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    1. Beauty
    2. Makeup

    10 Waterproof Foundations That Won't Look Streaking or Shiny

    Mid-day reapplication? Not for you.

    Maya Allen's avatar
    By Maya Allen
    Published 24 December 2018 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Waterproof Foundations
    (Image credit: Design By Morgan McMullen)
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    Waterproof foundation is a little bit of a wonder: It won't budge for rain, sleet, sweat, or snow—and yet, somehow, it doesn't look heavy or unnatural either. And even though one of the side effects of oily skin is slippery, sliding foundation, you won't ever cringe at your shiny T-zone again, thanks to these oil-absorbing formulas. Choose one of these waterproof foundations, below, to keep your skin looking shine- and streak-free but still radiant for hours on end. I know it's weird to do your makeup in the morning and not worry about it for the rest of the day, but trust us, you look amazing.

    Lightweight, Buildable Coverage

    1. MAC If You Like Lightweight, Buildable Coverage
    $37.00 AT NORDSTROM.COM

    MAC consistently comes through with long-lasting formulas that truly stay put. If you're looking for medium or full-coverage flawlessness, this lightweight foundation can do either since it offers a buildable finish. What's even cooler is the formula actually repels excessive shine off of your skin, so you'll never catch it slipping.

    Tom Ford Foundation

    2. If You Can't Decide Whether You Love Foundation or Concealer More
    $87.00 AT SEPHORA.COM

    Who says waterproof foundation can't also bring a radiant glow to your skin? If you aren't into super-matte finishes, this weightless foundation is for you. Although it's waterproof, your skin will still look incredibly luminous post-application. It also doubles as a good spot treatment concealer if certain areas of your face need more love than others. A two-in-one makeup product always wins in my book.

    Revlon Foundation

    3. Revlon If You're All About Beauty on a Budget
    $13.99 AT ULTA.COM

    If your skin gets a tad testy, flush with copious amounts of shine on your t-zone by noon, don't stress. Rely on this tried-and-true foundation from Revlon made specifically to stop shine and control excess oil production. And the formula is actually breathable and hydrating thanks to hyaluronic acid, which is the most moisturizing ingredient ever. Apparently you can wear it for 24 hours, but we hope you're washing your face before bed.

    Powder

    4. Urban Decay If You Prefer Powder Formulas
    $34.00 AT SEPHORA.COM

    Bless the makeup goddesses above for creating this innovative powder. You may already know about the miraculous powers of Urban Decay's All Nighter Setting Spray. Well, that genius product makes up this translucent powder, which will work on all skin tones. And since we're talking coverage, it's worth adding that this blurs imperfections and keeps shine at bay for up to 11 hours.

    Macy's Foundation

    5. NARS If You Want to Avoid That Cakey Feeling at All Costs
    $45.00 AT MACYS.COM

    There is such a thing as a velvety-matte foundation that feels luxuriously soft on your skin. This is it—and offers your skin lightweight coverage that never feels cakey. If protection from harmful sun rays is important to you (and it should be!), you'll appreciate this SPF 3o-laced formula that is also 100-percent oil-free, and incredibly hydrating.

    Dior Foundation

    6. Dior If You're Obsessed With Meghan Markle
    $40.00 AT SEPHORA.COM

    Confirmed: Meghan Markle wore this foundation on her wedding day. Need we say more? The royal-approved formula is what kept her gorgeous freckles visible and her no-makeup makeup glow on 100 all day. (Plus, if she trusted it on a day she was sure to get teary-eyed, you know you can, too.) This foundation comes in an impressive lineup of 40 shades created with all undertones in mind. I can attest to the fact that it feels light and airy on the skin, so you'll forget it's there.

    Kat Von D Foundation

    7. Kat Von D If You Want No-BS Coverage
    $37.00 AT SEPHORA.COM

    This foundation is no joke when it comes to coverage. You literally only need the smallest drop to coat your skin with a full-coverage finish. It contains mattifying powders, which absorb oil as they settle onto your skin, so shine doesn't stand a chance. But it's not drying: glycerin will impart a hydrating glow onto your skin.

    Estée Lauder Foundation

    8. Estée Lauder If You Hate Touching-Up Your Foundation
    $43.00 AT SEPHORA.COM

    First off, two snaps for this foundation's 55-shade range, which illustrates skin tone inclusivity in the best way. It promises a non-budge and oil-free formula that won't slip or slide for a full 24 hours, so you'll never have to reapply. Dealing with dark spots or uneven areas? This foundation covers anything.

    Clinique Foundation

    9. Clinique If You Want Something That Really Works
    $31.00 AT ULTA.COM

    The brand went above and beyond to test this foundation's oil control powers and make skeptics happy. Shine, sweat, and oil were all considered when this matte foundation was created, and then the formula was tested for signs of streaking and fading at 88 degrees Fahrenheit under 80 percent humidity, and...it stays freshly put! Oh, and it feels light as air. ••• For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter. SUBSCRIBE HERE

    L'Oreal Foundation

    10. L'Oreal If You Love Beyoncé
    $12.99 AT LOREALPARISUSA.COM

    This drugstore gem is a favorite of Beyoncé's makeup artist Sir John, so you know it must be the real deal if Queen Bey trusts it during concerts. According to the brand, you'll never need blotting papers again because this sweat- and shine-swallowing semi-matte formula is oil's worst nightmare. All that for only $13.

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    Cosmetics makeup
    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Maya Allen
    Maya Allen
    Social Links Navigation
    Former Beauty Editor

    Maya Allen is the former Digital Beauty Editor at MarieClaire.com where she covered makeup, skincare, haircare, wellness, you name it! She has a 15-step skincare routine, owns over 200 red lipsticks, and enjoys testing the latest and greatest in beauty. On most weekends, you can find her at her happy place, which is her makeup vanity. There, she’s usually blasting her speakers while singing along to lyrics at the top of her lungs, and making sure her highlighter is on point. 

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