BB creams offer a great solution when you want to achieve a more natural look and don’t want to use a full-coverage foundation. Plus, BB creams also work to protect and hydrate the skin. However, there are times when you’ll want to make sure the BB cream you grab is waterproof so it doesn’t run or smudge. Whether you’re getting ready for a trip to the beach, planning to splash around in the pool, or engaging in some fun outdoor activities on a hot day, we’ll help you find the best waterproof BB cream to keep your face looking its best.
Table of Contents
- Best Waterproof BB Creams
- Editor’s Pick: MAYBELLINE Dream Fresh Skin Hydrating BB cream
- Waterproof BB Cream for Swimming: The Face Shop Waterproof BB
- Waterproof BB Cream Drugstore: Garnier SkinActive BB Cream
- Sweat-Proof Drugstore BB Cream: e.l.f, BB Cream
- Best Waterproof BB Cream for Coverage: jane iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream
- Waterproof BB Cream Korean: Erborian BB Creme Au Ginseng
- Best BB Cream for the Beach: MD Flawless Factor BB Cream for coverage
- Best BB Cream for Combination Skin: purlisse BB Tinted Moisturizer Cream SPF 30
- Best Sweat Proof BB Cream for Hot Weather: Smashbox Camera Ready Bb Cream
- Best BB Cream for Dry Sensitive Skin: Kiehl’s Skin Tone Correcting and Beautifying SPF 50 BB Cream
- Best BB Cream for Dry Skin: Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer
- Best Waterproof Makeup: Other Options
- Best Waterproof CC Cream: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream
- Best Waterproof Tinted Moisturizer: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer
- Benefits of Wearing Waterproof BB Cream
- How to choose a BB Cream: Buying Tips
- 10 Tips for Keeping Makeup Waterproof
- Water Proof Makeup: FAQs
- Which waterproof BB cream that we reviewed are you most excited to try?
Best Waterproof BB Creams
Ready to discover the best waterproof BB creams? We’ve put together an extensive list of some of the best waterproof BB creams to help you find the right product for your needs.
- MAYBELLINE Dream Fresh Skin Hydrating BB cream
- The Face Shop Waterproof BB
- Garnier SkinActive BB Cream
- e.l.f, BB Cream
- jane iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream
- Erborian BB Creme Au Ginseng
- MD Flawless Factor BB Cream for coverage
- purlisse BB Tinted Moisturizer Cream SPF 30
- Smashbox Camera Ready Bb Cream
- Kiehl’s Skin Tone Correcting and Beautifying SPF 50 BB Cream
- Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer
Editor’s Pick: MAYBELLINE Dream Fresh Skin Hydrating BB cream
Why We Love It
- Minimizes the look of pores and fine lines
- Hydrates skin
- Offers SPF 0 protection
- Five available shades that adjust to individual skin tones
BB Cream Highlights
- SPF 30 protection
- Smooths and brightens skin
- Light coverage that adjusts to skin tone
- Oil-free
- Five shades available
Ready to have some fun in the sun or by the water? Check out Maybelline’s Dream BB Fresh cream. Many reviewers have noted that it holds up well to sweat and water, making it an excellent choice when you’re looking for the best waterproof BB cream. This cream is available in five different shades and works as a light coverage foundation. It works to smooth and hydrate the skin, while also minimizing the look of pores and fine lines. The SPF 30 protection is perfect for all of your outdoor activities too.
BB Cream Reviews: the Pros and Cons
The majority of users absolutely love the BB cream. They have shared that it is lightweight and comfortable to wear for outdoor activities where they are likely to sweat or get wet. They also like how the color blends in perfectly with their skin tone. Some users, however, said that they weren’t able to find the right match for their skin color.
Waterproof BB Cream for Swimming: The Face Shop Waterproof BB
BB Cream Highlights
- Water-, sweat-, and sebum-resistant
- Designed for all skin types
- Lightweight feel
- Two shades available
If you’re looking for the best makeup that will stay on in the pool, the Face Shop’s Waterproof BB Cream may be just what you’re looking for. Unlike other options that may smudge, this formula resists water, sweat, and sebum to ensure it stays on your face if you get wet. It offers a lightweight and comfortable feel for all-day wear. This BB cream is also suitable for use with all skin types.
