Best Waterproof Mascaras
Samantha Wolfgang
Giselle Killebrew
Here we go over the best waterproof mascaras that you currently have to choose from—and we have made sure to include products that are easy to find. The best waterproof mascaras won’t run and will keep your eyelashes looking great without smudging. If you are tired of dealing with runny mascara during these hot summer months, or just want to look cute while you are working out, then you definitely need to check out the mascaras we picked out.
Check them out below!
In a Hurry? The test winner after 11 hrs of research
100% Satisfaction and Money Back Guarantee
Volume and Length
No need to reapply during the day
Waterproof and smudge proof
Natural ingredients and hypoallergenic
Flake-free
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AsaVea 4D Silk Fiber -
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Fiber Lash by Simply Naked Beauty -
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theBalm -
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Maybelline Great Lash -
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L'Oreal Paris Cosmetics Voluminous Butterfly -
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Maybelline Makeup Volum' Express The Colossal -
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Laura Mercier -
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L’Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Original -
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Clinique High Impact -
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LANCOME Paris Hypnose Drama
- Criteria Used for Evaluation
- Other Factors to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
10 Best Waterproof Mascaras
1. AsaVea 4D Silk Fiber
100% Satisfaction and Money Back Guarantee
Volume and Length
No need to reapply during the day
Waterproof and smudge proof
Natural ingredients and hypoallergenic
Flake-free
A bit sticky when coming out of the tube
Takes a little bit longer to set/dry after application
A single application of this eyelash lengthener is all you need for an entire day for voluminous lashes and definition. The formula is designed to evenly coat every single lash without any ugly clumping and once it is set it won’t dry out and become flakey. Throughout every activity, your AsaVea 4D Silk Fiber will stay in place and won’t smudge, run, or streak.
Read moreUse
There is no way this will disappoint you in the gym when you are working up a solid sweat. That is because even if you are belligerently crying, the strength of the waterproof formulation won't deteriorate and break down causing it to streak down your face. If you can get through crying without it becoming messy, you can certainly get a good sweat session in and still have nice defined eyes when it is all said and done.
Value
Serious waterproofing and incredible volume, this product will mimic the bright look of false eyelashes make this product worth the moderate price tag. The 100% money back guarantee means this company stands up for their products and will have the customer service to back it should you be unhappy at any time. The thick wand gets into each lash for that full-length coverage.
Side Effects
The ingredients are natural and hypoallergenic so for those of you who have sensitivities this product should be safe for you and not cause you any irritation. It is important not to take any chances if you have allergies, specifically when it comes to the eyes.
Comfort
The ingredients are nontoxic, and even contact wearers can apply this product as it will glide on smooth and be gentle.
2. Fiber Lash by Simply Naked Beauty
Uses thickening microfibers and magnifying gel
Can add more than 300x natural volume
Waterproof and smudge proof
Natural, organic, hypoallergenic, 100% cruelty-free
A ton of support with video tutorials, directions, and a team of beauty specialist to assist you 7 days a week.
A family-owned company in the USA
Excellent customer service
Can be a bit time consuming until you get the hang of it
If the fibers don’t adhere to the gel right away, they will fall off and if they get into the eyes can provide slight irritation
3D Fiber Lash by Simply Naked Beauty will give you those massive, ample lashes that are coated with a non-toxic formulation. In less than 5 minutes this product can give you 300x the maximum plump through a system that uses a specialized gel and black fibers. This is another terrific option for those ladies who want the falsies look without having to apply them.
Read moreUse
Sometimes putting exacting makeup in the eye area can be daunting for us ladies. Getting the smoothest eyeliner, putting fake lashes on, or perfecting mascara application so that you get the smoothest look for each strand without your eyes looking like spider legs.
Value
Worth every penny. This is a bit pricier but when you need lashes that pop for all day wear and be able to hold up through various activities, you definitely won’t blink. There won’t be flakes falling on your cheek, once set this stuff stays put. Even if you have to moisturize dry skin throughout the day, don’t fret, it won't breakdown the formulation causing those dark smudges underneath your eyes. Moisturize away, you are good to go!
Side Effects
All day wear without smudging or running. No need to add extra applications, you can get up and get ready for work in the morning and then head out for drinks or a hot date afterward, and your eyes won’t need to be refreshed
Comfort
False lashes will not be needed, you don’t even have to worry about messing with that glue, these will give you the right look. Best of all it won’t sting or burn your precious eyes.
