Concealer is a staple in any base routine, but many formulas don’t hold up through rain, sweat, or tears. The moment you start working up a sweat or get stuck in an unexpected rainstorm, your concealer is toast; reapplying it is tedious at best and futile at worst. In these moments, what you need isn’t an ordinary concealer, but a waterproof one.
Makeup artist Geneva Fong says, “Waterproof concealers are great for those days when the forecast is drippy with high moisture and for beach days or events like weddings.” With so many options available, narrowing down the one for you can be challenging. To save you the hassle of determining the best, we considered dozens of formulas—evaluating each on their look, feel, and lasting power. We relied on our experience with concealer and spoke to makeup artists we trusted. After learning more about which formulas they reach for regularly to use on their own faces as well as those of their A-list clients, we curated a list of expert-approved waterproof concealers that won’t crease, crack, or melt even in the muggiest conditions.
Our Top Picks
Best Drugstore:
Best for Oily Skin:
Best for Combination Skin:
Best for Acne-Prone Skin:
Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Cream Cover Adjustable Foundation & Concealer at Sephora$22
Best for Sensitive Skin:
Best Shade Match:
Best for Dark Circles:
What We Like
Smooth, crease-free finish
Creamy and buildable
Coverage lasts all day
What to Consider
Very thick consistency
Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Natural | Shades: 26 | Size: 0.17 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Benefit’s Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer is a waterproof concealer that’s versatile enough to become your new go-to. The liquid concealer gives lightweight coverage that won’t cake or crease. And it draws on classic hydrators—like butylene glycol and dimethicone—to give you that smooth, natural finish you’re looking for. The concealer is meant to keep you going for up to 24 hours, and because it's great for a range of different skin types (oily, dry, and combination), it’s a particularly well-rounded pick. Just keep in mind that it does have a very thick consistency, so those who prefer a lighter feel may want to skip this one.
What We Like
Easily accessible online and in-store for under $10
Goes on smoothly
Buildable without caking
What to Consider
Small amount of product
Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Matte | Shades: 8 | Size: 0.23 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Looking for a solid waterproof concealer that won’t break the bank? Maybelline has you covered. The brand’s Super Stay Concealer gives lightweight coverage that will last up to 24 hours, and it’s loaded with moisturizing ingredients that help it go on smoothly. Thanks to this nourishing formula, you shouldn’t have to worry about your concealer caking—instead, you can expect an even, natural finish. Also nice: The concealer comes in a smaller container, so you can toss it in your bag and take it with you on the go.
What We Like
Wide shade range accessible at most drugstores
Doesn’t transfer or fade
Easy to blend
What to Consider
Can be drying
Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Matte | Shades: 25 | Size: 0.33 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
L'Oréal’s Infallible Full Wear Concealer is a solid buy—and since you can score it at the drugstore, you’ll never have to worry about going without it. The concealer gives the lightweight coverage you crave. It boasts a larger-than-average applicator that you can use for everything from acne to dark circles. The nongreasy formula goes on smooth and matte, and lasts for up to 24 hours. And if you want to use it as a highlighter or a contour product, you can; just scale your concealer up or down a couple of shades.
What We Like
Calming and hydrating, thanks to cucumber extract and vitamin E
Smooth formula applies well over dry patches
Applicator tip prevents contamination
What to Consider
Only available at two retailers
Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Natural | Shades: 16 | Size: 0.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Makeup artist and aesthetician Ivey Rogers swears by this breathable, water-resistant concealer that she says has been top-tier in the beauty industry for decades. “The coverage is full, buildable, and you only need a small amount,” she adds. “If you want more of a matte look, you can set this one with a bit of translucent powder.” We also co-sign the tiny tube’s ability to hide undereye circles, blemishes, dark spots, and tattoos, thanks to its 16 color-correcting shades. The fact that it’s packed with vitamin E to protect, moisturize, and calm the skin, plus cucumber extract to depuff is a built-in bonus. The only gripe we have is that the product can only be found on Amazon and the brand’s site.
