Looking for eye makeup that actually survives the summer heat and perhaps even a little splash in the pool? You need a waterproof mascara.
To help you find the perfect one, CF’s beauty director tried and tested the very best waterproof mascara formulas. This is her edit of the ones that guarantee length, volume, curl, and, most importantly, longevity.
What makes a good waterproof mascara?
The main feature of a good waterproof mascara is its resistance to smudging and running – so it doesn’t leave you worried you’ll end up looking like a panda, especially in the summer heat. That means your chosen formula needs to be highly water resistant for a long-lasting finish that isn’t budged by rain, sweat or tears. You also want it to be easy to apply, with even coverage and no clumping, especially as it dries. (This can be hard to achieve with some waterproof mascaras as they dry fast to achieve their long-lasting finish).
Finally, while you need to trust in your waterproof mascara’s staying power so it lasts all day, it needs to be easy to remove too, with no aggressive scrubbing that could end up with your eyes feeling red and sore. It might sound difficult to achieve all of those things, but we’ve taken the guesswork out of finding the perfect mascara.
These are nine of our favourite waterproof mascaras.
A true classic that has stood the test of time, the multi-award-winning Lash Idôle is rightfully celebrated for its long-lasting finish that doesn't weigh your lashes down. The brush is what really sets it apart, with 360 micro-bristles of differing sizes to fan out and lift in a single swipe.
Big voluminous lashes are just a swipe away with the waterproof version of Too Faced's cult-status mascara. The fluffy brush helps make your lashes look instantly thicker – as does the inky black formula, which adds lots of extra dimension.
The high street makes some really good waterproof mascaras and Maybelline's Sky High is testament to that. Able to lengthen even the stumpiest of lashes, the flexible bristles grab every little hair for great definition.
Waterproof mascara has a bit of a reputation for being rough and drying on your lashes, but not so with Dior's caring creation. The mascara fans out your lashes with its delicate curved brush, with a long-lasting formula infused with cotton nectar to leave your lashes nourished.
If you want your mascara to really last, this is the waterproof mascara for you. It gives a really impressive lash-lengthening boost to even the shortest of lashes, and is designed to last from morning to night with ease.
This lengthening mascara is seriously waterproof, meaning that it’s perfect for your beach holidays and even for dips in the sea. The narrow brush helps you reach every hair and its chic, statement packaging makes it even more covetable.
Trusted by many brides on their wedding days to resist mascara tracks after happy tears, this formula is also a favourite of leading makeup artists. It fluffs up and lengthens your lashes without any heaviness so works for 'no makeup' makeup too.
If you have sensitive eyes, this classic mascara is the waterproof one you'll trust time and time again. It not only applies smoothly for instantly defined eyes, but it is also easy to remove and doesn't irritate.
If you can't be without maximum lash volume even when the humidity factor rises, Sephora's long-lasting, water-resistant formula is for you. With an hourglass-shaped wand that ensures longer, curlier lashes in a single swipe, this mascara gives you a really glamorous finish.
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