best waterproof mascara

15 Best Waterproof Mascaras for Long-Lasting Look

If you are trying to steer clear of raccoon-like eyes that come from smudged mascara, then you should consider buying waterproof mascara. Be careful though as not all ‘waterproof’ mascara can stand up to the tests of water. You might buy washable mascara thinking that it is waterproof mascara. Ideally, you want to buy good quality mascara that doesn’t smudge, get clumpy or run down when the waterworks come.

If you love long lashes then you might want to buy mascara that has lengthening features with the capability to separate the eyelashes, so that you don’t end up with lashes that are clumped all together.

This guide will help you find the best waterproof mascara.

Things to Consider

  • Use Primer. If you want to enjoy no-fail lashes then you should seriously consider using primer. Not only does primer help protect you from the harsh and drying effects that come with frequent use of waterproof formulas, but it also helps with adding length and volume to your lashes.
  • Caring for Sensitive Eyes. If you have sensitive eyes then you should check to ensure that the mascara you are about to buy is labeled hypoallergenic. If you wear a contact lens, however, you should pay special attention to the mascara you intend to buy because you don’t want to cause irritation or lens damage with the wrong product.
  • What Effect Are You Looking For? There are a number of things to consider when buying waterproof mascara. You need to consider your eyelashes for example. Are they thick or scarce? If you have scarce eyelashes then you need to look for a mascara that adds volume so that you’ll end up with the effect of luscious eyelashes. On the other hand, if you have thick lashes then you should skip mascara that adds volume, and go for one that adds length or curls your lashes.
  • Should You Buy Any Shade of Waterproof Mascara? Generally speaking, when buying mascara, you should aim for one that compliments your hair color. This is because there are different shades of mascara on the market. If you have light-colored hair then you should go for brown or lighter shades of mascara. If you have dark-colored hair on the other hand then you should go for black or blue mascara.

Helpful Information Before You Buy Waterproof Mascara

  • Water Proof or Smudge Proof? Waterproof mascara is resistant to water and tears, while smudge-proof mascara is great for those that have oily eye areas or sweat a lot. Smudge-proof mascara should be used in places with high humidity levels or by people with oily skin or eyelashes that get greasy easily.
  • Conventional or Tubing Mascara. There are two main types of waterproof mascara: conventional and tubing. Conventional mascara uses waxes and fat-based emollients to coat the lashes. You will need oil-based makeup remover to remove such mascara. Tubing mascara on the other hand makes use of polymer technology to individually coat each lash with the help of a film of pigment that dries waterproof. Such mascara is great for protecting the lashes and skin since you don’t need to use drying makeup removers or rub the eye area.
  • How Easy Should Applying Mascara Be? Unless you are a makeup artist or if have someone to apply the mascara on you, then you should consider buying mascara that is easy to apply. The best waterproof mascara should come with a brush that is easy to work with. Go for short-stemmed brushes if you are a beginner in the mascara world.

If you have short lashes then you should consider buying mascara with short bristles to make for easy, mess-free application.

  • How Long Should Mascara Last Once Applied?   Much as most mascaras claim to be long-lasting, you need to take care while buying. You need to pay attention to the formulation so that you end up with long-lasting mascara. For example, if you buy mascara that is water-soluble then you should not expect it to last for long compared to oil-based mascara. 
  • How Easy Should Applying Mascara Be?    Unless you are a makeup artist or if have someone to apply the mascara on you then you should consider buying mascara that is easy to apply. The best waterproof mascara should come with a brush that is easy to work with. Go for short-stemmed brushes if you are a beginner in the mascara world.

If you have short lashes then you should consider buying mascara with short bristles to make for easy, mess-free application.

  • How Long Should Mascara Last Once Applied?     Much as most mascaras claim to be long-lasting, you need to take care while buying. You need to pay attention to the formulation so that you end up with long-lasting mascara. For example, if you buy mascara that is water-soluble then you should not expect it to last for long compared to oil-based mascara.
  • How Easy Should It Be to Remove the Mascara?    Generally speaking, the more waterproof mascara is, the harder it is to wash off. As such you will need good quality makeup remover to remove such mascara. If you want to easily remove your mascara then you should go for water-soluble mascara.
  • Should You Consider the Wand Style?    Mascara wands vary in thickness and bristle patterns. As such, you should consider your lashes and the impact you intend to achieve when buying mascara.
  • Go for a straight wand if you wish to reach small lashes in the corner of your eye.
  • Go for curved wands if you wish to coat as many lashes as possible in one go or if you wish to follow the shape of the lash line.
  • Wands with a ball tip come will a small ball of long bristles that are great for reaching small and hidden lashes.
  • Wands with corkscrew features are great for layering the product while at the same time reaching every lash.
  • Thick brushes are great for adding volume.
  • Brushes with precision tips are great for reaching corners as well as other difficult spots.
  • Should You Care About Ingredients?    When buying mascara, much like any product, you need to carefully check the ingredients. This way, you don’t buy a product that has an ingredient that you are allergic to! Basic mascara components regardless of whether it is waterproof or not include a mix of oils, waxes and pigmentations. Common oils used include eucalyptus oil, linseed oil, mineral oils, castor oil, lanolin as well as sesame oil. Common waxes used include beeswax, carnauba wax as well as paraffin wax.

Best Waterproof Mascara


best waterproof mascara

1. Simply Naked Beauty 3D Fiber Lash Mascara

It is one of the best waterproof mascaras on the market. Not only it is waterproof, it is smudge-proof as well. The brush will help smooth your lashes and leaving them beautiful. If you have sensitive skin or eyes then you will love the fact that this product will work just fine for you!


