I am still minorly traumatized from my first-ever experience with waterproof mascara. I was in middle school with a summer pool party looming, so I simply bought the cheapest option my nearest drugstore had to offer. 24 hours later post *attempted* removal, nearly half of my eyelashes had either fall out completely or broken off at the halfway point. My once naturally long, dark lashes looked nearly unrecognizable, and while there might have been some user error on my part—I was in 6th grade, after all—I quickly swore off waterproof formulas for the rest of my life. (Or at least until I became a beauty editor when years later, formulas have improved, and I also know my way around a cleansing balm and oil-based eye makeup remover. Knowledge is power.) Ever since said disaster, I've tried many a waterproof mascaras that are perfectly lovely and leave my lashes perfectly intact.
I'm extremely passionate about mascara. In fact, it's probably my favorite type of makeup product, and I was interested to find out what, exactly, makes a waterproof formula A) work and B) different from its non-waterproof counterparts.
"Waterproof mascara works due to its unique formulation that incorporates water-resistant ingredients," says Cosmetic Beauty Chemist, David Petrillo. "It contains hydrophobic polymers that form a protective barrier around the lashes, preventing water from causing smudging or running. The mascara's wax or oil base helps it adhere to the lashes and resist breakdown when exposed to moisture, and silicone derivatives enhance water resistance and create a flexible film on the lashes, offering additional protection." Lastly, he tells me, film-forming agents contribute to the mascara's ability to create a thin, waterproof film once it dries, keeping it in place even in humid, super-sweaty conditions.
Below, we're diving into even more nitty-gritty details about what to look for in a waterproof mascara, key ingredients, how to remove it like a pro, and, of course, the very best waterproof mascaras money can buy. Keep scrolling!
After talking to multiple makeup artists, I learned a few key things to keep in mind when trying a new waterproof mascara. Number one? Make sure the formula is lightweight but still able to provide ample volume. "If the formula is too heavy or wet right off the bat when you're applying your first coat, it won’t layer properly," explains celebrity makeup artist Mia Jones. "This can frequently happen with waterproof formulas, but layering mascara is a part of the experience of creating the perfect lash, therefore very important when considering a waterproof formula."
Second, it can't smudge or transfer, and while that might be considered a given when it comes to waterproof formulas, some aren't as bulletproof as others. (Especially if you run or oily or wear creams and other products around your eye area.) "The ultimate waterproof mascara won’t smudge or transfer to the skin in any climate," notes celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney. "I need to know the mascara I’m putting on my clients will stay on for their events and appearances."
How a waterproof mascara is formulated, is also key. Curious as to how a waterproof mascara differs from regular options ingredient-wise, I asked Petrillo to break it down in Layman's terms.
Water-resistant polymers: According to Petrillo, waterproof mascaras contain specific water-resistant polymers that aren't found in non-waterproof tubes. "These polymers create a protective barrier around the lashes, preventing water from causing the mascara to smudge or run," he explains. Examples: Hydrophobic polymers like acrylates copolymer, styrene/acrylates copolymer, or polyurethane-35
Wax or oil base: "Waterproof mascaras often have a higher concentration of waxes or oils than regular mascaras," Petrillo notes. "This helps the mascara adhere better to the lashes and provides additional water repellency." Examples: Beeswax or carnauba wax
Silicone derivatives: Certain waterproof mascaras will also include silicone derivatives, which further increases their water resistance by creating a flexible film on the lashes. Example: Dimethicone
Film-forming agents: Petrillo shares that these agents are more prevalent in waterproof mascaras. Once the mascara dries, he says, it forms a thin, waterproof film, ensuring it stays in place even when exposed to water or humidity. Example: Isododecane
If you're like me and have avoided waterproof mascaras in the past sheerly due to how terrorizing the removal process is, I get it. To make the process easier, our makeup artist experts are offering their best-kept tips.
