Best Waterproof Makeup That Still Comes Off at Night

Want makeup that stays flawless through sweat, rain, and long days yet melts off quickly at bedtime? These editor-tested waterproof picks deliver all-day wear and easy, gentle removal.

If you need makeup that will not budge through sweat, humidity, long commutes, or watery eyes, but you also want it to slip off without tugging at bedtime, this guide is for you. We tested waterproof and long-wear formulas that use smart film technologies, tubing polymers, and flexible resins. The goal was simple. Wear all day without smudges, then remove cleanly with warm water or a gentle oil or micellar cleanser.

Below you will find fast recommendations for busy mornings, followed by in-depth reviews that explain who each product suits best, the ingredients and textures that make them work, and exactly how to take them off without irritation. You will also get step-by-step removal routines and clear tips for choosing formulations that lock on but let go.

Quick picks

• Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula: Best tubing waterproof mascara that rinses off with warm water
• Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner: Best precise waterproof liner for sharp wings
• L’Oreal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation: Best transfer-resistant foundation that removes with a balm
• Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink Longwear Liquid Lipcolor: Best glossy long-wear lip that lifts with oil
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade: Best waterproof brows that survive workouts and wash off cleanly

In-depth reviews

Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula review

Who it is for. If your mascara smears from allergies, humidity, or oily lids, or you need something that lasts through long days and workouts, Clinique Lash Power is a reliable tubing mascara. It forms tiny water-resistant sleeves around each lash that stay put through sweat and tears, then slide off with warm water at night.

How it works and feels. Lash Power relies on film-forming polymers that create a flexible tube around the lash. It resists oils and standard micellar waters during the day. To remove, hold warm water on the lashes for 10 to 15 seconds, then gently pinch and glide. The mascara comes off in soft little tubes rather than smearing. The slim brush gives excellent definition, grip at the root, and natural length. It holds curl well and layers cleanly without clumps. The finish is more defined than plush, which makes it especially good for shorter lashes or anyone seeking a lifted, tidy look.

Key drawbacks. Volume is modest, so drama lovers may want a second coat or a volumizing primer. If you rub your eyes, you can dislodge a tube or two. The small brush takes an extra pass to coat very dense lashes. These are tradeoffs for a mascara that truly resists smudging yet removes with just warm water.

How it compares. Versus Stila Stay All Day liner, Lash Power is the easier remover, since warm water alone does the trick. Compared with Anastasia Dipbrow, it requires less remover to dissolve, which can be kinder to sensitive eyes. If you want more impact and can handle a remover, consider pairing this with a tightline from Stila for a bolder eye that still cleans up fast.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner review

Who it is for. Choose Stila if you want a crisp wing that does not bleed into fine lines, even on hooded or oily lids. The pen format makes it quick to control before coffee and it dries down fast to a deep, budge-proof line.

How it works and feels. The marker-style tip deposits a flexible, polymer-rich film that stands up to humidity and long days. It glides smoothly without skipping, sets within seconds, and dries to a satin matte finish. Once set, it resists micellar water and tears during the day, which helps prevent panda eyes. To remove, saturate a cotton pad with a dual-phase or oil-based remover, press for 10 to 15 seconds, then swipe down and away. The film lifts in soft flecks rather than smearing all over your undereye area.

Key drawbacks. If you layer multiple passes to get inky depth, the line can look slightly thicker and may crack at the outer corner on very dry skin. The tip lasts well when capped tightly, but like all felt and marker tips it can fray if you apply over gritty eyeshadow. Shake before use for the deepest pigment.

How it compares. Stila gives you more precision and intensity than Anastasia Dipbrow, which excels at soft, hairlike brows. It also creates a sharper line than Clinique Lash Power can achieve on its own. If your lids are very oily, Stila plus a thin base of eyeshadow primer stays cleaner than most pencils, while still removing faster than heavy-duty gel liners at night.

L’Oreal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation review

Who it is for. If you want a lightweight, breathable base that resists sweat, humidity, and mask rub, Fresh Wear is a dependable drugstore pick. It is particularly good for normal to oily skin, or combination skin that needs transfer resistance without a heavy feel.

