Finding a great mascara – one that lifts, lengthens, and adds volume to your lashes – can take a lot of trial and error. But finding one that does all this while staying flawless through sweat, tears, and rain is a whole different struggle. The last thing you want is smudged, flaky mascara ruining your look. That’s why having a reliable, smudge-proof mascara is an absolute must in your makeup kit.
That said, identifying and choosing the best waterproof mascara can be challenging, with so many “smudge-proof” formulas flooding the market. Beyond considering your personal needs, the best mascaras should meet certain standards: they must hold up against humidity, tears, workouts, and even the occasional midday nap – without being a nightmare to remove at the end of the day.
This is where true waterproof mascaras come in.
Thanks to innovative beauty science, waterproof mascaras contain film-forming agents and polymers that create a flexible, water-resistant shield over your lashes. This ensures they stay intact even when exposed to water, oils, or sweat. Unfortunately, not all formulas deliver on their waterproof promises, and let’s be real – nobody wants to waste money on a dud.
To help you choose wisely, we’ve tested various waterproof mascaras, assessing their claims, smudge resistance, and ease of removal. Here are eight of the best waterproof mascaras that truly live up to the hype.
1. MAC Stack Waterproof Mascara
A great mascara should be volumizing, lengthening, defining, and offer solid waterproof capabilities. The MAC Stack Waterproof Mascara excels in all areas. This fan favorite effectively lengthens and adds volume to create beautiful, well-defined lashes. Its buildable formula lets you customize your look, whether you prefer a subtle effect or a more dramatic, falsie-like finish.
The bristles are perfectly spaced, allowing the brush to grip the lashes effectively, helping create a beautifully fanned-out finish by separating and defining lashes. However, the bristles are sharp and spiky, so it’s best to use caution when applying. Ultimately, the MAC Stack Waterproof Mascara lives up to its waterproof promise, holding strong even through intense workouts. It’s also much easier to remove than most waterproof formulas.
2. Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
For those who love a touch of luxury, the Diorshow Waterproof Mascara will quickly become a favorite. Its lightweight, buildable formula thickens lashes without weighing them down or ruining your curl, delivering a bold, dramatic effect. Even better, it applies smoothly without clumping or sticking lashes together. While the brush is slightly larger than MAC’s, its bristle design still ensures a beautifully fanned-out look.
Once applied, the Diorshow Waterproof Mascara stays put. The formula holds up all day without smudging or flaking. We also love the variety of colors available, including true black, warm brown, and even cobalt blue. If you’re after a bold, statement-making lash look, this mascara is a must-try.
3. L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Waterproof Mascara
The L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Waterproof Mascara offers a lightweight formula that enhances your lashes for a full, fanned-out look. The magic lies in the brush, which features a long, narrow wand that grasps even the thinnest hairs, lifting and separating them for a beautifully spread-out effect. Paired with its long-lasting formula, this mascara delivers stunning, curled lashes that stay in place all day.
Its staying power is remarkable – no flaking, smudging, or budging. Many users find they no longer need a lash curler thanks to the impressive lift this mascara provides. However, it’s a bit tougher to remove than some of the others on this list. We recommend using a solid eye makeup remover to make the process easier.
4. Bobbi Brown No Smudge Waterproof Mascara
For those seeking subtle definition and length, the Bobbi Brown No Smudge Waterproof Mascara is an excellent choice. The formula blends easily with the brush, designed to pick up just the right amount of product for smooth, clump-free application. It also separates lashes for a more naturally polished look.
This mascara adds length, color, and thickness to lashes, but since it isn’t highly buildable, it might not be ideal for those seeking dramatic volume. Instead, it’s perfect for a “no-makeup makeup” look or an everyday appearance. Its waterproof and smudge-proof performance is impressive – no flaking or smudging under any conditions, and it’s surprisingly easy to remove at the end of the day.
5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Waterproof Plumping Mascara
Finding affordable, high-quality beauty products can be challenging, but the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Plumping Waterproof Mascara is a rare win. Infused with hyaluronic acid, keratin, and vitamin E, this formula keeps lashes soft, healthy, and nourished.
The smooth, even application provides definition and lift without clumping. The hydrating effect gives your lashes a naturally fuller look. However, the tube doesn’t hold much product, so you may need to replace it sooner than expected. Still, it’s a fantastic option for those looking for a budget-friendly, hydrating waterproof mascara.
6. Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara
With the Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara, you can take your lashes to new heights. Its flexible brush and small, rubbery bristles separate and lengthen lashes without making them feel stiff. The tapered tip allows for precise application, even on hard-to-reach corners.
With just a few coats, you can achieve bold, elongated lashes with a beautifully lifted effect. While it might not be the most voluminizing option on this list, the Great Lash Waterproof Mascara still delivers a clean, beautiful finish. Plus, it’s easy to remove at the end of the day.
7. COVERGIRL Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
For those who prioritize clean beauty, the clean version of COVERGIRL’s Lash Blast Volume Mascara is a top contender. Not only does it meet ethical beauty standards, but it also ranks highly in terms of waterproof performance. This mascara provides significant volumizing and thickening effects with just a few swipes, delivering longer, fuller, and more defined lashes.
Its formula is highly buildable and doesn’t dry too quickly, allowing for smoother application without clumping. However, some testers noted it wasn’t as smudge-proof as other options, possibly due to the product’s emphasis on ethical standards. If longevity is your top concern, you may need occasional check-ins to ensure everything stays in place.
8. Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara
Last on our list is the Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara, known for its subtle, no-makeup makeup effect and impressive waterproof capabilities. Beauty enthusiasts rave about this non-flaky, lightweight formula that defines lashes and stays intact through water exposure and the occasional eye rub.
It delivers lengthened, separated lashes that withstand humidity, sweat, and water without smudging or flaking. However, the mascara’s staying power comes at a price – it’s a bit tricky to remove. Using a strong eye makeup remover will make the process easier, but if you can look past this downside, the Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara is perfect for humid days or swimming.
Takeaway
Finding the perfect waterproof mascara is about striking the right balance between longevity, performance, and ease of removal. As we’ve seen, some of the most long-lasting formulas aren’t always the easiest to remove, but there’s an option for everyone – whether you want dramatic volume or a mascara that can withstand humid conditions.
From budget-friendly picks to luxury favorites, all of the mascaras on this list have been tested to ensure they live up to the hype. Say goodbye to smudging and flaking – with these mascaras, you’ll enjoy beautiful, long-lasting lashes all day long.
