I’m going to be honest with you: the original concept of this story was “pool-proof makeup,” but my daily commute has gotten so humid that I basically feel like I’m swimming to work every day anyway. There’s nothing more depressing than arriving at the office to discover that three-quarters of your masterful face of makeup has all been melted/smudged to the point that you’re tempted to redo your entire face at 9:30 am. So I’ve redirected my focus from just plain waterproof makeup to something even better for August: sweat proof.
Listen, I’m not a very high-maintenance woman (especially for a beauty editor!). I don’t need a ton of makeup on at all times to be able to face the world, but when the weather is sweltering and I’m sticky and smelly, a little makeup goes a long way toward making me feel like I’m myself, despite the heat wave. Whether I’m commuting, strolling on the weekend, or lounging by the pool, a touch of makeup keeps me feeling fresh — the key is to pick the right products. I rounded up a few of the best waterproof makeup products on the market, so whether you wouldn’t be caught dead without lipstick or just really want to have fabulous brows in the 95-degree heat, you’ll be set to go. Check out my picks, and let me know: what are your dead-of-summer beauty essentials?
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
This is one of those beauty products that made me go “oooohhh….” when I saw it. This is a velvety liquid-powder in solid form that is waterproof and wears for ten hours—and how cool is that packaging. Swipe this on, blend, and your skin will be picture-perfect, even after braving the subway.
Max Factor Masterpiece Max Water Proof Mascara 805 Velvet Black
I firmly believe that every woman should have a good waterproof mascara in her arsenal, even if it does’t really seem to be her “thing.” This one is a great pick: it’s volumizing, waterproof, and is even proven to be gentle enough for contact lens wearers.
Aqua-Print Eyeshadow by Terry in #6 Violet Vibes
I couldn’t get over how sleek and summer-perfect these shadow sticks were—and don’t you feel like the deep violet or cerulean blue would look totally awesome poolside as eyeliner?
High Impact Custom Black Kajal Eyeliner by Clinique
For a more classic look, try this pencil from Clinique: it’s formulated to resist the ear of sweat, humidity, water.
Ka-Brow! Cream Gel Eyebrow Color by Benefit
I love a strong brow, and I have some friends who are so obsessed with their arches that actually carry their brow makeup around with them during the day for touch-ups. No need with this cream-gel eyeliner: apply it once, and leave it at home. This little guy lasts all day!
Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Wear Waterproof Concealer
If you’re not the type to wear a full face of foundation, I encourage you to get a waterproof, heavily-pigmented into your makeup bag, stat: you can apply as little or as much as you like, all over the face or in target areas, and rest assured that your base won’t budge.
Liquid Lipstick by Anastasia Beverly Hills
Finally, every girl deserves to have one awesome, sexy summer lip shade that will wow at the beach to hot at night. I love this formula in “spicy” which is the perfect, not-too-dark summer red.
