11 best waterproof mascara formulas that never budge
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We tend to treat waterproof mascaras like that sequinned party dress you'd only pull out for special occasions — or a transfer-proof lipstick that can withstand a three-course meal without budging. Be it to secure your makeup before attending an emotional wedding ceremony or to pack for a beachside holiday, it’s easy to think of them as situational must-haves.
In reality, the best waterproof mascaras prove their worth on an everyday basis. Whether you’re facing unpredictable weather, powering through a high-intensity workout, or dealing with a case of oily eyelids, a reliable waterproof formula can be a true ally — keeping your eye makeup intact no matter what the day has in store. And trust us: once you find the right one, you’ll never look back.
According to makeup artist Adeola Gboyega, “Unlike regular mascara, waterproof mascara is designed to resist moisture and stand up to water, sweat, and humidity, preventing smudging and running, while also providing excellent hold and curl.”
About the only downside is the removal process — but worry not. With the right cleansing balm or a gentle oil to hand, you won’t find yourself tugging at lashes or rubbing your eyelids raw.
That said, as with most beauty staples these days, finding the right formula can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Is it the size and curve of the wand that makes the difference? The depth of pigment? That’s where we come in. In true GLAMOUR fashion, we’ve sifted through the noise to bring you the crème de la crème of waterproof mascaras — from TikTok-adored high-street heroes to indulgent luxury icons. Here’s everything you need to know.
- How we tested waterproof mascaras
- Our full reviews
- Do waterproof mascaras actually work?
- How are waterproof mascaras different from regular mascaras?
- What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant mascara?
- How to apply waterproof mascara
- How to remove waterproof mascara
- Are tubing mascaras waterproof?
Meet the experts:
- Adeola Gboyega, professional makeup artist & content creator
- Ruby Hammer MBE, makeup artist and founder of Ruby Hammer Beauty.
How we tested waterproof mascaras
When testing the best waterproof mascaras, we committed to trialling each formula over multiple weeks — and crucially, in different real-life scenarios. Think: sweaty workouts, long commutes, rainy mornings, and teary weddings.
To ensure a fair verdict, we made sure to test each formula across a wide range of lash types and preferences — from naturally long but pin-straight lashes that are in need of a lift, to shorter, sparse lashes craving a a little volume boost.
When reviewing said mascaras, we paid close attention to several key criteria: the wand (was it easy to manoeuvre, and did it coat every lash evenly?), the formula itself (lightweight or heavy, flexible or stiff?), and, of course, performance (did it really resist smudging, flaking, or transferring through the day?). Our beauty editors also looked at equally important factors such as whether the formula is suited for sensitive eyes (since waterproof formulas can sometimes feel harsher or more drying than their regular counterparts). And of course, we also judged the removal process — because while we expect waterproof mascaras to be resilient, they shouldn’t require excessive rubbing or leave lashes feeling brittle afterwards.
Only the mascaras that impressed us across the board — holding a curl, adding definition or volume without clumping while staying put through water, sweat and humidity — earned their place in this final edit. (Find out how we test here).
Our full edit of the best waterproof mascaras to take your makeup game to the next level.
Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara
- Effect: Lengthening & lifting with featherlight separation.
- Wand type: Curved silicone brush.
- Available shades: Black.
- Pros: Lightweight formula, holds curl impressively, separates lashes without clumping.
- Cons: Not the most volumising, expensive.
Why we love it: In our opinion, Lancôme does some of the very best mascaras on the market — and its waterproof versions live up to the same gold standard. This formula is impressively smudge-resistant, holds a curl beautifully and, crucially, doesn’t flake or crumble by the end of the day. It’s the kind of mascara you can rely on whether you’re heading to the office, caught in the rain, or dancing until the early hours.
Beauty Contributor Rebecca Fearn calls it one of her all-time favourites, saying: “This lifts and volumises my lashes like no other. I love the curved brush with its tiny bristles, that manages to reach every single lash, even the tiny ones!” The end result is lashes that look fuller, longer and defined, without the heavy feel or a drying finish.