How it works and feels. The formula uses volatile solvents and a blend of silicones and film formers to create a flexible mesh on the skin. It goes on thin, self sets within a minute or two, and delivers medium coverage that smooths redness without looking cakey. Once it is set, it resists water and daily oils well. Yet it dissolves efficiently with a balm or oil cleanser. Massage your oil cleanser over dry skin for 45 seconds to a minute, emulsify with a little water, then rinse and follow with a gentle gel cleanser. That two-step removes every trace without stripping.

Key drawbacks. On very dry or flaky skin, it can cling to texture unless you prep with moisturizer. Some shades oxidize slightly, so let it dry before choosing your match. There is a light scent that fades quickly, but anyone sensitive to fragrance should patch test first.

How it compares. This foundation stands up to heat like a champ and removes more easily than ultra-matte formulas designed for stage wear. Compared with Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink on lips, Fresh Wear is simpler to break down, since an oil cleanser alone usually does the job. Versus Clinique Lash Power, it requires a true oil or balm cleanse rather than just warm water, but the extra step pays off in skin comfort and fewer clogged pores.

Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink Longwear Liquid Lipcolor review

Who it is for. If you love the look of a vinyl gloss that does not transfer easily, and you want color that survives coffee and meetings, Vinyl Ink is the rare long-wear lip that stays shiny. It is ideal for busy days or events when you do not have time to reapply.

How it works and feels. Shake well to mix the pigments and flexible film formers, then apply a thin, even layer. It sets into a shiny coat that resists water and most foods. The finish stays glossy longer than typical matte inks, and the film flexes with lips so it is more comfortable. Removal is best with an oil-based lip remover or a few drops of cleansing oil. Let it sit on the lips for 30 seconds, then wipe softly with a cotton pad. A second pass takes off lingering edges.

Key drawbacks. Some shades can feel slightly tacky for the first hour. Deeper colors may stain, so plan for a brief oil soak at night. There is a light vanilla scent. For the smoothest wear, exfoliate gently and apply a thin layer, since thick coats can feel gummy.

How it compares. Compared with traditional bullet lipsticks, Vinyl Ink lasts much longer and resists cup marks. It takes a bit more remover than Clinique Lash Power or Stila liner to dissolve, though it comes off faster than older matte inks if you use oil and patience. If you want a softer daytime look with even easier removal, a creamy stain is gentler, but it will not beat Vinyl Ink on longevity.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade review

Who it is for. If you need waterproof brows that keep their shape through workouts, heat, or a long day outside, Dipbrow is a classic. It is excellent for sparse areas where a pencil fades by noon, and it anchors brow hairs while adding believable density.

How it works and feels. Dipbrow is a highly pigmented cream with waxes and film formers that grip skin and hair. Use an angled brush and a light hand to sketch hairlike strokes, then blend through. Once set, it will not smudge with water or sweat. At night, it breaks down quickly with a balm or dual-phase remover. Massage gently along the brow, let it sit for 15 seconds, then wipe away. A gel cleanser takes care of any residue.

Key drawbacks. The pot can dry out if not closed tightly. If you apply too much, brows can look blocky. To avoid harsh lines, wipe excess product off your brush and build in thin layers, starting at the tail and filling the front with what is left on the brush.

How it compares. Dipbrow offers more coverage and water resistance than a tinted gel, and it lasts far longer than powder. It is not as effortless to remove as Clinique Lash Power mascara, but with a balm cleanse it lifts cleanly. If your priority is razor-sharp liner, Stila will deliver more precision on the lash line while Dipbrow dominates in the brow category.

How to choose waterproof formulas that still remove cleanly

• Look for tubing mascaras or formulas labeled warm water removable. These rely on polymer sleeves that release with temperature and gentle pressure.
• For liners, choose flexible film-forming liquids or pens. They resist water and oil during the day yet respond to oil-based removers without heavy scrubbing.
• Foundations that balance volatile silicones with breathable polymers wear longer but break down with balm or oil cleansers. Skip heavy wax-laden formulas if removal is a nightly struggle.
• For lips, pick flexible film inks rather than bulletproof mattes that lock like paint. Flexible films dissolve faster in oil, which shortens removal time and reduces friction.
• Consider your skin type. Normal to oily skin often pairs well with transfer-resistant bases. Very dry skin prefers hydrating long-wear foundations and a creamy balm cleanse to prevent tightness.
• Note the removal directions on the box. If a product calls for warm water removal, do not waste time with micellar. If it recommends oil, do not tug with dry cotton pads.

