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A good waterproof mascara can be quite a necessity when it comes to the summer months, so it’s a good idea to find one that works well for you. We all know the effort that can go into creating our makeup looks, and we don’t want to ruin it with running, smudged mascara. Here’s a list of Best Waterproof Mascaras that pass the test.

When do you need a waterproof mascara?

Your mascara can be threatened by plenty of things in your day-to-day life. Whether you’re going swimming, sweating at the gym, watching an emotional film, commuting in torrential rain or even just experiencing high humidity, you can find your lashes under threat at every turn! That’s why I always like to make sure I have a reliable, waterproof mascara. 

But with so many choices available, finding a dependable mascara that can stand up against life’s twists and turns can be hard, especially when you’re on a budget. So, I’ve picked out some of the best mascaras that can leave your lashes looking luscious while providing around the clock, all-weather protection. 

L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara

When it comes to finding one of the best waterproof mascaras on the market, I wanted to start with an affordable option that really delivers.

I am a big fan of L’Oreal Paris mascara. The brand has access to the science behind the L’Oreal group’s luxury formulations, without the price tag.

I first fell in love with the regular Lash Paradise formula, but the waterproof one has the staying power you really need when the elements are in full force.

It’s a great buildable mascara that layers well without smudging and it gives a lovely balance of volume and length.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara

One of my top choices in the round up of best waterproof mascaras is this fantastic, cheekily named mascara from Too Faced. Even with the clever packaging, the Better than Sex Waterproof Mascara has nailed it, cleverly covering the tube with detailed water droplets. 

The product itself enhances lashes, giving them a thick and volumised look, achieved with an intense black colour and hourglass-shaped brush. It can feel a bit heavier than your normal mascara, but it really stands up against water. With a splash test, my lashes stayed well in place and I experienced no smudging or flaking – perfect!

Nudestix Vegan Splashproof Mascara Review

This is a waterproof and sweat-proof high-performance mascara that gives the lashes a good dose of nourishment and conditioning while its doing the job of staying in place.

It is super dark and easy to apply without smudging on the lids, and it is light and comfortable. It doesn’t irritate my eyes, even when they are feeling sensitive and watery, yet it stays put really well. Read the full review here.

Cle de Peau Perfect Lash Mascara

If you want to be super boujee but also use a mascara that’s pretty indestructible, you won’t be disappointed with this one.

This uses a waterproof and smudge-proof formula, and has been developed with an ingredient that protects lashes against damage.

I really like the brush on this mascara. It is slim and curved which makes it easy to get right into the roots of the lashes to lift and coat them from root to tip.

It is very long lasting and you will need a separate makeup remover to get it off. Read the Cle de Peau Mascara review.

Check out Best Budget Eye Makeup Removers for the best performers without breaking the bank.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Waterproof

This is another mascara I discovered because I love the original version. Read my review of Maybelline Sky High here.

This mascara delivers amazing length and everything that the original delivers, with the added bonus of being smudge and budge-proof! I also really like the packaging of this one.

Glossier Lash Slick Mascara 

Glossier’s everyday range is not only affordable but masters the natural look. The Lash Slick mascara, in particular, is fantastic, creating a look that curls, sculpts and lengthens your lashes, giving a full look even if you don’t have naturally thick lashes.  

It doesn’t clump lashes, but instead offers a feathery pretty look. The brush is tapered with tiered bristles to separate and enhance every lash, and the vegan biotin is key for conditioning and strengthening lashes. 

However, the mascara is only water-resistant. It can stand up to a moderate level of water but can be beaten by warm water so definitely not one to go swimming in!

How to Remove the Best Waterproof Mascaras 

While all of these mascaras are great, it is important to remember to take them off properly. As waterproof mascaras, they are designed to withstand almost everything, so you need to find a good makeup remover. 

I’d recommend a gentle eye makeup remover that is hypoallergenic to ensure you avoid irritation. You can find good oil-based removers work really well too as the oils break down waterproof properties in the mascara. 

The most effective products tend to be a mix between micellar water and oil cleanser, removing makeup gently but effectively! And, despite the oil, they shouldn’t doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy or sticky.

Check out Best Eye Makeup Removers here.

To remove, put some remover on a clean pad, hold for a few seconds and then wipe away from the lid towards the tips of your lashes. Always remove the mascara carefully to ensure you don’t pull your lashes off. Remember to do it before going to sleep – dried up mascara pieces can end up in your eye if not!

Tubing Mascara vs Waterproof Mascara

If you find that you struggle to remove waterproof mascara, and this can often be the case because they are literally formulated to stay on and never let go, you may want to check out tubing mascaras.

A tubing mascara is formulated in a different way and is very different to regular or waterproof mascara. Instead of layering on pigment to the lashes, it actually wraps itself around the lashes in tubes.

I think the main thing with this mascara is that it won’t budge until you want to get it off. You don’t remove it with makeup remover and your usual micellar, oils and balms won’t cut it to get these off.

Instead you need wet the lashes with warm water which starts to break down the bond on the lashes and encourages the mascara to slide off in tubes. You can uses fingers or a wet flannel to help it off.

It all tends to come off cleanly and you shouldn’t get any panda eye situations the next morning.

If you want some really great Tubing Mascara recommendations, check out:

All in all, all of these best waterproof mascaras can all make your lashes look beautiful and they stay put. Some are more expensive than others, but they all have good staying power. Just be sure you remove them gently, so you keep your lashes happy and healthy.

What are your favourites? Message me on Instagram to let me know.

Instagram’s Best Waterproof Mascaras

I asked my audience on Instagram what their best waterproof mascaras were and here was the response in order of popularity:

• Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof
• L’Oreal Lash Paradise Waterproof
• Clinique Lash Power
• Maybelline Lash Sensational
• Chanel Inimitable
• Lancome Monsieur Big Waterproof
• Lancome Hypnose Drama Waterproof
• MAC Extended Play
• Dior Show Waterproof
• Hourglass Unlocked (tubing – see above)