Lancôme Hypnôse Waterproof Mascara
- Effect: Adding definition, length and subtle volume.
- Wand type: Tapered fibre brush.
- Available shades: Black.
- Pros: Buildable formula that layers without clumping, delivers long-lasting wear.
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: Lancôme Hypnôse Waterproof is a cult classic for a reason. The formula is easily buildable, meaning you can dial it up from a subtle daytime flutter to a fuller, more dramatic evening look — all without the lashes feeling stiff or heavy. Unlike many waterproof mascaras that can dry down too quickly, this one stays workable for long enough to add multiple coats, ensuring a customised finish that still feels comfortable. It resists smudging and flaking, even on oily lids or humid days, making it a true everyday staple.
Our Senior Commerce Writer Sophie Donovan loved its flexibility, noting how it gave her lashes definition and lift while still feeling lightweight throughout the day.
Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Waterproof Mascara
- Effect: Intense volumising.
- Wand type: Thick rubber brush for even, dense application.
- Available shades: Black, brown.
- Pros: Delivers bold, dramatic volume in just one coat, long-lasting finish, and luxe packaging.
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: Chanel’s mascara is unbeatable if you’re after dramatic, jet-black lashes that instantly deliver that ‘wow’ false-lash effect. This bestselling formula is famed for its ability to add volume, length and definition in just a single coat — and the waterproof version means you get all of that impact, only with the reassurance that it will stay put through rain, humidity or sweat.
Another reason we rate it so highly is its versatility: whether you want just one sweep for a polished daytime look or prefer to layer up for an all-out evening glam, the formula remains flexible and buildable — never clumpy. And for those who prefer something softer than classic black, this formula also comes in a gorgeous muted brown shade that's perfect for a more natural look. Shop more of the best brown mascaras here.
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara
- Effect: Volumising and lengthening with a natural finish.
- Wand type: Traditional synthetic bristle brush for even coating.
- Available shades: Black.
- Pros: Ophthalmologist-tested, suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, delivers clump-free definition.
- Cons: Can feel slightly dry after a few hours.
Why we love it: This long-wearing waterproof mascara provides instant volume and length. The smudge-proof, clump-free formula resists running with smooth, black-brown pigment and can withstand both heat and humidity, allowing you to wear your sensational lashes for much longer. The best part? It's also safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
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benefit Badgal BANG! Volumizing Waterproof Mascara
- Effect: Volumising with added length.
- Wand type: Slim, flexible brush.
- Available shades: Black.
- Pros: Builds intense volume without weighing lashes down, lightweight and long-wearing.
- Cons: Formula can get clumpy if layered too much.
Why we love it: Benefit has gone and made a waterproof version of their best-selling mascara — and it doesn’t disappoint. True to the brand’s reputation for bold, statement lashes, this formula promises impressive volume for a look that doesn’t smudge or flake throughout the day. Unlike some waterproof mascaras that can feel heavy or stiff, its lightweight texture means your lashes stay flexible and comfortable (even if layered). The slim wand is another standout feature, designed to grab every lash from root to tip and fan them out for a full, eye-opening effect.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara
- Effect: Lengthening and volumising.
- Wand type: Slim, tapered elastomer (rubber) brush.
- Available shades: Black.
- Pros: Offers a lightweight feel, builds impressive length, reasonably priced.
- Cons: Not the best for lifting and curling.
Why we love it: Created specifically to help extend every single lash from root to tip, the waterproof Sky High mascara offers maximum impact and a formula that doesn't flake. Infused with bamboo extract and lengthening fibres, its long-wearing formula also doesn't weigh down your lashes and is perfectly viable for people with sensitive eyes.
- Effect: Defining and lengthening with a natural finish.
- Wand type: Thin, flexible bristle brush.
- Available shades: Black.
- Pros: Truly smudge-proof, lightweight, natual-looking formula, layers well over other mascaras as a top coat.