3. theBalm
Rich black shade
Water-resistant
Smudge-proof
Talc-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free
Volumizing and curling
Natural look
The longer handle could make application awkward for some
The wand is very thin making some users have difficulty using
With its super cute retro packaging and design, theBalm is a volumizing, rich, water-resistant formulation. So simple to use, wiggle the wand into your lashes to help separate strands, then build up big time volume and length with a couple swipes of layers.
Read moreUse
This product is quick and easy to use and it makes a natural looking embellishment to the face and curls those lashes up just right.
Value
The beauty product costs a couple of bucks more than what you’d get at the drugstore, but you can’t go wrong with this company’s products or the results you will achieve with the use of this eye defining formula.
Side Effects
Literally, everything you want. The formulation is talc-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free.
Comfort
The injection molded wand with a thinly curved applicator will add natural curved texture and will open up those lashes for brighter more defined, big eyes that get noticed. You can’t go wrong with the super-rich and indulgent shade of black.
4. Maybelline Great Lash
America’s favorite, very popular product that has won multiple awards
Lash doubling and thickening formula
Ophthalmologist tested, won’t irritate even the most sensitive eyes
Lash building brush that can give you a full look in only one application
Extremely affordable
Waterproof, but easily removed without harsh scrubbing
Shades Very Black to Brownish Black
Brush design could be modernized
May require additional applications throughout the day for longer wear
Who hasn’t tried Maybelline Great Lash at some point in their beauty exploration? It is time-tested and has staying power for a reason. This stuff in its iconic bright pink tube with a bright green top is America’s top choice. It conditions as it thickens and it goes on smooth, no flakes or clumps it makes you look great every time.
Read moreUse
Award-winning, gaining Allure’s Readers’ Choice and Best of Beauty for its lash doubling and extra thickening technology.
Value
We could go on and on why this is such a great buy. The price is simply awesome, the effect it has is legit, and it has real staying power. This is a super popular product that has a ton of backing and awards. If you really haven’t tried this yet, you have to just stop here and get it, everyone should give this one a try at least once.
Side Effects
The formula won’t irritate, it is hypoallergenic and has backing by research and ophthalmologist testing. Contact wearers and allergy sufferers won’t be bothered using this monster of beauty products.
Comfort
This product will double the lash thickness and volume as it smoothly glides through each individual lash for a polished overall look. A couple of layers builds nice, defined lashes that make eyes pop adding a nice curvature which opens everything up nicely. It is waterproof, but it washes off without too much rubbing on that delicate skin around the eyes keeping the skin’s integrity.
5. L'Oreal Paris Cosmetics Voluminous Butterfly
Wingtip brush lengthens and stretches lashes
6x extra volume
Smudge-proof and waterproof
Easy to apply and easy to remove
Very light, doesn’t feel like you are wearing mascara
The brush is very small
Some bottles can at first seem a bit watery until they thicken up after a couple weeks
L’Oreal Paris Cosmetics Voluminous Butterfly has that whimsical title because of how the formulation will stretch your lashes and extend them to great lengths. Fanning them out like beautiful wings of a butterfly, fanning out. The butterfly brush will extend and lift the outer corners giving and unmistakable fullness that begins at the roots. Cocoon fibers wrap themselves around each lash with a silky smooth application.
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If your lashes are very short or if they are thin, this product will start at the base of the lashes and literally stretch them out for what seems like miles. It will add that depth and that fullness you are missing and it is very easy to apply without clumping or gloopiness.
Value
This product is moderately priced. When you compare the benefits and the proven results those who desperately need length in their lashes gain from this formulation, that price is minimal. Especially when this product can stand up to many others on the market that is twice the cost.
Side Effects
For the mascara junkie who is always crimping, primping, painting, lining, or gluing extensions to the eyes. the girl that is constantly experimenting with different formulas, accessories and products to get that bigger than wow look, you will be pleasantly surprised by this little gem.
Comfort
It curls really well and fans out the lashes to from the eye. It also stays true, and won’t give you that gross looking smudge underneath your eyes.
6. Maybelline Makeup Volum' Express The Colossal
Volume-plumping
Mixed with collagen to help reduce clumping
Ophthalmologist tested
Glam Black to Classic Black
Dramatic-Eye
All contact lens wearers can use with ease
Extremely waterproof
It is so waterproof, removal can be difficult
The wand can collect a lot of the formula when pulled out so sliding excess off on the insides of the tube is helpful to reduce potential glops
If you are looking for that larger than life dramatic eye finish, this will do that for you, coming in at your choice of either Glam Black or Classic Black. Maybelline Makeup Volum’ Express The Colossal uses the magic of collagen which when used in makeup products, offers a texturizing look and it also helps the formula to be smoothly and evenly applied to the lashes.
