How to Choose the Best Waterproof Mascara

The marvels of waterproof mascara are many, and it's not just for rainy days. It's an ideal companion for playing sports, taking beach trips, or any occasion that calls for long-lasting eye makeup. These mascaras are infused with a variety of luxurious oils and natural properties that nourish and pamper your lashes, providing the utmost care while lasting all day. Discover the best waterproof mascaras to elevate your makeup routine to new heights.

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Mascaras

Although "waterproof" and "water-resistant" are terms often used interchangeably in the beauty industry, there is a slight difference between the two. While neither can withstand a high-pressure stream of water (i.e. the shower), waterproof mascara can generally hold up to splashes of water as well as tears, whereas water-resistant mascara can only tolerate mild water exposure like humidity, light rain, or sweat. Waterproof mascara is a better option to use when swimming or going out in heavy rain. For long-lasting wear, especially around water, waterproof mascara is generally the best option.

When Should You Use Waterproof Mascara

While regular mascara might suit your needs in most situations, it’s always useful to keep a long-lasting waterproof mascara in your makeup bag for moments when you expect your lashes to get wet. For this reason, waterproof mascara is especially popular for outdoor occasions or summer events. It is also the top choice for people that don’t want to be caught looking smudged in unexpected rain showers or after those emotional scenes in movies. Here are some instances where waterproof mascara will prove its worth to you:

  • You're attending a pool party, where there will be lots of splashing and swimming.
  • You're planning to spend a day at the beach and don't want to worry about your mascara smudging or running.
  • You tend to have watery eyes or live in a humid climate where regular mascara smudges easily.
  • You're going for a sweaty workout and want your mascara to stay in place.
  • You anticipate crying tears (of joy or sadness) at an event.
  • You have oily eyelids that tend to cause regular mascara to smudge.


In these, and several other cases, a quality waterproof mascara for length and volume will guarantee your lashes look impeccable and will help your eyes be the center of attention for all the right reasons, no matter the situation.

How to Choose the Best Waterproof Mascara for Your Needs

We all love a waterproof mascara for the obvious benefit, it’s water-repellent. But why settle for just that when you can benefit from the whole package? Whether you're looking for length, volume, or something that's easy to remove, there's a waterproof mascara out there for everyone. Consider your desired look and individual needs when selecting the best product for you.

Best Waterproof Mascara for Length and Volume

Our best volumizing waterproof mascara to use for sensitive eyes, formulated with bamboo extract and fibers to ensure smudge-proof wear, volume and length, AND available as a black and a brown waterproof mascara, Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High® Waterproof Mascara won’t disappoint.
  • Lash Sensational Sky High® Waterproof Mascara Makeup
    Very Black
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Best Volumizing Waterproof Mascara

Thick, full lashes can be achieved with a mascara that has a thick, dense brush, like that of The Falsies® Surreal Extensions Waterproof Mascara. The dense bristles of the brush coat each lash, making them look fuller. The Falsies® Surreal Extensions Mascara extends your lash reality with +36% length and surreal impact with 10X volume and up to 24-hour wear. Ten times the volume means this waterproof mascara is our top pick for volumizing.
  • The Falsies® Surreal Extensions Waterproof Mascara Eye Makeup
    Very Black
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Best Lengthening Waterproof Mascara

To extend the look of your lashes, choose a mascara with a wand that has evenly spaced bristles, which will help to separate lashes and ensure that they're all coated evenly. That’s why we love Lash Sensational Firework™ Waterproof Mascara. This mascara delivers 360° extraordinary lash impact and full flare featuring the SuperSpark™ Brush with bristles arranged in a spiral firework pattern to shoot lashes up and out. The gel based flaring formula is infused with Pro-Vitamin B5 for buildable, clump-resistant impact and lashes that feel conditioned for up to 24-hour wear.
  • LASH SENSATIONAL FIREWORK™ Waterproof Mascara Makeup
    Very Black
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Best Easy to Remove Waterproof Mascara

If one of your biggest headaches is removing waterproof makeup after a long day, then worry no more. Our Lash Sensational® Luscious Waterproof Mascara can be gently removed with soap and warm water. Infused with precious oils, its formula also softens lashes, for a beautiful gaze whether you’re wearing makeup or not! Despite its easy removal, it's still smudge-proof and long-lasting.
  • Lash Sensational® Luscious Waterproof Mascara
    Very Black
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Best Waterproof Mascara for Promoting Growth

Combining collagen – a natural protein that promotes hair growth – with our exclusive Claw Brush technology, which helps to separate and define each lash, Volum' Express® The Colossal Cat® Eyes Waterproof Mascara can turn your dream of long gorgeous lashes into a reality. Simply apply a few layers of this waterproof mascara to build instant volume, creating long, thick, and gorgeous lashes that will last all day, no matter the weather.
  • The Colossal® Cat Eyes Waterproof Mascara
    Glam Black
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Best Waterproof Curling Mascara

Struggling with straight, lifeless lashes ruining your look? Not anymore! The Colossal Curl Bounce® Waterproof Mascara has a memory curl technology that not only reminds your lashes to stay curled all day, but it does so sans clumping. The result: a lightweight, bouncy effect with major volume. The shape of the brush will help to hug the lashes and lift them from the root, creating a dramatic, wide-eyed effect, and the waterproof formula will ensure it lasts all day.
  • The Colossal Curl Bounce® Waterproof Mascara Makeup
    Very Black
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Waterproof Mascara FAQs

Waterproof mascara is generally safe for everyday use, but it's essential to remove it gently to avoid damaging your lashes. It sometimes gets a bad rap—grandmothers and internet chat rooms say it's bad for lashes, but they're talking about waterproof formulas from the 1970s. Today's waterproof mascara formulas are every bit as cushiony and conditioning as the lengthening and volumizing washable mascaras. However, some people may experience eye irritation or allergic reactions to certain mascaras, so it's always a good idea to do a patch test before applying it to your eyes. It's generally okay to wear waterproof mascara every day, as long as you remove it properly. Be sure to use a gentle oil free eye makeup remover and avoid rubbing your eyes vigorously. Proper makeup hygiene is essential, since unlike other formulas, waterproof mascara will cling to lashes for days and days if not removed.

Try Our Mascara Quiz

Still wondering which mascara to choose? Take our simple mascara quiz and let us help you find the best waterproof mascara for your needs. The quiz will ask you a few simple questions about your lashes and your desired look, and then we'll recommend the best mascara for you. So why wait? Take our mascara quiz today and find your perfect mascara match!

MASCARA QUIZ

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