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Waterproof Makeup
for Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, it's normal to wear waterproof makeup year-round. Finding long lasting foundation for oily skin can be quite the challenge, but it far outlasts non-water resistant varieties. Not only that, but waterproof eyeliner, eyebrow pencil and mascara are also a must if you want to have a smudge-free, flawless look. Scroll down to view a list of waterproof makeup!

Why does makeup dissolve so quickly on oily skin? Sebum (skin oil) actually breaks down the chemical composition of products, leaving you with streaky makeup that fades fast. Waterproof makeup is highly resistant to this process, and lasts up to 5x longer than regular formulas. If you have oily skin and are shopping for eye liner, mascara, foundation or eyebrow pencil, look for a label that specifically states one of these benefits: "24-hour makeup", "waterproof makeup", "long lasting makeup", or "oil-free makeup". You will notice a big difference after switching, as the need to reapply makeup throughout the day becomes nonexistent! 

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​Especially during summer months it's essential to select water resistant or waterproof makeup. When you have oily skin & your makeup is battling heat, humidity, or a day at the beach, long wearing products are a must.

Even in colder temperatures, those with oily skin find that they need to wear waterproof makeup all year round. We've compiled a list of amazing items that work beautifully in combination with our Mattify Cosmetics line of makeup for oily skin - so you can shine with beauty, not with oil!

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​How to Create a Flawless Look 
with
Waterproof Makeup Products

#1: Start with primer

One of the most important steps before applying makeup is to use a primer as your base, ESPECIALLY if you have oily skin. This helps foundation adhere to your skin, which means less smudging and creasing.  Notice how celebrities always look like they have flawless skin? Primer plays a big role in this. It helps to absorb skin oils, allowing foundation to bond to your skin for longer wear. When oil seeps out of pores, it disintegrates your makeup, causing it to fade and streak. Using primer helps prevent this makeup melt-down.  

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Two of the best face primers for oily skin are: 
1) Clarins Instant Smooth: At department stores for $28 and
​2) Mattify Cosmetic's ULTRA Powder for oily Skin: Retails online for $12.

Apply primer a few minutes after your toner and/or moisturizer has dried. Those with exceptionally oily skin will find it helpful to use both of these primers. Apply the Clarins Instant Smooth, and then the Mattify Ultra Powder. The combination of both will ensure that your makeup lasts for 8+ hours. These product protect pores from foundation, while absorbing excess oil & providing a flawless finish.

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#2: Apply waterproof foundation

Some waterproof products are easy to find. Store shelves are packed with waterproof mascara, eyeliner and lipstick.  The most difficult item to find is waterproof foundation!  If you choose to go high-end on only 1 waterproof makeup item, make that 1 item your foundation! This sets the stage for a perfect complexion, and if your foundation doesn't hold up to oil & humidity, your entire makeup look will melt away. 

Quite a few companies have taken a stab at developing waterproof foundation, but have not quite gotten it right – resulting in a runny, sticky finish.  This is one department where you shouldn't hesitate to spend a little more on high end brands, which are up to the task of staying put. 

Three of the best waterproof foundations are: 
1) Estee Lauder's Maximum Cover Double Wear Foundation  ($30.00)
2) Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Oil-Free Foundation  ($39.00) 
3) Dinair Natural or Matte Foundation Makeup ($24)

Estee Lauder Max Cover Double Wear Foundation is a medium/full coverage waterproof makeup - light weight and very simple to apply. For the most precise application, use a wedge cosmetic sponge. This foundation is so easily blended, that even when applied with your finger tips, it still looks flawless. Those of you with acne blemishes, large pores, scarring, freckling, and hyper-pigmentation will *adore* this makeup. It covers any imperfections, and in most cases concealer is not needed.

​Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation provides amazing coverage and looks freshly applied for hours.  It contains gentle ingredients and also has SPF15. The Amazonian Clay actually absorbs oil, to help keep shine at bay. Apply Tarte's Foundation as you would any other liquid makeup - using a sponge, brush, or fingertips. This makeup is highly blendable and simple to apply.

Dinair Glamour Airbrush Makeup
This water-based foundation is an excellent choice if you have both oily AND acne prone skin. Since it contains no heavy silicone gel or waxes, it does not clog pores! The product is also highly pigmented, and conceals nearly any blemish or scarring. While no foundation is going to be 100% waterproof, Dinair Airbrush comes close! As long as you just blot water off your face with a towel, or allow it to air-dry, water and sweat will bead up and roll off this foundation. It also resists disintegrating when your skin becomes oily - which means a long lasting finish that survives all day. 

To apply the Dinair Foundation, use your finger tips or an air-brush spray gun. It does dry fairly quickly, so you must work fast! Since the foundation is water-based, it does not apply well with a spongy beauty blender (the foundation simply absorbs into the foam, causing product waste and a streaky finish). If you completely object to application using your finger tips, use a silicone beauty blender. Click here to view a makeup tutorial from beauty blogger Candee Johnson on how to apply Dinair Foundation without the spray gun. 