Read moreUse
Whether you choose the Glam Black or Classic Black hues, they are both striking. With a stroke of the wand, you can obtain 9x the volume of your natural lash sans clumps and glop.
Value
You will really only need one coat to get a very dramatic large lash effect which not only makes this easy to use but also stretches out the formula. Along with the ability of this tube to have the staying power of months as opposed to weeks, at a bargain price of just a couple of bucks, the value you get here is considerable. Add to that if you really need a waterproof eye makeup that can stand up to a monsoon, this formulation is the one to try because it is seriously waterproof.
Side Effects
For how soothing and moisturizing this formula is, it is surprisingly lightweight. It will keep your eyes free from smudging and streaks as it is waterproof and even the most sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers can use it because it is ophthalmologist tested safe and gentle.
Comfort
The wand is voluminous in itself and it does a tremendous job of separating and coating each individual lash to ensure equal distribution of the formula and minimal clumping if any. You won’t need your eyelash comb to do much more after you have applied it, because the fibers in the wand are plentiful and the whole applicator is well made.
7. Laura Mercier
Uniquely designed brush for lengthening and definition
Formula stretches lashes for length and separates while adding a curl
Rich dark pigments provide maximum drama
Clump-free, fiber-free, paraben-free
Opthomologist tested, suitable for contact lens wearers
Distinct, natural look
Formula won't dry out easily
Pricey
Provides a more subtle look, not meant for a large dramatic eye effect mimicking falsies
Laura Mercier makes an eye makeup that will lengthen and extend the size and extend your lashes can reach with this formulation. The wand itself was precisely designed and engineered to separate even the thinnest of lashes, attach to the shortest and finest and to have just the right amount of product for spreading over them to create an eye-catching fresh look.
Read moreUse
If you are looking for an eye that is noticeable, yet a very natural beautiful look, this formula will provide that effect. It is a perfect compliment to your beauty regime for everyday use
Value
If you are looking for a product to wear every day that will give your eyes a boost in definition while keeping it natural, this is it. It is very pricey but given that it can compliment any makeup style, natural, dramatic, sultry, it has versatility. The wand works wonders if you have thin or very short lashes that are hard to work with. Its formulation has staying power, it doesn’t dry out very easily, so you get a good lifespan in this one.
Side Effects
This is a really well-balanced product. Even the most sensitive of eyes can use this without irritation. In as little as two applications, your lashes will look great, very noticeable without looking fake or overdone. The formula doesn't dry and gets flakey, it stays in place and it also won't smear. The staying power while wearing doesn't make it hard to remove when you are ready to clean your face, it can easily come off with a regular cleanser. No need to rub or scrub.
Comfort
It is light and it works really well at not clumping as well as it’s superior ability to separate and get at those hard to hit thin or shorter lashes. It will literally last all day long without streaking, and when it is time for lights out it is not impossible to remove.
8. L’Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Original
Separates and builds lashes up to 4x their natural thickness
Volume maximizing brush design thickens each individual lash
Formulated with hydrating D-Panthenol and Ceramide-R for conditioning
Clump-resistant, fragrance-free, opthamologist tested, allergy-tested
Affordable
Can feel a bit heavy
For thinner eyelashes application can be difficult
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Original is a formula that will build the lashes up to increase their natural thickness increasing them by more than 4x. It goes on evenly and smoothly and it conditions them so they stay soft and clump-free. This formula is ophthalmologist tested as well as allergy tested which is very refreshing to hear for anyone who has trouble wearing eye makeup when their eyes are a red itchy mess.
Read moreUse
This product will provide a decent amount of lengthening and definition. Its formulation does a really nice job at keeping our lashes conditioned and soft which helps them stay healthy. It also allows them to have a very feathery, robust look.
Value
Like many similar brands in this category, the price is a bargain. It is a great go to with very strong waterproofing abilities. It has a reliable formula and will give you a definition without clumping. The added benefit of the conditioning formula keeps those lashes healthy.
Side Effects
Time-tested formula from a highly reputable and popular brand name. If you need a quick go to that you can be sure will work well, this is a good one to keep in your back pocket.