What We Like
Nonslip formula stays put on oily skin
Absorbs excess oils during wear
Easy to blend, smooth consistency
What to Consider
Product can leak out of the tube easily
Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Matte | Shades: 37 | Size: 0.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
“If you have oily skin, you should avoid anything too emollient like lanolin, beeswax, or cocoa butter,” Fong says. “These ingredients tend to crease or cause a slip-and-slide effect.” Tarte’s waterproof concealer is not only void of these, but it moisturizes your skin while absorbing excess oils, helping you balance out your skin without overly drying it out. And since the product is a concealer, first and foremost, it gives the full, crease-proof coverage you’re looking for. It’s also packed with conditioning ingredients like mango butter, so it will glide on extra-smooth and keep you going for up to 16 hours at a time.
Best for Combination Skin
Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer
What We Like
Imparts natural finish with crease-free coverage
Stays put all day
Provides smooth, even coverage
What to Consider
Not ideal for very dry skin
Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Matte | Shades: 10 | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Make Up For Ever’s Full Cover Concealer is creamy but oil-free—a combination that makes it a great pick for a variety of different skin types. The concealer draws on plastic polymers to lock in moisture and microcrystalline cellulose powder (an anti-caking agent) to absorb excess oils, keeping you hydrated while giving you a smooth, even finish. Though the concealer goes on creamy, it dries matte and a bit faster, so Rogers advises building your coverage quickly. “The finish is natural on this one, so no powder is necessary, especially if you're using it under the eyes,” she says.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Cream Cover Adjustable Foundation & Concealer
What We Like
Creamy, natural finish camouflages breakouts and scarring
A little goes a long way
Plays well with all skin types
What to Consider
Strong fragrance not for everyone
Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Natural | Shades: 29 | Size: 0.34 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Danessa Myricks’ cult-loved concealer isn’t just designed to cover. The product was crafted to balance out your skin every time you wear it, helping you cut down on the need for concealer in your routine. The waterproof formula draws on vitamin E to nourish and protect your skin from sun damage, along with plant-derived squalane to stabilize oil production. Since the foundation-concealer hybrid is designed for adjustable coverage and the tiniest bit lasts all day, it’ll make an easy addition to your makeup kit. Just to note, it has a strong fragrance, which might not be for everyone. If you have an aversion to fragrance in your cosmetics, opt for another pick on this list.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Dermablend Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer
What We Like
Won’t agitate sensitive or acne-prone skin
Wide shade range
A little goes a long way
What to Consider
Product can separate in the tube over time
Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Matte | Shades: 15 | Size: 0.33 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Dermablend’s Cover Care Concealer is a waterproof concealer that is designed to be gentle and sensitive skin-friendly. The concealer is vegan, fragrance-free, and noncomedogenic—which is a fancy way of saying it won’t clog your pores. And it’s loaded with hydrating ingredients that will moisturize your skin—like glycerin and vitamin E—while giving you the coverage you’re looking for. The creamy concealer is designed to go on smoothly, with a lightweight finish that looks matte and feels comfortable.
Best Shade Match
Laura Mercier Weightless Perfecting Foundation
What We Like
Shade range spans 30 hues
Delivers time-released hydration
Brightening, antioxidant-rich formula
What to Consider
More lightweight than full coverage
Coverage Level: Buildable | Finish: Natural | Shades: 30 | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Laura Mercier’s shade-matching technology offers three incredibly easy ways to find your perfect shade. Simply start by classifying your skin tone as fair, light, medium, or deep. Then, consider whether your skin undertones are warm, cool, or neutral. After activating these two filters, their site will give you a few concealer shades it thinks are right for you. There’s also an option to virtually try it on, as well as a handy tool that pairs one of their shades with another brand you’re currently using. This way, you’ll connect with a concealer that's weightless and hydrating but also completely right for you.