BB Cream Reviews: the Pros and Cons
Many individuals who have tried this product love its lightweight feel. They also love how hydrating it is for their face. A few users shared that it didn’t work well with their skin and caused them to break out, however.
Waterproof BB Cream Drugstore: Garnier SkinActive BB Cream
BB Cream Highlights
- Hydrates skin and evens skin tones
- Minimizes pores
- Brightens skin
- SPF 15 protection
- Designed for oily or combination skin
Garnier’s SkinActive BB Cream is a top choice if you’re looking for a waterproof drugstore BB cream. While the description does not specifically highlight this BB cream’s waterproof abilities, many users have shared positive results using when sweating or by the water. It offers SPF 15 protection and works to hydrate and brighten the skin while minimizing the look of pores. This BB cream is specifically designed for users with oily or combination skin.
BB Cream Reviews: the Pros and Cons
Customers are impressed with the lightweight and natural coverage this BB cream provides. They have shared that a little goes a long way, so one tube will last for a long time. However, some users did note that the cream is very watery or liquid-y and sometimes leaks.
Sweat-Proof Drugstore BB Cream: e.l.f, BB Cream
BB Cream Highlights
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- SPF 20 protection
- Infused with jojoba, aloe, vitamin E, and cucumber to soothe and nourish skin
- Five shades available
Worried about your BB cream smudging or smearing if you sweat? Try e.l.f.’s BB cream. This BB cream comes in five different shades to match different skin tones and offers SPF 20 protection. It has a lightweight feel and helps to nourish and hydrate skin with its vitamin E-, jojoba-, aloe-, and cucumber-infused formula.
BB Cream Reviews: the Pros and Cons
Individuals who have tried this BB cream are impressed with its performance, especially given its reasonable price. They say that it blends well, feels comfortable on their face, and offers a natural look. Some users feel that the cream smells too much like sunscreen, though.
Best Waterproof BB Cream for Coverage: jane iredale Glow Time Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream
BB Cream Highlights
- Full-coverage BB cream/foundation
- Minimizes pores and wrinkles
- Brightens skin
- SPF 17 protection
- Non-comedogenic
- Natural ingredients
- 10 shades available
jane iredale’s Glow BB Cream is a great choice for those looking for greater coverage. This is a full-coverage BB cream/foundation that works to hide wrinkles, minimize pores, and smooth the skin for a flawless look. It offers SPF 17-protection, is non-comedogenic, and dermatologist and allergy tested. The BB cream is made using natural ingredients, is vegan, and is cruelty-free.
BB Cream Reviews: the Pros and Cons
Individuals who have tried this BB cream rave about the flawless coverage it offers. Some users shared that they switched from their old foundation brand to this product because it is less irritating for their sensitive skin. They also like that it doesn’t make their skin feel greasy like some other options they’ve tried. Some users shared that the color they selected wasn’t the right match for their skin tone and made their skin look too yellowy.
Waterproof BB Cream Korean: Erborian BB Creme Au Ginseng
BB Cream Highlights
- Conceals fine lines and wrinkles
- Moisturizes skin
- Formulated with ginseng
- SPF 25 protection
The Erborian BB Creme from Korea was selected as the Consumer’s Choice winner for the BT Awards in Paris in 2010. It provides sheer coverage and smooths fine lines and wrinkles to leave individuals with a smooth face. The BB cream also works to nourish and moisturize the skin. It is also infused with ginseng, a trusted ingredient known for its anti-aging properties in Korea and other Asian countries.
BB Cream Reviews: the Pros and Cons
Many users feel that this BB cream is very moisturizing. They have also shared that they noticed a more even skin tone after using it. However, some users said that the color was not right for their skin tone; some said it was too yellowy, while others found it was too dark.
