No matter your skin type or how much make-up you wear, concealers are a must. They’re easy to use and cover a range of sins from inflammation to under-eye bags, so you’re going to want one at hand! What you don’t want is to have to re-apply throughout the day. And who doesn’t hate the rain ruining their makeup? So today we’ll run down the best waterproof concealers on the market.
We’ve handpicked this list with a focus on the best waterproof concealers. So have a pen and paper at the ready, and by the end of this article, you’ll have a much better idea of what waterproof concealer is right for you.
Before we start though, ask yourself this: how do you like to apply concealer, and what do you want it to do? After all, they’re all packaged in different ways, and some give more extra benefits than others.
Some Tips on Picking a Concealer
Do you use lots of brushes and tools, or do you just pat on some concealer with your finger? If you top up your concealer on the go, let’s say, you might want something easier to manage than a tube. In that case, opt for something with a little applicator stick. Also ask whether you want your concealer to simply do its job, or if you want it to have some added benefits. If you want your concealer to have some hydrating or anti-ageing benefits, for instance, go with something that includes hyaluronic acid / sodium hyaluronate or collagen boosting ingredients.
Also think about your skin-type. If you have dry skin, go for something hydrating, and if you have oily/combination skin go for something lighter. A few of the concealers mentioned in this article are actually oil-free, so look out for those if you want to avoid gunking up your pores!
Anyway, without further ado, here is a cherry-picked list of waterproof concealers we think you’ll love.
Our Hand-Picked Best Waterproof Concealers
1. Dermablend Cover Care
This concealer strikes a great balance between affordability and quality. It gives a lovely matte finish and comes in a great range of shades too, making it accessible for everyone, from the deepest to the fairest of skin tones. On top of that, its formula is fragrance and alcohol-free! Which makes it suitable even for those with reactive or sensitive skin.
Indeed, as the brand name suggests, this concealer is designed not only to work but to be kind to your dermis. The brand was created by dermatologists, in fact, so you know you’re in safe, well-moisturized hands with this one.
As this concealer comes with an angled pad for precise application, it’s easier to use than some of its competitors which come in squeezy tubes. This packaging means it’s easier to see when you’ve started to run out too!
2. Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer
Trusted for years by make-up artists and regular consumers alike, the Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer lives up to its name. It’s purse-sized at 6 fl.oz., but the slightly runnier consistency means a little goes a long way and its strong pigment will last you well throughout the day.
Due to its liquid consistency, it mixes well with other products. So if you want to mix it with another shade, or even a primer, you’re good to go.
Expert Advice: Mixing shades or swapping one out for another might be necessary sometimes even if a shade originally suited you. After all, our skin color changes slightly throughout the year due to factors such as sun exposure!
Last but not least, this is a great product if you’re interested in “clean beauty”. It’s paraben-free, sulfate-free, and hasn’t been tested on animals.
3. Bareminerals Barepro Concealer
This is easily one of the best waterproof concealers for on the go. Its lipstick-style application makes it a breeze to use and its soft texture glides wonderfully onto the skin. Two seconds and you’re done!
Moreover, this concealer’s ingredient list is skincare-conscious, including some great skin-protecting, antioxidant plant extracts. The star of the formula though is probably bamboo stem extract, which boosts collagen production and reduces irritation.
If you’re a busy person with no time to spare, but you want your beauty regime to be gentle on your skin, this is the concealer for you.
4. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination Anti-Aging Concealer
Perhaps the best drugstore waterproof concealer with anti-aging benefits in the mid-range market, this little number is great if you want your concealer to do double duty. Its youthifying formula contains not only collagen but also hyaluronic acid to help plump and hydrate the skin.
For the uninitiated, hyaluronic acid is a humectant. This means it draws water from the environment – the air around you, for example! – and keeps it there. So while anyone can use this product, it’s perfect for dry or ageing skin in need of some TLC.
According to Cult Beauty, this concealer is ‘designed to look great on the camera’ too. So if you need to whisk off to a film premiere or your friend takes an unexpected candid photo, this concealer has got your back.
5. TOM FORD Waterproof Foundation and Concealer
When you hear the name Tom Ford, you know you’re getting a quality product. And sometimes quality is just what you deserve!
If you’re seeking next-level coverage for a perfected complexion, look no further than this TOM FORD waterproof concealer that doubles as a foundation. Few concealers provide such reliable wear while retaining a silky, non-claggy consistency. And this product will definitely save you time in the morning by functioning as two steps in one.
The formula includes the much sought after ingredient sodium hyaluronate too, which will help give your skin a boost of moisture that’ll last throughout the day. Overall, a really winning product.
6. Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Full Coverage Concealer
Urban Decay’s All Nighter Concealers are snazzily packaged, formulated to a trusted standard, and they’re cruelty-free! Oh, and they have the staying power to last for a whole 24 hours. What’s not to love?