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best waterproof mascara

2. Endlessly Beautiful Organic Mascara

The Endless Beautiful Natural Mascara is made of natural and organic ingredients such as cinnamon, coffee powder, thyme, rosemary, and oregano to help condition and stimulate your lashes’ growth. It doesn’t clump, flake, or smudge, making it easy to apply and remove. With this mascara, you can say goodbye to dry itchy eyes and hello to beautiful luscious lashes!


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best waterproof mascara

3. MIA ADORA 400X Pure Silk Fiber Lash Mascara

This waterproof and smudge-proof mascara is a great addition for the woman that fears the raccoon eyes effect. It comes with two tubes – one tube of dry microfiber and one tube of wet magnifying mascara gel. Plus, the fiber brush will help you create the full, long-dramatic look that you desire. 


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best waterproof mascara

4. Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline does come up with some really great products and this waterproof mascara is no different. Thanks to the patented fanning brush and liquid waterproof formula, you will get about 10 layers of bristles that aim in giving you a full, sensational effect. It is perfect for those with thin lashes but wishes to have long, fuller ones.


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best waterproof mascara

5. Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara

If you are looking for full, soft, and thick lashes, then you should look no further because this Maybelline New York Full ‘N Soft waterproof mascara in the answer. This mascara is also great for people who have sensitive skin or eyes and those who wear contact lenses. It is fairly easy to remove, especially when you use an oil-based cleanser.


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best waterproof mascara

6. Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara

By purchasing this waterproof mascara, you’ll have 4-in-1 awesome effects on your lashes. It is volumizing, conditioning, lengthening, and curling the lashes that won’t run by the rain, sweat, or tears. And also thanks to carnauba wax, the mascara will smoothly swap your lashes with no clumps! 


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best waterproof mascara

7. Covergirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara

Worry no more about sensitive eyes while applying mascara because CoverGirl presents a hypoallergenic waterproof mascara you can always rely on. It is also safe for those eye-lens wearers. The product comes with patented volume-boosting formula and a pending brush that will blast your lash, giving a quick, voluminous, and big lashes look


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best waterproof mascara

8. Smashbox Full Exposure Waterproof Mascara

For those who favor voluminous lashes look with no dramatic finish, this mascara was designed for you. It is loaded with olive oil as a key ingredient that will lock your beautiful lashes for up to 10 hours. Plus, the fibers swap every lash, adding volume and enhancing thickness – (a perfect piece for thin lashes!).


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best waterproof mascara

9. Pixi Beauty Lash Booster Waterproof Mascara

We believe every woman wants defined eyes. So, we include Pixi Beauty Lash Booster Waterproof Mascara to the list! Its pigmented shade with the cone-shaped brush can give you a lash-lifting look once you apply them to your lashes. And for sure, it will last all day!


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best waterproof mascara

10. Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Waterproof Mascara

In terms of curling, this one is the best waterproof mascara you must grab in your basket before it’s too late! It features oblique bristles that allow you to have a long-lasting, spectacular curly effect on your lashes. Besides being waterproof, it is also smudge-proof that will stay put for 24 hours. 


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best waterproof mascara

11. Ere Perez Avocado Waterproof Mascara

Once you found it, you won’t look back for other vegan-friendly mascaras. It is enriched with nourishing waxes and oils that will help strengthen the lashes as well as stimulate their growth. As a waterproof mascara, it guarantees a long-lasting look that won’t stay on point all day!


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best waterproof mascara

12. Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara

Long-wearing? Yes. Lengthening? Yes. Volumizing? Yes. All those wonderful qualities are packed in this They’Re Real! Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara by Benefit Cosmetics. The bristles were designed precisely to separate each lash so that you can easily blend it away with the liquid ink, creating a base-to-tip curl at max.


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best waterproof mascara

13. L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara

Another drugstore mascara that goes way beyond expected! With its affordable price, you will get a volume-boosting effect up to 4x fuller than your original lashes. Definitely the best waterproof mascara for a bold look! Despite being a waterproof mascara, it won’t let your lashes clump or flake, thanks to the panthenol and ceramide-R formula


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best waterproof mascara

14. Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara

The name of this product is quite intimidating, but don’t get it wrong! It is one of the best waterproof mascaras especially when it comes to volumizing with intense deep black color, creating bold and defined eyes all day. Its hourglass bristles bring you an easy applicator to swap the mascara evenly and smoothly. 


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best waterproof mascara

15. Eyeko Sport Waterproof Mascara

Compared to others, it has the most unique design with a tube that eases you in squeezing the product to the last bits. This mascara is the best deal for those with busy activity, thanks to its sweat-proof and budge-proof formula. It is also equipped with a slight curve-shaped brush that will help you curl your lashes easily.


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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is Waterproof Mascara Better than Regular Mascara?

The answer depends on what your preference is. If you would like to have a long-lasting look that stays put for 8-24 hours, then waterproof mascara is the best option. However, if you want to have a natural look and not worry about it being budge or running, then regular mascara will be your great pick.

What is the Difference Between Waterproof Mascara and Washable Mascara?

The main difference between waterproof mascara and regular mascara is in their ingredients. Waterproof mascara generally adds oils to its ingredient. You can remove them with oil-based makeup remover instead of water-based. 

Meanwhile, washable mascara is commonly water-based, making them more gentle and preferable to your lashes than waterproof mascara.

Can You Use Waterproof Mascara Everyday?

We don’t recommend you always use waterproof mascara for everyday looks. It is because the waterproof formula tends to be difficult to remove. Generally, you need to rub your eyelashes a bit harder with oil-based micellar water to wipe them off, which can damage your lashes (making them very dry and brittle). 

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