Best BB Cream for the Beach: MD Flawless Factor BB Cream for coverage
BB Cream Highlights
- Brightens skin
- Oil-free
- SPF 35 Protection
- Nourishes skin and boost collagen production
- Suitable for use with all skin types
If you’re heading to the beach, you need a BB cream that will hold up well to the surf and sweat. This BB cream from MD Flawless Factor is the perfect choice for your next beach trip. It features an oil-free and waterproof formula that also offers SPF 35 protection to keep your makeup looking flawless while also preventing you from getting burned by the hot rays on the beach. The BB cream is also designed to brighten skin and deliver younger-looking skin with its nicotinamide– and adenosine-rich formula that helps boost collagen production.
BB Cream Reviews: the Pros and Cons
People who have tried this BB cream love that it has a sensitive skin-friendly formula. They are also impressed with the fact that it works as both a foundation and a sunscreen for their outdoor needs. However, some individuals feel that this product is not worth the cost, since it is more expensive than many other BB creams on the market.
Best BB Cream for Combination Skin: purlisse BB Tinted Moisturizer Cream SPF 30
BB Cream Highlights
- Provides natural-looking coverage
- SPF 30 protection
- Suitable for all skin types
- Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly
- Nine shades available
The Perfect Glow BB Cream from purlisse is another top option to consider. Use this BB cream to achieve natural-looking coverage the next time you need something waterproof or sweat proof on your face. This is also an excellent choice for individuals with combination skin. The BB cream features a gentle formula that works on all skin types. It works to even the skin tone and conceal blemishes while also offering SPF 30 protection from the sun.
BB Cream Reviews: the Pros and Cons
Users of this BB cream love the all-day lasting coverage it offers. They also find that the BB cream does wonders filling in the lines and imperfections on their face for a smooth and polished look. A few individuals shared that they didn’t think the shade was right for their face or had too much of a yellow undertone for their skin type.
Best Sweat Proof BB Cream for Hot Weather: Smashbox Camera Ready Bb Cream
BB Cream Highlights
- Moisturizes skin
- Evens skin tone
- SPF 35 protection
- Formula includes anti-aging peptide and emollients
When you’re going out on a hot day, turn to the Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream. Reviewers have shared that this is a great sweat proof BB cream. It also works to even the skin tone and includes anti-aging peptides and emollients to improve the overall appearance of skin. This BB cream is also guaranteed to improve the skin’s moisture in just four weeks.
BB Cream Reviews: the Pros and Cons
Customers love the lightweight feel of this BB cream coupled with the coverage it provides. They also love the natural look it offers compared to heavier foundations. However, some users felt that the BB cream had too heavy of a feel for their face.
Best BB Cream for Dry Sensitive Skin: Kiehl’s Skin Tone Correcting and Beautifying SPF 50 BB Cream
BB Cream Highlights
- Corrects skin discoloration
- No mineral oil, parabens, silicone, or fragrances
- SPF 50 protection
Kiehl’s Skin Tone Correcting and Beautifying BB Cream is an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin. It features a fragrance-free formula to avoid irritating the skin and also contains no silicone, mineral oil, or parabens to help keep skin healthy. This BB cream also works to correct skin discoloration for a more even skin tone. It also offers an impressive SPF 50 protection to prevent individuals from getting a sunburn.
BB Cream Reviews: the Pros and Cons
Customers love the coverage this BB cream offers. Users with different skin types shared that it works wonders on skin ranging from sensitive to dry to oily, making it a top choice for all users. They also love the high level of SPF protection that is offered. However, some users did not find the range of shade options sufficient for their skin tone.
Best BB Cream for Dry Skin: Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer
BB Cream Highlights
- Made with Amazonian clay
- Buildable coverage
- Chamomile extract to heal dry skin
- SPF 20 protection
If you have dry skin, give this BB Tinted Moisturizer from Tarte Cosmetics a try. It is made using Amazonian clay and vitamin E to balance the skin and protect it against free radical damage The chamomile extract in BB cream is anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory and can help heal dry skin. The BB cream also offers SPF 20 protection and works to conceal fine lines and wrinkles.
BB Cream Reviews: the Pros and Cons
Users who have tried this BB cream love that it helps them achieve a more natural makeup look. They also like that it stays on their face for all-day wear without worrying about needing to reapply their makeup. However, some users found that the coverage was too heavy for their preferences.
