The Best Waterproof Mascaras You Can Buy Right Now

These budge-proof formulas are a key update to make this summer

mascaras

by Rachael Martin |
Updated on

Long, hot days might be great for boosting our mood, but not so much for our make-up. When it comes to your lashes you need a little extra back-up. There's plenty of formulas out there and plenty of colours too - look to the new iterations of brown mascaras and clear mascaras for proof. But while we love our everyday mascara, stuffy commutes, high temperatures and holidays by the beach or pool call for a mascara update – and preferably one that is waterproof and long-lasting. Lucky, then, that we've tried, tested and reviewed the most popular waterproof mascaras on the market to find the ones that promise not to flake, run, smudge or budge, even when they're up against the elements.

Grazia's Best Waterproof Mascaras, At A Glance:

Best all-round waterproof mascara: Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara, £26 on LookFantastic

Best waterproof mascara for volume: Too Faced Better than Sex Waterproof Mascara, £28 on Beauty Bay

Best waterproof mascara for length: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara, £8.95 on Amazon

What is waterproof mascara?

Let's start with the basics. Essentially, a waterproof mascara should work exactly like your regular mascara - expect all the usual lengthening and volumising properties. It will also be formulated with waterproofing agents (like water-repellent silicones) to prevent smudging and flaking - yes you can use a waterproof mascara when swimming!

Rachael wears Lancôme Lash IdôleWaterproofMascara, £26

Say goodbye panda eyes and hello to defined, luscious lashes with our edit of the best waterproof mascaras. You can thank us later.

Shop: The Best Waterproof Mascaras 2024

Best all-rounder waterproof mascara

Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof MascaraLancôme
Price: £20.80 (was £26)

www.lookfantastic.com

Lancôme's lash offerings have long held icon status and are enjoyed by celebs and make-up pros alike. Its Lash Idôle Waterproof offering features a wand with 125 different bristle sizes and is perfect for a full, fanned-out effect. Beauty Editor Rachael Martin says: 'This is my ride or die mascara. I'll take the wand and wiggle it at the base of the roots for a fluttery, fanned out finish that really reels in the compliments. Plus I can attest to its staying power - I've worn it on the hottest day on the Northern Line and I'm thrilled to say it didn't budge. Those who know, know.'

Pros

  • Excellent curl
  • Angled bristle brush

Cons

  • Some say it takes a while to dry down

Best waterproof mascara for volume

Too Faced Better than Sex Waterproof MascaraToo Faced

A holy grail for many, this waterproof mascara was previously the number-one selling prestige mascara in the United States. Infused with collagen, the magic formula helps lashes to grow faster and thicker, all while coating them with enviable length, volume and hold. One reviewer dubbed this as the 'best ever', going on to say that it's such a good mascara. Not only did they love it, but their friends were huge fans.

Pros

  • Fluttery finish
  • Easy to remove

Cons

  • Can be flakey on a hot day

Best waterproof mascara for length

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof MascaraMaybelline
Price: £8.95

A viral sensation with unshakeable popularity, this mascara waterproof iteration has been just as well received as the original. It bears all the same lightweight, lifted effect, but in a handy waterproof formula. One reviewer dubbed this product as a 'really good mascara' and was impressed with the waterproof formula. They went on to say it doesn't leave a clumpy finish and doesn't smudge - result.

Pros

  • Excellent length
  • Comes in burgundy, blue and brown shades

Cons

  • Can become clumpy if layered too much

Best new waterproof mascara

Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumising MascaraRare Beauty
Price: £21
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=3e7df617f02211af20ba9781fe3e0a60&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=WxFDFBUMHhgRR0UcWl4JCkEeAQ5UGEhDCQFGBkRORkEBGlFWAQYOVQEdQFBDBEtQVQMUTU4VUx9IQABcBFhSSFALC1NLGhZVQFRUUhVLQUQQDlJSSxwTC1oTVRNFUgkaEglaRFoPSltcVhwMB0FTAxNYGVJCFlpADkUIUg5SAlNVAQMEXxZxe3UMEgNdbw0HX1JKQkAQRwhvAldeFVYNAVgMZCd3FEdFXD4LV1QLFFQKV0MBBF0MU0dDRwhoFwlDQ1QDDVVdXlYNAxRFFgxmR0peAhBQEQ1WAwRWAFZVDw%3D%3D&x=v1
Alternative retailers
Sephora$11.00View offer
Walmart$45.15View offer

Selena Gomez dubbed this one of the most proudest creations in her Rare Beauty make-up line and it's not hard to see why. Featuring castor oil, lashes are left soft, conditioned and strengthened, and the water-resistant formula makes it budge-proof. One reviewer explained how they have tried many mascaras from different brands and this one is one of their favourites. They love the way the lashes look and how the tube lasts forever.

