Our 9 Best Waterproof Mascaras That Don’t Smudge or Budge
Say goodbye to mascara smudges under your eyes.
June 28, 2024
Waterproof mascara is the epitome of a desert island product. In other words, it’s a holy grail—the ultimate makeup must-have. Of course, not all mascaras are created equal. So, what is the best waterproof mascara? The reality is, it depends on what you need. The best waterproof mascaras are reliable and longwearing, of course, but finding your true match comes down to what you’re looking for—length, volume, curl (or all three). To help, we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite water and smudgeproof mascaras that actually stand up to the elements (plus tears and sweat). Discover our best drugstore waterproof mascaras, below.
Our 9 Best Waterproof Mascaras
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Waterproof Mascara
A good waterproof mascara will hold up in the rain. But a great waterproof mascara can do that—and make your eyes look incredible. This volumizing formula makes your lashes look fanned out so eyes appear 1.4x larger. It has a multi-level bristle brush that evenly coats each lash for corner-to-corner panoramic volume. It also has all the longwearing benefits you’d expect from a water and smudgeproof mascara—it wears beautifully for up to 24 hours with no clumping, smudging, or flaking.
Editor’s tip: To apply your mascara, look up, place the wand at the base of your upper lashes, and wiggle it back and forth, coating the base of your lashes. Then, pull the wand upward toward the tip of your eyelashes, making sure you’re coating each lash as you pull the wand through. Apply additional coats of mascara until you get the look you want.
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
For a mix of both intense volume and length, pick up this waterproof mascara at any drugstore. It features a soft, wavy brush that catches every lash for 98% longer and 20x more voluminous-looking lashes. Plus, the formula is infused with floral oil and helps coat and condition lashes. Swipe it on at the beginning of the day and enjoy up to 24 hours of smudge- and clump-resistant wear.
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara
If clumpy lashes have become something of a nemesis to you, pick up this waterproof mascara. It’s uniquely formulated to resist clumping while building lashes to up to 4x their natural thickness. The lash-maximizing formula, which is something of a L’Oréal Paris cult classic, features a volumizing brush that separates and evenly coats lashes for a flake-free, clump-free finish. Plus, if you’re looking for a brown waterproof mascara, this one comes in a subtle black-brown shade.
L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Waterproof Mascara
When it comes to mascara, length and volume tend to get a lot of attention—but lift matters, too. With the right mascara, you can get an instant lash lift effect. Our lifting mascara has a patented double-hook brush that grabs, loads, lifts, and separates your lashes with every swipe. The ceramide-infused formula lifts lashes for up to 36 hours and doesn’t make your fringe feel heavy or weighed down.
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L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Lengthening Mascara
We love this lengthening waterproof mascara for use on both upper and lower lashes. It has a slim and flexible two-sided brush that makes application easy. Use the flat side to lengthen lashes, then flip it over and separate your lashes with the comb side for a defined, clump-free finish. A little more about the formula for you: It enhances your fringe for up to 60% longer lashes and wears for up to 24 hours. It’s no wonder this go-to is having a major TikTok makeup moment.
L’Oréal Paris Air Wear Air Volume Mega Mascara Waterproof, Lightweight
A mascara that’s lightweight yet super voluminous may seem contradictory, but this innovative option checks both boxes. It has an air-whipped formula that weightlessly coats lashes without making them feel too heavy. The volumizing waterproof mascara pumps up lashes for mega volume that lasts all day. It also features a cushioned double-bristle brush—the short side catches lashes from the root, and the long side helps spread the formula evenly for fully blown-out lashes.
Editor’s tip: If a dramatic lash fringe is the goal, primer is your secret weapon. Use the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer to help boost the effect of your mascara. It instantly builds volume and length, and over time, it helps nourish and condition your lashes so they’re softer to work with.
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Waterproof Mascara
This mascara takes inspiration from none other than a butterfly. While not known for their lashes, butterflies can extend their wings just like this formula promises to stretch and extend your lashes. The brush has an asymmetrical shape that helps lift outer corner lashes to give you a winged-out effect. It instantly volumizes lashes at the roots and stretches them outward for silky, fluttery fringe that won’t disappear when it rains.
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara
On days when you want a more natural makeup look, reach for this waterproof mascara. It amplifies each lash, creating natural-looking volume that’s perfect for your subtle, everyday look. The collagen-infused formula glides on smoothly and lasts all day. As for the brush, it’s designed to separate lashes while building major volume. You also don’t need to worry about it getting clumpy—the tube has a built-in wiping system that leaves the ideal amount of product on the bristles. The final result is an ultra-volumized yet clean lash look.
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Superstar Mascara Waterproof
Multitasking makeup products earn instant points because they make it easier to get ready. Combining two (or more) steps into one can save you time (and space in your makeup bag). This mascara is a prime example—it features a primer on one end and a fiber-rich pigmented formula you can layer onto your lashes on the other. Used together, the primer-mascara duo leaves you with super-extended, super-volumized, superstar-worthy lashes.
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How To Remove Waterproof Mascara
No matter how late it is or how tired you are, you should always remove your makeup before going to sleep. With that said, we know it’s sometimes all-too-tempting to skip this step, especially if your waterproof mascara seems a little too good at staying on. The trick is to use a makeup remover that’s actually meant for removing waterproof products. Your regular remover or face wash may remove regular makeup, but formulas meant to be sweat- and water-resistant often need something more.
Look for product labels that specifically mention removing waterproof makeup. With one of these dedicated formulas, you should be able to gently and easily remove your mascara. Many waterproof mascara removers are oil-based, as oil ingredients can help break down the mascara, making it easy to rinse right off.
Once you have your remover, you’ll want to follow the directions on how to use it. This can vary from product to product. For liquid makeup removers and micellar waters, soak a cotton round with the liquid and hold it over your closed eyelid, pressing it to your lashes. Gently swipe to wipe away the mascara. Be careful not to rub or tug at your lashes. After removing your makeup, follow up with a gentle cleanser to remove any lingering residue.
Next Up: How to Use an Eyelash Curler Without Damaging Lashes
Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris
