“Make Up For Ever has a product called Aqua Seal that can be mixed with eyeshadow to make it waterproof,” Colona says.
…and Use Vaseline in a Pinch
If you can’t get your hands on some Aqua Seal, Colona suggests an affordable dupe you probably have in your medicine cabinet or bag right now.
“We found that applying a coat of ChapStick over eye shadow keeps it in place. There are lots of fancy products out there that seal on your makeup, but if you’re in a pinch, that works great,” Colona says.
Morera also mentioned that in addition to ChapStick, Vaseline can work as a waterproofing eye shadow topper as well. “I agree with the sentiment and the idea of an occlusive barrier to keep the pigment in place and to seal in moisture,” board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman tells Allure. “[But] I would suggest Aquaphor, Vaseline, or Cerave Healing ointment instead of Chapstick because the dye and fragrance may be irritating to the sensitive eyelid skin.” Board-certified oculoplastic surgeon Brian Brazzo agrees Vaseline or Aquaphor are the way to go, noting that “Vaseline is very gentle on the eyelids and the eyes. I have recommended Vaseline for thousands of my patients.”
Consider Using Gelatin as Hair Gel
Though not technically makeup, a big part of streamlining the beauty looks for synchronized swimmers has to do with hair. Former synchronized swimmer Katie Wolf tells Allure that since hair gel won’t hold up in water, swimmers regularly use gelatin to hold hair in place.
“Once hair is up in a bun, plain, unflavored gelatin is mixed with hot water and then painted into the hair to ensure it stays in place,” Wolf explains. “Bobby pins will then be used to secure headpieces onto the head, as needed.” For us non-competitive swimmers, this is a tip that should probably be deployed infrequently: Hartman cautions that gelatin could dry the hair out and make it more prone to breakage.
Though their waterproofing tips for makeup (and hair) are about as good as it gets, synchronized swimming is so much more than just smudge-proof mascara and lipstick.
“The sport requires endurance, strength, and flexibility while you’re maintaining facial expressions, staying on the count, are synchronized, close to your teammates in proximity, and holding your breath,” Morera says. “I believe it’s one of the hardest sports, yet one of the most beautiful, and I wish people knew more about it.”
Read more interviews with professional athletes:
Scout Bassett Uses Her Sport to Find Strength in the Face of Xenophobia
How Fighters’ Hairstyles Can Make the Difference Between Winning and Losing
Gracie Gold on Mental Health and Her Return to Figure Skating
Now watch one snowboarder walk us through her daily routine:
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