Best Waterproof Cosmetics - On or Off a Budget

Waterproof Cosmetics are a must if you spend much time outdoors or live in a hot, humid climate. Lucky for me, I live in coastal Georgia and like spending as much time outdoors as possible. Waterproof cosmetics are necessary for surviving the blazing hot and sticky Georgia summers as well as throughout the year. As a fairly new resident to the deep South, I've been experimenting to determine which waterproof cosmetics brands work the best for me. Every one's skin is different so you will have to do some experimenting to find the best waterproof cosmetics formula for you. However, here are some of the waterproof cosmetics brands that I have tried and like to use on a regular basis.

Waterproof Cosmetics - Foundation

Bargain: One of the best waterproof cosmetics foundations I've found on a budget is L'Oreal Infallible line of cosmetics. L'Oreal bills this foundation as the one that "resists fatigue." If you prefer liquid foundation, you may like L'Oreal Infallible Cosmetics very much. My skin tends to be slightly oily and while some liquid foundations slide right off - even in perfect weather conditions - I found L'Oreal Infallible Cosmetics stayed on well for me for many, many hours in the heat and humidity. I've never tested it for the advertised 16 hours. But for me it will definitely last long enough to spend several hours outside and even with some fairly heavy exercise. Streaks, if any, were very minimal, too, so you can feel safe with this one. At $12 a bottle, it isn't a great bargain, but for waterproof cosmetics, you're probably going to pay a little more, anyway. This is the cheapest waterproof cosmetics foundation I've found that works.

Splurge: Clinique Workout Cosmetics Foundation has been around for several years and is still one of the best waterproof cosmetics foundations you'll find. Great for working out and even lasts fairly well for swimmers. It comes in a tube so it is easy to carry in your purse or with your workout gear. I like this one quite well, too. You can purchase it for around $18.

Splurge a little more: While I wouldn't swim in it, for every day use in hot and humid conditions, I'm very happy with Bare Minerals by Bare Escentuals. Mineral cosmetics are all the rage and I can see why. Why didn't someone think of this stuff before? If Bare Minerals doesn't work for you, try another brand. But regardless, give a mineral makeup line a try when you need waterproof cosmetics for your foundation.

Waterproof Cosmetics - Eyeliner

Bargain: I've already indicated that I'm a Bare Minerals fan when it comes to waterproof cosmetics, but I'm not above checking out some of the other mineral cosmetics possibilities. N.Y.C. makes a Smooth Mineral loose powder kit for eyes that comes with a waterproof sealer. I normally line my eyes with a dark Bare Escentuals eyeshadow but when I'm cutting corners and don't want to pay for a "splurge" product, N.Y.C. is the one I turn to - it will save the day. Cost is around $7. Plus it works as eyeshadow and eyeliner.

Splurge:JetSet Waterproof eyeliner by Smashbox is a gel formula which seems to work really well on hot days. If your powder or pencil liner won't stay in place. Or, if you've never gotten the hang of applying liquid liner, then this gel may be your best bet. The only thing is, to do it right, you'll want to purchase the special brush to apply it. Price for the eyeliner runs around $22 with some more for the brush, too. I use this sometimes when I want a different look from my usual powder liner. It does get the job done and lasts for hours, too.

Waterproof Cosmetics - Mascara

Bargain: Can anyone top Maybelline Great Lash Mascara? When some of the best cosmetics artists keep this in their bags as their favorite go-to waterproof cosmetics product for the stars, then we mere mortals should give it a look, too. Found in every drugstore and under $7. I have used this for years.

Splurge: Bare Escentuals makes the luxurious i.d. Weather Everything Waterproof Mascara. Has a little "softer" feel compared to Maybelline Great Lash and cheaper than most splurge mascara at $15. You can spend more, but why?