Here, two makeup artists offer tips on how to waterproof your makeup—even when you're not actually wearing waterproof products.

1 Start with a primer

Setting your base with a strong primer will set you up for staying success throughout the day. A primer will not only help your makeup go on smoother, but it will also help your products last longer, as it acts as a protective layer to prevent foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, and highlighter from absorbing into the skin too much. 

“Primer is so personal for whatever skin type I am addressing,” says makeup artist Paige Pelfrey. “Makeup Forever makes a huge range of primers that are incredible and can be completely customizable to your needs—whether you’re in need of color correcting redness or filling in pores, they have one for all skin types.” 

When Pelfrey is working on a client with no major skin concerns—just looking for a glowy boost—her go-to is the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter ($44; sephora.com). “It’s incredible on its own, mixed into foundation, or even as a highlight,” explains Pelfrey. 

Some other favorites from makeup artist and skincare expert Molly Thompson-Tubridy include picks from Urban Decay and NYX. “Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Glow Face Primer ($36; sephora.com) is my go-to for when I want a long-lasting look, especially when I know I’ll be facing the elements of weather/heat,” she says. “It works with all skin types and a little goes a long way—the gel consistency and hyaluronic acid helps cool and hydrate the face.”

Thompson-Tubridy’s other favorite primer she loves to use on her clients is NYX High Glass Face Primer ($9; ulta.com) because it’s less expensive than the Urban Decay option and  creates a long-lasting effect. “However, it’s more for dewy ‘glass skin' looks, so I opt to wear it on a day where I want a  natural glow.”

2 Use a makeup sponge

To help buff product into your skin for a longer-lasting effect, Thompson-Tubridy recommends using a makeup sponge, like Beautyblender Biopure Sustainable Green Makeup Sponge ($20; sephora.com) or Bioblender by EcoTools Makeup Sponge ($6; ulta.com), when applying foundation, CC cream, or BB creams.

3 Use a longwear sealant

According to Pelfrey, using a longwear sealant is the most effective way to transform non-waterproof products into waterproof ones. “A few brands make these products in the form of a dropper and you can add it to gel liners, or on a shadow brush before dipping into an eyeshadow,” says Pelfrey. “I would recommend Makeup Forever Aqua Seal ($21; sephora.com)—it’s a sealant that can be used in many ways and with many products, and it makes pigments more intense while also giving them longevity.”

Thompson-Tubridy is also a big fan of Makeup Forever Aqua Seal, but her favorite liquid converter is Inglot Duraline ($17; amazon.com). “All you need to do is add a drop or two to the product and apply immediately,” says Thomspon-Tubridy. “I love using this product and mixing it with a colored powder so I can create my own colored liners—once you’ve applied the product, it instantly becomes waterproof and lasts for hours.”

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