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Whether on the silver screen, scrolling through Instagram or on the pages of a magazine, you can find footage of celebrities anywhere and everywhere crying tears of joy, diving into the ocean during their beach getaway, or working up a sweat during an intense workout. No matter the scenario, their mascara seems to always be intact. So, what’s the secret to mascara that doesn’t run, budge or flake? Finding the best waterproof mascara.
It’s a trick that all celebrity makeup artists are quite familiar with when it comes to keeping their A-list clients’ lashes from smudging. Even in humid weather, regular mascara is prone to smearing. Plus, waterproof formulas have come a long way, offering everything from lengthening and curling to volumizing, delivering the lush lashes we all crave.
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Whether you’re hitting up the event circuit, heading to the beach or doing hot yoga, we’ve rounded up some of the best waterproof mascaras that will keep lashes lifted. Read on for our top picks, including mascaras beloved by Hollywood makeup artists responsible for the red carpet looks of Yara Shahidi, Kristen Stewart, Jennifer Lawrence and other stars.
Wondering how to remove that waterproof mascara at the end of the day? Keep scrolling to see some of the best eye makeup removers, too.
1. Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
BEST OVERALL
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more beloved option than the original, non-waterproof version of Too Faced’s Better Than Sex, which is the best-selling prestige mascara in the country. It has racked up countless rewards, as well as the approval of celebrity makeup artist Emily Cheng (who has used it on Yara Shahidi). Each swipe — and you can do a few sans any clumping — delivers impressive results, extending and volumizing lashes every time. The innovative hourglass-shaped brush grasps every lash for a fluttery, feathery effect.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Too Faced | Amazon | Nordstrom | Sephora | Ulta
2. It Cosmetics Superhero Volumizing Waterproof Mascara
BEST NEW WATERPROOF MASCARA
It Cosmetics’ cult-favorite Superhero volumizing and lengthening mascara is now waterproof. The new formula boasts up to 24 hours of smudge-free, humidity-friendly wear, and the brand says that ingredients such as biotin, peptides and pro-vitamin B5 help to condition and soften the lashes.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: It Cosmetics | Sephora | Ulta
Sephora
3. Benefit Cosmetics BadGal Bang! Volumizing Waterproof Mascara
BEST LONGWEAR VOLUMIZING WATERPROOF MASCARA
Benefit babes, rejoice: The brand is now offering its best-selling BadGal Bang! mascara in a new waterproof formula. We’re fans of the wand’s easy-to-grip textured handle that makes application a breeze. Wearers can expect up to 36 hours of smudge-free wear, too.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Benefit Cosmetics | Nordstrom | Sephora | Ulta
Courtesy of Sephora
4. Eyeko Beach Waterproof Mascara
BEST FOR THE BEACH
True to its name, Eyeko’s waterproof mascara (also available in a travel-sized version) has such impressive smudge-free staying power that it will even withstand a long hot, sweaty day at the beach. Sweep it on for maximum lashes — it instantly lifts, curls and adds volume. The formula is infused with coconut oil and waterproof pigments to make it last.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Eyeko | Amazon | Ulta | Walmart
Eyeko
5. Wet N Wild Breakup Proof Waterproof Boosting Mascara
BEST DRUGSTORE WATERPROOF MASCARA
One of the best budget waterproof mascaras, Wet N Wild’s Breakup Proof Boosting mascara is vegan, cruelty-free and leaves your lashes feeling softer and plumper — all for under $8. The formula contains castor oil, vitamin E and vegetable collagen to nourish eyelashes, and the brush features a strand-hugging design that ensures an even coat from the root to the tip.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Wet N Wild | Amazon | Target
6. Byredo Tears in Rain Waterproof Mascara
BEST VEGAN WATERPROOF MASCARA
If you’re looking for a new vegan option, Byredo’s waterproof Tears in Rain mascara (which is made with 89 percent natural ingredients) delivers buildable coverage ranging from natural to full volume lashes. Celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin recently swiped it on client Meghan Markle’s lashes, and the mascara was among the Byredo products used by Molly Greenwald for Olivia Rodrigo’s first MTV Video Music Awards.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Byredo | Neiman Marcus | Nordstrom | Saks Fifth Avenue
Courtesy of Nordstrom
7. Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara
BEST NATURAL-LOOKING WATERPROOF MASCARA
Makeup artists Kate Lee and Beau Nelson are both fond of Inimitable Waterproof Mascara (which they’ve used on clients Lily-Rose Depp and Kristen Stewart, respectively) One of the best long-wear waterproof mascaras, this formula contains pro-vitamin B5 that keeps eyelashes hydrated, while the unique blend of waxes offers natural-looking volume. The brush is designed to separate and coat each lash (including those fine ones) for a multidimensional effect.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Chanel | Bloomingdale’s | Farfetch | Macy’s | Ulta
Nordstrom
8. Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
BEST CLEAN BEAUTY FORMULA FOR NATURAL-LOOKING LASHES
A cult-favorite for a reason, Thrive Causemetics’ Liquid Lash Extensions mascara certainly lives up to its name — just note that it’s water-resistant (not waterproof). It’s one of the best clean waterproof mascaras we’ve tested, thanks to tubing technology that gives lashes a naturally lengthened look. It contains an orchid stem cell complex that helps lashes look longer and healthier, too.
