Lightweight primer that dries to a slight tack, anchoring foundation through sweat, humidity, and light rain when used sparingly.
We may earn a small referral fee
Trying to keep foundation on through sweat, humidity, or watery eyes can feel impossible without the right base. These waterproof-leaning primers add grip and wear time so your makeup holds up when life gets messy.
In-depth Reviews
Urban Decay All Nighter Face Primer
- Noticeable grip without feeling gluey
- Helps reduce mid-day breakdown around the nose and chin
- Layers well under long-wear foundation and setting spray
- Can emphasize dry patches if you skip moisturizer
- Too much product can cause pilling with some skincare
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
- Blurs texture and pore look without heavy slip
- Helps foundation wear more evenly in humid weather
- Works well for a refined, photo-ready finish
- Price is steep compared to similar performance
- Can feel a bit silicone-y if you prefer gel primers
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
- Strong grip that helps makeup last longer
- Keeps a fresh, dewy look instead of drying down matte
- Helps reduce separation on normal to dry areas
- Can pill if layered over rich skincare too quickly
- Not ideal if you hate any tacky feel
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Shine Control
- Helps delay oil breakthrough in the T-zone
- Reduces the look of pores once foundation is on top
- Improves wear time for soft-matte and matte foundations
- Can feel drying on normal or dehydrated skin
- Less compatible with very dewy base products
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
- Affordable way to get a true grip-primer effect
- Helps prevent foundation from shifting during the day
- Great for targeted use in high-movement areas
- Not as smoothing over texture as pricier primers
- Can feel tacky until you learn the right amount
Buying Guide
Pro Technique: Make Your Primer Wear More “Waterproof” (Even If It Isn’t)
Prep for grip, not slip. The fastest way to defeat a long-wear primer is layering it on top of greasy skincare that never fully sets. After moisturizer and sunscreen, wait until skin feels mostly dry, then lightly blot the T-zone with tissue if you are shiny. That one step can prevent pilling and helps the primer form an even film.
Use less than you think, and press it in. A thick layer of primer can stay wet and cause foundation to slide or separate. Start with a pea-sized amount for the whole face (or half that if you spot-prime), then press it into high-breakdown zones like the sides of the nose, chin, and between the brows. Give it 30 to 60 seconds to set before you go in with foundation.
Seal the weak points strategically. For the most water-resistant finish, set only the areas that crease or get slick with a small amount of finely milled powder, then mist setting spray and press (do not rub) it in with a sponge. If your makeup fails around the nostrils or upper lip, try a second, ultra-thin layer of primer just in that area rather than piling on more foundation. The goal is thin layers that bond, not thick layers that move.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final verdict: Urban Decay All Nighter Face Primer is the top pick for most people because it balances grip, comfort, and day-long wear without feeling heavy. If you run oily or sweat easily, Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Shine Control is the most reliable for keeping shine from breaking through.
See also
Lock everything in with a transfer-proof setting spray, and if shine is your main enemy, compare our best matte setting sprays.
- Waterproof concealers that won’t crease or slide
- Read our Charlotte Tilbury setting spray review for wear testing details
- Waterproof makeup picks that still remove cleanly at night
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Is any makeup primer truly waterproof?
Most primers are better described as water-resistant, sweat-resistant, or long-wear rather than truly waterproof. A primer can help makeup adhere and reduce breakdown when you get damp, but soaking (like swimming) will still challenge most base products. For the most “waterproof” result, pair primer with a long-wear foundation, strategic powder, and a setting spray.
How do I apply waterproof primer so it actually lasts?
Start with skincare that has fully absorbed, especially sunscreen, so you are not layering slickness under your makeup. Use a pea-sized amount and apply in a thin, even layer, then let it set for at least 30 to 60 seconds before foundation. Press foundation on with a sponge or dense brush instead of rubbing, since friction can lift primer and create pilling.
Should I choose a silicone-based or water-based primer for humid days?
Silicone-leaning primers often excel at smoothing texture and creating a slip-resistant barrier that can slow oil and sweat from breaking through. Water-based “grip” primers can work just as well in humidity if your foundation plays nicely with them and you avoid heavy skincare underneath. The most reliable approach is matching textures: a water-based foundation typically pairs best with a water-based primer, while silicone foundations tend to sit better on silicone primers.
Can I wear waterproof primer under sunscreen?
Yes, but sunscreen should go on first, and it needs time to dry down before primer. If you apply primer too soon, you can thin, shift, or ball up your sunscreen and end up with patchy makeup. When in doubt, wait a few minutes, then lightly blot shine before applying primer only where you need extra hold (often the T-zone, around the nose, and along the chin).
What’s the gentlest way to remove a waterproof primer at night?
Use a cleansing balm or oil cleanser first, working it over dry skin to break down long-wear films and grippy polymers. Add a little water to emulsify, then rinse and follow with a gentle second cleanse to remove residue. Avoid aggressive scrubbing around the nose and under-eye area; instead, press a warm, damp cloth to soften product, then wipe gently.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on our site.