The 14 best waterproof mascaras that guarantee a smudge-free summer

Whether it's a sweaty commute, a tear-jerking ceremony or just your skincare creeping too close to the lash line, there’s one beauty conundrum we all face: smudged mascara. Few things derail a polished look faster than raccoon eyes by midday.

Enter waterproof mascara. A love-it-or-loathe-it solution that divides opinion. Some swear by its smudge-free seal and lash-lifting hold, while others bemoan the need for oil-based removers. But one thing’s clear: when applied correctly, waterproof mascara doesn’t budge.

Ahead, discover how to apply it like a celebrity makeup artist, the truth about daily wear, and whether it could be damaging your lashes in the long run.

What you need to know: Enriched with acacia gum and panthenol, this long-wear formula lengthens and defines with a cone-shaped brush that fans lashes from root to tip.

Why we love it: This is the one-tube wonder that nails every brief and delivers that elusive trifecta – length, curl and volume – in one smart sweep. The tapered brush gets right into the corners, and the hold doesn’t let up until you say so. No wonder this is our beauty desk's top pick!

What you need to know: Fragrance-free and ophthalmologically tested, this classic drugstore pick volumises with a beeswax-based formula that’s safe for sensitive eyes.

Why we love it: One of the most dependable tubes, this waterproof mascara proves that “budget” and “bullet-proof” can coexist. It sets fast, lifts lashes cleanly, and doesn’t budge through a full workday. High street, low stress.

What you need to know: Formulated with pro-vitamin B5 and nylon fibres, this richly pigmented mascara thickens lash density with buildable volume and high-shine finish.

Why we love it: Two coats result in runway-ready results, a third edges into “are those falsies?” territory. Thanks to vitamin B5, there’s no crunchy fallout and the gold tube looks as good on your vanity as the formula looks on your wispy lashes..

What you need to know: Infused with bamboo extract and flex polymers, this viral hit uses a bendable elastomer brush to lengthen lashes without stiffness or flaking.

Why we love it: TikTok didn’t exaggerate, this waterproof mascara genuinely stretches stubs into glossy skyscrapers. The flexi-wand bends like a yoga teacher, coating corner lashes you forgot you had, and the bamboo-fibre mix never weighs them down. Zero smudge after a sweaty commute seals the deal.

What you need to know: A whipped volumising formula with castor oil and a 200-bristle brush for full, fluttery lashes that resist water, sweat, and transfer.

Why we love it: A brush this big means serious surface area: two passes for “soft glam,” three for party-ready drama. Unlike many mega-volume formulations, this one stays feather-light and flake-free right through last call (we tested).

What you need to know: Powered by cotton nectar and a curved lash-lifting brush, this formula boosts curl retention while nourishing lashes with each application.

Why we love it: Skip the metal lash curler, this curved brush locks in a C-curl all on its own. With a formula that survives steamy saunas and surprise tears without going crispy, it's no surprise that it has a lifetime pass in our makeup kits.

What you need to know: Allergy-tested and 100 per cent fragrance-free, this ophthalmologist-developed mascara builds soft volume while resisting sweat and humidity.

Why we love it: No parabens, no drama. Instead, this waterproof wonder delivers glossy depth that doesn’t migrate into tear ducts or contact lenses. It carried one editor through allergy season without a single itch.

What you need to know: With "Smudge-Shield" technology and a microfiber wand, this lengthening formula offers 15-hour oil-proof wear – ideal for sebum rich skin.

Why we love it: Sebum usually eats mascara for (or by) lunch; this one wears an oil-repellent raincoat. Fifteen-hour day? Still tidy. If your usual beauty arsenal consists of blotting papers and magnifying primers, this waterproof mascara is for you.

What you need to know: Utilising thermal polymer tubing tech, this water-resistant formula builds fluttery length and washes off cleanly with 38°C water.

Why we love it: Sweat, tears, North Sea drizzle – nothing penetrates these polymer tubes, yet they easily slip off in a hot shower. Ideal for eye-rubbers and lash-extension escapees craving clean break-ups at bedtime.

What you need to know: Enriched with Nordic blueberry and crowberry, this vegan formula softly curls and defines while protecting lashes with antioxidant care.

Why we love it: Delivers that desirable “maybe she’s born with it” flutter we adore. Discreet, subtle and ram-packed with berry antioxidants that keep lashes pliable, not crunchy, it even survives a lakeside dip without betraying you.

What you need to know: A lightweight, fibre-infused waterproof formula designed to lock in curl and volume, while resisting smudging through moisture and sweat.

Why we love it: The fibre-packed pigment and a slim brush team up to hoist stubbornly straight lashes skyward – and keep them there. Finally, a curl that doesn’t clock out by lunch time.

What you need to know: Infused with castor oil and vitamin E, this dark brown mascara thickens lash volume with a flexible, quick-drying, and waterproof finish.

