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1. L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24-Hour Shadow handles your drama like Olivia Pope. Water, oil, sweat — nothing is getting through this. You're also getting excellent color payoff!
Promising review: "I use this as a shadow -all over or highlighter, and sometimes as a primer for those days when touch-ups won't be possible. It's a great color, slightly sheer but easily layered, not too ghostly pale, not too metallic, so perfect for my aging fair skin. This shadow lasts FOREVER once applied, especially with an actual primer first. No kidding, you can swim in this shadow, and it will still hold (OK, I know this is true for a lake, can't say about chlorine or salt water). They should always make this product because I will always buy it. I have tried other water-resistant shadows in similar colors and found they're always thick, feel like grease paint, and have a much less translucent appearance. This shadow feels like a nice light mineral when applied, and again, it layers nicely so you can wear it super light or as heavy as you like without much effort. I have not tried any of the other colors, but this is perfect for my fair skin with slightly pink undertone. It also doesn't' settle in fine lines heavily." —TeamMom
Get it from Amazon for $4.19+ (available in 15 shades).
2. SPF 50 Kids Black Girl Sunscreen makes a fantastic daily sunscreen because it's a great moisturizer. A little hydration and SPF go a long way (80 minutes of water resistance, to be specific), and I've seen dramatic improvements in the appearance of my skin since using this regularly.
It contains avocado, jojoba, and sunflower oils as well as carrot juice. I started wearing SPF because I was tired of scarring, and I lived in a very sunny place. Let me tell you, I can feel the difference of the sun on my face when I don't apply in the morning. Now, I notice my skin discoloration when I run out of product — it's that effective (I just repurchased, thank God). Anyways, a waterproof formula means sweat is never an issue, and I can trust my application is complete. All of this is possible because Black Girl Sunscreen's products have ever left a white cast on my skin, aka I can use as much as I want.
Promising review: "I’ve been using this brand for myself for a few years now (since 2018), and I’ve loved it. It performs well and absorbs easily, and the latter is usually a huge issue for us melanated folks. I now have a 1-year-old and started using this kids version on him. I love that the ingredients are safe and non-toxic while also performing well to keep him from getting burnt. We’ve been using it on him all throughout spring and summer (for park walks, picnics, and a beach trip) with no issues. Definitely recommend!" —MamaBear20
Black Girl Sunscreen is a small, woman-owned brand dedicated to creating high-end products that shield and moisturize your melanated skin without the dreaded white residue common with most sunscreen.
Get it from Target for $9.99 or Black Girl Sunscreen for $9.99.
3. There's also Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, a phenomenal water-resistant primer with an invisible silicone-like formula that keeps my T-zone matte all day. You'll be hard-pressed to find a scentless, invisible, weightless formula that blocks over 96% of harmful UV rays, courtesy of broad-spectrum SPF 40. If you can't put down your phone, there's blue light protection too.
Promising review: "This is the best sunscreen I have ever tried. Honestly. It goes on clear and isn’t heavy or greasy. I wore it all day on a scuba boat and did not get burned at all. (Obviously reapply after you get in the water.) It has never made me break out or with bogged-down skin. It’s perfect for everyday use." —bombeshell
Get the it from Supergoop, Amazon, or Sephora for $20+ (available in three sizes).
4. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer never fails to leave skin looking plump and uncreased. I've been using it to highlight and clean up my brows for years. It doesn't fade throughout the day, even when my allergies flare up and my eyes get watery.
Promising review: "I love this product! I am a huge NARS fan and this concealer is awesome. I have a light/medium tone in winter and medium tone in summer. I bought this in the lightest shade they offer to highlight. It's beautiful in pictures and very long wearing! Water-resistant also!" —katelync0
Get it from Sephora for $31 (available in 30 shades and in a travel size).
5. NYX Epic Ink Liner can withstand tears, smudging, and so much more. It'll stay put without fading all day until you're ready to take it off.