Thrive Causemetics
9. Tom Ford Emotionproof Mascara
BEST SPLURGE
Filmmaking fashion designer Tom Ford’s namesake beauty brand is behind this ultra-luxe Emotionrpoof waterproof mascara, which has a creamy formula that creates long, dramatic-looking lashes. The lash-filling powders and deep black shade turns up the volume for when you want red-carpet-ready glamour all day long.
Sephora
10. L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
BEST DRUGSTORE LENGTHENING MASCARA
As the best drugstore option, this L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise waterproof mascara volumizes and lengthens, extending lashes to create a full, feathery fringe. You’ll never have to worry about flaking, smudging or clumping with this formula that simply won’t budge. Lashes are left soft and luscious all day long.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Amazon | Ulta
Amazon
11. Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara
BEST CLEAN BEAUTY NOURISHING MASCARA
Clean beauty brand Ilia’s Limitless water-resistant mascara contains keratin, shea butter and beeswax to fortify, condition and nourish lashes while lifting, lengthening and holding curls. A dual-sided brush helps to separate each lash, and the formula is safe for sensitive eyes. The cruelty- and gluten-free formula stays put all day and washes off easily with warm water. Hollywood makeup artists including Nathalie Eleni (clients include Anya Taylor-Joy) and Katey Denno (who has worked with Susan Sarandon and Amber Heard) both swear by Ilia.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Ilia | Amazon | Credo | Sephora
Courtesy of Sephora
12. Essence Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara
BEST AMAZON FAVORITE
At only $5, cruelty-free brand Essence’s Lash Princess False Lash Effect is one of the best budget waterproof mascaras out there. The conic brush helps to sculpt individual lashes and the buildable formula delivers clump-free coverage.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Essence | Amazon | Target | Ulta
Courtesy of Amazon
13. Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
BEST DRUGSTORE BUILDABLE WATERPROOF MASCARA
Maybelline truly has a cult following, so it’s no surprise that its volumizing Lash Sensational waterproof mascara is a crowd-pleaser. Available in a variety of shades, this formula gives lashes a full-fan effect thanks to the wand’s ten layers of bristles that offer buildable volume. While it brings on the drama, it doesn’t bring on clumps. Most impressively, it’ll only cost you the price of a fancy latte.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Amazon | Ulta | Walmart
Target
14. Ere Perez Avocado Waterproof Mascara
BEST FOR SENSITIVE EYES
Clean beauty buffs won’t have to worry with Ere Perez’s Avocado Waterproof Mascara, which is suitable for sensitive skin and eyes. This volumizing formula offers full coverage and 24-hour wear, and it’s also one of the best vegan and cruelty-free mascaras.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Ere Perez | Amazon | Credo | Grove Co. | Ulta
Credo Beauty
15. Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
BEST FALSIES EFFECT
If you’ve ever wondered where the name comes from, Dior’s best-selling Diorshow waterproof mascara refers to the fact that this mascara was actually developed for makeup artists to use backstage at shows. That explains all that lash drama. The carefully created brush is designed to grab every last lash to lift and curl it, delivering that coveted false-eyelashes effect. Take it from the runway to your very own catwalk of life and you’ll see that it lasts for up to a whopping 24 hours.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Dior | Amazon | Bloomingdale’s | Neiman Marcus | Saks Fifth Avenue | Sephora
Sephora
16. Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara
BEST NOURISHING FORMULA
A quadruple threat, Tarte’s four-in-one waterproof mascara lengthens, curls, volumizes and conditions. Even better, it’s spiked with lash-loving ingredients, including Tarte’s proprietary Skinvigorating beeswax, a natural waterproofing agent that keeps the mascara in place through rain and sweat. There are also mineral pigments to soothe and soften lashes, as well as carnauba wax to guarantee it applies smoothly.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Tarte | Amazon | Sephora | Ulta
