If you’ve ever tried to look cute at the pool or beach but always end up leaving looking a little “washed up,” we feel your pain. Sometimes, our makeup moves just can’t withstand the heat and water that comes along with outdoor summer soirées. But with the right products, pool parties don’t have to be a total beauty disaster. You can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing you’re able to put your best face forward and look fab both in and out of the water. This 12-step guide of waterproof wonders will keep you glam from day to night — no matter how much sand, sun or sweat gets in your way.
Step 1: Moisturize
Murad Oil-Control Mattifier ($40): There’s really nothing cute about a greasy, sweaty face — especially when posing for pictures poolside. Luckily, this shine-reducing moisturizer delivers a matte surface instantly, reduces breakouts, protects from the sun and helps control oil for up to eight hours. Really, what doesn’t this mattifier do?
Step 2: Prime It Up
Tarte Clean Slate Poreless 12-hr Perfecting Primer ($31): If you’re looking for a skin-perfecting primer that’s waterproof, minimizes pores, prevents creases, nourishes and softens and protects against the sun’s damaging rays, look no further. Made with natural fruit- and plant-derived extracts like avocado oil, this primer is perfect for any skin type and instantly makes your complexion look more Kardashian-esque. Oh, and the best part? It helps keep makeup in place for up to 12 hours.
Step 3: Conceal
Lancôme Effacernes Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer ($31): If you’re spending more of your time sipping cocktails than sleeping this summer, you need this concealer in your life. Made with a waterproof formula that won’t crease or fade, this under-eye wonder provides a natural-looking coverage, eliminates the signs of fatigue, evens the skin tone, minimizes fine lines and more. See ya later (or hopefully never), dark circles!
Step 4: Cover, Cover, Cover
Shiseido UV Protective Liquid Foundation ($36): Sun protection? Check. Water resistance? Check. Anti-aging benefits? Check. A natural-looking, luminous finish? Quadruple check. This lightweight foundation (that boasts an insane number of benefits) will seriously change your summer. And once you try it, there’s no turning back. Because why would you show up to a pool party with average foundation that will melt right off when you can have gorgeous, glow-y J-Lo skin all night long? Plus, it has SPF 42 and protection against UVA and UVB rays, so you can rest easy knowing your skin is safe from the sun and looking its best. We swear this makeup must-have isn’t too good to be true!
Step 5: Bronzify
Hourglass Superficial Waterproof Bronzer ($45): Unfortunately, not all of us are naturally gifted with Beyoncé’s beautifully bronzed skin, but that doesn’t mean we can’t and won’t fake it all summer long. With this extended-wear, waterproof bronzer that withstands high humidity and extreme moisture, you can show up to the beach with a radiant glow and leave with it too. Trust us, you need this in your beach bag.
Step 6: Make Those Eyes Pop
L’Oréal Infallible 24-hour Eye Shadow ($8): You can hide behind your sunglasses during the day, but once the sun sets and the party starts heating up, you’ll be glad you chose a waterproof shadow (like L’Oréal’s Infallible) that lasts from dusk to dawn. This shimmering, powder-cream shadow is crease-resistant, fade-resistant and boasts color that just doesn’t quit. So take those sunnies off and get ready for an epic summer night free of any eyeshadow touch-ups.
Step 7: Add Some Drama
Stila Stay All-Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($22): A liquid liner that truly lives up to its name? We’re sold! This thin-tipped product glides on smoothly, stays in place without smudging or running and comes in a variety of hot hues like Indigo, Paradise Pink and Emerald. So go ahead and dive in without having to worry about your sexy cat-eye makeup look turning cat-astrophic once it hits the water — we dare you!
Step 8: Lash Out
CoverGirl Exact Eyelights Eye-Brightening Mascara ($9): There’s nothing worse than hopping out of the water and looking in the mirror, only to find that streaks of mascara are running down your cheeks. This summer, don’t let runny lashes get the best of you. Try out CoverGirl’s Eye-Brightening Mascara — a waterproof, volumizing lash-booster that enhances your natural eye color and stays where it’s supposed to.
Step 9: Stay Rosy
Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée ($22): Okay, we admit it — we’re a little coco cray cray (translation: We’re uhb-sessed with drinking coconut water). Why, you ask? It hydrates, moisturizes and adds the perfect glow to our skin. So when we found a blush that’s infused with 50 percent pure coconut water, we almost couldn’t contain ourselves. This buildable, blendable blush hybrid may look like a cream formula, but it gives the long-lasting effect (14 hours!) of a gel stain. And the color options are stunning.
Step 10: Pucker Up
Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge Waterproof Liquid Lip Color ($24): Pool-proof your pout and keep your lips looking luxe with a long-lasting lip color that won’t transfer or fade. With their 15+ head-turning colors to choose from and a creamy, non-sticky texture that glides on effortlessly, Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Rouge lipstick will have you soaking up the sun while still looking fab for Instagram. Pro tip: Purchase a nude or light pink color and only apply a thin layer for a natural, summertime-fresh finish.
Step 11: Set It Right
Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray ($30): The last thing you need while splashing around at a super sexy pool party is a makeup meltdown. But thanks to Urban Decay’s setting spray, you can give your makeup some serious staying power (up to 16 hours, to be exact). Just a couple quick spritzes will help keep foundation, eyeshadow, blush and concealer in place and help prevent cracking, smearing or fading — even in sizzling hot and humid temps.
Step 12: Remove, Rest + Repeat
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($7): So you finally have makeup that withstands water, but there’s one thing you’re missing: a product that actually takes it all off. Because no matter how fab your face looks — even after a day at the pool, no less — sleeping in your makeup is a definite beauty sin. These hydrating facial wipes not only dissolve all traces of dirt, oil and makeup (yes, even the waterproof type), but they also leave the skin feeling soft and conditioned.
What’s your favorite go-to waterproof makeup product? Or which product are you excited to try from this list? Let us know in the comments!