Tip #1:Swap cotton balls for rounds or swabs. "Always use cotton rounds and not cotton balls," shares celebrity makeup artist Janice Kinjo. "Cotton balls will leave cotton residue on your lashes and that’s more work at the end of a long day. Cotton rounds are gentler and won’t leave cotton lint. My go to are Swisspers Cotton Rounds ($4). I also love using DHC’s Olive Virgin Oil Swabs ($10). They are cotton buds pre moistened with organic olive oil. These individually wrapped buds remove all the stubborn mascara residue that your eye makeup remover didn’t get, and they're great for travel."
Tip #2: Try a cleansing balm. "I love a cleansing balm to start the process," says Henney. "My go-to is Rationale Cleansing Balm ($111)." She recommends massaging it all over the face and using a warm damp wash cloth to remove. Then, in the shower, use your normal cleanser to finish the cleansing process.
Tip #3: Or, an oil-based eye maekup remover. "I haven’t met a waterproof formula that doesn’t need an oil-based product for removal. I recommend gently massaging an oil-based makeup remover into the lashes with your fingertips prior to cleansing the eye area."
Our editors, Kinjo, and Jones all sing the praises of the waterproof alter ego of Dior's aptly name iconic mascara. If you love a lifted and voluminous lash look with zero flaking, this mascara is a worthy investment. "Dior mascaras are so luxurious as an experience, and formula, and this waterproof one is exceptional." Jones notes. It's also safe for my sensitive skin and contact-wearing eyes!" Pros: adds lift, curl, and volume; safe for sensitive eyes, has ingredients to help strengthen lashes, long-wearing. Cons: expensive, may dry out quickly, might clup. Glowing customer review: "The look this mascara gives you is fabulous, and the ability to layer it while it still keeps your lashes separated is great. It can also get those harder lashes on the edges to look more cat eye. Easy to remove but stays put until then. Hooked on this mascara and I have tried them all."
Both Henney and Jones listed this budget-friendly waterproof mascara as one of their all-time favorites. "This is a classic mascara, and it creates thick and full lashes," Henney tells me. "It’s a great drug store option that I’ve loved for years!" (Psst! Jones also says it's an absolute staple for weddings or other big event when emotions—aka tears—may be running high.) Pros: affordable, adds volume, applies evenly, lengthens. Cons: difficult to remove, may flake or dry out quickly. Glowing customer review: "The brush does a great job of grabbing and therefore coating my lashes. The waterproof component also really holds up against watery eyes. Lastly, it has an affordable price tag even though it outperforms brands going for twice the price. I always carry a second one in my purse!"
This was yet another waterproof mascara that came highly recommend by our celeb makeup artist experts. "This mascara is beautiful for a more delicate, feathered lash look and it’s smudge-proof which I love," says Henney. "Plus, the brush wand is super fine which is great for application and getting even the tiniest lashes." Pros: smudge-proof, long-wearing, safe for sensitive eyes, sustainable packaging, super-black formula, lifting, lightweight, adds definition, lengthens, no clumping. Cons: may be difficult to remove. Glowing customer review: "I use this everyday over other more volumizing mascaras. On its own, I don't find it to be very volumizing, but it totally seals whatever mascara I layer it over and makes it smudge proof and very black. It's also the only mascara I've found that I can use on my long lower lashes and not get raccoon eyes. I do a double cleanse to remove my makeup and don't find it at all difficult to remove."
We recently put this mascara to the test in a group review, and it received resounding applause from our editors. "Okay woah, this may be my new favorite waterproof mascara," says editor Natalie Gray Herder. "I love how it separated and lengthened my lashes. The lift lasted all day (and even survived a 6 hour plane ride). No transfer, flaking, or smudging, and came off easily with my cleansing balm. Five stars!" Pros: lengthens, lifts, curls, adds subtle volume, conditioning ingredients for healthier lashes, clean formula, no clumping or flaking. Cons: expensive, may start to transfer after a few hours sweating, in water, etc. Glowing customer review: "I am in love. This stuff coats every lash, doesn’t clump up easy on me, and doesn’t weigh down my lashes at all. Super lengthening and volumizing. I’ve had people ask me if I have fake lashes on. OBSESSED!"
