Can you wear concealer 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.

Is there sweatproof concealer?

Technically, you'll want a waterproof concealer. 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. All of the concealers on this list are full-coverage concealers.

The 12 Best Waterproof Concealers in 2023

Concealer may be a great addition to any makeup routine, but many don't exactly hold up, rain or shine. The moment you start working up a sweat, your concealer is toast, and reapplying it is tedious at best, futile at worst. In these moments, what you need isn’t an ordinary concealer, but a waterproof one.

“Waterproof concealers are great for those drippy, high-moisture events, such as weddings, swimming, hot humid days, red carpet events (when they resume), and long days,” says Geneva Fong, makeup artist and creative director of Dome Beauty 404.

Translation: If you want a concealer that won’t crease, crack, or melt, you’ll probably need to look for something labeled waterproof. Thankfully, many long-lasting, waterproof concealers abound in many different product forms—and many of them are worth buying.

Ahead, are the best waterproof concealers on the market now.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Benefit Waterproof Concealer at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Under-Eye Concealer

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer

Jump to Review

Best for Dry Skin:

Lancôme Effarcernes Under-Eye Concealer at Ulta

Jump to Review

Best for Oily Skin:

BareMinerals BarePRO 16-Hr Concealer at Dermstore

Jump to Review

Best for Combination Skin:

Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Acne-Prone Skin:

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Concealer at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Skin:

Dermablend Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer

Jump to Review

Best Shade-Matching:

Il Makiage Mystique Concealer at Ilmakiage.com

Jump to Review

Best for Dark Circles:

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
How We Researched & Tested
Why Trust Byrdie

4.7

Benefit Boi-ing Cakeless Full Coverage Waterproof Concealer

View On Sephora View On Ulta View On Debenhams.com

What We Like

Smooth, crease-free finish
Creamy and buildable
Coverage lasts all day

What We Don't Like

Packaging could be improved

Who else recommends it? The Strategist and Verywell Fit both picked Benefit Waterproof Concealer.

What do buyers say? 5,600+ Ulta reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

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.

Price at time of publish: $27

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.”

Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Concealer

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Walgreens

What We Like

Goes on smoothly
Covers dark circles
Buildable without caking

What We Don't Like

Not the best value

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 smooth. Thanks to this nourishing formula, you shouldn’t have to worry about your concealer caking—and can expect an even, natural finish, instead. 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.

Price at time of publish: $10

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L'Oréal Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Concealer

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Wide shade range
Doesn't transfer or fade
Creamy and easy to blend

What We Don't Like

Can be a little drying

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. And since it boasts a larger-than-average applicator, you can use it for everything from acne to under-eye circles. The non-greasy concealer goes on smooth, dry, 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.

Price at time of publish: $14

Lancôme Effarcenes Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Ulta

What We Like

Goes on smoothly
Gives smooth, even coverage
Long-wearing

What We Don't Like

Not full coverage

If you have dry skin, you probably want a concealer that provides coverage and hydration. And Lancôme’s Effacernes Concealer does just that. The waterproof concealer is packed with moisturizing ingredients, which lend the concealer its creamy texture and help it go on smooth. The concealer provides full coverage that should keep you going all day long. And though it’s packed with moisturizers, it gives skin a natural-looking, matte finish.

Price at time of publish: $31

“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 cream, like MAC’s Fast Response Eye Cream, before putting on concealer.

Bare Minerals BarePRO 16-Hr Full Coverage Concealer

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Dermstore

What We Like

Goes on smoothly
Has skincare benefits
Covers dark circles

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for covering blemishes

If you have oily skin, bareMinerals’ BarePro Concealer might just be a dream come true. The waterproof concealer 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 also gives the full, crease-proof coverage you’re looking for. Since the concealer is packed with moisturizing ingredients, it will glide on extra-smooth, and it should keep you going for up to 16 hours at a time.

“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.” Of course, you don’t have to memorize what every ingredient on the label means. But keeping an eye out for these ingredients can help you find a product that works for you faster.

