Happy Tears Are No Match for These Waterproof Makeup Must-Haves
From happy tears, to sweat, to everything in between, you can’t do a wedding makeup look unless it’s chock full of waterproof formulas. The last thing you need on your special day are your teary-eyed wedding vows and beautiful wedding dress overshadowed by runny mascara and smudged lip liner. PSA for all the beginners out there: “Unlike regular formulations, waterproof makeup contains adhesive materials that make the product stick to the skin,” celebrity makeup artist Jessica Candage explains. “What is this magic ingredient? Film formers, aka silicone or acrylate-based polymers. Think of ingredients like dimethicone. That’s right, waterproof makeup doesn’t have to be a thick, powdery mess—it can actually be lightweight and hydrating.
But not all waterproof makeup or “bridal makeup” is equal. The pros (along with your IPSY fam) have been around the block and know what long lasting makeup to recommend for the big day. Whether it’s face makeup or eye makeup, there are proper makeup products to get the job done, regardless of skin tone or skin type. Keep reading for the best waterproof makeup for weddings so you can avoid any makeup mishaps and focus on what counts.
Meet the Expert
Jessica Candage is a Nashville-based celebrity makeup artist.
Aaron Berry is a celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist.
You’re on your way to nailing waterproof wedding makeup, so why not top it off with wedding hairstyles that have our stamp of approval below!
1. Best Waterproof Setting Spray for Weddings:
ONE/SIZE On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
Beauty guru Patrick Starrr has been in the game longer than just about anyone, so it’s no shocker the YouTuber knocked this TikTok-praised setting spray out of the park. “It feels like hairspray and I’m not mad about it,” Candage says of her top pick. “It locks in any look.”
2. Best Waterproof Lipstick for Weddings:
MAYBELLINE Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Seductress
We love a good budget buy, and MAYBELLINE has been killing it lately. Candage agrees, calling the brand’s popular Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick a must for wedding day. Added bonus? She mixes her pick Seductress with the brand’s Dreamer shade for a “foolproof dupe” to Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic Pillowtalk.
3. Best Waterproof Foundation for Weddings:
MAC Studio Radiance Face And Body Radiant Sheer Foundation
Let’s be real: You can’t do weddings without MAC. The staple makeup brand is known for its powerful, longwear formulas, and Candage loves this foundation in particular because of its versatility. “This has always been one of my makeup kit staples,” she says. “It’s the perfect waterproof foundation because you can wear it thin and natural, or layer it for a fuller coverage look, and you can wear it all over your body.”
4. Best Waterproof Concealer for Weddings:
MAKEUP FOREVER Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream
This bad boy runs on the pricier side for concealers, but as Candage puts it: “It’s worth every penny! It doesn’t crease, and it looks good on all skin types and skin maturities.”
5. Best Waterproof Setting Powder for Weddings:
URBAN DECAY All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Powder
We’re already huge fans of URBAN DECAY’s All Nighter setting spray, so we have great faith in Candage’s counterpart pick for setting powder. “I love setting my looks with this powder,” she says. “I just know it’s going to last through the tears. It doesn’t leave tear streaks when the waterworks begin.”
6. Best Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil for Weddings:
BENEFIT COSMETICS Precisely, My Brow
When it comes to brows, did we expect anything less than the best from BENEFIT COSMETICS? We love this brow pencil, and our IPSY community stands by our pick. “Good product, nice narrow pencil point, very effective and natural looking,” says one of our users.
7. Best Waterproof Lip Liner for Weddings:
HUDA BEAUTY Lip Contour in Trophy Wife
When an IPSY review comes in saying, “Absolutely perfect! Shade, creamy, glides on effortlessly, no feathering... Love it!”—it can only mean one thing, we have to try it ourselves. HUDA BEAUTY never lets us down, and we can confirm that the creamy, delicious consistency of this pencil is a dream, blending effortlessly with other liners and lipsticks.
8. Best Waterproof Highlighter for Weddings:
CIATÉ LONDON Glow to Illuminating Blush in Date Night
This product is the ultimate versatile pick, doubling as a blush and highlighter. For the sake of wedding day, however, we recommend it for the latter. It won’t overpower the rest of your look, but rather add a pop of sheen in all the right places. And our IPSY subscribers agree, with one saying, “Love this mixture! Makes such a beautiful soft glow!”
9. Best Waterproof Contour Bronzer for Weddings:
TOO FACED Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer
When one of our subscribers discovered this product in her IPSY Glam Bag, she called it “My new favorite,” adding in a comment, “The color is perfect, and the [chocolate] scent makes using this product an experience.” We strongly suggest this for a contouring effect, and softening up the lines with a lighter bronze shade.
10. Best Waterproof Mascara for Weddings:
SHISEIDO ImperialLash MascaraInk Waterproof
This luxury mascara adds length, volume and definition, all without smudging. So basically, is there anything this little guy can’t do? Not according to makeup artist Aaron Barry, who gives this all-star his blessing for wedding day.
11. Best Waterproof Eyeliner for Weddings:
E.L.F. H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen
When Barry called this his favorite waterproof eyeliner for weddings, we weren’t surprised. E.L.F. has been taking over TikTok, and the makeup kits of top MUAs everywhere. Barry stands by this product in particular because of its strong pigment and ability to create bold lines (if that’s what the client wants). It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, which is important to this artist.
12. Best Makeup Remover for Waterproof Wedding Makeup:
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
We know about what to put on for the big day, but how about when you need to take everything off? A full face of full-coverage makeup calls for a heavy-duty remover to get the job done. “This is the it product to break it all down,” Candage says of her ELEMIS pick. “It doesn’t have fragrance, so it’s amazing for sensitive skin types, but it still smells incredible with natural ingredients.”
Want in on all the waterproof makeup musts and more? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own IPSY beauty subscription. Already a member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.
Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!