Waterproof Body Makeup
Waterproof body makeup is the kind you can swim in, sweat in and get caught in the rain with. Once ours dries, water doesn't take it off. Only an oil-based makeup remover does. Wear it on your legs, arms, chest, back or a tattoo for the beach, the pool, a wedding or a hot summer day. It stays on for 2 to 3 days.
- Waterproof once dry
- Stays on 2 to 3 days
- Free shade exchange
Key takeaways
- Waterproof once it's dry, which takes 5 to 10 minutes.
- Pool, beach, sweat and rain won't take it off. Scrubbing and an oil-based remover will.
- Waterproof isn't the same as transfer-proof: let it dry fully before you get dressed.
- Spray for big areas, Bombshell in 91 shades for spots and tattoos.
What waterproof means for body makeup
Most makeup is water-resistant at best. It holds up to a little sweat and starts to break down when it gets wet. Waterproof body makeup sets into a film once it dries, and from then on water runs off it. Ours stays on through the pool, the ocean, a workout or a shower, as long as you don't scrub it.
What does take it off is oil and friction. That's why an oil-based makeup remover or a body oil removes it in a minute, and why rubbing with a rough towel wears it down faster than the water itself.
How to make it last at the pool, the beach or in the heat
- Put it on at least 10 minutes before you go. It isn't waterproof until it's completely dry.
- Skip lotion and oil underneath. They keep the makeup from setting.
- Do the tissue test. Press a tissue on one spot. If it comes away clean, it's set.
- Add sun protection on top. Once the makeup is dry, mist a broad-spectrum makeup setting spray with SPF 30 or higher until your skin looks evenly damp. It also helps the makeup hold. Reapply it at least every two hours and after swimming or sweating, and spray out of the wind so it lands on your skin.
- Pat dry after swimming. Don't rub with the towel. Long swims and lots of towel rubbing are what wear it down.
With Bombshell you can also dust a little translucent powder on top for extra hold on very hot days.
Which waterproof body makeup to use
| Leg Makeup Spray | Bombshell Body & Leg Makeup | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Both legs or both arms in a few minutes. Veins, uneven tone, freckles | Tattoos, scars, dark veins and spots. Chest, back and face |
| Shades | 3 (Light, Medium, Dark) | 91 |
| Size | 5 fl oz | 3.4 fl oz |
| Price | $49 (or $69 with the Body Brush) | $39 |
For a tattoo at a wedding or on the beach, Bombshell in two or three thin layers is the one to use. See how to cover up tattoos with makeup. For your legs, start with body makeup for legs.
Waterproof is not the same as transfer-proof
Water and clothes are different tests. Waterproof means water won't wash it off. Transfer-resistant means it won't rub off on fabric. Ours is both, but only once it's fully dry. Most of the time, makeup on a white dress or a car seat means it didn't have the full 5 to 10 minutes, or there was lotion underneath.
"I love the full coverage and the color matches perfectly with my skin tone. Works great at covering spider veins on my legs. The product also stayed on at the beach even after going in the water. It's definitely waterproof like it was advertised."– Valissa Z.
"I have varicose veins and a large scar from a recent ankle surgery. It really covered everything. The product is easy to apply and dries quickly. It lasted for the 3 days promised even with swimming in a pool."– Amy B.
"I used the makeup before heading to the beach. It went on well, covered well and was truly waterproof. Where's this been all my life???"– Connie T.