Promising review: "I have heavy lids that have deflated after major weight loss and now sit ON my lashline. Because of this, any eyeliner will transfer right? If I sweat or cry, I'll have a copy of the perfect line I made somewhere on the upper lid, right? Well, I was trying them all with NO luck no matter what they cost or claimed! Then I bought this one. Unfortunately, this one came just as I was about to give it the ultimate test. My husband of almost 40 years passed away after fighting cancer for four years. He was my everything and I still love him with everything I have. He died at home with me four weeks ago and I have worn this to the funeral and every day since. I've shed buckets of tears and because it's in the 90s with 100% humidity here in Ohio, I've sweat rivers too. But not one transfer, smudge, or fade away! I hope you NEVER have to worry about your liner under circumstances anything like this but if you cry happy tears or sweat, you can count on this one more than any other one I've tried!" —Maureen Spaulding
Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (available in two colors and packs of two).
Check out our full review of the NYX Epic Ink Liner.
6. Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara actually impressed me, and I've been using Better Than Sex Mascara for years. Most mascaras take time to get that sweet spot where they're tacky (not watery, not dry) but this one is perfect fresh out the box and doesn't leave me looking like a raccoon.
Promising review: "I am super picky when it comes to mascara. I love nice super black dramatic lashes and most mascaras sadly can not deliver. However, Lancome Lash Idole Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara definitely did not disappoint! It does exactly what the name says. It lifted my lashes and gave them volume without any clumps. Plus my lashes were nice and black. They dried soft and I had no raccoon eyes what so ever even during crying through a funeral. I highly recommend this mascara and it is definitely on my list now." —sunsparkles
Get it from Sephora for $27 (available in two sizes).
7. Or try the waterproof version of Too Faced Better Than Sex, which I also use occasionally when I KNOW I'm going to be emotional.
Promising review: "I have long lashes, and my eyes tend to water, so I’m constantly looking for a mascara that doesn’t smudge and stay in place. I applied to is after curling my lashes, and when I checked 12 hours later, nothing had moved, and the mascara didn’t run at all!" —amandarin
Get the mini size from Sephora for $15.
8. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick stands by you through the good times and life's emotional moments. Everybody loves sunny days, but this lipstick can stand the rain (shoutout to New Edition — did you make it to the Culture Tour?).
Promising review: "This has been pretty much the only lipstick I have used for a few years now. I get compliments on the color all the time. The color stays on all day throughout all of my meals and water consumption. It doesn't come off on my husband's cheek or most surfaces, but sometimes it does come off on plastic straws and lids. It does not dry out my lips either!" —SusyG
Get it from Amazon for $7+ (available in 30 shades).
9. NYX Makeup-Setting Spray keeps your makeup from fading throughout the day. No creasing, no running, and no oil — unless you want a little shine. This cruelty-free formula comes in matte and dewy finishes, so you can switch things up.
Promising review: "Absolutely awesome results. I did a 6 hour wear test & it really held up. Wore a mask for part of the time, ate food, drank drinks, chatted, and my full face of makeup looked amazing after all that. It takes a minute to dry, so i just use a handheld fan to dry it faster." —JJ
Get it from Amazon for $8+ (available in two sizes and in matte, dewy, and radiant finishes).
10. Or Bella Jade Makeup Setting Spray with organic green tea can refresh your makeup, even when things start to get a bit dewy. If your makeup cakes up, use this fast-drying, non-sticky spray.
Promising review: "This is my first experience with a setting spray so I am no expert but overall I am very impressed with how this has kept my make up in place. I did an experiment where I applied full foundation, lipstick, and non-waterproof liquid eyeliner before a 40 minute workout. I used the spray on one side of my face, and it kept the other side of my face free of spray. After my work out (which included a decent amount of sweating in humid weather) I noticed that the side I had used the spray on was much better looking overall. The eyeliner I had on did not smudge, the foundation was still set, and I could still see some of my lipstick and lip liner. On the side without the spray my liner was smudged, lipstick completely gone, and some foundation was rubbing off. The formula is light and has a great refreshing scent that is not overpowering. Plus it seems to make your skin have a less cakey appearance. I am happy with the purchase!" —Melissa Miller
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
11. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder was a lifesaver for my oily skin. Use it before and after your foundation for light coverage and extra hold on a wet day. Remember, a little goes a long way.
Promising review: "I'm so in love with this powder! It makes my textured skin look flawless and airbrushed. It's a little on the pricier side but well worth it! It keeps makeup on ALL day, even through workouts, swimming, etc. It also doesn't make your skin look cakey like some powders do." —AllisonRiviera
Get it from Sephora for $24+ (available in two finishes, six shades, and three sizes).
