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When you need your mascara to stay where it belongs – your lashes, to be precise – a good waterproof mascara is essential to have on hand. The last thing you want are dark smudges and flakes on your undereye during a sweaty workout session or hot night out; that’s where shopping for waterproof mascara comes in helpful.
But the durable formula is also a must for anyone who experiences watery eyes or oily skin, and if you’re like me and have stick-straight lashes, applying waterproof mascara before curling helps lashes actually retain a curl.
In the market for a new mascara? Consider adding a waterproof formula to your repertoire. To make things a little easier for you, we’ve compiled a huge list of our favorite waterproof mascara formulas for literally any occasion.
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How Do Waterproof Mascaras Work?
Before diving into which formulas are best, it’s a good idea to understand how they work and match up to the non-waterproof mascaras.
You’ll notice a different consistency and texture in waterproof formulas. This is due to the ingredients used – wax or silicone – to repel water.
Combining wax/silicone ingredients with water gives waterproof mascara its special benefit: durable enough to withstand sweating and activities (swimming, for example) but washes off when needed.
What You Should Look for in a Waterproof Mascara
You want your waterproof mascara to pull double duty: a high staying power without damaging natural lashes.
Generally, waterproof mascara is more drying to the lashes than traditional formulas. That’s because more ingredients are added to a tube of waterproof mascara – isododecane, for example - that can be drying to the lashes with continued use.
Smudge Resistance
Oily skin, humid weather, and sweat. waterproof makeup can only do so much of the heavy lifting. When shopping for a smudge-resistant formula, avoid products that contain oils in the ingredient list.
Also, use oil-free eyeshadow or makeup around the eyes to avoid smudging.
Nourishing ingredients
Lash health is important, so it's recommended that you shop for mascaras with nourishing ingredients. Look for formulas containing shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil.
Desired Results
Lash primers are a great option in prepping lashes for a waterproof formula.
Aside from protecting lashes from drying ingredients, primer formulas also work to lengthen or thicken the appearance of lashes, making your waterproof mascara look even better throughout the day.
Our Top Picks
Best For Swimming
Hit the beach or pool with confidence this summer! Maybelline is a tried-and-true regarding waterproof and smudge-proof formulas that hold up in various conditions.
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Best For Sensitive Eyes
Perfect for those wearing contact lenses (or experiencing watery eyes), this Lancôme high-definition mascara is ophthalmologist-tested and approved.
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Best To Lengthen Lashes
Have shorter lashes? Maybelline’s formula is a true powerhouse thanks to its lengthening and lifting fibers.
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Best To Add Volume
Benefits’ volumizing formula contains lash-nourishing ingredients that create the appearance of thick, lush lashes.
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Best For Everyday Wear
The micro brush from Innisfree offers easy, natural application.
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Best To Curl Lashes
Whether you use an eyelash curler or want a formula that helps give lashes a curl, Too Faced’s new waterproof formula does it all.
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Best False Lash Effect
For dramatic volume, YSL features an oversized brush that thoroughly coats lashes for that ultimate false-lash look.
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Easiest To Remove
Highly recommended by makeup artists, Blinc’s innovative tube-like formula is easy to remove at the end of the day.
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Best For A Clump Free Finish
No one wants clumpy mascara. Covergirl’s curved brush provides a natural, clump-free application.
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Best For Long Lasting Wear
When you need a waterproof mascara to last more than a few hours, Lancôme offers extended hours of wear (and volume!).
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Best Nourishing Formula
Volumizing and nourishing? Yes, please. Neutrogena’s simple but hydrating formula keeps lashes healthy thanks to hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.
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Best Black Waterproof Mascara
L’Oreal Paris comes in the Blackest Black – perfect when you need something more dramatic than a basic black.
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Best Brown Waterproof Mascara
When you want something a bit more subtle and natural, brown mascara is a great choice and complements every eye color.
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Best Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mascara
Suitable for highly sensitive eyes and formulated without sulfates, phthalates, and parabens. Clinique’s formula is also free of mineral oil, fragrance, and gluten.
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Best Lightweight Waterproof Mascara
A cult classic for a reason. Maybelline’s Great Lash is lightweight, easy to apply, and comes in a range of shades for even the most fashion-forward look (I LOVE wearing Royal Blue during summer months).
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Best High Street Pick
e.l.f. Cosmetics is a not-so-hidden gem (but you probably already know this)! This waterproof mascara is budget-friendly and creates thick volume for lashes.
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Best High-End Pick
A gel-based formula from Bobbi Brown provides length, curl, and volume without a hint of smudging.
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Best Budget Pick
Highly rated and super affordable- that's a combination we can get behind. Essence delivers on volume and application – consider us fans!
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Best Clean Beauty Pick
Featuring clean ingredients like Monoi Oil and plant extracts, Milk Makeup’s formula is vegan and contains no parabens.
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Best Cruelty Free Pick
NYX is a quality, affordable, cruelty-free brand. Its buildable formula allows you to customize your look day or night.
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Waterproof Mascara FAQs
Sure, getting waterproof mascara off the lashes takes a bit more elbow grease, but that’s the point, right?
If you want to keep your lashes healthy and intact, it’s important to always remove eye makeup before heading to bed.
What is the best way to remove waterproof mascara?
The best way to remove waterproof mascara is to start with a makeup wipe designed for waterproof mascara but gentle enough for delicate skin. Gently rub the lashes with the makeup wipe to break up the waxy formula and prep them for the next step.
Soak a cotton round with eye makeup remover – I love Paula’s Choice because it’s gentle for my eyes but still works to get in there and remove waterproof mascara. Next, wash the face and eyes with an oil-based cleanser to further remove any leftover makeup
Cleansing oils are great for removing makeup because they break down ingredients better than creamy formulas. Tatcha Cleansing Oil is my go-to as a first cleanse.
How long can waterproof mascara last?
Generally speaking, most waterproof mascara formulas last between three and six months. If you notice the formula looking dry or cakey, toss it!
Every mascara tube features a recommended usage date – look for the expiration symbol and follow it to reduce the risk of damaging lashes or, worse, getting an eye infection!
How do I apply waterproof mascara?
To avoid trapping air or drying out the formula, avoid pumping the wand/brush down into the tube before each use.
Waterproof mascara dries faster than a standard formula, so quick application is key. For a clump-free look, start the wand at the base of the lashes and wiggle the wand back and forth to coat the base of the eyelashes before pulling the wand up toward the lash tips.
One coat is usually enough to coat the lashes. Because the formula dries faster, adding more than one coat opens you up to getting spider-leg-looking lashes, and no one wants that.
If you mess up the application, removing the formula and starting again is recommended!
Make sure to read our beauty edit for more product reviews and recommendations. And browse our beauty shop to browse all our favorite picks!
