
Stay glam this summer without sweat, stickiness, or unwanted touch-ups! There you go, those were the 10 best drugstore waterproof foundations of 2024 for you. If you’ve never used a waterproof foundation before, check out our buying guide below for some tips and tricks.
How To Use A Waterproof Foundation?
The steps to apply a waterproof foundation are similar to any other foundation out there. Dot the liquid foundation carefully all over your face and neck areas, and with a beauty blender or brush, blend it gently in all directions until the foundation looks smooth and natural. Besides this, you must wear a powerful sunscreen or pick a foundation with SPF for superior sun protection. Makeup artist Elizabeth Hickman says, “Wearing a setting spray will really help your makeup last longer.” Also, waterproof foundations don’t come off with ease. You must also use a waterproof makeup remover and follow a double cleansing routine for the best experience.
The Bottom Line
When choosing the right type of foundation for your skin, we tend to look for waterproof formulations because they have a higher coverage level, provide long-lasting wear, and control shine all day. For oily and combination skin, pick the Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation – 200 Nude offers medium to full coverage and is suitable for all skin types. The Nyx Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation – Soft Beige is a good option for those with oily skin types. The Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup – Pebble Cool is a highly regarded foundation known for its long-lasting coverage and natural finish. With the best drugstore waterproof foundations, you will not require frequent touch-ups. The reviewed options are expertly crafted to be oil-free, sweat-resistant, and are available in multiple shades to match your skin tone. Irrespective of the skin type, waterproof foundations are a must-have for all as they keep the moisture out without compromising your stunning glow and keep the skin healthy. We recommend you use a loose translucent powder after applying your foundation to keep your makeup in place all day long. Also, opt for a dermatologist-tested or expert recommended waterproof foundation if you have sensitive skin. Remember to conduct a patch test before applying the foundation to check for skin irritations.
Why Trust Stylecraze
The author, Srijita De, is a makeup buff and understands the significance of having a waterproof foundation on every woman’s beauty shelf. She has extensively researched and analyzed numerous reviews to narrow down on the best waterproof foundations listed in this article. These products have oil-free and long-wearing formulae and can withstand summer sweat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim with a waterproof foundation on?
Yes, you can swim with a waterproof foundation on. These foundations usually have a silicon-based polymer, dimethicone, that keeps them budging when exposed to water.
How long does a waterproof foundation last?
Usually, if the foundation is liquid then you can use it for 18 months. If it’s a powder, mineral-based foundation, then you can use it for 24 months. However, it’s always wise to check the expiration date on the label of the product and use it accordingly.
How do you remove waterproof foundation?
You can remove the foundation with micellar water or an oil-based, milk-based, or bi-phased cleanser. They are stubborn compared to regular foundations.
Is a waterproof foundation good for use in summer?
Yes, wear a waterproof foundation to keep your makeup look intact even through a sweaty day.
Should the waterproof foundation be lighter or darker than your skin?
If you are using a foundation only, choose one that matches your skin color exactly. However, if you plan to use contour and bronzer as well, go a shade lighter.
