Doing a full face of makeup in the monsoon can feel like a futile exercise. What’s the point, when the humidity and downpours will ruin it anyway? No amount of setting spray can make up for formulas that aren’t designed to withstand heat and moisture.
A few dependable waterproof and long-wear formulas can make all the difference, helping your makeup stay fresh all through the day. Thankfully, you don’t need to spend a fortune building a monsoon-ready makeup bag. From waterproof eye essentials and long-lasting lipsticks to concealers and foundations that don’t melt away easily, we’ve rounded up the best makeup picks under ₹1499 that can handle whatever the weather Gods throw at them.
If you're anything like me, you spend a fair bit of time in the morning perfecting your winged eyeliner, and for the rain to wash it away by noon would be an absolute shame. This waterproof liquid liner from KIKO Milano helps prevent that particular tragedy. The formula features a rich pigment that sets quickly, without fading or flaking as time goes by. The eyeliner comes with a felt tip and a long handle that makes it easy to switch between delicate wings and bold graphic shapes with a fair bit of control.
Where there’s kajal, there’s Lakme. The 9 to 5 Eyeconic Kajal has been a staple in Indian makeup bags for years, and you know what? We get it. The creamy pencil glides easily along the waterline and lash line, leaving you with an intense black pigment without tugging at the delicate skin. The waterproof and smudgeproof formula stays put remarkably well through humidity, sweat, and unexpected rain showers. No touch-ups needed.
This Maybelline mascara punches well above its price point. The brush grabs onto even the smallest lashes and fans them out beautifully, without a clump in sight. The effect is noticeably volumising and buildable too, so one coat gives you clean everyday definition while a second takes things up a notch for a more dramatic finish. Best of all, the formula genuinely holds up against the heat, which is exactly what you need when summer is doing its worst.
Your mascara often takes the first hit in humid weather, which makes a waterproof formula an absolute must during the monsoon. This one from Maybelline is designed for noticeable volume without adding any extra weight. The comb-style wand catches even the smaller lashes, helping to coat them evenly. The formula is easy to layer, so you can build it up according to your intensity preference. You really can’t go wrong with this one.
Looking to minimise touchups throughout the day? Head right this way, please. A waterproof primer can lock your handiwork into place and keep your makeup from melting under the blinding rays of the sun—bonus points if it comes with a non-greasy finish, like PAC’s Aqua Grip Primer. This lightweight, oil-free formula promises to seal your makeup in place for 24 hours, while reducing grease and shine.
A waterproof primer can make all the difference during monsoon season. This lightweight, oil-free pick from PAC creates a smooth, grippy layer that helps your foundation stay in place for longer. The silicone-infused formula also blurs your pores, and fine lines. Once the rest of your makeup is in place, remember to finish with your regular setting spray for an extra layer of humidity protection.
If you tend to skip applying foundation in rainy weather to avoid patchiness, this affordable pick might offer you a solution. The lightweight texture gives you medium coverage that can be built up where needed, without feeling like you have a thick mask on. It’s not overly matte, and the waterproof and transfer-resistant formula lives up to its claims. It also features Vitamin C to brighten the skin, and the SPF 25 is a much-appreciated added bonus.
Full-coverage concealers can sometimes fail when faced with bad weather, but this one from Typsy Beauty is worth betting on. It does a solid job of concealing dark circles, blemishes, and uneven pigmentation without looking heavy or patchy, thanks to the nourishing shea butter in the formula. It’s crease-resistant, sweat-resistant, and water-resistant, which makes it a practical pick for the season. Pro tip: A little product goes a long way, so start out sparingly and build coverage only where needed.
A matte lipstick that stays put on humid days without drying out your lips? Sign us up. This bullet lipstick from Colorbar offers a rich pigment in a smooth, creamy formula that has a matte finish. The transfer-resistant formula holds up well through long days and requires fewer touch-ups. It features sea fennel wax to nourish the lips and prevent them from cracking under pressure.