Urban Decay has a largely young, alternative audience. And so, they’ve formulated this concealer to be a reliable waterproof coverup even for tattoos. Sound far fetched? Here’s a link to a page where you can see the All Nighter concealer in action!
The packaging makes this drugstore favorite easy to apply too. Thanks to its angled paddle for quick application, there’s no need for a brush or beauty blender. And if you’re halfway to work when you realize you’ve forgotten your concealer, you don’t have to get it all over your hands!
7. Estee Lauder Double Wear Waterproof All Day Extreme Wear Concealer
This higher-end concealer boasts a creamy consistency and a streakless, creaseless finish. Its trusted and true waterproof formula makes it perfect for when you’ll be working up a sweat in the gym or in the boardroom. It’ll stay firmly in place without drying in any situation.
Also, (unlike most concealers on this list) this creates a finish that’s glowy rather than matte despite being oil-free. This makes it great for the winter months or any time when you feel your skin is dry or in need of some glow.
Remember, this is a creamy liquid formula. This makes it potentially messier, but also buildable. So if you don’t want a concealer that’ll be too heavy on the skin, and you feel like treating yourself, give it a go!
8. Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof 12-Hour Perfect Concealer
You’ve got to love this Tart concealer’s stylish lip-stick container. It’s designed to eliminate the need for a brush, making it one of the easiest products on this list to use. And its creamy, easy to blend formula makes it, even more, user friendly.
One thing to watch out for is that sticks like this can harbor bacteria from touching your face. But as long as your face is clean between uses you’ll be fine! It’s made to last for 12 hours at a time anyway, so you shouldn’t need to touch up.
Many products claiming to be the best waterproof concealer have formulas created to last for 16 to 24 hours. But how often do you actually wear your makeup for that long!? For the average person, looking for reliable coverage at a drugstore price, Tarte has you, well, covered. It’s also oil-free! So it won’t clog those precious pores.
9. L’Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Matte Concealer
Another great concealer for on the go, L’Oreal Paris’ waterproof wonder is available in 25 shades. While not as crease-proof as more luxury options, this is one of the best drugstore concealers offering 24 hour coverage. You’ll love this particularly if you like your concealers to have a thicker consistency.
The doe-foot applicator is really easy to use and holds a lot of product. But if you’re buying this concealer for its thick texture and heavy coverage, then that’s exactly what you’re looking for!
10. Make Up For Ever Extreme Camouflage Cream
This oil free concealer from Make Up For Ever promises to cover the darkest of freckles and even tattoos. Its formulation is particularly good if you have oily or combination skin, but won’t be too drying on parched skin either!
Importantly, for all skin types, this concealer will stay firmly put all day and won’t dissolve with sweat. In addition, it dries faster than many of its competitors so you don’t have to worry about it smudging as you apply the rest of your make-up or transferring to clothes.
On the upper-end of drugstore prices, this tube-container concealer needs to give bang for its buck. And don’t worry about that! Despite its slightly thicker consistency, a little goes a long way.
Honorable Mentions
If your brain can deal with any more options at this point, check out these products too!
11. Catrice Liquid Camouflage High Coverage Concealer
This lightweight option is oil, paraben, and cruelty-free!
Related: Top Rated Cruelty-Free Concealers
12. Maybelline New York Super Stay Full Coverage Under-Eye Concealer
The unique packaging of this concealer means you can apply it with the in-built applicator stick, OR squeeze it from the tube onto your beauty blender!
13. Dermaflage Waterproof Concealer Cream
Check out this concealer if you want packaging that’s transportable and water-tight, as it comes in a neat little screw-top container! It also claims to stay put without a setting powder.
14. Sace Lady Full Cover Concealer
While the Sace Lady color range is limited, we love the pump system packaging this product comes in. Furthermore, this product works as a great base for the rest of your make-up.
15. Lancome ‘Effacernes’ Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer
This high-quality offering from Lancome is ideal for your sweatiest, most challenging days. It’ll even survive a dip in the pool!
That’s it!
So there you have it. Hopefully, this list will help you narrow down your options a little when scouring the plethora of choices out there. Trying to find the best waterproof concealer for you can be tricky, but try and go out of your comfort zone and buy something other than your usual brand! You might just discover your next favorite.
Joan S. Wilson is a lifelong makeup and skincare enthusiast. She used to work as a makeup artist for 5 years. Joan is always curious and wants to learn more when it comes to makeup and skincare. She tries her best to make other people’s skin health better. This is why Joan is so passionate about writing articles on beauty topics. She always looks for products that are high-quality, dermatologist-tested, and does that it says on the label. In every article, she shares her knowledge to make your life healthier and happier!