“You never know when you’ll get emotional,” says Delina Medhin, laughing, as she considers the benefits of the best waterproof mascaras. The celebrity make-up artist goes on to explain that waterproof mascaras are “transfer resistant,” meaning as your schedule picks up, you won’t have to worry as much about your eye make-up smudging throughout the day, whether you’re sweating on the tube, planning to hop in a pool, or shedding a few tears at a summer wedding.
Best waterproof mascaras at a glance:
- The Day-to-Night: Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara, £36
- The Feathered Lash: L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara, £13
- The Lengthener: Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara, £28
- The Strengthener: UKLash Volume Boost Mascara, £13
- The Gentle Pick: Ere Perez Avocado Waterproof Mascara, £28
- The Classic Choice: Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara, £26
- The Dramatic Lash: Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara, £33
So, how exactly does it work? “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.”
Celebrity make-up 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 make-up looks. The mascara stays in place and allows me to move quicker without it smudging all over the place,” he says. Looking for a mascara to stay streak-free this summer? Ahead, 11 tried-and-tested waterproof mascaras, according to our experts and Vogue editors.
UKLash Volume Boost Mascara
Not content dominating the world of eyelash growth serums, UKLash has its sights set on mascaras, too. The brand’s waterproof mascara is bold, black and bolsters lashes with a strengthening cocktail of vitamins and keratin. Promising less lash fall and breakage with each use, it’s a formula we’re very much here for.
Uklash
Volume Boost Mascara
£13
UKLash
Fenty Beauty Hella Thicc Volumising Mascara
Sweat, humidity and transfer-resistant – what more could you ask of a summer beauty staple? If, somehow, that wasn’t enough, rest assured in the knowledge that this Fenty mascara stays put through pretty much everything, with a creamy coat that clings to lashes and adds dramatic volume as it dries.
Fenty Beauty
Hella Thicc Volumising Mascara
£19
Sephora
Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara
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.
Chanel
Inimitable Waterproof Mascara
£36
Sephora
L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
“This is a classic mascara,” Medhin says of her favourite. “It layers beautifully, and it’s one that you’ll see in almost every make-up 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.
L'Oréal Paris
Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
£13
Boots
Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara
Ilia’s mascara only claims to be water resistant, but it’s never failed any of our tests. Perhaps that’s because its efficient comb wand keeps smudge-causing clumps at bay, separating lashes as it lengthens and lifts with a waxy, flake-free coat.
Ilia Beauty
Limitless Lash Mascara
£28
Sephora
Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
This cult classic mascara’s waterproof formula will stay put for 24 hours. Designed to add volume with just one stroke, it uses a unique brush shape and wax fibres to coat lashes with ease. It’s infused with supple waxes to ensure that your lashes remain soft and don’t dry out.
Lancôme
The Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
£26
Sephora
£26 £21
Look Fantastic
Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
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 make-up artist-recommended brush offers 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.”
Dior
Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
£33
Sephora
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
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.
Too Faced
Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
£28
Sephora
£28
LookFantastic
Yves Saint Laurent N°1 Noir Fusion Luxurious Waterproof Mascara Effet Faux Cils
From the fashion house fond of a smokey eye comes the perfect mascara for the job. Made with a trio of film-forming polymers – one for conditioning, one for intense pigment and a fixing top coat – this one locks darker, fuller lashes in place for a look that’s sultry sans unwanted smudge.
Saint Laurent
N°1 Noir Fusion Luxurious Waterproof Mascara
£31 £25
LookFantastic
Ere Perez Avocado Waterproof Mascara
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.
Ere Perez
Natural Avocado Waterproof Mascara
£28
Naturisimo
Benefit Cosmetics Badgal BANG! Volumizing Waterproof Mascara
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.
Benefit
Cosmetics Badgal BANG! Volumizing Waterproof Mascara
£27
LookFantastic
Bobbi Brown No Smudge Waterproof Mascara
Not satisfied with just one mascara? Bobbi Brown’s formula can be layered atop any mascara to make it waterproof – sort of like a raincoat. Expect lashes to instantly volumise, lengthen, and curl for long, buildable wear.
Bobbi Brown
No Smudge Waterproof Mascara
£31
Sephora
£31
LookFantastic
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara
Essence’s mascara is a crowd favorite for good reason; it instantly lengthens and volumises 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.
Essence
Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara
£6
Amazon
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara
As well as being waterproof, Clinique’s mascara is smudge-free, heat-resistant and anti-flake, so you can expect it to stay on from morning to night, no matter what the climate.
Clinique
High Impact Waterproof Mascara Black 10g
£25
LookFantastic
Beauty Pie The Perfect Waterproof Mascara
Beauty Pie’s mascara ticks all the boxes. It volumises, lengthens, curls, and leaves a perfectly glossy finish. Better still, your lashes will feel healthier thanks to a blend of Pro Vitamin B5, Acacia Seed Peptides, Arginine and Shea Butter.
Beauty Pie
The Perfect Waterproof Mascara
£28
Beauty Pie
Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Mascara
For a true, long-lasting jet-black shade, Estée Lauder’s waterproof formula is the answer. The luxurious mousse texture ensures a clump-free finish, while the conditioning vitamin blend will aid in growth and strength.
Estée Lauder
Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Mascara
£29
LookFantastic
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 make-up 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 favourites include Farmacy Green Clean and Clarins Instant Eye Make-up 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.”
Farmacy
Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
£34
Sephora
Clarins
Instant Eye Make-Up Remover
£23
Sephora
Garnier
Micellar Water Facial Cleanser
£10
LookFantastic
Bioderma
Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
£13
Sephora