If you have the chance to take frequent breaks during the day in order to touch up your makeup, chances are that you’ve probably had to deal with a mascara issue or two. Smudging is one of many problems that your mascara can cause you, which is why we’ll be looking at some of the best smudge-proof mascara options on our list below.
Before we get started, however, you should know that the waterproof mascara may not always be the right answer, and here’s why…
Contents
- 1 Smudge-Proof vs. Waterproof
- 2 What Else Do You Want Your Mascara to Do?
- 3 Prep Your Lashes
- 4 Fiber Mascara
- 5 15 Best Smudge-Proof Mascaras
- 6 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- 7 How Do I Stop My Mascara from Smudging?
- 8 Does Waterproof Mascara Prevent Smudging?
- 9 Why Does My Mascara Keep Smudging Under My Eyes?
Smudge-Proof vs. Waterproof
Most of us probably assume that waterproof is going to be the best smudge-proof mascara and for some of you. Well, it probably is!
- Resisting Water. When water is involved, then most likely a waterproof mascara is going to prevent you from experiencing any smudging problems. A dip in the pool, a quick shower when you get off work, and the need to freshen up before your dinner date when you’re crying at a wedding. We can totally say that waterproof is your friend!
- Resisting Oil and Humidity. When you have super oily skin or live in particularly humid areas, this is where waterproof mascara doesn’t always work.
Mascaras that are marketed as smudge-proof aren’t always waterproof, which means that you won’t experience any issues when oil and humidity are involved. However, you can experience problems if your eyes are (swimming, shower, tears, etc.)
You also have products that are designed to be both water and smudging!
What Else Do You Want Your Mascara to Do?
Now that you’ve determined that you want something smudge-proof, waterproof, or both, the next thing you need to do is choosing what kind of look that you need.
- More volume?
- Longer lashes?
- Easier to remove?
- Good for sensitive skin?
Think about what you want the mascara to do for your eyes once it’s applied to help you narrow down the choices.
Moreover, don’t forget about the colors! Black and brown aren’t the only choices of mascara out there. Therefore, you might want be creative and try to mix it up a little by adding in a fun, bold color.
Prep Your Lashes
An important part of experiencing a smudge-free look is the prep work you do.
- Curling. Make sure you have an eyelash curler that is appropriate for your eye shape and also your lashes.
If you have stick-straight lashes, you might look into using a heated eyelash curler. For short eyelashes, try using a mini clamp curler in order to curl small sections at a time.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when curling is doing so after they apply mascara. Some of you may do this and it works fine, but we highly suggest that you curl before. You risk breaking off eyelashes since the mascara will stick to the curler when you open it. Ouch!
- Primer. Primers will help nourish your lashes and give the mascara something to adhere to once you apply it. So after you’ve curled, apply a light coat of primer to prep your lashes. Then, break up any clumps with an eyelash brush and continue to proceed with mascara as normal.
In addition, this step can also help thicken the lashes for those of you who have very thin, fine lash hair follicles.
Fiber Mascara
You’ll soon notice that we have a few fiber lash mascara options, and if you’re new to the makeup world, then you might not have heard of this.
Basically, Fiber mascara leaves little fibers on your eyelashes as you apply it with the wand, which allows you to slowly build and lengthen them.
It’s true that many mascaras do this anyways, but products marketed as “fiber mascaras” usually come with two tubes: the gel in one tube and the fibers in the other one.
So, for those of you who want length without using false eyelashes, this might be the perfect product for you!
15 Best Smudge-Proof Mascaras
1. Simply Naked Beauty 3D Volume Waterproof Mascara
As we just mentioned, a fiber mascara might be the right choice for you if you’re looking for serious lengthening power and smudge-proof, just like this one. With this waterproof mascara, you’ll get the gel and the fiber, plus an extra brush to help you separate any clumps. The result also seems to outperform the unique brand, which costs way more!
2. Mia Adora 400X Pure Silk Fiber Lash Mascara
This one is definitely another less expensive alternative of a smudge-proof mascara that will satisfy you with an amazing finish! It claims to be a water-resistant product rather than waterproof. But since you’re on the hunt for smudge-proof, then we can confirm you that it is exactly that! In short, it won’t clump and smudge, which comes as the perfect choice for those with short lashes.
3. CoverGirl’s Professional Remarkable Mascara
If you’re in need of a bit of volume but not necessarily length, then you might wanna try this CoverGirl LashBlast Volume mascara. Although this is not waterproof but it will definitely stays on your lashes and won’t smudge, too! Moreover, it is also an excellent alternative if you’re not looking for volume.
4. Lagure 400X Silk Fiber Lash Mascara Set-Improved Formula
Fiber mascara is popular because of its quality, which provides nearly perfect results, and this Lagure 400X Silk Fiber Lash Mascara is one of the best smudge-proof mascaras to try! Its set-improved formula will effortlessly lift up, volumize, and also lengthen your lashes, which results in an elegant look. In addition, it is also hypoallergenic, thus, working great for sensitive eyes and will be super friendly for your skin.