Henney (who does makeup for tons of beach and water shoots) swears by this cult-favorite mascara from Armani in its waterproof form. "I use this on Sports Illustrated and other swim shoots when models have to be in the water," she explains. "It doesn’t move, and I can count on it staying on the lashes in super humid conditions." Pros: adds definition, volumizing, lengthening, easy and smooth application, long-wearing. Cons: expensive, not as great for curl and lift. Glowing customer review: "Oh yeah, baby! My peach-fuzz, teeny little shorty stubs look like Kim Kardashian caterpillar fringe with this stuff! And the waterproof element is spot-on. My eyes water like crazy in the winter, and this product eliminates the ghastly black rivulets running down my cheeks every morning during the commute to work."
Nothing is worse than under-eye transfer that makes you look like a raccoon. Henney says this mascara, in particular, (thanks to a pint-sized brush) works brilliantly on the lower lash line. "I use this a lot on clients and love it on the bottom lashes. The formula is great and it also has very cool packaging!" Pros: great for lower lashes, buildable formula, easy to apply and to reach tiny lashes, mostly natural formula. Cons: *very* expensive, may dry out quickly. Glowing customer review: "I found this to be the best waterproof mascara I've tried so far. I have very oily skin, and every other premier waterproof mascara runs on me—even in the Winter months. I found with this one, as long as you don’t use more than one or two coats (and use eye cream only sparingly), it doesn’t run! The volume is great. No clumping. Will definitely buy again."
Kinjo has two favorite drugstore formulas, one of which is this top-rated waterproof mascara from L'Oréal Paris which she says is superb for holding curl and volumizing with absolutely no smudging. Pros: affordable, safe for sensitive eyes, provides lots of length and volume, brush can catch every last lash, smooth application. Cons: may dry out quickly, can be difficult to remove. Glowing customer review: "This is absolutely the best of the "drugstore" options for waterproof mascara. I have tried them all, and they all flake or smudge or clump. All of them EXCEPT this one. Benefit from my mistakes and just buy this one. You won't regret it."
An oldie but a goodie, this as-classic-as-it-gets mascara is Kinjo's other top waterproof pick if you're shopping at the drugstore. "This is such a classic mascara," Kinjo tells me. "It holds a curl, there's no flaking, and it's always reliable. It has never smudged by the end of the day!" Pros: affordable, small brush which is great for precision and getting every last lash, applies evenly, doesn't clump, separates, lengthens, adds subtle volume. Cons: may dry out quickly, can be difficult to remove. Glowing customer review: "I have been using this waterproof mascara since I was a junior in high school in 1971! I'm 69, and I just bought it again. Easy to use, no clumping and it stays on. Great product."
If you're looking for a super natural formula that has same (or perhaps even better) efficacy as its less-natural counterparts, you'll want to add this best-selling waterproof mascara from Ere Perez to your cart. It provides great volume and features strategic ingredients like mamey and avocado oils which may help stimulate growth and promote lash strength over time. (It also won't budge for a full 24 hours.) Pros: Natural, long-wearing, extremely black pigment, contains lash-fortifying ingredients for growth and strength, safe for sensitive eyes, provides volume. Cons: expensive, may smudge depending on the products or other makeup you're wearing on under-eyes. Glowing customer review: "This mascara is so amazing. I bought it for my wedding and it stayed put all day through sweat, tears, and a post-party swim. No flaking, no smudging, nothing, and made my lashes look great! Easy to remove with an oil cleanser. Will buy again and again!"