Best for Dark Circles
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer
What We Like
Smooths over dark circles without settling into under-eye creases
Hydrating feel and finish
Buildable and layers easily
What to Consider
Can feel sticky upon application
Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Natural | Shades: 24 | Size: 0.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer delivers on its name. The waterproof concealer gives high-pigment coverage that won’t crease or crack. And since it’s loaded with moisturizing and firming ingredients—like collagen and hyaluronic acid—it helps keep puffy under-eye bags and dark circles at bay. We were also impressed by the concealer’s ability to withstand sweating through the hottest temps—for up to 24 hours. Celebrity makeup artist Ivy Ermert Nadire recommends using a good eye cream before application to ensure a smooth finish and loves that it doubles as an excellent spot concealer.
What We Like
Portable size great for travel
Wide shade range
Provides full, even coverage
What to Consider
Can be a little drying
Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Matte | Shades: 24 | Size: 0.34, 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This concealer from Juvia’s Place is formulated to be both waterproof and weightless—two words we love to hear when it comes to concealer. The concealer glides on smoothly and sticks around for hours, giving you the low-maintenance, long-lasting coverage you’re looking for. It's also available in 24 different shades, so it’s easy to find an option that suits your skin undertone. And since it comes in a tiny, travel-friendly tube, it’s incredibly easy to throw in your purse or carry in your pocket. Note: it can be a little drying, so be sure to apply a nourishing facial moisturizer first.
What We Like
Skin-like finish
Full, long-lasting coverage
Hydrates with vitamin E and passion fruit extract
What to Consider
Can feel sticky at first
Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Radiant | Shades: 30 | Size: 0.035, 0.22 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Looking for a vegan concealer that genuinely works? Tarte’s Maracuja Creaseless Concealer gets the job done without creasing under your eyes. The creamy concealer provides full, long-lasting coverage, looks like skin, and doesn’t settle or crease at all. And it draws on skin-beneficial ingredients—like vitamin C, vitamin E, and passion fruit extract—to nourish your skin every time you wear it. When it comes to this concealer, a little goes a long way. (Really, you may be surprised at how far a single dot can get you.) And since the concealer comes in 30 different shades, it’s easy to find an option worth committing to and sticking with.
What We Like
50 skin-like shades
Hydrating, brightening, and de-puffing formulation
Minimal creasing, even on fine lines
What to Consider
Lightweight, medium coverage
Coverage Level: Medium | Finish: Natural | Shades: 50 | Size: 0.30 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
With a whopping 50 shades to choose from, Rihanna has the waterproof concealer competition beat as far as color matching goes—and we would expect nothing less from the queen who thinks of everyone when it comes to her eponymous makeup line. Infused with prickly pear cactus extract and sodium hyaluronate, the transfer-proof formula hydrates and conditions the skin as it conceals, brightens, and masks puffiness for a solid 12 hours. Our only caveat? The coverage is more light-to-medium than medium-to-full so if you’re in the market for a super heavy-duty concealer, this might not be the perfect pick for you.
Best Multipurpose
Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer
What We Like
Great at concealing redness
Doesn't emphasize wrinkles or fine lines
High concentration of pigment
What to Consider
Can feel a little too thick for some
Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Natural | Shades: 16 | Size: 0.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Designed to be used as a multipurpose spot concealer, foundation, or contour tool, legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin had sensual skin in mind when he created his radiance-enhancing corrector. The palm-sized pot is infused with good-for-your-skin ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, and honey, and the full-coverage, waterproof formula can instantly zap surface redness into oblivion (a smidge of shade 12 is the best for that, BTW). We noticed that it didn’t settle into pores or fine lines and felt nice and bouncy—never tacky. If you want to thin it out, pros suggest adding a little primer and blending it with your fingers or a brush, then set it with loose powder for longevity.
What We Like
Sets and develops color in 30 seconds and lasts for 24 hours
Super soft wand deposits perfect amount of product
Creamy liquid formula blends well
What to Consider
Small amount of product in tube
Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Natural | Shades: 29 | Size: 0.27 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Loads of five-star reviews praise Smashbox’s last-all-day waterproof concealer for its bag-erasing superpowers and thin, yet buildable consistency. Ermert Nadire is also a fan, saying that when she wants makeup that lasts, she trusts Smashbox. “This concealer comes in a wide range of colors and a little goes a long way,” she shares, adding that it glides on and sets in a soft, diffused manner, making it easy to work with. Another reason to add to cart? “It’s excellent for combination or oily skin types.”