5. CoverGirl Professional Remarkable Smudge Proof Mascara
Do you wish to have a bold statement for your lashes? If you do, then choose no further and pick this CoverGirl Professional Remarkable Smudge-Proof Mascara! It has an intense black color that will definitely make your lashes stand out. Thanks to its lightweight build-up formula, your lashes won’t clump, smudge, or even feel heavy while you wearing the mascara.
6. Maybelline New York Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara
Despite being a waterproof and smudge-proof mascara, this Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara won’t make you struggle with dry lashes, that’s for sure. Thanks to the vitamin E formula, it will keep your lashes nourished and also hydrated, thus preventing lash loss. In addition, it also offers you natural, healthy-looking, and long lashes that everyone is dreaming of.
7. Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara
Whether you want to create a sensational or natural look, this Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara will definitely grant your wish in one go! The buildable formula gives a voluminous, long, and curly effect to your lashes without clumping, smudging, and smearing. Furthermore, it also comes with a patented brush that helps you coat every single lash perfectly.
8. It’s So BIG Volumizing Mascara by Elizabeth Mott
As its name suggests, you will get an extensive and voluminous look once you apply this mascara to your lashes. Its natural carnauba and also beeswax ingredients will blend beautifully with a lightweight formula, staying put on your curly lashes all day. Moreover, if you use eyelash extension, this product will definitely become a life savior, because it will make your lashes look more on point.
9. Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara
Estée Lauder says out loud when it comes to smudge-proof mascara. It highlights smudge-shield formula with innovative polymers that prevent high humidity and temperature smudging. Plus, its bristles feature microfibers that can fully cover the lashes from the roots to the tips, displaying long lashes lasting for 15 hours.
10. Wander Beauty Unlashed Volume & Curl Mascara
There is nothing wrong with a curvy brush to create voluminous, curly, and also fuller-looking lashes. It helps you separate and coats the lashes with its rich formula and intense glossy color for bold statement lashes. In addition, panthenol, licorice root, and peach leaf extract will also ensure your lashes stay hydrated and well-nourished with no smudge all day.
11. Benefit Cosmetics Mini BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara
Despite having a mini size, the result after applying this mascara will be BANG! – just like its name. It is because of the effect that gives the impression of bigger and fuller-looking lashes but still features lightweight-wearing, thanks to its aero-particle and also smudge-proof formula. Without a doubt, those who favor voluminous lashes will definitely love this piece!
12. Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
Say bye-bye to raccoon eyes! This Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara has a smudge-proof and also waterproof formula that won’t budge for up to 24 hours, offering a long-lasting, no flaky look. It also bears a wavy fiber brush that allows you to easily glides on your lashes, layering each lash beautifully with it’s rich ingredients.
13. Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes Volume 2 Mascara
Why do you need fake lashes with sticky glue if you have this mascara? This is the best smudge-proof mascara that provides a voluminous lash-lifting effect in just one simple swipe. With its humidity-resistant formula, it guarantees no-run and also no-smear mascara, which needs to be in your makeup pouch. Whether you want to create doll eyes or wing eyes, it is not an issue if you apply this one.
14. BAREMINERALS MAXIMIST Phyto-Fiber Volumizing Mascara
Have no time to do proper lashes? Try this Phyto-Fiber Volumizing Mascara from Bareminerals Maximist! It comes with an orange peel cellulose ingredient that offers instant lifting and volumizing lashes for a maximum look, but without smudging of course. Not to mention the micro-algae complex that will keep your lashes healthy and thick.
15. Tarte Mini SEA Surfer CurlTM Volumizing Mascara
Tarte releases a Tarte Mini SEA Surfer Curl Volumizing Mascara that you can rely on when you are on a trip since it comes in travel-size. It’s not only great in giving you a natural lash-lifting finish that won’t be overly dramatic, because it also contains an algae extract and vitamin E. Both are beautifully combined into an excellent antioxidant properties in this product.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How Do I Stop My Mascara from Smudging?
You can try to apply foundation or concealer to bake your eyelids before using your mascara to prevent smudging.
Besides, setting powder and setting spray may also help you tackle this issue, just in case you don’t have a foundation or concealer
Does Waterproof Mascara Prevent Smudging?
Waterproof mascara does well for a long-lasting look all-day even though being exposed to water, rain, tears, and sweat. However, it is not the case when the mascara meets oil skin. Unfortunately, it will still smear and smudge.
With that being said, waterproof mascara doesn’t mean smudge-proof too. It is better to choose the best smudge-proof mascara if you wish to have an outstanding look with no raccoon eyes from smudging.
Why Does My Mascara Keep Smudging Under My Eyes?
Actually, it is not your mascara that can cause this problem, but your oily eyelids. Smudge mascara is often experienced by those who have oily skin.
However, you can try the baking technique using foundation, concealer, or setting powder. They help reduce oils on the skin that causes your mascara to smear or run.
