Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave this storySave this story
There are plenty of days when regular mascara gets the job done—and then there are occasions that call for one of the best waterproof mascaras. Think: weddings, beach vacations, hot and humid summer days, intense workouts, or “any occasion where crying or sweating is basically guaranteed,” says Nashville-based hair and makeup artist Shani Gailbreath.
Waterproof mascaras do much more than resist tears, though. They can lengthen, volumize, separate, and lift, all without leaving you with raccoon eyes by lunchtime. “If you have naturally straight lashes that won’t hold a curl, waterproof mascara is worth considering,” Gailbreath adds. “These formulas act almost like a hairspray or gel on the lash, so it helps the curl stay put significantly longer than a regular formula would.”
Our Top Waterproof Mascaras
- Best Overall: Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara, $30
- Best Volumizing: Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara, $29
- Best Lifting: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Body Waterproof Mascara, $14
- Best Lengthening: Caliray Come Hell or High Water Tubing Mascara, $25
Today’s waterproof mascaras have come a long way. Instead of formulas that turn your lashes crunchy and brittle, the best ones deliver impressive length, volume, and lift without clumping or smudging—no matter what the day brings.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Is waterproof mascara really waterproof?
- What are the drawbacks of waterproof mascara?
- How are waterproof mascaras different from standard mascaras?
- Are waterproof mascaras safe for your lashes?
- How should I choose a waterproof mascara?
- How do you stop mascara from smudging under the eyes?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara
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Lancôme
Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying Lancôme’s Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara
Deanna Pai
Why we love it: Lifting, lengthening, feathering, and packed with deep, dark pigment that stays put for up to 24 hours—Lancôme's Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara checks nearly every box, making it a perennial favorite of Allure editors. The unique curved brush is lined with tiny bristles that grab and coat every single lash, creating a wide-eyed, fanned-out effect without clumping or weighing them down. Better yet, the formula is infused with conditioning white tea extract to help keep lashes feeling soft and flexible beneath its budge-proof finish, too.
If you want another stellar option from Lancôme, Linda Dowds, the Oscar- and Emmy-winning makeup artist, also loves the Lancôme Définicils Waterproof High Definition Mascara, which she calls a “lighter waterproof mascara with a more natural look.”
Pai before applying Lancôme’s Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying Lancôme’s Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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"The curved wand makes it simple for me to grab every last lash, which might explain why this mascara delivers ah-ma-zing lift and separation. One coat makes me look wide awake—a major plus if you, like me, have a very active toddler on your hands." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: white tea extract, jojoba oil
- Number of shades: 1
Best Volumizing: Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara
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Clinique
High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure video producer Lauren Alberti applying the Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara
Lauren Alberti
Why we love it: Much like hair with the wrong styling products, lashes can fall flat under the weight of heavy or overly wet mascara. If your lashes tend to go straight or look sparse as the day wears on, Clinique's High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara offers a solution, pairing serious volume with waterproof staying power. Based on the brand’s iconic non-waterproof version, the fiber-infused formula—those fibers help build volume and length to give a false lash-like effect—is improved thanks to its ability to stand up to sweat, humidity, and tears. Its triangular-shaped brush grabs lashes from root to tip, depositing just the right amount of product to build dramatic volume without excessive clumping.
Alberti before applying the Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara
Lauren Alberti
Alberti after applying the Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara
Lauren Alberti
Tester feedback from video producer Lauren Alberti
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“First off, love the tube. The bright vibrant blue color is easy to reach for in a stack of mascaras. It goes on easily, doesn't require too much effort, and doesn't clump. This gave my lashes definition and volume, brightening my whole eye look, without looking overdone and clumpy. The waterproof aspect is perfect for the summer months, as sweat and water make their way back into my daily life. This is easily added to my heavy rotation for the warmer months, though I wish it gave a little more length to my lashes.” —Lauren Alberti, video producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: coconut, argan, and moringa oils
- Number of shades: 1
Best Lifting: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Body Waterproof Mascara
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Maybelline New York
Lash Sensational Body Waterproof Mascara
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure Former senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Body Waterproof Mascara
Sarah Felbin
Why we love it: Sometimes the difference between good lashes and great lashes comes down to lift. If your lashes tend to point straight out—or even downward—Maybelline New York's Lash Sensational Body Waterproof Mascara delivers a false lash-like lifting effect to offset it. The secret lies in its innovative Body Curve brush, which has a double-helix design with two application modes: One side separates and lifts lashes from root to tip, while the other builds volume. Together, the spoolie and formula keep lashes visibly lifted for up to 24 hours without flaking, transferring, smudging, or feeling stiff. Plus, it’s a lightweight mascara, meaning you can layer multiple coats without clumping—so your lashes stay soft, light, and noticeably more open-eyed all day long.