Chanel makes a couple of waterproof mascaras we love, but Inimitable is especially beloved by editors and makeup artists alike. Pros: provides length, curl, and separation, long-wearing, brush can easily coat every last lash, features conditioning ingredients like vitamin B5 for extra hydration and lash health. Cons: expensive, may dry out quickly, may smudge if you run oily. Glowing customer review: "I have straight, long lashes, and even though I curl them with an eyelash curler, I could never wear mascara because they tend to weigh down my lashes. I've tried so many brands, but this Chanel mascara goes on light and dries fast, so it holds my curl wonderfully. I haven’t experienced any clumping issues, and I like that it separates my lashes as it coats them with the product."
Spoiler alert—this mascara recently won our crowning title for "best mascara" as it checks all of our boxes: amazing length, lift, curl, and volume, that's long-wearing to boot. Not surprisingly, its waterproof counterpart is just as impressive. It truly gives you that coveted "fan-effect" and the brush is amazing—easily grabbing and coating every last lash. Pros: provides length, curl, volume, and lift, long-wearing, lightweight. Cons: expensive, may be difficult to remove, some don't like the angle of the brush. Glowing customer review: "Amazing waterproof mascara!! I live in Florida, and it’s hot and humid here year round. This mascara survives and stays where I put it!! I haven’t had any issues removing this mascara. It easily wipes away with “waterproof” makeup remover. This one is a keeper."
TikTok might have made this affordable drugstore favorite ultra-famous, but it's always been a favorite amongst editors and makeup artists. It's an especially great pick you crave lots of length, lift, and separation. If you want tons of volume, it's probably not going to get you there. (Just being honest!) . Pros: affordable, brush can easily grab every last lash, provides lots of length, lift, and definition, safe for sensitive eyes. Cons: may be hard to remove, some say it gave them clumpy results. Glowing customer review: "It's sooo amazing—it makes my lashes pop, and I get compliments every time I wear it. I used to buy the regular but I switched and tried the waterproof, and it is to die for!!!"
An icon! And dare we say that we like the waterproof more than the original? If you want dramatically long and thick lashes come rain, sleet, snow, sweat, and tears, this is the formula you'll want in your arsenal.Pros: adds length, curl, thickness, long-wearing, intense black pigment, features special ingredients like omega oils, peptides, and porcelain flower extract. Cons: expensive, may clump and flake, may be difficult to remove, can get messy due to the size of the brush and the amount of product. Glowing customer review: "I’ve tried hundreds of mascaras, and this one has blown my mind. It’s by far the best, and I highly recommend. I have very small eyes and short lashes but this holds a curl, adds so much volume, and length!!"
This was *the* mascara for me in high school and college, and even though I've started to gravitate towards other mascaras that give me more length and separation (versus thickness and volume) it's one of the only formula I dare apply on my lower lashes thanks to how smudge-proof it is—and my lower lashes are freakishly long—so that's saying something. This is another oldie but goodie drugstore gem that editors and makeup artists go nuts for. Pros: affordable, hypoallergenic, provides lots of volume and fullness, applies evenly, defines and separates. Cons: won't get as much length or definition as other mascaras, may dry out quickly or be difficult to remove. Glowing customer review: "When I needed a new mascara, I decided to give this one a shot and it is easily one of the best mascaras I've ever tried. I already know I will buy another bottle when this one runs out. No clumping, no transfer/flaking, and lots of separation of your lashes! New holy grail!"
The fact that this mascara is basically two mascaras in one, makes the under $5 price tag all the more amazing. If you want more separation and length (rather than volume) opt for the curved silicone brush. Want more drama? Use the other side which is fluffier. Pros: affordable, two-in-one design, gives you options for length or volume, buildable, can grab every last lash. Cons: may dry out quickly, may clumpand be difficult to remove. Glowing customer review: "It’s the best mascara I’ve ever found. I have light, thin, SUPER straight eyelashes, and I can’t keep them curled no matter what I do. This mascara made them longer, thicker, and sky-high all day. I came back here to immediately buy two more bottles because I never want to be without it."