Best Waterproof Makeup: Other Options
In addition to the waterproof BB creams shared above, you may also want to consider one of these other choices for waterproof coverage.
Best Waterproof CC Cream: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream
CC Cream Highlights
- Full-coverage
- Reduces wrinkles, redness, caring, dark circles, and large pores
- Infused with peptides, niacin, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and hydrolyzed collagen
- SPF 50 protection
- 18 shades available
IT Cosmetics’ Your Skin But Better CC cream is a top choice among reviews sharing the best waterproof CC creams. This CC cream can be used as a full-coverage foundation to improve your complexion by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, scarring, dark circles, and other imperfections. It also is infused with hydrolyzed collagen and hyaluronic acid to improve the skin’s health and appearance. The SPF 50 protection is perfect for outdoor events where you’re likely to sweat or get hot.
CC Cream Reviews: the Pros and Cons
People who have tried this cream love that it offers SPF 50 protection without the greasy feel associated with sunscreen. They also love that they can protect their face and apply their foundation by using just one product. Some users shared that they found the CC cream to be very thick and difficult to apply to their face.
Best Waterproof Tinted Moisturizer: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer
Tinted Moisturizer Highlights
- Formulated with hyaluronic acid to improve moisture
- Colloidal oatmeal and allantoin to soothe skin
- Micro-Pearls to deliver radiance and beauty
- Seven shades available
If you’d prefer a tinted moisturizer, consider the Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer from First Aid Beauty. This moisturizer is designed to deliver 12 hours of hydration to keep your face from drying out, and with seven different shade options, you can find the perfect match for your skin tone. The formula contains a variety of ingredients designed to improve the overall look and health of the skin such as vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, colloidal oatmeal and allantoin, and micro-pearls.
Tinted Moisturizer Reviews: the Pros and Cons
Individuals who have used this tinted moisturizer overwhelmingly recommend it to others. They love that it offers the right amount of coverage without being overly heavy and enjoy how it makes their skin feel. Some users did share that it delivers too much glow to their face and they need to tone it down some.
Benefits of Wearing Waterproof BB Cream
So, why do you need a waterproof BB cream? There are a number of reasons why choosing waterproof makeup, and specifically a waterproof BB cream are important. Keep reading, and we’ll highlight some waterproof BB cream and makeup benefits.
Why should you use waterproof makeup?
When you wear waterproof makeup, you don’t need to worry about it getting ruined if your face gets wet. Whether you get caught in a rainstorm, tear up, or get hot and sweaty, you don’t want to worry about your makeup getting ruined. With waterproof makeup, this concern/fear is gone. You can dash out to the car in the middle of a storm or go for a vigorous walk during your lunch break without worrying about what your makeup will look like afterwards.
With waterproof makeup, you can also hang out by the beach or pool and know that your flawless look will remain flawless. Waterproof makeup will continue looking great even if you get your face wet on a hot summer’s day.
Another benefit of waterproof makeup is that it can actually save you money. With non-waterproof makeup, you’ll likely find that you need to reapply or touch up your makeup several times a day. This will mean that you’ll use up your makeup products more quickly and need to purchase them more frequently. Since waterproof makeup can look great all day, you won’t go through it as quickly.
Why should you use waterproof BB cream specifically?
Is BB cream waterproof? Yes, some (but not all) BB creams are waterproof. And, the benefits of choosing a waterproof BB cream are very similar to the benefits of choosing other waterproof makeup products. Waterproof BB cream will stay on your face and keep your skin looking smooth, hydrated, and toned even when you’re out having fun by the pool or beach. You won’t need to worry about a waterproof BB cream smudging or smearing if you sweat or cry with it on your face.
There are also benefits of BB cream over foundation, especially during the summer months. BB cream is lighter in weight and can provide a sheerer more natural look. BB cream can also offer some protection for your skin against the sun, providing yet another reason it is the perfect pick for a day at the beach or pool. But, can you wear BB cream in the pool? Yes, if you choose a waterproof BB cream, you should be able to wear it into the pool!