Why we love it: The chocolate pigment adds depth without the severity of black, making this waterproof formula excellent on lighter lashes. Subtle, wearable, and seriously underrated.

What you need to know: A vegan, ophthalmologically tested formula that delivers dramatic lash volume and curl with a waterproof seal that holds up through sweat and tears.

Why we love it: Built for endurance, this formula stays flawless through heat, sweat and salty tears – trust us, we tested. The result? Bold, extension-style lashes minus the maintenance.

What you need to know: Formulated with synthetic beeswax and panthenol, this vegan mascara defines and separates short lashes with a micro-precision rubber brush.

Why we love it: Small brush, big impact. It grabs onto even the tiniest lashes and lifts them cleanly, one by one. Especially brilliant on lower lashes.

The staying power of waterproof mascara is its greatest strength. Just ask Finnish makeup artist Riku Campo, whose client list includes Cindy Crawford, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Emily Ratajkowski. “It will last for someone with more watery eyes, even for weddings and other more emotional events,” Campo says.

For Vilde Feste, senior makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics Nordics and a fixture backstage at Copenhagen Fashion Week, the benefits are clear-cut: “The curl stays, no smudging or fading. I love waterproof mascara for the gym or an active lifestyle, going on vacation or an event.”

Technically, yes – but it's not always recommended. Waterproof mascaras contain waxes and silicones (such as isododecane and cyclopentasiloxane) that make them more resistant to water, sweat and tears. The trade-off? They can also dry out lashes, leading to brittleness and potential fallout.

Think of it like long-wear lipstick: it lasts forever, but often leaves lips dry and cracked. The same can be said for waterproof mascara. The secret lies in how you take it off. “Don’t scrub too hard on the eye area,” advises Feste. Sleeping in waterproof formulas, especially without proper removal, is one of the fastest ways to damage your lashes.

For a smudge-proof, sweat-proof, and tear-resistant result, technique matters. Start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the wand upward. “And one layer of mascara only,” warns Campo. “The more layers you add, the more dry it starts to look.”

Feste says the wand shape is crucial: “Find a brush you love.” As for formula texture? “I prefer a waterproof mascara that is more wet so I have more playtime when applying it.” Campo adds, “If needed, use a mascara comb to separate the lashes.”

Linda Hallberg, founder of LH Cosmetics, recommends applying slowly and carefully: “If you are not used to it, it might be an idea to use shadow shields to protect the eyeshadow. You can also apply the mascara before eyeshadow or eyeliner to minimise the risk for smudging.”

And if things go off track? “When it’s dry it’s easy to remove it with a cotton swab,” Feste says.

It’s a common misconception, but waterproof doesn’t mean oil-proof. “Remember, waterproof mascara is water proof, not oil proof,” says Hallberg. Even if your skin isn’t oily, sweat or rich eye creams can cause pigment to break down.

If your mascara transfers, it’s likely due to oils around the eye. Hallberg recommends a two-pronged fix: apply primer to lids and lightly dust translucent powder under the eyes. “So if you have oily skin, it might smudge under your eyes or under your eyebrows,” she adds.

Before applying mascara, make sure skin is clean and free from skincare around the lash line. Let moisturisers or eye creams absorb fully before moving on to makeup.

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Yes – particularly if your lashes are straight or resistant to curl. “Waterproof mascara has lower or no water content at all which makes the formula a bit more dry and it won’t weigh down your lashes as a regular mascara does,” says Hallberg. “It will naturally make the lashes stay curved and curled longer time,” adds Campo.

Pro tip: Campo recommends warming your lash curler slightly. “Warm up the rubber part of the eyelash curler with a blow dryer, just for three to five seconds so it’s warm, not hot. The heat curls the lashes even more. And right after, apply the waterproof mascara.” But never curl painted lashes: “they might snap and break in half.”

You can, but it’s not always ideal. Adding a waterproof layer on top of regular mascara may offer some water resistance, but could also leave lashes clumpy and uneven. “If you multi-layer the waterproof mascara, your lash look will look very dry,” says Campo.

If you still want to layer, apply your regular formula first and let it dry completely. Then apply the waterproof mascara as a seal. And when removing, don’t cut corners. Always use a dedicated makeup remover designed for waterproof products.

Oil is your best friend when it comes to removing waterproof mascara. “It dissolves the mascara quickly and gently without too much movement. You can also use a micellar water on cotton pads and leave it on the eyes for a while,” says Feste.

Hallberg concurs: “My favourite way to remove stubborn waterproof mascara is with a two-phase remover or a cleansing oil together with a cotton pad. If you have a good one, it’s easy to remove any mascara.” Let the pad stacked in oil cleanser sit on the eye for 15–20 seconds before sweeping away. No rubbing or pulling required for a clean, lash-friendly removal.