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 mascaras 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 12 of our favourite waterproof mascaras.
The first thing you'll probably notice about this waterproof mascara is its teeny tiny brush but that's actually the secret to its success. It's able to coat even the smallest of your lashes, lengthening them without a hint of clumping for instant volume as well as a long-lasting finish.
If you find that waterproof mascaras tend to look a little dull and dry on your lashes, you need to try this one from Chanel. It's enriched with carnauba wax and beeswax for a nourishing, high-shine finish that curls as well as lengthens your lashes, to really define all eye shapes.
This mascara will not budge due to a clever technology that wraps each lash in a water-repelling cuddle. Plus, it has the advantage that you can build up the volume really easily, for customisable eye looks with just one product. That means you can trust it for a subtle lift during warm summer days and maximise the drama for nighttime.
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, all for less than £13.
Dior's latest waterproof mascara ticks all the right boxes – all the way down to its statement silver packaging. In particular, the lash separation and volume you can achieve in just one swipe is seriously impressive, courtesy of a delicate curved brush that delivers the highly waterproof, long-lasting pigment to each lash – clump free.
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.
While marketed more as smudge and sweat-proof rather than strongly waterproof, Charlotte Tilbury's new volumising mascara still comes summer approved, especially for anyone who loves to bring a little glam to the beach. That's because it is so long lasting, meaning it can take you from the seaside to dinner or throughout a sunny festival weekend without giving in to any humidity.
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 as a tried-and-tested summer option. 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.
FAQs about waterproof mascaras
1. How is waterproof mascara different to regular mascara?
Waterproof mascara is formulated to resist water, sweat, humidity, tears, and oil better than regular mascara. It typically contains water-repelling ingredients that help it stay on the lashes longer without smudging or running. As waterproof formulas tend to be a little drier, such formulas may also help lashes maintain a curl longer than some traditional mascaras.
2. What benefits should I look for with a waterproof mascara?
Some main traits to consider are claims such as smudge resistance and ‘swim-proof’, although don’t overlook lengthening, curling or volumising benefits. After all, you don’t just want your mascara to last; you want your lashes to look amazing. Ease of removal and wear time are also factors to bear in mind.
3. Is waterproof mascara suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers?
Yes – many waterproof mascaras are formulated for sensitive eyes and for contact lens wearers. If you have sensitive eyes, look for products labeled ophthalmologist-tested or suitable for sensitive eyes to reduce the risk of irritation.
4. Can waterproof mascara damage my lashes?
Waterproof mascara itself does not usually damage lashes and that’s why it is safe for daily use. However, it can be more difficult to remove and problems can occur if you attempt to remove it aggressively, which may cause lash breakage or shedding. Using a proper eye makeup remover and gentle removal techniques helps minimise this risk.
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Becki Murray is Citizen Femme’s Beauty and Wellness Director. As one of the only UK journalists to hold a Distinction-grade diploma in cosmetic science, she combines her unique knowledge with an editor’s eye to help you make smarter choices about beauty, wellbeing, and aesthetics. Becki also heads up CF’s spa guide so you could say she’s an expert in the science of relaxation too…
Any Questions or Tips to add?