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“You never know when you’ll get emotional,” says Delina Medhin, laughing, as she considers the benefits of the best waterproof mascaras. The celebrity makeup artist explains that waterproof mascaras are “transfer resistant,” meaning you won’t have to worry as much about your eye makeup smudging throughout the day, whether you’re sweating on the subway, planning to hop in a pool, or shedding a few tears at a summer wedding.
Our Top Picks
- Best All-Around: Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara, $35
- Best for a Feathered Lash: L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara, $8
- Best Cult-Classic: Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara, $30
- Best for a Dramatic Finish: Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara, $32
- Best All-in-One Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara, $29
- Best Drugstore Favorite: Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara, $9
- Best Volume: Benefit Cosmetics Badgal BANG! Volumizing Waterproof Mascara, $28
- Best Smudge-Proof: Bobbi Brown No Smudge Waterproof Mascara, $34
- Best Compact Brush: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara, $6 $11
How do waterproof mascaras work, exactly?
“Waterproof mascara forms a film that won’t run with water, like tears or sweat,” explains cosmetic chemist Dr. Michelle Wong, citing that you will typically see “waterproof” clearly labeled on the packaging. “You can also check the ingredients—water shouldn’t be the first ingredient.”
What makes waterproof mascaras special?
Celebrity makeup artist Ariel Tejada notes that waterproof mascara is an invaluable part of his kit on set. “We are constantly having to wipe on, wipe off, and put on multiple eye makeup looks. The mascara stays in place and allows me to move quicker without it smudging all over the place,” he says. Though you could consider the best mascara of 2023 or even a long-used drugstore mascara, perhaps you should aim to stay streak-free. What is the top-rated waterproof mascara you ask? Ahead, 11 tried-and-true formulas, according to our experts and Vogue editors.
Best All-Around: Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara
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- Why We Love It: Housed in Chanel’s signature black and gold tube, this mascara does it all: lengthens, separates, curls, and adds volume to lashes, keeping them in place from day to night. Vitamin B5 adds nourishment to protect lash health and keep them from clumping.
- More to Know: It’s a luxe, all-in-one mascara that gets the job done and is worth every penny—so you can expect your lashes to look luscious all day long. It’s also ophthalmologist-tested and safe for anyone who wears contacts.
- Ingredients: Pro-vitamin B5, beeswax, polymers
Best for a Feathered Lash: L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
- Why We Love It: “This is a classic mascara,” Medhin says of her favorite. “It layers beautifully, and it’s one that you’ll see in almost every makeup artist’s kit.” An eye-opening feathered effect is the end goal of this mascara—known to amp up the volume and length through 200 bristles that coat every lash.
- More to Know: Offering the ultimate trifecta: volume, definition, and length; it’s an affordable option that rivals even the most high-end mascaras. You’ll see noticeable results after just one stroke.
- Ingredients: Beeswax
Best Drugstore Favorite: Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara
- Why We Love It: Covergirl’s Lash Blast mascara is one of those formulas that remain in style year after year, especially for those in search of a drugstore pickup. Accentuate your gaze with this volumizer that promises no clumping or flaking.
- More to Know: It’s a classic, tried-and-true formula that delivers incredible results—and it won’t break the bank.
- Ingredients: Panethenol, carnauba wax
Best Cult-Classic: Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
- Why We Love It: This cult-classic mascara’s waterproof formula will stay put for 24 hours. Designed to add volume with just one stroke, this product has a unique brush shape and uses wax fibers to coat lashes with ease. It’s infused with supple waxes to ensure that your lashes remain soft and don’t dry out.
- More to Know: It’s true to its word—no flakes or touch-ups required. Plus, it has a buildable formula, so you can enjoy a subtle finish or go bold.
- Ingredients: Jojoba oil, paraffin wax
Best Thickening Formula: Maybelline Full ’N Soft Waterproof Mascara
- Why We Love It: “Maybelline Full ’N Soft waterproof is a classic favorite, good at holding a curl and lasts all day,” Wong explains this thickening formula, which helps lashes look as full as ever. Thanks to the featured vitamin E, lashes are left soft and conditioned over time.
- More to Know: It gives you the look of thicker lashes—without having to apply falsies. Plus, the formula nourishes lashes, helping to prevent future hair loss in the area.