- Cons: Doesn’t deliver dramatic volume.
Why we love it: If you can't stand smearing or a clumped eyelashes look, this is the ideal mascara for you. It offers a natural look that can also be built upon, meaning it's perfect for days by the beach as well as nights out where the temperature may be soaring. The unique thing about this mascara is it can actually be used alone or on top of your regular mascara to make it waterproof. Clever, huh?
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
- Effect: Lifting and curling.
- Wand type: Hourglass-shaped fibre brush.
- Available shades: Black.
- Pros: Builds bold, dramatic lashes, holds curl impressively.
- Cons: Formula can clump if over-applied, slightly stubborn to remove.
Why we love it: This revolutionary, peptide-enriched lengthening mascara has a formula that helps thicken and curl your lashes after just one coat. It comes with an ingenious hourglass-shaped brush and tiny bristles, and it's also available in both a full size and a travel size, meaning you can take this product wherever you go.
Milk Makeup Rise Waterproof Mascara
- Effect: Lifting and lengthening with a natural, fanned-out finish.
- Wand type: Curved fibre brush that hugs the lash line.
- Available shades: Black.
- Pros: Vegan and clean formula, adds lift without weighing lashes down, comfortable wear.
- Cons: Doesn’t build extreme volume.
Why we love it: For the ultimate lifted, curled lashes, you can't beat Milk Makeup's Rise formula. The waterproof version is a favourite amongst beauty fans, perhaps even more so than the OG. It has a soft, lightweight texture that feels feather-light on lashes (and that never looks clumpy) and offers a fanned-out effect, meaning it's a nice one to reach for for understated days at the beach.
Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
- Effect: Volumising and lengthening.
- Wand type: Oversized fibre brush.
- Available shades: Brown, Blue.
- Pros: Delivers dramatic volume and long-lasting wear.
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: Yet another waterproof version of a cult classic mascara. The Diorshow waterproof mascara teams the legendary power of its XXL brush with an incredibly buildable cream formula for adjustable professional volume that is nothing short of spectacular. Trust us, you won't regret it.
L’Oréal Paris Paradise Waterproof Mascara
- Effect: Lengthening and volumising with a soft fluttery finish.
- Wand type: Volumising fibre brush.
- Available shades: Black.
- Pros: Affordable, adds both volume and length, easily buildable.
- Cons: Can dry out quicker than other formulas, slightly prone to clumping.
Why we love it: L'Oreal Paris does some of the very best mascaras on the high street – this includes Paradise, which also comes in a waterproof version too. If you prefer more a natural finish, this is a great choice for you as it goes on finely but is buildable (without ever seeming clumpy) for night-time glam. And it's also one of the more affordable mascaras out there that's actually efficacious in its water-resistant feature.
Your waterproof mascara questions, answered:
Do waterproof mascaras actually work?
In short: yes, the best waterproof mascaras do exactly what they promise. Unlike regular mascaras, which can start to smudge, flake, or run at the first sign of moisture, waterproof formulas are designed with long-lasting polymers and waxes that form a seal around your lashes. This means they won’t budge through rain, teary moments, sweaty spin classes, or humid holidays. The result? Smudge-free, defined lashes that look freshly applied even after hours of wear.
That said, not all waterproof mascaras perform equally well. Some formulas prioritise hold and curl (making them a lifesaver if your lashes are naturally straight), while others lean more volumising or lengthening. The key is finding one that balances staying power with comfort, since certain waterproof formulas can feel drying or stiff if worn daily.
How are waterproof mascaras different from regular mascaras?
At first glance, waterproof and regular mascaras might look and apply the same — both give you that satisfying lash lift, definition and colour payoff. But the difference lies in the ingredients. Waterproof mascaras contain special film-forming agents, waxes and polymers that literally coat each lash in a water-repellent layer. This creates a barrier that prevents moisture from breaking down the formula, meaning it won’t smudge or transfer even in the face of sweat, tears or rain.