Best Full Coverage
Urban Decay Quickie 24H Multi-Use Hydrating Full Coverage Concealer
What We Like
Full coverage even though it feels lightweight
Dual-ended wand
24-hour wear without fading or flaking
What to Consider
It could be more hydrating
Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Natural | Shades: 24 | Size: 0.55 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
We live for a full-coverage formula and this one of the best we’ve encountered. With a doe-foot applicator on one end and a built-in brush on the other, this waterproof concealer was designed with multipurpose makeup touch-ups in mind. Use the applicator to tap on product and the brush to buff it out, or a combo of the two to minimize blemishes and dark circles. Although the formula contains vitamin E, some reviewers noted it wasn’t as hydrating as they would have liked so keep that in mind if you’re on the dry side.
What to Look for in a Waterproof Concealer
- Type: Concealers are available in many forms, including liquids, creams, sticks, and sometimes, even powders. No type is necessarily better or worse than any other—so experiment with a few, keep track of what you like, and stock up. “Don’t be afraid to play around,” Fong says. “Unless you’re a cosmetic chemist, you can analyze an ingredient list forever but you won’t really know how a concealer really interacts with your skin until you try it.”
- Shade Range: Unless you’re using your concealer as a highlighter or contour product, you probably want your concealer to blend into your skin. Anyone who’s bought concealer before knows this can be surprisingly hard to pull off. If you already know your exact shade, great. But if you don’t, consider shopping for a concealer that comes in a wide shade range. This variety should make it easier to find a shade that suits you just right.
- Lasting Coverage: Having to reapply makeup frequently can be straight-up frustrating. So it pays to snag a concealer that promises long-lasting coverage. Pay attention to how long a concealer is supposed to last before needing to be reapplied. Usually, this falls somewhere between 12 and 24 hours. But it’s worth double-checking the product description to find out.
FAQ
How should you apply waterproof concealer?
Waterproof concealers tend to be thick and quick-drying, so Fong recommends warming them up on the back of your hand before applying. “You don’t have much playtime because waterproof concealers tend to settle fast, so light taps with your ring finger are best for blending and application,” she says. “If you prefer makeup brushes, opt for fluffier, round brushes which will apply the product delicately.”
Can you use waterproof concealer on dry skin?
“Waterproof concealers tend to be a bit more full-coverage, so you’ll need a workaround for dry, flaky skin,” Fong says. “Opt for more hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.” Fong adds that you can also start by applying a fast-absorbing eye cream before putting on concealer.
Can you wear concealer while swimming?
Yes, as long as you use a waterproof concealer like one on this list. Using a setting spray after applying may help protect your concealer on hot days or when you're in the pool, lake, or ocean. Many traditional concealer formulas may say "sweatproof" or something along those lines, but for the best chance of holding up in high heat and humidity, a waterproof concealer is key.
Is waterproof concealer full-coverage?
Yes. Most if not all waterproof concealers are on the thicker side, so they won't budge and provide full-coverage.
Why Trust Byrdie?
Byrdie contributor Lindsey Lanquist has years of experience in the health and beauty space. And as an avid shopper, she knows what a bummer a bad product can be. That’s why she makes sure to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and widely beloved by those who’ve tried them.
Kelli Acciardo is a contributing writer at Byrdie. She has a decade of experience as a beauty writer and is currently covering all things makeup, hair, and skincare for Byrdie. She lives for a waterproof concealer that can conquer a pool party and keep on sticking.
Team Byrdie also tapped the following experts for their intel on the best waterproof concealers:
- Ivey Rogers is an aesthetician and makeup artist who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Geneva Fong is a Toronto-based makeup artist and the creative director of Dome Beauty.
- Ivy Ermert Nadire is a celebrity MUA, grooming expert, and makeup department head for award-winning shows on Netflix and Hulu.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough waterproof concealers from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.