Beauty

The best waterproof mascaras to buy now, as tried and tested by our editors

By Vogue Scandinavia's Beauty Team

Every month Vogue Scandinavia's editors put beauty products to the test, trialling new releases and trusted old staples in a bid to find our Vogue-approved favourites. This time we’re putting waterproof mascaras through their paces. With summer weddings and graduations on the horizon, we are in dire need of some waterwork-proof products to see us through

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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The best waterproof mascaras to buy in 2023:

1

Dior

Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Waterproof Mascara

Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Waterproof Mascara by Dior

One editor in our testing panel exclaimed that it "felt like wearing fake lashes," while still being "buildable and natural." That said, this waterproof mascara may not be for those who look for a barely-there affair as the "immediate volume" takes some getting used to. Designed to work with different types of lashes, the curved brush will define, coat and fan the fringe of your lashes to the extreme.

Dior's unbudgeable waterproof mascara truly made it through 24h*; one of our editor's even put it through a red-eye flight and still turned up in arrivals looking as fresh (and feather-lashed) as a daisy.

What we like about the product:

- Provides great curl and length, with immediate volume
- The glossy, shiny finish offers a luxurious feel
- The curved brush coats every lash evenly

What we dislike about the product:

- When applied too thickly, it dries out with a tendency to flake
- It needed a dedicated oil-based eye makeup remover to remove completely

2

Max Factor

2000 Calorie Waterproof Volume by Max Factor

2000 Calorie Waterproof Volume Mascara by Max Factor

A familiar favourite, some of our editors have been using a version of the 2000 Calorie Volume Mascara by Max Factor since their teens. But even though it is a trusted staple in our makeup bags, one editor found herself “impressed by the ultra-fine brush and bristles on closer inspection,” noting that “it’s the perfect mascara for detangling every single one of those hard-to-reach lashes.”

Quick to dry, this voluminous wonder even held up during the wedding of our panellist’s sister. Though no tears actually dropped it still withstood “a couple of outfit changes and a hectic day” while staying smudge-free. The real test? A sweaty spin class. “Even post-work out, my mascara was smudge-free and looked radiant, although I couldn’t say the same for the rest of me,” says another editor.

What we like about the product:

- The bristles are very well-spaced, which helps to separate and define the lashes
- The formula is thick, meaning it is easy to get a lot of product on the brush for added dramatics

What we dislike about the product:

- When applying, it required some finessing to avoid the eyelid
- A bit too hard to remove for everyday wear

3

Lumene

Nordic Berry Curl Mascara

Nordic Berry Curl Mascara by Lumene

The common consensus in the testing panel when it came to Finnish Lumene's waterproof mascara was an undeniable appreciation for the wand. "I LOVE it," said one particularly enthusiastic editor, specifying the "great streamlined bristles" working in combination with its smooth formula meant "no clumps even on the wand."

Another panellist, a fan of that barely-there look, said that this is the only brush she will consider using from now on. Especially designed to lift and curl short, straight lashes, both formula and brush give a truly eye-opening effect whatever your lash type. "Its a perfect stroke each time," says one panellist. "Just perfect."

What we like about the product:

- According to one panellist: "No dislikes what-so-ever"
- The brush is specifically designed to lift straight, short lashes
- The formula is certifiably clump-free, leaving each lash thinly coated for a natural result

What we dislike about the product:

- A good everyday mascara, but the tricky removal is a disadvantage

4

Sensai

38°C Waterproof Mascara

38°C by Sensai

The biggest pro that the 38°C by Sensai has going for it is its easy removal process requiring little else but a wash cloth and some hot water. The only product to receive a solid 10/10 from one panellist, who said that the product was "worth every single penny." "Even though it is so easy to remove, it still manages to stay on and smudge-free all day long – with great volume and lash definition to boot."

As for first impressions, another panellist said the application felt "a bit sticky at first" but quickly "settled nicely and more smoothly when applied." The result is subtle but provides immense length and separation of lashes, making it the "perfect everyday mascara," according to one tester.

What we like about the product:

- Easy to remove with a wash cloth and hot water
- The brush is specifically designed to lift straight, short lashes
*- Worth the price tag

What we dislike about the product:

- Slightly sticky on application, but quickly settles on the lashes

5

Clarins

Wonder Perfect Mascara 4D Waterproof

Wonder Perfect Mascara 4D Waterproof by Clarins

One panellist had some issues with clumping, though admittedly she does have envy-inducingly long lashes. She notes that while it was on "the edge of being annoying, the lashes separated with a little help." Another editor found the opposite, saying that the Wonder Perfect Mascara 4D Waterproof by Clarins "separates the lashes nicely. No lumps in sight." It really comes down to personal preference and the state of your natural lashes.

One thing is certain though, if you want a product that truly stays in place, look no further than Clarins. "I wore this during a sweaty Body Pump class at the gym, and guess what? It still looked as fresh as when I applied it in the morning," said one panellist.

What we like about the product:

- Stays in place all day
- Buildable for an evening look, even after a day of work

What we dislike about the product:

- Slightly clumpy if you have longer lashes

6

Clinique

High Impact Waterproof Mascara

High Impact Waterproof Mascara by Clinique

"This mascara isn't one for parties, but I will happily use it as my everyday casual go-to this summer to get a natural look," notes one tester, saying that it is "easy to remove as well." A fellow panellist agreed, saying that while it boasted great lift and length with a nice separation of the lashes all day long, it was not a formula for stacking and at most delivered "semi-drama" when layered on thick.

Even so, the Clinique formula still provides a more made-up look than Lumene, meaning it is perfect for those who favour an in-between result: wanting to look done-up, without the complete false-lash effect. "A great all-in-one mascara, which avoids that dry and crusty feeling," notes one panellist. "I could easily wear this all day, long until the evening – with even a cold dip in between."

What we like about the product:

- A natural result leaving you with a "your-lashes-but-better" effect
- Stay on all day long

What we dislike about the product:

- A day-time exclusive, only delivering "semi-drama" when layered on thick

What is Tried & Tested?

Each month Vogue Scandinavia's in-house team of beauty testers try a new product category, putting old favourites and new formulas to the test. Each product is tested by at least three Vogue Scandinavia employees, helping us form unbiased and informed opinions on each participant with an accumulative score of at least 7/10.

Using a standardised testing template designed to focus on what our readers really want to know, our panel helps deliver valuable insights you can't find anywhere else. Occasionally, beauty brands or PR agencies will send us samples for coverage consideration, but our thoughts and opinions are always our own.

In short, these are product recommendations you can trust.