When I tried my first waterproof mascara, I lost dozens of lashes while trying to remove the brittle, incredibly stubborn pigment with an oil-soaked cotton ball, not to mention the actual effectiveness of the mascara .
In some ways, "waterproof mascara" is a bit of a misnomer. While these formulas can withstand showers and pool dunks, many people prefer them over regular formulas for other reasons. “Some people like waterproof mascara because it actually stays on the lashes longer without having to worry about it falling off in water or humidity,” explains professional makeup artist Lauren O’Leary. "I've also found that some mascaras actually make lashes curler more than regular mascara."
BEST OVERALL WATERPROOF MASCARA
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
Pros: Editor- and pro-approved; Volumizing; Curling; Long-wearing; Smudge-free; Defining; Buildable.
Cons: Product may come out clumpy during the first few uses; Takes a while to dry.
BEST WATERPROOF MASCARA ON AMAZON
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara
Pros: Under $10; Lengthening; Buildable volume; Defining; Ophthalmological-tested.
Cons: Takes a while to dry; May smudge and flake with wear.
BEST BUDGET WATERPROOF MASCARA
Covergirl Super Sizer Waterproof Mascara
Pros: Under $10; Defining; Curling; Long-wearing; Volumizing; Ophthalmologist-tested.
Cons: Can be difficult to remove; May flake with wear.
BEST VOLUMIZING WATERPROOF MASCARA
Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
Pros: Editor-approved; Volumizing; Highly pigmented; Long-wearing; Smudge-proof; Ophthalmologist-tested.
Cons: Over $25; Can be difficult to remove.
BEST SPLURGEWORTHY WATERPROOF MASCARA
Lancôme Hypnôse Waterproof Mascara
Pros: Pro-approved; Curling; Defining; Lengthing; Smudge-proof; Buildable volume; Long-wearing; Clump-free; Ophthalmologist-tested.
Cons: Over $25.
BEST WATERPROOF MASCARA FOR SENSITIVE EYES
Almay Multi-Benefit Waterproof Mascara
Pros: Under $10; Great for sensitive eyes; Ophthalmologist-tested; Volumizing; Lengthening; Long-wearing; Conditioning.
Cons: Can be a bit clumpy; Can be difficult to remove.