I Love This Waterproof Makeup Routine So Much, I'm Actually Welling Up
And guess what? It doesn't even matter.
I live in the Midwest (where the weather is temperamental) have watery eyes, and haven't exactly perfected my emotional regulation, so sometimes it's hard to tell what's actually happening when my vision blurs. Sometimes it looks like I'm crying because it's so cold out, and sometimes I'm just crying—it's really a toss-up. Either way, I want to look good, which means my makeup needs to stay put through wind, water, and emotions.
Sophia Vilensky and her makeup before and after tears. This time, they were because of the cold.
The solution, of course, is waterproof makeup. Even more so: waterproof eye makeup. I need my mascara to stay locked in, and my eyeliner not to budge an inch from my waterline. I want everything so stuck to my lids and lashes that only a heavy-duty makeup remover can get it off.
It's a big task, but through many, many years of trial and error, I've found the products that are up for the job. Ahead, you'll find my go-to waterproof makeup routine for when I feel the tears forming and need to protect my eyes.
The Prep
If I want my eyeshadow to stay put through tears, windchill, and whatever else comes my way, a primer is necessary. Make sure you give it time to set before applying your palette of choice.
Shadow Insurance to protect me from a random bout of tears? I'll take it. A go-to forever, Too Faced's primer can lock down all that pretty eyeshadow pigment for more than 24 hours. I probably won't ever be awake and glittering that long, but it's nice to know I have the option.
I don't know if my lids are thinner than anyone else's, but they are thin. It's nice to have a primer that fully covers and evens the tone so whatever shadow color I choose to rock can fully have its moment. MAC's super creamy Paint Pots work as shadow on their own, or just as a primer. Either way, the look will last all day long and then some.
The Shadow
Truth be told, eyeshadow is my biggest enemy in the makeup realm. My sister is always around to wield a brush when I need a smoky or more intricate look, so my personal skills are mostly limited to one-shade only, easy-to-apply cream versions. The good news? This is the easiest formula to make waterproof! Some things, like my relationship with a can't-mess-up eyeshadow stick, are just meant to be.
Sophia Vilensky after applying Victoria Beckham eyeshadow as part of her waterproof makeup routine. The color is Macaron, which means it's a special day.
I'm sure you already know this, but Victoria Beckham's beauty portfolio is so good. These eyeshadow sticks couldn't be easier to use, and though the shade range is small, they're always what I'm looking for color-wise. I love the beige Trench for a day-to-day situation, or the pinky lilac Macaron if I'm feeling creative.
If you're looking for a super-pigmented cream shadow that will not budge no matter what kind of day you're having, this is the stuff for you. It comes in so many fun shades and finishes, so you never have to choose between a good time and a long time.
The Liner
While I used to be a daily winged liner wearer, I've softened with age. By that, I mean I still like to wear daily eyeliner but often go for a less crisp, smudgier look. And maybe a brown instead of black? Either way, it's going to need to stay. These products make sure it will.
Sophia Vilensky before applying her go-to waterproof Kosas eyeliner.
I have a Soulgazer in multiple colors. The go-to is Depth (a warm brown), but sometimes Hypnotize (an intense black) and Bewitch (a violet with a satin finish) need their moment. Formulated with hyaluronic acid for a smooth glide, it has a short window to blend before the gel locks into place.
Listen: It's Marie Claire's overall best liquid eyeliner for a reason. I've been a Stila Stay All Day stan since high school for many reasons, including its thin, marker-like tip that makes perfecting a wing easy, strong pigment, and waterproof, transfer-proof, smudge-proof finish.
The Mascara
Mascara is arguably the hardest product to tackle when your eyes water like mine. The wrong application can set off a stream of tears, and suddenly the look is over before it even began. Don't worry, though—I found some that work.
I've spoken at length about my love for Lancôme Lash Idôle. It's formulated with conditioning and antioxidant-rich white tea extract, with a brush that makes sure each individual lash is accounted for. I could cry I love it so much, and it wouldn't even matter—it would stay put.
This mascara isn't waterproof, but it is water-resistant. And honestly, it's so gentle that I'm not really worried about my sensitive eyes getting triggered.
Taking It Off
If my waterproof makeup routine can withstand the waterworks, it can withstand most other things, too. This is a good thing! Except when it comes to bedtime. I'm someone who can't fall asleep peacefully without taking my makeup off. I need a makeup remover that'll do the job, so I can wake up with a clean canvas and...do it all again tomorrow.
One of my earliest beauty memories includes spotting this blue-bottled liquid in my grandma's cabinet. As I got older, she started giving me free Lancôme counter sample bags, and Bi-Facil was always the first product to get used up. (As mentioned, I was in my cat eye era.) It works so well with absolutely no effort, save for swiping a cotton round across the lid.
I live for a good double cleanse, especially when I've been wearing makeup. Nothing removes waterproof favorites, sunscreen, and other potions I don't want clogging my pores like a solid oil cleanser. Housed in a butter-yellow aluminum bottle, this product features a blend of two emollient oils that delivers a fast, effective cleanse. If you want the softest, cleanest-feeling skin, do the Dieux.
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