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora

What We Like

Provides smooth, even coverage
Stays matte all day
Crease-free finish

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for dry skin

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 to absorb excess oils, keeping you hydrated while giving you a smooth, even finish. Though the concealer goes on creamy, it dries matte, so you can use it to get the natural-looking coverage you’re looking for, anywhere you need it.

Price at time of publish: $44

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Waterproof Concealer

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Sephora View On Dermstore

What We Like

Creamy, matte finish
Buildable without caking
A little goes a long way

What We Don't Like

Can be difficult to apply

Tarte’s Amazonian Clay 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 concealer draws on vitamin E to nourish your skin, vitamin A to lock in moisture, and Amazonian clay to cut down on excess oil. Since the concealer is meant to go on smoothly and last for 12 hours, it’ll make an easy addition to your routine.

Price at time of publish: $25

Dermablend Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer

Ulta

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Dermstore

What We Like

Won't irritate acne-prone skin
Wide shade range
A little goes a long way

What We Don't Like

Product can separate

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 non-comedogenic—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 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.

Price at time of publish: $28

View On Ilmakiage.com

What We Like

Shade range includes range of undertones
Lightweight
Velvety texture

What We Don't Like

Shade matching can take guesswork

Il Makiage’s Mystique Concealer makes it incredibly easy to find your perfect shade. Simply start by classifying your skin tone as light, medium, tan, or deep. Then, consider whether your undertones are pink, orange, yellow, or neutral. After activating these two filters, Il Makiage will give you one or two concealer shades it thinks are right for you. This connects you with a concealer that's lightweight, moisturizing, and completely natural-looking.

Price at time of publish: $29

4.8

it cosmetics bye bye under eye full coverage concealer

Courtesy of Ulta

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Applies well
Feels really hydrating
Concealer is buildable and layers easily

What We Don't Like

Can feel sticky on the skin initially

The It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer Is My New Staple

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 should help you cut down on puffy under-eye bags, as well as dark under-eye circles. The cream concealer goes on smooth and, once applied, should keep you going for up to 24 hours.

Price at time of publish: $29

What Our Testers Say

"I tend to sweat a lot when it’s warm out, and I was impressed by the concealer’s ability to withstand that. It makes sense, though, because the product is waterproof, humidity-proof, sweat-proof, and can last up to 24 hours." — Khera Alexander, Product Tester

View On Ulta

What We Like

Portable
Wide shade range
Provides full, even coverage

What We Don't Like

Can be a little drying

Juvia’s Place’s I Am Magic Concealer 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 bottle, it’s incredibly easy to bring with you on the go.

Price at time of publish: $14

4.5

Tarte

View on Ulta View On Sephora View On Tartecosmetics.com

What We Like

Long-wearing
Wide shade range
Hydrating

What We Don't Like

A little expensive

Review: Tarte's Creaseless Concealer Lives Up to Its Name

Looking for a vegan concealer that genuinely works? Tarte’s Maracuja Creaseless Concealer should get the job done. The creamy concealer provides full, long-lasting coverage. And it draws on natural 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.

Price at time of publish: $27

What Our Testers Say

"I had previously resigned to the fact that all coverage products creased under the eye to some extent. This concealer has proven me wrong. It provides ample coverage, looks like skin, and didn’t settle or crease at all." — Emily Algar, Product Tester

Final Verdict

Benefit’s Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer is our favorite waterproof concealer, and it’s not hard to see why: It goes on smoothly and sticks around for up to 24 hours at a time. If you're looking for a budget-friendly pick, you can't go wrong with Maybelline's Super Stay Concealer, which is packed with hydrating ingredients and also has serious staying power.

What to Look For in a Waterproof Concealer

Style

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 and experiment!” 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 Voverage

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

Can you wear concealer 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.
Is there sweatproof concealer?

Technically, you'll want a waterproof concealer. 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. All of the concealers on this list are full-coverage concealers.

How We Researched & Tested

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

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.

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.

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Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

The Best Under-Eye Concealers, According to Makeup Artists. The Strategist. https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-under-eye-concealers.html
The Best Waterproof Makeup You Can Wear to Break a Sweat. Verywell Fit. https://www.verywellfit.com/best-waterproof-makeup-5187298