Mascara—an absolute essential in any make-up bag. The best mascara frames the face and accentuates your eyes— it's a desert island beauty product. While make-up trends come and go, mascara is one of those products that stands the test of time. But if you're alone on a desert island (or perhaps more commonly, just on your summer holidays), a normal mascara is just not going to cut it – this is when you need the best waterproof mascara. It's going to be hot, so you'll sweat a lot. It's going to be lonely, so you might shed a few tears. And you'll be on the beach, so you'll probably kill some time swimming.
These days, the best waterproof mascara is just as good (if not better) than your run-of-the-mill smudgable one. While waterproof formulas of days gone by didn’t always make your lashes look anything exceptional, in 2024 they can lengthen, curl and volumise just as well as a normal mascara. Adding to that, they're ultra long-wearing, non-clumping and best of all, easy to remove with cleanser—because no one wants to be tugging their lashes at the end of the day.
Luckily, we've tried and tested the best out there—they'll give you zero flaking, smudging or smearing. In short, they're a dream for long nights, busy days and hot weather. So much so, you might never use the regular stuff again.
And if you're worried these waterproof mascaras will be a nightmare to remove, we've included our top tips (and make-up remover product recommendations) for removing even the most stubborn formulas below.
We defy you not to find a waterproof mascara you'll fall in love with in our picks; keep reading for more of the best waterproof mascara buys out there.
What's different about waterproof mascaras?
Besides stating the obvious (that the formulas can be worn in water), there is a distinct difference in the make-up between 'regular' mascaras and waterproof ones, says makeup artist and beauty editor Madeleine Spencer:
"Generally speaking, a silicone or wax in the formula repels water so the mascara sticks to lashes without budging." This is something your day-to-day mascara likely will not have.
This means there are ample benefits to a waterproof option.
"Aside from being able to cry/exercise/sweat without worrying about mascara running, some people always end up with mascara under their eyes whatever they do, so it can be really handy," says Madeleine. "It’s worth mentioning that for some people using waterproof on just the lower lashes is enough to stop accumulating colour under the eyes over the course of the day."
She also offers this top tip: "If you like your normal mascara but want to make it waterproof, you can just apply a coat of waterproof last, which is usually enough to do the job."
How should you remove a waterproof mascara?
"Use an oil-based cleanser or a bi-phase one and remember to imagine massaging the lashes gently versus smooshing them into your face," advises Madeleine.
Our two top buys are Lancôme Bi-Facil Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover or La Roche-Posay Respectissime for Sensitive Eyes. No waterproof mascara is a match for these potent potions. If you're looking for something with a smaller price tag though, try out Simple's Kind to Skin Eye Make-up Remover.
1. Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara
As the name suggests, this formula from Bobbi Brown truly doesn't budge (or smudge!). Whether it's tears, sweat or swimming, this mascara lasts through it all. And smudge-proof ability aside, the mascara does an excellent job at lengthening and separating lashes, making it a great all-rounder.
2. MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara
Who better to ask for a formula that's good enough for make-up artists than Make-up Art Cosmetics themselves? Think In Extreme Dimension mascara, but waterproof: expert definition that withstands the smudging effects of day-to-day life in an ultra-black, eye-enhancing formula. And that clever non-bristle brush which manages to coat every lash? A game-changer. Cheers, MAC.
3. Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara
We love Max Factor False Lash Effect, you love Max Factor False Lash Effect, we all love Max Factor False Lash Effect. Guess what: you're gonna adore the waterproof version too. It does what a lot of other formulas struggle with: holding a curl. Oh, and it doesn't weigh lashes down but is totally budge-proof and always reliable.
4. Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara
Clinique is renowned for excellent – and innovative – mascaras (Bottom Lash, anyone?) and its waterproof one also has a brilliant reputation; it's the go-to in my family for funerals, which says it all really! It won't flake down your face and it's available in brown if you prefer a softer colour than black.
5. Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
If you've tried Lancôme's Monsieur Big mascara and loved it—offering fat, voluminous lashes that pack a punch—then we've got some good news for you: It's also available in an equally punchy waterproof version. Hurrah! This will create lashes that really make the eyes pop.
6. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara
You just can't go wrong with a Maybelline mascara and the same can be said for the Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof version. It's a great all-rounder for everyone thanks to its flexible brush and thin formula, and it is buildable so you can go from fluttery natural lashes to dramatic falsies. It's a slightly 'wetter' formula than some so be patient and give it time to try down before getting on with your day; and whatever you do, just don't sneeze before it's dried!
7. Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
A couple of coats of Diorshow mascara gives bold, glossy and dramatic lashes. The waterproof version is just as amazing and lasts all day if you're hitting up the beach, spending the day in the pool or your own wedding. Naturally, there's a jet black shade, but there's also very wearable rich brown that looks super natural, and bright azure blue for something a bit different. It's hard to find a good brown waterproof formula, so this is the ultimate investment.
8. NYX Professional Makeup Worth the Hype Waterproof Mascara
When a product is called "Worth The Hype" it really does have to live up to that. Leave it to NYX to create a mascara that does just that. If you're looking for a long-lasting waterproof formula that gives dramatic lashes then this ticks all of the boxes. Since it's on the more affordable end, you might find this one is slightly more clumpy in formula than the others, but this is fixed by slightly more thoughtful application, wiping off some of the excess or using a separate, clean spoolie to fan lashes out. Its durability is worth the extra attention needed for application for us.
9. Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Waterproof
Chanel's Le Volume De Chanel is an absolutely game-changing mascara; it offers dramatic, full lashes with just one coat, has a unique brush which makes application foolproof, and er, it comes in a waterproof version. What more could you want? Beauty Contributor Rebecca Fearn is a huge fan of this product, and every year adds it to her holiday beauty bag for smudge-free lashes even while surfing.