A removal routine that protects your skin and lashes

Use targeted removal to save time and your skin barrier. For eyes, saturate a cotton pad with an oil-based remover or micellar made for waterproof makeup. Hold over the eye for 10 to 20 seconds, then swipe down and away. Repeat until clean, avoiding lateral rubbing that can stretch delicate skin. For tubing mascaras like Clinique Lash Power, skip remover and use warm water compresses, then gently pinch lashes so the tubes slide off.

For foundation, start with a balm or oil cleanser on dry skin. Massage with light pressure for about a minute to dissolve sunscreen and pigments. Add a splash of water to emulsify, then rinse. Follow with a low-foam gel or cream cleanser for a short second cleanse. This keeps pores clear without stripping. Finish with a hydrating toner or essence and a light moisturizer to restore comfort.

For long-wear lips, apply a few drops of cleansing oil or a dual-phase remover directly to the lips. Let it sit for 30 seconds, then wipe with a soft cotton pad or microfiber round. Stubborn edges may need a second soak. Avoid abrasive scrubs, which can cause micro-tears. If you are prone to dryness, seal with a simple petrolatum-based balm once everything is off.

Final thoughts

If you want no-smudge lashes that remove with just warm water, start with Clinique Lash Power. For the cleanest, sharpest cat eye that still comes off without drama, Stila Stay All Day is the move. On face, L’Oreal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear gives reliable coverage that resists sweat and masks yet melts under a balm. For lips, Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink offers shiny, long-lasting color that lifts with oil. And for brows that do not fade, Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade stays put through everything and rinses clean with a balm cleanse.

Pick one area to upgrade first, usually lashes or your base, then build a routine that matches your day. With the right formulas and a gentle removal plan, you can have bulletproof daytime wear and an easy, skin-friendly bedtime cleanse.

See also

If your eyes are sensitive or you wear contact lenses, a good remover is half the battle. Our picks for best micellar waters for sensitive eyes and waterproof mascara cover gentle options that still get the job done, and our hands-on Optase Life Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover review explains how it compares on sting, speed, and residue. For travel nights or gym bags, the roundup of best makeup remover wipes highlights pads that clean quickly without tugging.

If you are refining your eye look, see our guide to the best soft eyeliner for mature eyes that will not smudge for comfortable pencils that glide and set. Oily lids can sabotage mascara, so check our favorites in best mascara for oily lids to find formulas that stay up all day yet still come off at night.

FAQ

What waterproof mascara can I remove with just warm water?

Tubing mascaras are designed for this. Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula forms little sleeves around lashes that resist smudging during the day, then slide off with warm water and light pressure. Hold a warm, damp cloth over lashes for about 15 seconds, then gently pinch and glide the tubes away.

How do I take off long-wear liquid lipstick without scrubbing?

Use an oil-based remover or a few drops of cleansing oil applied directly to the lips. Let it sit for 30 seconds to soften the film, then wipe with a soft cotton pad. Repeat once for corners. Avoid abrasive scrubs. If a stain remains, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly for five minutes and wipe clean.

Will waterproof foundation clog my pores if I wear it every day?

It does not have to. Choose a breathable long-wear base like L’Oreal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear, then remove it with a balm or oil cleanse followed by a short second cleanse. This breaks down the film formers and sunscreen fully, which helps prevent clogged pores. Consistent, gentle removal is more important than the waterproof label.

Why do some waterproof eyeliners flake instead of smudge when I remove them?

Many liquid liners use flexible film polymers that dry into a thin sheet. When you press an oil remover on them, the film loosens and lifts in tiny flakes. That is normal and helps avoid raccoon eyes. Keep the cotton pad saturated, press for 10 to 15 seconds, then swipe down to catch the flakes cleanly.

Is waterproof brow pomade too harsh for daily wear?

It is fine when applied lightly and removed gently. With Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade, use a thin, angled brush and build in small strokes. At night, massage a balm cleanser through the brows, let it sit briefly, then wipe away and follow with a gentle face wash. This protects brow hairs and skin while keeping performance high.

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