13 Best Waterproof Mascaras That Won't Budge

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There are a lot of reasons you could need a heavy-duty, waterproof mascara. For one, summer is coming, and summer means it's really hot out there, which makes for some sweaty situations and, by default, a smeared-mascara situation — if you haven't found your trusty waterproof hero yet.

There's no trust like the trust you put in a waterproof-mascara formula. Whether you're swimming in a pool, preparing for a particularly humid day, or bawling your eyes out during a heartfelt moment in your favorite rom-com movie (we don't judge), you're putting your faith in that tiny tube of product that it won't leave you looking like a raccoon when it's all said and done.

Long-lasting, waterproof mascaras aren't hard to come by, but finding one that really — and we mean really — works is. Only the toughest, most resilient waterproof formulations will do. Waterproof mascaras work by utilizing a chemical called dimethicone copolyol, which is a water repellent. The chemical allows the makeup to adhere to the lashes without fear that water will remove it. When it's time to remove your waterproof mascara, you'll want to make sure you treat your eyelashes with extra care. Make sure you're using an oil-based makeup remover and that you're generous with the amount you're using.

To make your search for your perfect match a little easier, we rounded up the best waterproof mascaras ahead.

Best Flake-Free Waterproof Mascara
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Best Flake-Free Waterproof Mascara

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara ($12)

Not only is this mascara editor-loved, but it's the perfect pick if you want long, fluttery lashes that will last all night. This formula will make your lashes look thicker, and it won't flake even during the sweatiest of moments.

Best Sweat-Proof Waterproof Mascara
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Best Sweat-Proof Waterproof Mascara

E.l.f. Big Mood Waterproof Mascara ($8)

E.l.f's Big Mood mascara is a staple in any beauty lover's makeup bag, and the waterproof version is even better. One of our editors put it to the test and found that it lasted her even through a sweaty workout. Plus, it volumizes, lengthens, and separates.

Best Lash-Conditioning Waterproof Mascara
sephora.com

Best Lash-Conditioning Waterproof Mascara

Milk Makeup Kush Waterproof Mascara ($26)

The Milk Makeup Kush Waterproof Mascara contains heart-shaped fibers and hemp-derived cannabis-seed oil to condition lashes. Since waterproof mascara can be hard on lashes, a product that helps condition them is always a plus.

Best Waterproof Mascaras For Curled Lashes
sephora.com

Best Waterproof Mascaras For Curled Lashes

Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara ($27)

The Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara is the waterproof version of the beloved original formula. It gives you perfectly curled, lifted lashes, all thanks to the fluffy mascara wand. The fact that this comes in a waterproof formula only sweetens the deal.

Best Separating Waterproof Mascara
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Best Separating Waterproof Mascara

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara ($29)

The Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara is the same award-winning formula that you've been using for years but waterproof. The brush lengthens and separates, which gives your lashes extra volume. You can fearlessly use it at the beach, in the pool, at a wedding — the possibilities are endless.

Best Volumizing Waterproof Mascara
sephora.com

Best Volumizing Waterproof Mascara

Dior Diorshow Waterproof ($33)

The Dior Diorshow Waterproof comes in three waterproof colors: blue, brown, and black. The pointed brush allows you to reach every lash and coat it in a volumizing formula that leaves lashes long and long-lasting all day.

Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascara
ulta.com

Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara ($8)

This drugstore hero is highly regarded for not just its ability to lengthen and volumize your lashes but also its ability to really stick. You could swim in the Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara without any problems. Plus, this mascara is a classic — you can't go wrong when wearing it.

Best Volumizing Waterproof Mascara
ulta.com

Best Volumizing Waterproof Mascara

Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara ($33)

The Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara gives you the same dramatic volume that you know and love from the original formula, but now in waterproof format. It's perfect for when you really want your lashes to do all the talking for you.

Best Affordable Waterproof Mascara
ulta.com

Best Affordable Waterproof Mascara

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara ($5)

For just $5, the Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara delivers dramatic volume that doesn't budge thanks to its cone-shaped brush. Side note: this one is an editor favorite for its amazing brush that lengthens lashes.

Best Waterproof Mascara For Thick-Looking Lashes
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Best Waterproof Mascara For Thick-Looking Lashes

Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara ($26)

The Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara gives you lengthened, thicker-looking lashes without any clumps and is resistant to sweat and humidity. If you're looking for a 10/10 waterproof mascara, look no further.

Best Buildable Waterproof Mascara
sephora.com

Best Buildable Waterproof Mascara

Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara ($30)

The Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara has a thick, large brush that gives you high-volume, intense lashes. If you're looking to make a statement, this product is for you. That, coupled with the waterproof formula, makes this one a bestseller.

Best Clump-Free Waterproof Mascara
amazon.com

Best Clump-Free Waterproof Mascara

Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara ($9)

When a mascara gives you megavolume like the Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara, you don't want it to come off too easily. This waterproof formula stays in place until you take it off at the end of the day, which makes it an easy favorite.

Best Waterproof Mascara For Faking False Eyelashes
Ulta

Best Waterproof Mascara For Faking False Eyelashes

Maybelline Volum' Express the Falsies ($10)

As the name suggests, the Maybelline Volum' Express the Falsies really does create that coveted false-lash look. The curved brush lifts and separates your eyelashes to individually coat each one in the black pigment. This is definitely one of our top choices for the best drugstore waterproof mascara.

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— Additional reporting by Renee Rodriguez


Jessica Harrington is the senior beauty editor at PS, where she writes about hair, makeup, skin care, piercings, tattoos, and more. As a New York City-based writer and editor with a degree in journalism and over eight years of industry experience, she loves to interview industry experts, keep up with the latest trends, and test new products.


Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for POPSUGAR. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.