Felbin before applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Body Waterproof Mascara
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Body Waterproof Mascara
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from former senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“I'll admit it: I have really high standards when it comes to mascara. I need a formula that's both lengthening and volumizing, that doesn't clump, that won't smudge or flake during a long day, and that's easy to take off with a cleansing balm. This one from Maybelline does it all, and then some! I am obsessed with how long and lush this makes my lashes look. It's quite literally better than some false lashes I own. The brush coats every single lash quickly and easily from end to end, and the waterproof formula truly does not move once it dries down. Still, it comes off with a few extra swipes over my sink. One coat is plenty, but you can definitely layer it up more if you want to. The first time I used it, my jaw actually dropped when I noticed the difference in my lashes. Months later, and I'm still using it almost every day.” —Sarah Felbin, former senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: beeswax, carnauba wax
- Number of shades: 1
Best Lengthening: Caliray Come Hell or High Water Tubing Mascara
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Caliray
Come Hell or High Water Tubing Mascara
Sephora
Caliray
Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann applying the Caliray Come Hell or High Water Tubing Mascara
Sarah Hoffmann
Why we love it: A great waterproof mascara should stay put through sweat, humidity, and tears, but it shouldn’t feel like a battle to remove it at the end of the day. Caliray’s Come Hell or High Water Waterproof Tubing Mascara, a Best of Beauty winner, checks all of those boxes thanks to its innovative tubing formula, which creates literal tubes around each lash to deliver major length and volume while resisting smudging, flaking, and transfer from morning until night—no risk of raccoon eyes here. That said, it’s not capital-W waterproof: Unlike many traditional waterproof mascaras that require oil-based removers and vigorous scrubbing, this one slides off effortlessly with warm water when you’re ready to take it off.
Hoffmann before applying the Caliray Come Hell or High Water Tubing Mascara
Hoffmann after applying the Caliray Come Hell or High Water Tubing Mascara
Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann
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"To be honest, I'm not typically the tubing mascara type. I love to gloop and glob my mascara on for maximum volume, and tubing formulas tend more towards a wispy, separated vibe that doesn't usually give me the drama I crave. When I first got a tube of Caliray's Come Hell or High Water Mascara, I didn't even realize it was tubing, which is probably why I went in with such an open mind and discovered a great formula I might have avoided if I'd read the fine print.
It has a nice amount of stickiness to it, which really helps hold a curl in place, and I like to build it up close to my lash line to make my lashes look thicker (plus a quick tight line, of course). It's definitely a lengthening formula—I'd still probably reach for YSL Lash Clash for true dramatic lashes—but it also delivers a good amount of volume and wild staying power that's lovely for an everyday mascara." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: tubing technology, triple-wax mix and film-forming agents, 2% argan oil
- Number of shades: 2
Best Tubing: Soshe Beauty Waterproof Tubing Mascara
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Soshe Beauty
Waterproof Tubing Mascara
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Credo Beauty
Allure contributor Catharine Malzahn applying the Soshe Beauty Waterproof Tubing Mascara
Catharine Malzahn
Why we love it: Sometimes you want barely-there definition; other days, you may be searching for full-on drama. Good news: Soshe Beauty's Waterproof Tubing Mascara lets you have both. As a tubing mascara, this lightweight formula wraps each lash in flexible, waterproof “tubes” that can be layered coat after coat without clumping or feeling crunchy. One swipe delivers subtle, natural-looking definition appropriate for a no-makeup makeup day, while additional coats build noticeable length, definition, and volume for a full-glam look. And when it’s time to wash off the day, all you need is some warm water and the mascara “tubes” slide right off. Despite being such a long-wearing, smudge-proof formula, it is easy to remove, requiring no makeup remover or tugging (something many other waterproof mascaras can’t say).