Sephora
17. Armani Beauty Eyes To Kill Waterproof Mascara
BEST MULTITASKER
Armani Beauty’s Eyes to Kill Waterproof Mascara has earned cult-favorite status among stars and Hollywood insiders by checking off all the boxes: It volumizes, lengthens and defines lashes for 24-hour wear. (Jennifer Lawrence’s makeup artist, Jillian Dempsey, keeps it in her kit.) The secret ingredient might be the Microfil technology, which boosts the textures of lashes, while the patented, asymmetrical oversized brush has a bristle weave design to catch every eyelash.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Armani | Nordstrom | Sephora
Sephora
18. Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof Mascara
BEST ULTRA-BLACK MASCARA
Sure, there are lots of black mascaras, but Urban Decay’s Perversion scores points for being the blackest of blacks. You know the type — the ones that really make lashes pop. And it now comes in a waterproof formula! Every coat brings on length and volume without any clumping or dryness. To make your lashes look just as beautiful from the inside, the formula is spiked with a nourishing combo of proteins, amino acids and honey extract.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Urban Decay | Amazon | Macy’s | Sephora | Target
Sephora
19. Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
BEST VOLUMIZING WATERPROOF MASCARA
Big, bold lashes will be yours for up to 24 hours, courtesy of the unique oversized brush with wavy bristles. Lancôme’s smudge- and sweat-proof Monsieur Big waterproof mascara (a favorite of Lupita Nyong’o’s makeup artist, Nick Barose) is packed with polymers and waxes so that it glides right onto lashes, instantly plumping them up. Unlike many other waterproof mascaras, this one feels light as a feather all day long.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Bloomingdale’s | Macy’s | Neiman Marcus | Nordstrom | Saks Fifth Avenue | Sephora | Ulta
Sephora
20. Blinc Amplified Tubing Mascara
BEST BROWN WATERPROOF MASCARA
Hollywood makeup artist Kristopher Buckle uses brown falsies on redhead client Jessica Chastain. Whether you’re a fellow flame-haired beauty buff or you want to go a shade softer than black (as Sadie Sink’s makeup artist Kayleen Adams does), Blinc’s amplified tubing mascara is one of the best water-resistant dark brown mascaras. This smudge-proof formula is great for sensitive skin and eyes and leaves the lashes looking naturally voluminous.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Blinc | Sephora
Courtesy of Amazon
The Best Eye Makeup Removers
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
BEST MULTI-TASKING EYE MAKEUP REMOVER
Garnier SkinActive’s micellar cleansing water wipes away waterproof mascara, makeup and lipstick at night while doubling as a morning cleanser that gently refreshes and washes the skin.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Amazon | Target | Ulta
Courtesy of Amazon
Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
BEST OVERALL
Lancôme’s cult-favorite Bi-Facil Double-Action eye makeup remover has a liquid formula that’s suitable for all skin types. Shake the product to activate the two-phase product, which uses a lipid phase to easily lift heavy waterproof mascara and other cosmetics and an emollient phase that clears away makeup residue.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Lancôme | Nordstrom | Sephora
Courtesy of Sephora
Glossier Milky Oil
BEST MESS-FREE MAKEUP REMOVER
Glossier’s Milky Oil is a gentle makeover that comes in a mess-free squeeze bottle and is formulated with comfrey root extract and pro-vitamin B5 to condition and soothe your skin.
Courtesy of Glossier
Klorane Eye Makeup Remover
BEST FRAGRANCE-FREE MAKEUP REMOVER
This oil-free eye makeup remover from Klorane is safe for sensitive eyes, thanks to ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-approved plant-based ingredients that gently remove mascara and more while depuffing and soothing the skin.
MORE BUYING OPTIONS: Klorane | Amazon
Courtesy of Amazon
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