Waterproof mascara is a no-brainer when it comes to our summer beauty needs. Between the humidity and rain, a waterproof version of eye-defining mascara is the way to go. The resilient formulas won’t melt in the heat or run off in the water, all while providing lashes with the volume, length and curl of a regular mascara. The best part is, they stay put all day long yet wash off easily with the help of a little makeup remover.
What’s the best waterproof mascara?
A solid waterproof mascara gives lashes a full look without drying them out, resulting in flaking or brittle lashes. Our favorite formulas have a smooth consistency that makes it easy to coat lashes. Waterproof formulas are generally light and will boost your curl factor since they’re not being weighed down, while those that deliver dramatic volume tend to be on the heavier side. If you’re looking for a natural look, make sure the mascara you choose has a good reputation for being clump-free and separating lashes. The area around the eye naturally produces oil so if you have oily lids, look for a product that is smudge-proof, too.
What’s the best way to remove waterproof mascara?
When it comes to removal, opt for an oil-based makeup remover — traditional ones won’t be as effective and will require borderline abrasive rubbing, which is a no-no for the delicate skin around the eyes. Using a flat cotton pad soaked in a dime-size amount of remover, gently pat down the pad along the lash line and slowly move it down and over your lashes before washing your face.
Here are the 15 best waterproof mascaras that will withstand water, heat and all the other summer elements.
- Urban Decay
- MAC
- Dior
- Benefit
- Too Faced
- Eyeko
- Tom Ford
- Maybelline
- Buxom
- CoverGirl
- Chanel
- Clinique
- L’Oréal Paris
- Lancôme
- Make Up For Ever
Don’t let running mascara ruin your summer. Check out the slideshow above for the lowdown on the best waterproof mascaras out there.
[ Next: Waterproof (and Sweatproof) Makeup That Lasts ALL Day — Even in the Pool ]
TB Best Waterproof Mascaras
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TB Best Waterproof Mascaras #1
Running mascara shouldn't be the reason you avoid channeling your inner mermaid this summer. And if there's one thing we love about waterproof mascaras, it's that they allow us to be our siren selves all season long.
Between working out, beach days, pool parties and just everyday life, these waterproof mascaras are guaranteed to last through anything — rain or shine. So without further ado, here are the 15 best waterproof mascaras that last, lengthen and leave your eyes looking sexy as ever.
Image: Imaxtree
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Urban Decay
Perversion Waterproof Mascara, $25 at Ulta Beauty
Whether you're diving head first into the pool or getting a serious sweat session on, this best waterproof mascara holds up against all conditions. To increase length and give you added volume (even when the wet is trying to keep you down), this mascara's nourishing blend of proteins, amino acids and honey extract promotes growth for larger-than-life lashes.
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MAC
In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara, $24 at Macy’s
Take things to the extreme with this best waterproof mascara. The lightweight, whipped formula saturates from root to tip. Your lashes won’t budge after swimming or clump, flake or smudge for that matter.
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Dior
Diorshow Waterproof Mascara, $29.50 at Sephora
This best waterproof mascara thickens, lengthens and curves lashes to the extreme. The buildable cream formula is easy to apply thanks to the XXL brush. It will stand up to swimming, splashing and even tears. Feeling bold? Opt for the Catwalk Blue shade to copy the colored lashes trend we’ve been seeing on the runways.
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Benefit
BADgal Waterproof Mascara, $19 at HSN
Take a walk on your wild side and add some drama to your lashes with this voluminous waterproof mascara. When it's not withstanding water, tears or humidity, it's giving your lashes a lot more oomph (which we are 100 percent OK with).
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Too Faced
Better Than Sex Waterproof, $25 at Sephora
With the original version of this well on its way to becoming a cult classic, the waterproof version is just as amazing when paired with the traditional product. It amps up the volume, darkens lashes and, of course, resists all water conditions (think: jumping feet first into the pool). The best part? Its collagen-fueled formula conditions and moisturizes lashes while giving you bat-worthy eyes.
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Eyeko
Sport Waterproof Mascara, $22.50 at DermStore
If your summer is set to be filled with pool days, sweaty workout seshes and trips to the beach, this sporty waterproof mascara is for you. It stays put no matter the activity for a full 24 hours courtesy of its fiber-enhanced formula that adds instant volume and lift to your lashes. The mascara also contains 11 different fruit extracts to not only lengthen existing lashes but promote healthy lash growth.
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Tom Ford
Emotionproof Mascara, $46 at Tom Ford
A bit on the pricey side, but this Tom Ford pick makes up for it with a luxurious formula. The powerful combo of the deepest black carbon and lash-filling powders delivers lifted and curled lashes that’ll get you noticed. Plus, it promises to last throughout the day.
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Maybelline
Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara, $9.99 at Ulta Beauty
Look out beauties because one swipe of this best waterproof mascara is enough to convince people you're wearing false lashes. The wand contains 10 layers of bristles, ensuring your lashes are well coated and evenly separated. The curve of the brush also ensures you'll hit right on the lash line for a full, voluminous, dramatic effect.
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Buxom
Lash Waterproof Mascara, $22 at Buxom
Consumers couldn't stop raving about all the compliments they received wearing this best waterproof mascara. Which should come as no surprise since it lengthens, lasts and doesn't smudge throughout the day. To make things better, the mascara is enriched with vitamins that moisturize lashes while it thickens them simultaneously. How's that for a double win?
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CoverGirl
LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara, $9.99 at Ulta Beauty
Gone are the days of raccoon eyes because this best waterproof mascara keeps everything in place (without breaking the bank). If you're going for a luscious lash look (because girl, you gotta work that smize), all you need are a few swipes of this waterproof mascara for instant length and volume.
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Chanel
Inimitable Waterproof Mascara, $32 at Nordstrom
Chanel’s waterproof mascara’s secret weapon is provitamin B5 that hydrates and conditions your newly larger-than-life lashes. Its unique brush design helps the formula provide perfect definition to even the finest lashes. The long-wearing mascara won't flake or smudge even after a dip in the pool.
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Clinique
High Impact Waterproof Mascara, $19.50 at Ulta Beauty
This flake-free mascara is great for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. The formula itself goes on super glossy and gives lashes a natural look.
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L'Oréal Paris
Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara, $10.99 at Ulta Beauty
L'Oréal Paris’ much loved mascara also comes in waterproof form. Its soft, wavy brush boasts 200-plus bristles to catch every single lash. The smooth glide formula promises voluptuous volume and length in one coat that lasts all day.
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Lancôme
Hypnôse Drama Waterproof, $27.50 at Sephora
The best waterproof mascara is only as good as its wand. This Lancôme version includes a special S-shaped curve brush designed to grasp and coat lashes for a full fringe effect. When it comes to the formula, a triple coating system delivers creamy application to easily build lashes that won’t clump or flake for 24 hours.
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Make Up For Ever
Aqua Smoky Extravagant Waterproof Mascara, $24 at Sephora
This lash-defining mascara uses an exclusive micro-defining complex that covers every lash with pigment, while the cone-shaped brush separates them with its precision tip and delivers extreme volume with the rounded base.