Malzahn before applying the Soshe Beauty Waterproof Tubing Mascara
Catharine Malzahn
Malzahn after applying the Soshe Beauty Waterproof Tubing Mascara
Catharine Malzahn
Tester feedback from contributor Catharine Malzahn
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“I almost exclusively wear tubing mascaras (they just always seem to make my lashes look longer and more separated, and they never smudge under my eyes, which is a huge pet peeve of mine), and I have really been enjoying this waterproof one from Soshe Beauty. Despite being waterproof, it’s incredibly easy to take off with warm water, just like any other non-waterproof tubing mascara. It’s great for my light makeup days, since one coat gives very light, natural results, and a few extra coats deliver more color, sans clumpiness.” —Catharine Malzahn, contributor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, carnauba wax
- Number of shades: 1
More waterproof mascaras we love:
Best Lightweight: Gen See Spectator Sport Mascara
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Gen See
Spectator Sport Mascara
Credo Beauty
Why we love it: A three-time Best of Beauty Award winner, Gen See’s Spectator Sport Mascara stands out time and time again thanks to its innovative formula. It starts as a unique powdery texture inside the tube and requires a couple of pumps of the brush into the tube to expose the product to oxygen, transforming it into a creamy consistency. The powder texture is what helps it stay put so well, but it also makes for a dry and weightless application. And once it’s on your lashes, it delivers unbeatable length, volume, and rich black pigment that won’t smudge, flake, or budge, even through the sweatiest of workouts.
Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych
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“This is, hands down, the most comfortable waterproof mascara I’ve ever owned, which is saying something as my eyes tend to find them extremely irritating. The dry formula and caterpillar-like bristles ensure it goes on clump-free, no matter how many coats you apply, and lashes never feel heavy or crispy—quite the opposite. And it really will not budge, through a 90-minute ballet class or a New York City summer heat dome (I put it through both).” —Sophia Panych, content director
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- Key ingredients: panthenol
- Number of shades: 4
Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara
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L'Oréal Paris
Voluminous Waterproof Mascara
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: "L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Mascara is a staple in every makeup artist's kit," makeup artist Patrick Ta says. And he's right: It's one of the best drugstore mascaras—a claim echoed by Mario Dedivanovic, Ariel Tejada, and Mai Quynh. Better yet, the brand's waterproof formula is just as beloved. Ta swears by L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara for a mascara that lasts until the end of the day on set. It delivers plush volume and rich pigment, and the drugstore classic proves you don’t have to spend big to get dependable, all-day wear. Even if you're not a celebrity booked and busy from midday to midnight, keep this one around for days when you're out and about, and thank us later.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: crotonates copolymer, beeswax, carnauba wax
- Number of shades: 3
Best for Short Lashes: Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
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Too Faced
Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
Amazon
Sephora
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: The Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara lives up to its name—or at least gets pretty close. The iconic mascara features an equally iconic hourglass-shaped wand designed to help lift and curl lashes (yes, even the shortest of hairs). "It's waterproof, smudge-proof, sweat-proof, and has no fallout," says New York City-based makeup artist Stoj. Amrita Mehta, a New York City-based makeup artist, agrees, explaining that the formula “adds lots of volume and gives you all the drama you'd want,” quickly building intensity and length with just a couple extra coats. It’s also a favorite of celebrities and influencers (notably, Alix Earle), often popping up in GRWM videos on TikTok and Instagram.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: porcelain flower extract, omega oil, peptides
- Number of shades: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Is waterproof mascara really waterproof?
Well, not exactly. “Most waterproof mascaras are closer to water-resistant than truly waterproof,” says Gailbreath. For the most part, they can prevent sweat-, humidity-, and water-induced raccoon eyes, but “none are invincible,” she says. Even the best waterproof mascaras aren’t completely guaranteed to hold up to a full day in the pool or ocean.
“They’re designed to handle moisture, a few tears, some humidity, and light sweat,” she says, which will keep you protected for the most part. So if you’re having a full cry or spending the entire day fighting off sweat or water, don’t be surprised if you still see some migration. That being said, they are “built for sustained contact with water,” she notes, so you don’t have to lose faith in the power of a waterproof mascara.
What are the drawbacks of waterproof mascara?