Here at Mattify, we love this makeup so much, we've become an affiliate! Not only is it waterproof foundation, but it also does not oxidize or melt away when your skin starts to get oily. Click the banner below to visit the Dinair website: 

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#3: Apply oil-absorbent setting powder

Although powder won't make your foundation waterproof, it will at least assist in oil control & set makeup in place for longer wear.  The powder options below will not become cakey or streaky when they come into contact with water. Simply blot dry with a towel, to renew a matte finish.

Two of the best powders for oily skin are: 
1) Mattify Cosmetics Ultra Powder 
2) Coty Air-Spun Powder

These are all loose powders that can be applied with a puff or brush. As noted in "Step 1" the Mattify Ultra Powder can be used both before AND after foundation, for maximum oil control. Re-touches can be done with the Mattify Ultra through the day, and since it is 100% transparent, it doesn’t leave any cakey colored residue – even after multiple touchups. 

The Coty Air Spun Powder can be used alone, or after the Mattify Ultra powder. It's mostly translucent with a slightly peachy tone, and works well for brightening up your overall look.

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#4: Apply additional waterproof makeup
           (Waterproof Eye Makeup, Blush & Lipstick etc)  

Now that we’ve looked at waterproof foundation, it’s time to discuss other waterproof makeup to complete your look: Waterproof Eye Liner, Blush, Mascara & Lipstick.
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Women with oily skin should always choose waterproof cosmetics, as they are MUCH more resistant to oil than regular makeup. Non-waterproof varieties only last for a couple of hours when they come into contact with skin oil. 

If you're going for a low maintenance beachy look, sometimes foundation to cover flaws and a light coat of mascara are enough. But other times, you may want a more sophisticated look that can still withstand heat and humidity. These waterproof products below can help you out! 

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Waterproof Eye Liner

​Two of the best waterproof eye liners are: 
1) Kat Von D's "Tattoo" Waterproof Eye Liner 
​2) Stila Stay All Day & Smudgestick Liners
3) Wet n' Wild H20 Proof Waterproof Eye Liner 
 
The Kat Von D liner is a liquid that goes on smooth using the built-in felt tip, which can be used to create a thin line or turned at a 45 degree angle to create a wider line.  This formula stays on all day and doesn’t streak when it comes into contact with water.


​Stila's Smudge Stick liners are perfect for ling inner rims of eyes, since they are highly water resistant. Stila also makes a felt-tip liner, called Stay All Day, which is waterproof. It's very easy to apply and doesn’t budge until you wash your face.

Wet n' Wild H2O proof is also a 100% waterproof eye liner, that's easily applied with the pointed applicator provided. It stays on until you remove it, and does not fade or flake away. Extremely high quality, considering its low price point. 

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Waterproof Blush 

For water resistant blush, try Cargo Cosmetics Swimmables Waterproof Blush. It has a flattering matte finish, allows for buildable color, and stays color true. Apply with a tapered blush brush for a pop of color. 
    
If you prefer cream blush, try Illuminare Perfect Color Mineral Blush. It works well with your waterproof foundation because it seems to bind with the makeup, especially when set with an oil control face powder such as the Mattify Ultra. Apply a very small amount of this crème blush with your fingertips, on the apples of cheeks, and blend outward towards hairline. The color melts onto your skin, and once it dries, provides a very long lasting tint.

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Waterproof Mascara 

Waterproof mascara is probably the easiest item to find - almost every drugstore and high-end company has come out with a waterproof formula, and most of them are up to the task. The good part is, you don't need to spend big bucks to find a good one. Most drug store waterproof mascara performs just as well as high end brands. 
 
Two of the best waterproof mascaras are: 
1) Cover Girl Waterproof Lash Blast 
2) Maybelline Volum Express Waterproof Mascara. 

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These waterproof mascaras do not clump, crumble, or smear when exposed to high temperatures or water. Choosing a waterproof variety will allow lashes to hold their curl all day, and look fresh from morning to night.

Steer clear of mascaras marketed as “waterproof tube mascara”.  One of the worst is Clinique Lash Power.  This particular product claims to be water resistant but it flakes off when exposed to high temperatures or when touched, leaving little tubes of crumbled mascara sprinkled all over your face. 

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Waterproof Lipstick 

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​Waterproof Lipstick is another easy find – there are now several on the market that provide all day waterproof, food-proof wear. 
 
If you want to go with a less expensive brand, try Cover Girl Outlast or Maybelline Superstay Lipstick.  These come in a wide variety of colors and stay put for at least 6 hours.

If you prefer high end brands, go for Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick, Urban Decay Vice, and NYX Full Throttle. 

Maybe you don't want to use a full coat of lipstick, but still want long lasting color. If that's the case, try GA-DE's True Color Waterproof Lip Liner,  or It Cosmetics Your Lips but Better.

Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil, Pens, and Wands

Creating perfect eyebrows is an important step in your makeup routine, and can make or break your look! You certainly don't want your eyebrow color to streak and smudge during warm temperatures or swimming.

Two of the best waterproof eyebrow products on the market are Wunderbrow Gel and the Monomolo Eyebrow Tatoo Pen.  Use the gel (which has a mascara-type wand) if you want to add color and amplify your existing eyebrows. Try the Tatoo Pen if you have several sparse areas which need filling.  These are both designed to last several days and are completely waterproof.  If you avoid brows while washing your face, the Wunderbrow can last up to 3 days, and the Tatoo Pen up to 5 days. However, keep in mind that oily skin even takes a toll on these products, and can cut the wear-time down to 1-3 days. 

If you prefer traditional pencil application, try Anastasia's Brow Definer Pencil or Tarte's Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil for long lasting, defined brows. After it has been applied, seal it into place using an eyebrow sealer. This helps all types of crayon, pencil & powder eyebrow color stay in place during warm, humid weather.  

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#5: Finishing Touch - Makeup Setting Spray 

 
After all of your cosmetics have been applied (foundation, blush, powder, eyeliner, lipstick) mist your entire face with a makeup setting spray.  This forms a protective layer over makeup to increase water resistance and decrease oil buildup.
 
Two of the best makeup setting sprays are 
1) Model in a Bottle  
2) Ben Nye Final Seal. 

When applied over your makeup, these essentially “seal” the cosmetics while still allowing your skin to breathe. Either one of these sprays will allow cosmetics to be more water, heat and oil resistant.

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And last but not least...
Waterproof Makeup Removal

At the end of your day or night, it’s important to remove all waterproof makeup, to prevent clogged pores. 
 

• An exfoliating scrub will remove waterproof foundation. Just dampen your face and rub in circular motions, then rinse. Follow up by using your usual face wash, and your favorite toner.

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• Any oil-based remover will dissolve waterproof eyeshadow, mascara and lipstick. (Afterall, the reason people with oil skin struggle to keep makeup in tact is because oil breaks down most types of makeup!)

 
Try one of these two oil-based waterproof makeup removers:  Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Makeup Remover or Glossier Milky Oil Ultimate Waterproof Makeup Remover.  These gentle, silky formulas remove even the most stubborn lipsticks, liners and mascaras. Just be sure to thoroughly wash your face with an oil-free face wash after using the remover, so that none remains to clog pores. 
 
So there you have it, an A-List of the best waterproof makeup and makeup for oily skin. These can all be found either online, at drugstores, or at department stores.

​Here’s to a beautiful lifetime of smudge free makeup! 

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Take a peek into our Tumblr blog! 
http://makeupforoilyskin.tumblr.com/

Additional Waterproof Makeup Options: 

Here is a list of more waterproof cosmetics, as suggested by our merging sister site, Skin Solutions! 

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Cargo Cosmetic's Swimmables Waterproof Eye Liner

This line of waterproof makeup offers lipstick, eyeshadow, eye liner, bronzer & blush - all up to the task of surviving a day at the beach. These long lasting formulas apply like regular makeup, but then dry to a transfer-resistant finish, for long wear.$18-$29

Wunderbrow Waterproof Eyebrow Color

The lasting power of this eyebrow gel is nothing short of miraculous!  It contains color pigments and fibers that lock onto skin and brow hair for up to THREE days without flaking or smudging. Swim to your heart’s content, and emerge with beautifully shaped brows. $22 ​

Estee Lauder Double Wear Waterproof Concealer 

A 24-hour wear concealer that won’t cake, streak or cake. This oil-free formula stays water and sweat resistant, and is non-acnegenic, to keep your imperfections under wraps! Blends easily, and a little goes a long way. Comes in 11 different colors so you can find a perfect match.  $27

​Wunder2 Coverproof Waterproof Foundation  

​The makers of Wunderbrow bring you this 24 hour waterproof foundation that transforms your complexion with a transfer-resistant, yet breathable layer of skin perfecting foundation. It even locks in complimentary products (blush, bronzer etc) to promote extra long wear, smudge-proof wear!   $29

Dinair Glamour Oil Free, Matte Foundation for Oily Skin 

A water-based foundation that somehow manages to be water-proof! This makeup feels exceptionally light weight and completely covers blemishes, to provide a flawless matte finish that lasts for hours without smudging.  Can be applied with fingers, or with the airbrush spray gun. Best of all, this product does not contain silicone (dimethicone), which is infamous for clogging pores and causing breakouts. $18-$34

​Dermacol Full Coverage Waterproof Foundation

Dermacol contains 50% pigments, which allows for some SUPER coverage. This waterproof formula is perfect for those who need to conceal freckling, acne, under eye circles, uneven pigmentation, or acne scars. It’s so concentrated, it can even cover tattoos. All this, while staying waterproof! $17