12. Benefit Cosmetics Waterproof Brow Pomade is perfect for adding pigment to thin or light brows. It stays in place against slick oily skin. All you need to do is apply with a brush, and then blend.
Promising review: "I love this brow pomade as it plumps and defines my brows to perfection. With little product I can define a lot , so it is a product that will give me a lot. I could also notice its resistance to water, when I showered my eyebrows were completely the same and they lasted all day. It’s a very practical eyebrow pomade, I can take it with me everywhere and use it is very easy! I definitely think that I found the product that I wanted so much." —Primeraandreina
Get it from Sephora for $20 (available in eight shades).
13. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation will blow you away because it boasts a larger shade range than most drug store brands. People with combination and oily skin appreciate its long-lasting matte formula.
Promising review: "I was skeptical, but I read many reviews stating what great coverage this make up provides. I love it! It really does improve the appearance of my skin and stays on all day. I even went to the dentist one afternoon, had water sprayed all over my face, had to wipe down around my mouth, and the make up stayed on to the point that I didn't have to touch up and could go right back to work. It is LIGHT, so even though I am very fair, the Porcelain color was way too light. I went with the Natural Ivory in a different purchase, and it is great. I probably even could have tried the shade above that." –Jennifer
Get it from Amazon for $6.48 (available in 40 shades).
14. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is the first thing I recommend to anyone who really doesn't want their makeup to move. I've been using this for years to weather storms, minimize transfers, and extend my makeup.
15. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation survives a wet day at the beach and keeps everything in place. I was surprised at how well it held up without looking cakey. They come in a wide range of shades so I found a pretty good match.
Promising review: "There is a reason this is a cult favorite. The shade range is really great. I have fair neutral undertones and it is hard to find a good shade match sometimes but I found a spot on match. Personally, I think this is a solid foundation for any skin type if you prep your skin right. I have dry skin and make sure to really moisturize my skin before application and it looks flawless all day. It has great long wear and even does a decent job of staying under a mask. It’s a great foundation to have on hand. Highly recommend." —bee89
16. Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara allows you to rest easy knowing disintegrating makeup after a few tears won't be a thing. Even if you wear minimal makeup, your lashes deserve to stretch to the heavens.
Promising review: "I LOVE THIS MASCARA!! It has been Louisiana hot, humid weather tested and I did not wind up with raccoon eyes! I bought the waterproof version and am very pleased with it! I just bought some for my best friend, who is a dirt racer, to wear when she races! This came in a sealed plastic overlay. It was easy to remove with a facial wipe. So after previously spending big bucks on the 'fancy big name brands,' I found this gem and am very happy with it." —Bootlegger
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
17. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner brings out the best of your eyes without smudging, even if you shed a tear or two. Oily skin nor workouts could compromise this reliably waterproof formula.
Promising review: "For years I was using the Kat Von D tattoo liner just because I really didn’t think I’d find anything better out there. A lot of felt too liners always bled (I have hooded eyes), a lot of liquid ones would chip off, and some brush tip ones just didn’t have great pigmentation and I’d have to keep going over the line just to get an opaque color. I finally gave into the hype this has had for years and I was not disappointed. The brush is a felt tip but it’s FLEXIBLE. So it gives me amazing control to go thin or thick. On the first swipe it’s an opaque black so I don’t need to go over the line multiple times AND it’s water proof. I have oily skin, I’ve cried, I’ve sweat through this, I even went to Niagara Falls and the only reason it came off is because I rubbed it off. If you store it upside-down like I do, it lasts me for months and I use it daily. This is the best black liquid liner on the market and it’s a cult favorite for a reason." —Teedottt
Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $23 (available in six colors and a travel size).
18. Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation because it really does enhance and hydrate your skin. Personally, I think foundations are formulated for their concealer, and this one didn't disappoint. Below, I'm wearing about one pump of the foundation set with translucent powder. I have combination-oily skin and this never separates even in the rain.
Everything about this foundation is luxurious. The bottle, the finishes, the formula — everything. For once, I didn't feel like I betrayed my skin by wearing foundation. The coverage is good, but sometimes I spot conceal underneath to go the extra mile.