Waterproof mascara comes with a bevy of benefits (stays in place during a good cry, helps your lashes hold a curl, and much more), but that’s not to say it doesn’t come with some drawbacks as well. Some “formulas start to dry out and flake after a few hours,” says Gailbreath. If that happens, double-check your mascara tube isn’t expired or you didn’t layer too many coats of mascara.
It’s no secret that waterproof mascara can also be tough to get off at the end of the day. Gailbreath says it best: “The same thing that makes it great makes it a pain to remove.” Make sure that you have the right makeup remover to take it off at the end of the day (Gailbreath recommends an oil-based cleanser); otherwise, you’re at risk of “scrubbing your lashes for what feels like forever, and over time, that causes breakage and fallout,” she adds.
In general, “the formulas also tend to be drier and stiffer, which is why I don’t love them for daily use,” she explains, noting that they can make your lashes more brittle over time. Waterproof mascaras are best reserved for moments you know you’ll need that extra protection.
How are waterproof mascaras different from standard mascaras?
While standard mascaras do the trick in lengthening, volumizing, darkening, and separating your lashes, waterproof mascaras are better suited for long-wear and durability. "Waterproof mascaras are designed to be more resistant to running and smudging with tears and sweat, and some can even [withstand] a day at the pool," says Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos. "They often contain ingredients such as polymers that adhere strongly to lashes and create a water-resistant film." Waterproof mascaras rely on film-forming copolymers, which help with flexibility, holding the eyelash's curl, and boosting temperature resistance.
"Some waterproof mascaras are totally anhydrous, meaning they contain no water, so they dry differently and sometimes can take longer," continues Dobos. "The unique, natural composition of beeswax makes it a useful ingredient in all mascaras but especially waterproof formulas."
Are waterproof mascaras safe for your lashes?
Waterproof mascara itself is always safe for lashes, but the product tends to be more difficult to remove when it comes time to wash off your makeup, posing potential distress to your lashes. Dobos explains, “Your usual micellar water might not cut it. Rubbing and pulling at lashes can cause breakage or already loose lashes to come out.” But not all hope is lost—the way in which you approach removal can make a difference. “Using a bi-phase or oil-based eye makeup remover helps reduce pulling or tugging at the delicate eye area to remove. Isohexadecane and silicones work to dissolve the tenacious polymer films,” Dobos adds.
How should I choose a waterproof mascara?
As always, your perfect-match-mascara depends on what you’re looking to get out of the product. Do you want a waterproof mascara that prioritizes lengthening? One that is especially heat-resistant? One that can withstand a day of water-sport practice? Look at the mascara’s description and ingredients before you head to checkout. "Some examples of ingredients to look for are Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, and VP/Eicosene Copolymer," Dobos advises.
Dobos suggests that, beyond examining the formula, you should consider the mascara's brush and the "wiper" at the mouth of the tube. "There are some tradeoffs in using waterproof mascaras; some might take a little longer to dry, meaning lashes coated with the product that touch each other might stick together," says Dobos. "A good wiper—that separate ring you can see at the opening of the mascara tube—and silicone bristles that are stiff and on the shorter side can help separate lashes, reduce the amount of product applied, and thereby reduce clumping potential."
How do you stop mascara from smudging under the eyes?
According to Dowds, application is a big part of her smudge-proof technique—sometimes the brush is too big, or sometimes there’s too much product on the brush. “I recommend starting with a single, thoughtful first coat, then letting it dry for a moment before applying a second coat in the same way,” she says.
Her best trick? Keeping disposable mascara wands in both mini and regular sizes as brushing through the lashes with a clean, dry wand helps separate them and prevents clumping. “A good initial application sets the lashes for the day and helps minimize smudging,” she adds. “I also suggest avoiding eye cream too close to application. Let it settle well beforehand if needed. Some people apply powder under the eyes to help, but I generally don’t use much powder, and almost never under the eyes unless it’s for a specific character look.”
Meet the experts
- Shani Gailbreath, a hair and makeup artist in Nashville
- Molly R. Stern, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
- Lavonne, a makeup artist based in Little Rock, Arkansas
- Stoj, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Amrita Mehta, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Yuki Hayashi, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Patrick Ta, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
- Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist based in Cincinnati
- Linda Dowds, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best waterproof mascaras, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and cosmetic chemists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: formula, wear, longevity, and durability. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
