How to Waterproof Your Foundation for Sweat Sessions and Pool Days

There may be nothing more disheartening than seeing all the work you’ve put into your makeup melt away on a hot, sweaty day. If you anticipate high temperatures or getting caught in the rain, using a sweat-proof or waterproof foundation can help ensure your look holds up. But there’s more that you can do to help keep your makeup intact, too, including choosing the right primer and setting your makeup properly.

Here, we’ll introduce you to our best foundation for hot weather, which is sweat-proof, heat-proof, and budge-proof. Then, we’ll explain what you can do to waterproof your makeup look so it stays put, even on the stickiest summer days. Find all the details below.

What Type of Foundation Is Good for Sweaty Skin?

The best foundations for sweaty skin should tick a few boxes. First, and most importantly, it should be sweat-proof. Sweat-proof foundation is designed to withstand a bit of sweat, so you can apply it and not worry about it running off or turning patchy when temperatures rise.

Secondly, sweat-proof makeup should be lightweight. Since sweating is our bodies’ way of dissipating excess heat, it would stand to reason that heavy makeup might stand in the way of that. Keep in mind that lightweight doesn’t have to mean sheer: there are plenty of lightweight full-coverage foundations on the market (we’ll give you the scoop on our favorites shortly).

Finally, sweating can make your skin look shiny—which may not be ideal if you’re already on the oilier side. So when choosing a sweat-proof foundation, it may be a good idea to seek out formulas with a natural or matte finish rather than a more luminous finish to help keep your skin looking fresh.

Our Best Sweat-Proof Foundations

If you’re heading to the beach or pool and need a foundation that’ll hold up throughout the day, consider reaching for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 32 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation. The sweat-resistant foundation is lightweight and breathable and provides buildable medium-to-full coverage so you can tailor your look to your liking. Plus, as the name suggests, it offers up to 32 hours of transfer-resistant wear. It also contains SPF 25 to help protect your skin from the sun.

Choose from one of 40 shades and apply the breathable formula with the tool of your choosing. Blending with a foundation brush will yield a more full-coverage finish, but if you’d like a slightly more natural look, you can also use a dampened beauty sponge. No matter which approach you choose, you’ll get long-lasting wear with a fresh, healthy-looking finish.

If you favor a matte finish, you can also try a powder foundation, such as L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder. This full-coverage waterproof foundation is a great pick for oily skin, as it helps mattify without leaving the skin looking dry or cakey. The long-wearing formula is also heat-proof and sweat-proof, making it ideal for sweaty summer days. And, it’s non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. Use the included applicator sponge to pat the breathable formula onto your face for a blurred matte finish that wears for up to 24 hours.

How to Waterproof Your Makeup

Unsurprisingly, using a waterproof or water-resistant foundation is the best way to ensure your makeup stands up to sweaty, rainy, or humid conditions. But there are other ways to shield your makeup from the elements, too.

After completing your makeup—whether it be a no-makeup makeup look or a full glam face—mist your face generously with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist. This microfine setting spray can help keep all of your face, eye, and lip makeup in place in sweaty conditions. After shaking the can thoroughly, hold it 12 inches away—while keeping your eyes and mouth closed—and mist in a circular motion. The lightweight formula dries instantly and offers up to 36 hours of sweat-resistant, water-resistant, and smudge-resistant wear without creasing or caking. Plus, it won’t leave behind a white cast or droplets—just a long-lasting, natural glowy finish.

In addition to setting your makeup, here are a few things you can do to help extend the life of your look:

• Always wash and moisturize your face before applying makeup. Having a clean, even base can help ensure your makeup goes on smoothly.
• Use a long-lasting makeup primer to help grip your makeup in place. We’re fans of the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Matte Setter, which instantly reduces excess shine and helps extend makeup wear for up to 24 hours.
• Opt for brushes and other applicators instead of applying your waterproof foundation with your fingertips to avoid transferring more oil from your fingers to your face. Wash said applicators with warm soap and water every seven to 10 days to remove leftover dirt, oil, or product residue.
• Avoid touching your face—the oils and warmth from your fingers can disrupt your makeup. If you find your skin looking shinier than you’d like, you can use blotting papers to help absorb excess oil without disrupting your makeup.

How To Remove Waterproof Foundation

Waterproof foundation and other waterproof makeup products are designed to hold up when wet—so removing waterproof makeup often requires a bit more than lathering up with your usual facial cleanser and water.

We’re fans of the double cleansing technique. This viral cleansing method involves washing your face once with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve waterproof makeup, then cleansing again with a water-based cleanser to help remove dirt, excess oil, and other impurities.

To ensure a thorough cleanse, we suggest opting for a facial cleanser that also removes makeup, such as the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser. The nourishing formula provides gentle exfoliation and helps remove all traces of impurities, including dirt, excess oil, and makeup. Plus, it helps promote a brighter, smoother-looking complexion with regular use. Alternatively, try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser. It contains glycolic acid and salicylic acid and removes impurities (including makeup) without drying out the skin. Remember to always follow up your double cleanse with plenty of moisture to help keep your skin hydrated, smooth, and ready for your next makeup application.

Next Up: How to Apply Makeup on Oily Skin and Make It Last