Celeb Makeup Artists Say These Waterproof Makeup Primers Survive Tears, Sweat, and Beachy Vacations
These melt-proof formulas work wonders.
With warmer weather kicking into full gear, it's only normal to reassess your beauty routine and consider which products are keepers for the heat. Maybe you're thinking about using a more lightweight moisturizer, or perhaps you would prefer a hydrating skin tint with SPF over your foundation. Something you might also want to reassess: your makeup primer.
It goes without saying that there are hundreds of primers on the market, but if you want your makeup to truly look its best throughout spring and summer, you may want to consider investing in a waterproof or water-resistant formula. I'm a firm believer that everybody should have one of these in their makeup bag, but it can be especially helpful if you plan on hitting the beach, going on a vacation, working out at the gym, etc.
As someone who tests products for a living, I naturally have a few recommendations of my own. To get even more insight, I chatted with celebrity makeup artist Nicole Walmsley to find out which primers really stand the test of time. Keep scrolling for the six that made the list.
The Best Waterproof Makeup Primers, at a Glance
- Best for Dry Skin: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer
- Best Gel Formula: e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer
- Best with SPF: Supergoop! Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF 50
- Best for Oily Skin: NARS Soft Matte Primer
- Best for Mature Skin: Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer
The Best Waterproof Makeup Primers in 2026
Best for Dry Skin: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer
If you have normal to dry skin and want a formula that doubles as skincare and makeup, meet Milk Makeup's Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer With Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide. "Formulated with blue agave extract, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it hydrates the skin while creating a sweat-resistant seal that helps lock makeup in place for up to 12 hours," says Walmsley. "The silicone-free formula feels lightweight and smooth while creating a breathable barrier that helps prevent makeup from breaking down and looking uneven throughout the day."
Pros: Affordable, hydrating, loong-lasting
Cons: Pump may get stuck
Key ingredients: Blue agave extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid,
Finish: Dewy
Customer review: "I bought this for the good reviews and was genuinely surprised by how good it is. The grip is good but still easy enough to blend into your face."
Best Gel Formula: e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer
This Power Grip Primer has been a favorite in my household for a while now. By me and my sister use it regularly, but it's especially helpful for hot summer days when we're more likely to break a sweat. The gel-based formula provides long-lasting hold without clogging pores or drying out skin.
Pros: Affordable, doesn't clog pores, hydrating
Cons: Can feel tacky without proper skin prep
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Finish: Natural
Customer review: "Such an affordable amazing product. Easy on the skin and works amazingly all day long. I am pretty oily, and this product has been amazing not only does it cover my pores, but it helps my makeup look flawless without it looking cakey."
Best with SPF: Supergoop! Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF 50
Invisible on skin, weightless, and protective, this Dewscreen Hydrating Primer contains helpful ingredients like SPF 50, Polyglutamic Peptide Complex, hyaluronic acid, tremella mushroom. "It’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it works well even for sensitive or acne-prone skin," says Walmsley. "The formula feels light and non-greasy, and it holds up through sweat and water for up to 80 minutes."
Pros: Protects from sun damage, doesn't clog pores
Cons: Some users don't like the scent
Key ingredients: Polyglutamic Peptide Complex, hyaluronic acid, tremella mushroom, bisabolol
Finish: Dewy
Customer review: "This is my dream screen. It does the perfect job of protecting, hydrating, and priming my skin. Simple and flawless."
Best for Oily Skin: NARS Soft Matte Primer
If you struggle with combination or oily skin, consider trying a mattefying primer like this one from NARS. The Climate Balancing Technology keeps skin hydrated and absorbs excess oil while preventing sweat from breaking down makeup. Plus, the water-gel texture is lightweight and applies evenly over skin for a soft, matte finish.
Pros: Applies evenly, lightweight, safe for oily skin
Cons: Pricey for the amount of product
Key ingredients: Climate Balancing Technology
Finish: Soft-matte
Customer review: "Best primer I have used! A little goes a long way, my make-up lasted from 6:45am-5pm. Impressive!"
Best for Mature Skin: Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer
This has been a top performing primer for years, so it's no surprise that it made our list. "This primer blurs pores and fine lines instantly, giving skin a soft, photo-ready finish while helping makeup apply seamlessly and last for hours—even in heat or humidity," says Walmsley. "It extends wear without settling or wearing unevenly." She adds that she likes to use this under makeup, on its own for a polished look, or tapped on top for quick touch-ups.
Pros: Affordable, long-lasting, minimizes pores and fine lines
Cons: Some users don't like the smell
Key ingredients: Vitamin E
Finish: Blurred
Customer review: "My go to favorite primer—it truly works wonders smoothing my large pores and textured skin. iIt's a must purchase!"
Best Budget: NYX Professional Makeup The Face Glue Gripping Primer
A budget-friendly primer that delivers on results can be hard to find, but trust me when I say that this The Face Glue Gripping Primer gets the job done. You'll get skin hydration and long-lasting makeup that stays put for up to 24 hours. It's like actual glue in a bottle (minus the heavy, sticky feeling).
Pros: Budget-friendly, long-lasting, non-sticky
Cons: Not ideal for dry skin
Key ingredients: Polyglutamic acid, maple syrup
Finish: Soft-focus
Customer review: "Oh boy, does this one grip. Easy to apply, quickly dries, and grips your make up like there's no tomorrow. Highly recommend."
What are the benefits of a waterproof makeup primer?
In short, a waterproof or water-resistant primer helps makeup stay in place regardless of sweat, humidity, or other kinds of water or moisture exposure. "Think of it as an adhesive layer—it helps everything stay in place without fading, sliding, or breaking down, while also smoothing the skin for a polished, long-lasting, transfer-resistant finish," says Walmsley.
What's the best way to apply makeup primer?
Every flawless application starts with a clean base, which is why starting on freshly cleansed skin is a must. Once you apply your skincare products, you can get started with primer. "Always let your primer fully dry before going in with foundation or any other products—it makes a noticeable difference in how well everything holds throughout the day," says Walmsley. "I also match formulas by using water-based primers with water-based foundations to prevent pilling and keep the finish smooth." If you want your makeup to last even longer, she suggests layering a setting spray over your foundation to lock everything in.
How We Chose
As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best waterproof makeup primers, we leaned heavily on expert insight and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including key ingredients and finish type. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
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