Photo: Essence Cosmetics
As the warm days of summer start rolling in (for half the world at least), it may be time to invest in some new waterproof makeup and other beauty products that give you full coverage—be it foundation or a concealer. Of course, we recommend using vegan beauty products whenever possible. Cosmetics can surprisingly contain animal-derived or animal ingredients. Check out this nifty guide to learn more about what beauty products to avoid.
We love waterproof makeup in particular for the summer. They are great because the last thing you want to worry about is having makeup drip down your face under the hot sun. Plus, they’re perfect for looking good even when lounging poolside. Here are 10 of the most loved waterproof beauty products recommended by abillion members.
Essence Cosmetics
Liquid Ink Waterproof Eyeliner
Photo: Liquid Ink Waterproof Eyeliner
German-based Essence cosmetics, launched in 2001, is known for its cruelty-free products. The brand is still not entirely vegan, but 91% of its products are plant-based. Reaching a hundred percent is still one of their long-term goals. The founder, and Managing Director of Essence, Christine Oster-Daum, says, "we want to ensure our customers always have access to the latest makeup trends at a great price." And so, Essence cosmetics is a good choice if you're looking for a wallet-friendly brand.
The liquid ink eyeliner features a high-precision brush applicator, making it possible to alternate between a sharp or a thick winged look on the eyes. That makes it an easy eyeliner to start with for a beginner. It is sold for $3.99 via the store’s website, but also available in select drugstores.
Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Effect
Photo: Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Effect
This $4.99 formula is said to be a game-changer that can enhance your lashes. The highlight of this mascara is its ability to lengthen, volumize, and curl lashes. It also has a conically shaped fiber brush that allows you to build each layer without making it too flaky. Essence Lash Princess is sold via the website, or can be purchased at select drugstores.
Tarte
Clay Pot Shadow Liner
Photo: Clay Pot Shadow Liner
There's a bit of a cult-like obsession around this beauty brand, with passionate customers calling themselves “tartelettes”. Founded by Maureen Kelly in 1999, Tarte sources only natural ingredients, like Amazonian clay, snow mushroom, or prickly pear extract, to make their products. Tarte is cruelty-free and offers vegan-friendly options.
The clay pot shadow liner, in particular, features Amazonian clay—Kelly discovered this magic ingredient while on vacation in Brazil. The inspiration to infuse Amazonian clay with the product occurred during a conversation with local women about their soft skin. They explained to Kelly that their beauty secret was Amazonian clay.
As the name suggests, the shadow liner is in a pot, and much smaller in size compared to other pencil or pen-type eyeliners. This might not be the most beginner-friendly product to start with, mainly because you'll need to know the right amount to apply on the brush applicator (which needs to be purchased separately). On the other hand, this can last much longer than liquid eyeliner because it doesn't dry up. Tarte also claims that this product works as an eyeshadow. This product is sold for $10 via the website.
Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer
Photo: Tarte
Not only does this matte bronzer come in two shades, but it ticks three very important boxes—it’s waterproof, vegan, and cruelty-free. Amazonian clay is used here as well. It helps make the bronzer suitable for all skin types, and has nourishing properties. This waterproof bronzer is available via the website for $30. Both of these products are a part of the Amazonian Clay Collection of Tarte.
KVD Beauty
Tattoo Liner Liquid Eyeliner
Photo: Tattoo Liner Liquid Eyeliner
Katherine Von Drachenberg is well-known for founding her line of beauty products, KVD. It made its big debut in 2008, and eight years later shifted to become a vegan and cruelty-free certified brand. Von Drachenberg rose to fame as a tattoo artist, appearing first on Miami Ink and then headlining spin-off show LA Ink. In multiple interviews, she has stated that, “tattoos are a tool of self-expression.”
This Tattoo Liner is one for both beginners and experts alike. This eyeliner has a felt tip that allows a user to control the pressure when applied, resulting in either a bold or a minimal look. It is heavily pigmented and smudge proof. Interestingly in 2018, there was a viral twitter review of a woman who got in a crash on the road, and her eyeliner didn’t budge a single bit. This product has won several beauty awards and can be purchased here.
Lumene
Waterproof Eye & Lip Makeup Remover
Photo: Waterproof Eye & Lip Makeup Remover
For the Finnish, Lumene is an established and much-loved brand. Founded in 1970, the brand takes inspiration from Nordic rituals of well-being and sources natural ingredients found in the Finnish landscape, including organic birch sap, Arctic spring water, Lingonberry, and Nordic algae. All their products are vegan and cruelty-free.
This waterproof remover is made with oil and has a fragrance-free formula that makes it safe when used around delicate areas like the eyes. It also works as a moisturizer, keeping the skin healthy and hydrated. This product is suitable for all skin types and is available via the website.
The Body Shop
Camomile Eye & Makeup Remover
Photo: Camomile Eye & Makeup Remover
The Body Shop was founded in 1976 by Anita Rodick, which began with a mission of doing something good for the planet. Currently, it operates in more than 70 countries around the world. This brand is also part of the cosmetic group Natura & Co, which represents four other beauty brands. Their products are cruelty-free, but not all are vegan.
This makeup remover is enriched with Camomile extract, which helps it act as a purifying agent, and aids in removing dead cells from the eyelids and lips. This cleanser is great for people with sensitive skin as well as contact lens wearers. It can be purchased via the website, retailing at $18.
Too Faced
Better Than Sex Mascara
Photo: Better Than Sex Mascara
Two Faced Beauty was founded by Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson in 1998. Despite the cheeky name, this mascara is considered a holy grail for many in the beauty community. It was first released in 2015, and to date is one of the brand’s best-selling products. Blandino has stated that this formula took three years and countless revisions to develop. This is sold at select drugstores and via the website for $26.
Urban Decay
All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder
Photo: All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder
Urban Decay was founded in 1966 by Sandy Lerner, Wende Somnir, Patricia L. Holmes, and David Soward. The brand has come a long way since its initial days, when it was positioned as a young rebellious brand. Up until the mid 1990s, most beauty brands only made palettes in red and pink shades. Urban Decay introduced a riot of colors and changed the industry. Currently, they are one of the best-selling beauty brands in the US. While their products are all cruelty free, not all are vegan.
Setting powder, as the name implies, is used to set your makeup. This investment-worthy powder blurs pores and blemishes. It's also lightweight and leaves a matte finish to the overall look. You can get this waterproof setting powder for $34 from the website.
All Nighter Waterproof Full Coverage Concealer
Photo: All Nighter Waterproof Full Coverage Concealer
