Even if you've recently pared down your beauty routine [1] (and swapped in double-duty products like tinted moisturisers [2] or BB creams [3]), we're here to make a case for concealer — and waterproof concealer, in particular. These formulas not only even out hyperpigmentation and mask dark under-eye circles [4], but they also last through literally any activity or emotion you're facing.
They can also be your only product if you're now mostly going makeup-free [5] to let your skin breathe [6]. After all, water-resistant options are not as transfer-prone so there's less to get on your protective mask [7] . . . and you're not spending time on a full face [8] to then cover most of it up.
We looked through all the reviews at Sephora and these waterproof concealers are proven to hold up through rain, sweat, and tears, too. Some even have skin-nourishing ingredients to help prevent the problems they're patching up [9], but every single one has at least an average four-star rating from other shoppers.
Here are the top-rated waterproof concealers from Sephora for hours of virtual meetings [10], midday workouts, and summer right around the corner [11], too.
Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer
This heavy-hitting Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer [12] ($34) can cover blemishes along with scars and tattoos (on face or body) because there's an emulsion of oils and cellulose powder working together to evenly spread pigments and lock them into skin. It also holds up thanks to a layer of water resistance (from plastic polymers inside), and has earned more than 3,000 5-star reviews from other Sephora shoppers.
Bobbi Brown Under Eye Corrector
If your eyes are the problem spot, the waterproof Bobbi Brown Under Eye Corrector [13] ($29) hides dark circles in a range of blendable shades with either pink undertones (if your discoloration is purple, blue, or reddish) or peach undertones (to neutralise light brown, grey, and greenish ones).
BareMinerals Barepro 16-Hr Full Coverage Concealer
This BareMinerals Barepro 16-Hr Full Coverage Concealer [14] ($24) smooths over any dark circles or blemishes while its antioxidant-rich ingredients defend skin against environmental stressors at the same time. The creamy stick format — with more than 2,000 reviews from other shoppers — makes it easy to sweep wherever it's needed and the brand's Mineral Lock long-wear technology means it stays put no matter what your day holds.
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer
With more than 56,000 loves from other shoppers since launching earlier this year, the brightening Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer [15] ($34) already earns rave reviews for how well its micro-spherical powders diffuse the look of pores and fine lines . . . and it really holds up in humidity [16], too.
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Ageing Waterproof Concealer
The IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Ageing Waterproof Concealer [17] ($12-$27) comes in 48 different colours, each packed with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and collagen to boost skin's elasticity and plump up the fine lines you're covering at the same time (for up to 24 hours).
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Illumination Full Coverage Anti-Ageing Waterproof Concealer
This top-rated IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Illumination Full Coverage Anti-Ageing Waterproof Concealer [18] ($27) also offers full coverage and treats skin to hyaluronic acid, collagen, and peptides, but it adds in light-reflecting particles that both covers darkness and leaves a luminous glow under your eyes.
Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer Concealer
You only need a bit — the size of a grain of rice — to correct any hyperpigmentation or redness with this Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer Concealer [19] ($48). It's incredibly creamy and hydrating, too, thanks to jojoba oil and honey, and settles into a matte, waterproof finish.
Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof 12-Hour Concealer
Sephora shoppers praise how natural-looking this Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof 12-Hour Concealer [20] ($25) is at hiding discoloration and blemishes and how it's easy to build coverage with its twist-up stick style. Plus, inside the product is the brand's long-lasting Amazonian clay which helps it last come rain or (excessive) sunshine.
BareMinerals Blemish Rescue Spot Concealer - For Acne-Prone Skin
This BareMinerals Blemish Rescue Spot Concealer - For Acne-Prone Skin [21] ($22) pinpoints pimples but, in addition to coverage, there's salicylic acid and licorice root extract to reduce the appearance of acne now and fade scars later. The pencil also has its own built-in sharpener (so you can apply a fresh amount whenever you want) and more than 1,500 reviews from other shoppers.
Tom Ford Emotionproof Concealer
Tom Ford Emotionproof Concealer [22] ($54) is a worthy opponent to your sweat or tears as the radiant-finish, full-coverage product won't slip off or melt away no matter what your life throws at it. It also has a doe-foot application that other shoppers praise for how easy you can smoothly apply this liquid on any skin imperfections or under-eye circles.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer
The top-rated Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer [23] ($29) offers oil-free, transfer-resistant colour that Sephora shoppers praise for not caking or creasing either. Plus, it's lightweight, hydrating, and easy to blend so skin looks airbrushed with no touchups necessary throughout the day.