Pros

  • Long lasting
  • Helps to nourish, soften and condition lashes

Cons

  • Some reviewers say it lengthens more than it adds volume

Best waterproof mascara for oily lids

Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof MascaraUrban Decay
Price: £27
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=3e7df617f02211af20ba9781fe3e0a60&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=WxFDFBUMHhgRR0UcX14TAkFEEA5UGVteC0pASgdTBgZUB1w%3D&x=v1
Alternative retailers
Saks Fifth Avenue$28.00View offer
Target$29.00View offer
Ulta$29.00View offer
Macy's$29.00View offer

Something of an all-rounder, Urban Decay's Perversion mascara makes light work of lengthening, lifting and volumising. If you hate it when mascaras look clumpy - this is one to add to your make-up bag. One reviewer said they were sceptical about trying waterproof mascaras until they were pleasantly surprised with this one. They went on to say that they often cycle to work so they need a reliable mascara to fight against the cold wind and they aren't met with any smudging on arrival. Finishing off the review, they said they were 'very impressed' which is good enough for us.

Pros

  • Not cloggy
  • Ideal for oilier lids

Cons

  • Might not be the best option for sensitive eyes

Best lengthening waterproof mascara

MAC's original MACStack was an instant hit and the new waterproof version is quickly follow suit. The premise of the product is all about the ability to endlessly load it atop your lashes without it becoming clumpy, and while we don't recommend more than a couple of coats, we can confirm its water-resistant qualities are faultless. One reviewer said they're typically pick with mascaras but they find this one 'simply excellent'.

Pros

  • Ideal for short, straight lashes
  • Suited to oily lids prone to 'panda eyes'

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the non waterproof version gives better definition

Best waterproof mascara with a bristle brush

Infused with naturally lit plant-derived oil, this vegan buy will help build full, flake-free lashes that are ready for anything. Its densely packed, clump-proof, well-moulded brush is perhaps one of its best qualities, allowing you to coat each lash with optimal pigment and lift. If you have straight lashes, this one would be great to try. A reviewer agreed this one from Milk Makeup is great at holding a curl.

Pros

  • Great for everyday definition
  • Nourishing formula

Cons

  • Can dry out quickly

Best sweatproof waterproof mascara

Eyeko Sport Waterproof MascaraEyeko
Price: £14.25 (was £19)

www.lookfantastic.com

Fan of some hot yoga? This sweat-proof mascara could be just the ticket. Designed to fan out even the most stumpy of lashes, just a light layer will leave you looking wide awake and well rested. One reviewer said that this mascara is their 'all-time favourite' after using it for three years consistently.

Pros

  • Vegan formula
  • Vitamin E to condition

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the brush is hard to work with

Best affordable waterproof mascara

Maybelline Colossal Curl Bounce Waterproof MascaraMaybelline
Price: £5.50 (was £10.99)

www.lookfantastic.com

At this point it's only too apparent that Maybelline knows more than just a thing or two about what makes a good waterproof mascara. Case in point, the Curl Bounce Waterproof mascara which adds serious oomph to stumpy lashes - no flaking in sight. Reviewers love the price point and leaves the lashes great without any clumps.

Pros

  • Easily buildable
  • Adds both length and volume

Cons

  • May need an oil-based cleanser to remove

How we tested them:

Formula: With waterproof mascaras considering the formula is a great place to start. Things to note were how the product applied. Was it sticky and tacky or wet and watery? If the answer was yes, it didn't make the list.

Longevity: If it flaked, smudged or streaked, it didn't make the list.

Appearance: We wanted our lashes to look full and feathery and never being clumpy or claggy.

Side effects: Sensitive eyes? It was important to ensure that none of these mascaras allowed for any irritation. If we think there's a chance they'll irritate sensitive eyes this will be clearly noted.

Are waterproof mascaras bad for your lashes?

Often, because waterproof mascara can be more stubborn to remove, many worry that it can damage lashes. Most would agree that this is only the case if you don't take the time to remove the mascara carefully. Don't scrub, or rub. If you're worried you've been a bit on the rough side then apply some lash serum to bolster and fortify.

How to remove waterproof mascara

In our experience, a gentle, balm based cleanser will work wonders when removing even the most stubborn of waterproof mascara. Warm in the palms of your hands first to help emulsify.

Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Editor where she covers all things beauty, health and wellness.

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