What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant mascara?
The difference comes down to how much water exposure a formula can handle. Waterproof mascaras are built to withstand it all — full-on tears, swimming, intense humidity — with polymers and waxes that lock onto lashes and don’t break down until you use an oil-based cleanser. They’re your safest bet when you need completely smudge-proof wear.
Water-resistant mascaras, on the other hand, sit in the middle ground. They’ll hold up against light mist, drizzle, or the odd watery eye, but won’t necessarily survive a dip in the pool or a sweaty gym session. They’re often easier to remove than fully waterproof versions, making them a good choice if you want longer wear than regular mascara but don’t fancy the commitment of having to deal with the trickier removal process of a waterproof formula.
Think of it like this: waterproof mascara is your heavy-duty raincoat, while water-resistant mascara is more of a chic trench coat — protective to a point, but not made for a downpour.
How to apply waterproof mascara:
We spoke with Adeola to determine the best waterproof mascara application tips to get a flake-free finish and to see if you need to do anything special in comparison to regular formulas.
“When applying waterproof mascara, I always make sure my lashes are clean,” she shares. “If you have oily eyelids, a light dusting of powder beforehand can help the mascara adhere better and achieve optimal results.”
“Start by applying the mascara at the base of your lashes [by the lash line], wiggling the wand upwards to evenly coat each lash and add volume. For extra definition, use the tip of the wand to reach the smaller lashes in the corners of your eyes.”
Adeola also recommends using a compact mirror and resting your elbow on a table for stability. "Tilt your head back slightly and look down into the mirror to ensure you can coat every lash without getting mascara on your lids.”
How to remove waterproof mascara
“The long-lasting nature makes waterproof mascara perfect for special occasions, but it has the caveat that it is difficult to remove and can make lashes dry and brittle,” says Ruby Hammer MBE, makeup artist and founder of Ruby Hammer Beauty.
It's just as important to pair the best waterproof mascara with a gentle but effective eye makeup remover or cleanser to help lift it away completely without tugging or damaging your lashes. Many of the eye makeup removers in our tried-and-tested edit are tough on waterproof mascara but gentle on the eyes – and formulated specifically with waterproof mascara in mind. Take the Bioderma Sensibio Cleansing Micellar Water Sensitive Skin, for example. Fragrance-free and irritation-free, it works an absolute treat, making it a ‘must’ for your skincare kit.
Elsewhere, try cleansing your eyes with cold cream - a particularly good method for dry skin - or use natural alternatives like baby oil and almond oil.
In terms of the correct technique, Ruby says that a common mistake is not leaving the remover to actually do its job. "If you wait, it simply wipes away without any pressure,” she says.
Ruby also recommends soaking a cotton pad (or microfibre pad) with the remover and holding it on the eye for a few seconds to allow it to break the product down before wiping off. This way, you shouldn't have to be rough with removal.
Are tubing mascaras waterproof?
Not exactly — tubing mascaras aren’t technically classed as waterproof, but they are highly smudge-resistant. Instead of coating lashes in a traditional wax-based formula, tubing mascaras wrap each lash in tiny polymer “tubes” that set once dry. These tubes are designed to grip onto the lashes firmly, meaning they'll stay put without smearing, flaking or transferring throughout the day.
Where they differ from waterproof mascaras is in removal. While a waterproof formula typically needs an oil or balm cleanser to break it down, tubing mascaras come off with just warm water and gentle pressure — the tubes literally slide off the lashes in tiny filaments.
That said, tubing mascaras won’t hold up in the same way if you’re fully submerged in water. Think of them as a middle ground: more durable than regular mascaras, but not quite as bulletproof as true waterproof formulas.
Feeling inspired to upgrade your makeup routine with more beauty products? Check out our guides on the best bronzers, best concealers, best lightweight foundations, best cream blushes and best liquid blushes. We can also help you pick the best lipstick, best highlighter, best eyebrow product, best setting spray and more.