- Ingredients: Vitamin E, rice starch, paraffin wax
Best for a Dramatic Finish: Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
- Why We Love It: Dior’s Waterproof Mascara includes castor oil for a smooth, growth-promoting finish. The formula’s waxes—including beeswax and candelilla—allow for buildable volume, and the large makeup artist-recommended brush offers an additional definition for professional-level curl and fullness. “If you want more drama, go for the Diorshow,” says Cassell. “Your lashes will look like you’re wearing extensions.”
- More to Know: It gives you ultra-dramatic results in a flash while simultaneously conditioning lashes.
- Ingredients: Castor oil, beeswax, candelilla wax
Best-All-in-One Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
- Why We Love It: Tejada says this mascara “does a really good job at lengthening and thickening the lashes; just the formulation itself is so good.” Water-resistant polymers are the star of this formula—giving it staying power against sweat, water, and smudging. What’s more, porcelain flower extract and omega oil work to condition lashes with each use.
- More to Know: If you’re looking for a mascara that can give you a multi-dimensional finish in just a few strokes, then you’ve just met your match. Plus, your lashes won’t feel stiff or hard.
- Ingredients: Porcelain flower extract, omega oil, peptides
Best Volume: Benefit Cosmetics Badgal BANG! Volumizing Waterproof Mascara
- Why We Love It: Natalia Bryant’s waterproof mascara of choice, Badgal Bang! delivers out-of-this-world volume for up to 36-hour wear. Smudge-proof and water-resistant, this also features aero-particles to ensure lightweight wear and vitamin B5 to nourish each lash.
- More to Know: The formula gives you stunning volume without weighing down lashes.
- Ingredients: Paraffin wax, panthenol
Best for Layering: Bobbi Brown No Smudge Waterproof Mascara
- Why We Love It: Not satisfied with just one mascara? This pick from Bobbi Brown can be layered atop any formula to make it waterproof—sort of like a raincoat. Expect lashes to instantly volumize, lengthen, and curl for long, buildable wear.
- More to Know: It’s a buildable formula that can be used on its own or on top of a traditional mascara.
- Ingredients: Kaolin, carnauba wax
Best Compact Brush: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara
- Why We Love It: Essence’s mascara is a crowd favorite for good reason: it instantly lengthens and volumizes with just one coat. Plus, it’s buildable—just apply up to three coats to reach your desired look. Designed with a rather small conical-shaped brush, Lash Princess can catch even the shortest lashes.
- More to Know: It’s a heavy-duty mascara that you can customize to create your desired look. On top of that, you won’t have to worry about smudging or flaking, and it’s less than ten bucks.
- Ingredients: Microcrystalline wax, candelilla wax, jojoba oil
Best Gentle Pick: Ere Perez Avocado Waterproof Mascara
- Why We Love It: This natural ingredient-based mascara works well for those with sensitive or allergy-prone eyes, given its thoughtfully gentle formulation. Infused with mamey and avocado oil, this vegan mascara strengthens lashes and aids in their growth.
- More to Know: It’s the perfect formula for anyone who prefers to use the best clean mascara—or just tends to have sensitive eyes. It will also encourage your lashes to grow naturally.
- Ingredients: Avocado oil, cacahuananche oil
How to Apply Waterproof Mascara
“The first step to applying waterproof mascara is to make sure you remove any old mascara so you can avoid clumping,” says makeup artist Christiana Cassell. “If lashes need a little curling, go ahead and give them a lift (with one of the best eyelash curlers). For extra volume, you can apply a primer. Waterproof mascara must be applied quickly because of how fast it dries.”
How to Remove Waterproof Mascara
Since waterproof mascaras are, well, resistant to water, Medhin suggests using a two-part oil-based cleanser to remove it at the end of the day. Two of her favorites include Farmacy Green Clean and Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover. “Both are wonderful,” she says. Cassell, on the other hand, is a fan of Garnier’s micellar water. “Soak a cotton ball or round with [micellar water]. When removing, try not to rub your lashes too aggressively,” she instructs. “Press the cotton round into your lashes to help dissolve the mascara for 15-30 seconds.
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Meet the Experts
- Christiana Cassell is a celebrity makeup artist who is known for her natural glam makeup looks, most recently seen on Chloé and Halle Bailey.
- Delina Medhin is a celebrity makeup artist, content creator, and educator.
- Ariel Tejada is a celebrity makeup artist who counts Kylie Jenner, Shay Mitchell, and Rosalía as clients.
- Dr. Michelle Wong is an Australia-based chemistry PhD, science educator, and cosmetic chemist otherwise known as Lab Muffin.