How to choose a BB Cream: Buying Tips
How to Choose Waterproof Makeup
As you shop for the best waterproof makeup, there are a few different things you’ll want to consider. First, keep your skin type in mind. Some BB creams and other makeup products are better suited for different skin types, such as oily or dry skin. You should also be sure to consider your specific skin shade as well, and look for BB creams that will be the right match to help you achieve a consistent and finished look.
Next, consider the amount of coverage you want. Again, some BB creams are lighter than others, so the way they’ll look on your face will vary. Think about whether you are looking for a BB cream for a specific event, such as heading to the beach, or if you’re looking for more of an all-purpose product you can wear during the summer or beyond.
What to Look For
Before purchasing waterproof makeup, be sure to check the ingredient list. Some waterproof makeups contain ingredients that cause skin irritation or other issues in some users. When you do purchase a makeup item, be sure to test it on your skin to see how it reacts. Depending on your need for wanting waterproof makeup, you may also consider trying a water-resistant product as they are not as heavy as waterproof makeups and still hold up well to a lot.
Silicones are one ingredient you’ll want to try to avoid in waterproof makeup as they are more likely to irritate the skin, lead to an allergic reaction, or cause individuals to break out than other ingredients.
Some good ingredients to look for in waterproof makeup include Acrylates Copolymer, Isododecane, and other polymers. These ingredients help keep makeup waterproof, but aren’t harmful to the skin like silicones.
10 Tips for Keeping Makeup Waterproof
When you wear waterproof makeup, you want to make sure it stays waterproof and your face continues to look its best all day long. Use these tips to help you achieve that goal:
- Use a primer beneath your foundation.
- Opt for a waterproof BB or CC cream rather than a heavier foundation.
- Apply waterproof mascara over your favorite mascara to amplify your look and make the waterproof mascara easier to remove when you’re ready.
- Choose cream, not powdered, blushes, eyeshadows, and bronzers.
- Use a setting spray after applying your makeup.
- Apply an oil-free moisturizer with SPF protection before putting on your makeup to protect your skin.
- Wear lip balm that offers SPF protection.
- Stay simple; only apply the basics you really need and don’t put on too much makeup.
- Before applying your makeup, make sure your eyebrows are shaped and groomed so you won’t need to apply more makeup to keep them looking their best.
- Do a test run: put on your makeup and head to the pool by yourself before heading out with friends to see how it fares.
Water Proof Makeup: FAQs
Does BB cream melt off?
No, unlike many foundations, a waterproof BB cream will not melt off the face.
How to do waterproof makeup?
Applying waterproof makeup is very similar to applying non-waterproof products. Begin by moisturizing your skin and applying a primer. Next applying your waterproof foundation, or waterproof BB cream, using a brush or your fingers. If needed, add the concealer on top of the foundation to cover up any imperfections you need to hide.
Bronzer and blush are next. After applying blush, put on your waterproof eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. Next, move on to your lips with a lip liner (if you’re using one) and lipstick. Finally, apply a setting spray to keep the look intact.
What is the best waterproof makeup?
The best waterproof makeup may vary for each person. As you shop for waterproof makeup, keep your skin type, skin color, and coverage needs in mind. This will help you select waterproof makeup that will meet your needs.
Which waterproof BB cream that we reviewed are you most excited to try?
A waterproof BB cream can be a true lifesaver. With a BB cream that is waterproof, you don’t need to worry about your makeup smearing or smudging due to sweat, water, or tears. You can enjoy your time outside on a hot summer’s day and spend time poolside or beachside.
Interested in learning more about some top makeup products for your face? Check out these related posts on our blog:
- Tinted Moisturizer vs BB Cream
- Best Drugstore CC Foundations
- BB Cream vs Foundation
- How to Use Tinted Moisturizers
- Best Under Eye Primers for Wrinkles
- Best Foundation Brush
What do you think about our picks for the Best Waterproof BB Cream?
Yeah, a lot of BB creams have SPF to make sure they cover all the skincare bases, I don’t think I’ve seen one without SPF, unfortunately!
This was an interesting read, I’ve never really considered if base products are waterproof before but I guess that makes sense for things like BB creams with them typically being more of a summer product. I can’t use bases with SPF so that usually rules BB creams out fo me x