Comfort
The waterproofing is solid, there are people who have gone swimming with this on and have lived to tell the story of leaving the pool with no raccoon eyes.
9. Clinique High Impact
Instant volume and length
Resists flaking, clumping, and smudging
Won’t streak or fade in humidity or when active and sweaty
Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
This formulation won’t make your eyelashes very thick
Expensive
Clinique makes a really nice waterproof product that you can wear all day. Clinique High Impact is very gentle on and it has incredible staying power. Even if you accidentally rub your eyes, you won’t smear it all over.
Read moreUse
If you just want a simple and quick makeup routine, this will fit perfectly into your lineup. One easy coat will immediately make your lashes look longer have a bit of thickness. If you have the time or are in need of a more pronounced effect, add a second coat. One coat to go, two coats for pure eye-catching perfection.
Value
Clinique is a top luxury brand that makes incredible products. The price is going to reflect that higher-end branding so this product will be more expensive. It goes on smoothly, can last 12+ hours, is very waterproof, and it comes off easily. It is also very gentle for those with sensitivities.
Side Effects
This one is free of a lot of harsh ingredients, but not completely--so try it if you can before buying.
Comfort
Clinique laboratory is a high-end manufacturer of quality skincare, toiletries, fragrances, and cosmetics. It has a great brand reputation and is seen in the highest end brick and mortar stores. It is a subsidiary of the Estee Lauder companies.
10. LANCOME Paris Hypnose Drama
Big, bold eyelashes provide falsies effect
Volumizing
The s-shaped brush applies makeup to the base of the eyelid and throughout the lash for a dramatic effect
Not easily removed without using LANCOME bi-Facial Makeup Remover
Expensive
LANCOME Paris is the epitome of French beauty. Ultra feminine, natural, effortless and chic. This is a company that makes beauty products with luxurious textures, potent and active ingredients, and romantical scents, that make women lavish themselves in ultra femininity.
Read moreUse
If you just want a simple and quick makeup routine, this will fit perfectly into your lineup. One easy coat will immediately make your lashes look longer have a bit of thickness.
Value
Clinique is a top luxury brand that makes incredible products. The price is going to reflect that higher-end branding so this product will be more expensive.
Side Effects
It goes on smoothly, can last 12+ hours, is very waterproof, and it comes off easily. It is also very gentle for those with sensitivities.
Comfort
If you have the time or are in need of a more pronounced effect, add a second coat. One coat to go, two coats for pure eye-catching perfection
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
If you are looking for a waterproof mascara, chances are that you want a mascara that won’t run so you don’t get the dreaded raccoon eyes. However, there are tons of different waterproof formulas available—all with different types of formulas and ingredients that you will need to figure out whether or not they work for you. Before we go on, we want to suggest that you use a primer beforehand to ensure that your mascara stays on.
When looking at use, we took a look at whether or not the mascara we were reviewing would be gentle enough for daily use or if it was one that you should only use for special occasions. We also took a look at whether want your waterproof mascara to hold in the pool and gym or if you just want something you can wear throughout the day during the week. If you know you are going to wear it every day, we do encourage you to get a mascara that is safe enough for daily use. Overall, make sure you get something that is lightweight and effective enough for your needs.
Value
Makeup can be affordable to very expensive. Look at your budget and see how much you are willing to spend. When it comes to beauty products we all have our own hierarchy of priorities. If you have dry skin, you may be willing to splurge on the best moisturizer, for instance. If you are a lady who wears minimal makeup, maybe you must have is a great quality mascara so you are willing to invest more in an option that fits your needs best.
You may be a makeup diva and so you have so many products you like your favorites but you need to find bargains in other areas. Whatever your priority it is important to pick a budget and then decide what you want your eye makeup to do for you. Once you know those things you can better navigate the many options on the market to find the one that will perform and work the right way giving you the best performance for your buck.
Side Effects
Your eyes are a very important part of your existence and so to keep them healthy you aren’t going to put any chemical combination on or near them that hasn’t been thoroughly tested and proven safe. After that, your own physiology comes into play. Do you have allergies to certain ingredients, are you sensitive to others? Do you wear contact lenses? Finding products that are formulated with ingredients gentle enough and agreeable enough to your body will make wearing them much easier and healthier.
The other factor to look at is that the ingredients are made of high-quality blends that will keep the lashes conditioned and supple. You don’t want to be wearing makeup that will decrease the health of your lashes and cause them to get brittle and break. That will defeat the purpose of defined eyes immediately.