Promising review: "I live in a desert climate and the days here have been 100 degrees on average. I sweat a lot and bought this foundation on the hopes of finding something lightweight, medium coverage and sweat-proof. This foundation easily lasts 8 hours on me despite my sweating. Looks as fresh on after 8 hours as it did when I first applied it. I use my Strivectin wrinkle blurring primer with this foundation. I recommend using a primer first. Makes foundation look smoother on textured skin like mine. I set with a light powder and spritz of setting spray. I apply with a damp beauty blender knock-off. Looks like my skin but better. Weightless and comfortable. Does not break down on top of my nose or laugh lines. I am able to build coverage on my age spot and pimple scar. It is definitely expensive but it is my holy grail, ride or die foundation now. It has replaced my NARS foundation. I have combination skin (dry cheeks and chin, oily Tzone). Dries to a semi-matte finish. The packaging is superb. Comes with a pump! 1.5 to 2 pumps is all I need. You can press pump lightly to get a little, or press firmly to get a full pump. Great for travel I think. I have been testing this on and off for a week with no breakouts or problems. I just blot away the sweat with a paper towel to preserve my foundation." —prettypenny
Pat McGrath Labs is a woman-owned brand by Pat McGrath that aims to showcase the transformative power of makeup.
Get it from Sephora for $68 (available in 35 shades).
19. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lipstick has been known to stay in place for up to ten hours including meals, snacking, drinking water and coffee, regular work life, a compulsive chapstick application, and a nap. Red looks fantastic on everyone but "Unveil" is my personal favorite for daily use.
I've used the Stunna lip paint many times and it never disappoints. The color lasts, the texture isn't drying, and it doesn't budge. Many neutral lip colors geared towards darker skin still require lip liners. This lipstick makes liner optional for me! A lot of times, I outline my lips with this to prevent satin lipsticks from going out of bounds.
Promising review: "I'm not a red lipstick girl, but every time I found myself asking what shade of lipsticks strangers were wearing on the street, they would always tell me it was this product. Finally, I had to try it for myself. I know we're past the trend because liquid lipsticks have their problems, but I still love them and have tried several brand's formulas. This is the best thus far. It is comfortable, long-lasting, easy to reapply, doesn't smear/ smudge, and is fairly transfer resistant. I am determined to get every color now and recommend this formula to everyone. Even if yo don't like liquid lipstick. I will warn you though, if you start with this one no other liquid lipstick will compare." —RenRach
Fenty Beauty was created by singer and entrepreneur Rihanna to help everyone feel beautiful and included. Fenty Beauty was launched in 2017 to critical acclaim due to its range of 40 foundation shades. Fenty Skin aims to make skincare uncomplicated, clean, vegan, and gluten-free.
Get it from Sephora for $26 (available in nine shades) or Fenty Beauty for $26 (available in eight shades).
20. African Pride Olive Miracle Silky Smooth Edges handles humidity and wet areas like a pro. Now you can really do acrobatics with your baby hairs if and when you feel like it.
I have 4c hair with 4b moments and I'm really enjoying this product. I saw results immediately, didn't have to fight much with my hair. Granted, my baby hairs are very fine. First I apply it generously with my fingertips so that every strand is saturated. Then, I style it with a toothbrush or edge comb. If I want a stronger hold, I'll wear a scarf for about 15 minutes. This is really great for stretching out my old braids because my edges are always the first part to get fuzzy.
Get it from Amazon for $8.68.
BUT we want to add that no one should feel pressure to lay their edges, unless they way want to! Check out "Just A Friendly PSA That You Don't HAVE To Lay Your Edges Down If You Don't Wanna."
21. And lastly, Sephora Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover removes your razor-sharp cut crease (and the rest of your waterproof makeup) so your pillow won't have to.
Promising review: "I got a sample of this stuff and was SO impressed that I immediately had to go and buy the biggest size. This works so much better than the clinique remover I was using before. I never have to tug or scrub off my makeup, it just comes right off. It doesn't leave my face super greasy, I can just rinse with water and be totally fine. I'm regretting not making a proper makeup remover a priority much sooner because I've been rougher on my skin than I should've without one. And you cannot beat this price!! Highly recommend." —Monica408
Get it from Sephora for $11 (available in two sizes).
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