Comfort
Comfort may sound like a silly factor to consider, but at the end of the day, don’t you want to be comfortable in something you will be wearing all day. If you hate the way makeup and certain cosmetic feel when you wear them, then this is something you really need to look out for. Some ingredients can be uncomfortable for some people, and when mascara clumps up some of you may not be able to blink or may feel like you have an eyelash stuck in your eye.
If you like a lightweight mascara that looks great, but you barely feel, then you have a lot of options to choose from our list. At the end of the day, you should not only look great when you wear your favorite waterproof mascara, but you should also feel great. Make sure to prioritize all-day comfort above how you look in the mascara because if you feel uncomfortable you will be miserable. We also encourage to try out some mascara primer. This will moisturize your eyelash and ensure that your eyelashes don’t clump up.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Comfort Use Side Effects Value 
Waterproof mascaras seem to be tougher on the lashes. To save you from breakage/dryness adding primer to the lashes will really help repair and keep your lashes long and beautiful.
Waterproof mascara is more difficult to get off all the way since it is intended to stay on and not rub off. Make sure to keep some good makeup remover around so you can get it all off before you go to bed.
Other Factors to Consider
Ease of Use
Some products require that you go through a multi-stage approach for the application that may require some initial time training and then take a bit longer to put on even when mastered. If you have the ample time for specific beauty goals, these products won't scare you away. However, if you are a wake-up and go type of girl, this is never going to work for you. Products that have a nice wand and brush which do a great job of separating lashes and getting to those shorter and finer ones with ease. Using only one, maybe two swipes to get the look you need and only require minimal touch-ups with a lash brush are going to be more your style.
Waterproof mascaras have a notoriously bad reputation for removal. Their biggest asset is their extreme staying power and ability to withstand the elements that may cause other options to run or streak. It only makes sense that it would be harder to remove them than it would options that are not waterproof. Many times that is the case, while the product works really well when you need it to, taking it off can be a chore. There are some formulations that have the staying power you want and with the use of specified products, come off quite easily when you are ready to retire for the day.
Bottom Line
Before choosing a waterproof mascara you need to make sure that it is good for you--after all, you are putting it on your eyelashes. Take a look at the ingredients, if you notice that you are allergic to any of the ingredients on your list then you will want to move on and keep looking. If you have had issues in the past, we also encourage you to try it out a little bit beforehand to make sure that you don't have any other negative side effects. If you buy mascara and do have a bad reaction, make sure to flush your eyes completely.
We also encourage you to take a look at all of the factors we have discussed before making a final decision. Make sure that you feel comfortable while wearing your mascara--if you feel any irritation it isn't worth it. Before purchasing it also make sure that you will get the use you need out of. Your mascara should also be easy to use and you need to make sure to take your time applying it if you want to make sure it lasts as long as you need it to.
Bottom line, whatever waterproof mascara you choose shouldn't give you any unnecessary side effects and you should feel comfortable while wearing. Make sure the mascara you get fits your budget as well--but, most of all, make sure that you get the value you deserve from the mascara you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soft waxes like paraffin, beeswax, and carnauba are used because they help the distribution of the makeup dynamic and balanced. They also provide staying power for longer wear time. Pantheon is also used. This ingredient can reinforce and protect fibers.
Mascara application, for the most part, is pretty universal. There may be some differences between brands, and so reading their directions is always important because then shape of their brush or the composition of their wand or formula may require a different technique to use it the best. Experts will say that when you have your applicator ready with the formula well distributed on its brush, take the tip and wiggle it at the lash’s base then pull through the end of the lash. This technique provides a darker lined look throughout the silhouette of the shape of your eye.
There are tons of different waterproof mascaras to choose from--and not all of them are great. The ones featured on our list are designed to last, but there are plenty that will start smudging after a while. To make sure they hold up as long as possible, make sure to use a primer--and make sure to keep some makeup remover available because you will definitely need it to get waterproof mascara off all the way.
If you want to get the most volume from your mascara, we encourage you to invest in an eyelash primer. This will prevent any clumping, flaking, and drying from occurring and prevent any irritation from flaring up. Primers will also help you make your eyelashes more volumous, so they look 100 times better.
Sources
- , Is Waterproof Mascara Bad For Your Eyelashes? A Complete Guide, Beauty Blog,
- , What's in Mascara?, Medical site,
- , 3 Things Your Dermatologist Wants You to Know if You Wear Waterproof Mascara, Informative site ,
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