Not All Waterproof Mascaras Are Created Equal, But These 11 Passed Our Test

When it comes to mascara, everyone has different preferences. Some favour a lengthening mascara, others want a volumising mascara formula, whilst others swear by tubing mascaras, or mascaras for sensitive eyes. As for myself, I religiously use curling mascaras, but I also swear by waterproof mascaras, which are not only brilliant for holding a curl, but come with so many benefits too.

"Waterproof formulas contain waxes and silicones to repel moisture, so they can feel thicker, whereas standard mascaras are more water-soluble and have a lighter texture," says Dior makeup artist Jamie Coombes. "It has more staying power, making it ideal for long events and all-day wear with less smudging and transfer. It's ideal for watery eyes, as it's less likely to smudge or run," he says.

Plus, waterproof mascaras can see you through all sorts of concerns and occasions, making them a bulletproof option to have in your makeup bag. Personally, I love them for my hooded eyes, as other mascaras tend to smudge and transfer onto my browbone.

"Waterproof mascaras are ideal for contact lens wearers or for those with more watery eyes. They're also great for active sports, such as the gym, as it repels sweat and moisture," says Coombes. "It’s Ideal for any situation where you need lash makeup to last for everyday wear, such as an all-day event like a wedding, where you may shed a tear or two, or when you're on holiday in hot, humid conditions," he says.

To help you find the best waterproof mascara for you, I've rallied our editors to test all the waterproof formulas out there. Scroll ahead for the ones we rate the highest.

Best Waterproof Mascaras, Tried & Tested

• Best Overall: Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara Waterproof (£37)
• Best Affordable Waterproof Mascara: L'Oréal Paris Volume Million Lash Waterproof Mascara (£12)
• Best Lifting Waterproof Mascara: Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara (£29)
• Best Tubing Mascara: Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara (£34)
• Best Luxury Waterproof Mascara: Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Waterproof (£37)

1. Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara Waterproof

Coombes' favourite is this mascara, which just so happens to be one of my all-time favourite waterproof mascaras too. "My favourite is Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Waterproof; it's not too heavy, doesn’t budge and the wand separates the lashes perfectly," he says. The curved brush hugs the base of the lashes to lift them into a beautiful curl that stays in place all day, and it does a great job at defining and lengthening for a wide-eyed effect. The waterproof formula is bulletproof, so you ideally need an eye makeup remover to melt it away. But I've worn it to the gym, shed happy tears and worn it in humid climates and it breezed through them all easily.

2. L'Oréal Paris Volume Million Lash Waterproof Mascara

"One of my all-time favourite mascaras is the L'Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara; however, during the winter months, my eyes can get quite dry and, in turn, quite watery, so I prefer to opt for the waterproof formula," says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay. "This isn’t the kind of mascara that will give a super natural, fluttery effect, but it’s incredible at separating the lashes and providing a voluminous finish. When using the waterproof version, I tend to apply two coats, and love going about my day without worrying that my mascara will be everywhere by the end of it. Yes, it can be a little harder to remove, but I recommend an oil-based cleanser to help break it down," she says.

3. Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

Whilst this mascara isn't technically a waterproof mascara, it is one of the most long-wearing formulas I've tried, with the added benefit of it being really easy to remove compared to traditional waterproof formulas. It removes with warm water, so you might not want to wear it on a swim or spa day, but I feel it deserves a place amongst the best waterproof mascaras if you dislike how hard most of them are to take off. It feels lightweight and silky on the lashes, and the dual-sided comb is perfect for lengthening, lifting and volumising the lashes. It doesn't smudge or crumble, and is easily layered for a bolder look. It's one of my favourite Ilia beauty products, hands down.

4. Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

"I'm one of those silly people who constantly has mascara smudged around their eyes because I have convinced myself I don't like waterproof formulas. Why? Simply because I am too lazy to remove them properly. However, in more recent years, I have found that a great tubing formula is the perfect middle ground, and this is probably the best one I have ever used," says beauty director Shannon Lawlor. "Not totally waterproof, but not prone to smudging either, this Hourglass formula wraps lash strands in 'tubes' of product—they bind to the lash and do not budge. Well, not until you really work some water in at least, and then those tubes slip off each strand like little mascara worms. After a full day's wear, I can confirm it didn't smudge at all, but after 15 hours of wear, I did start to see some flaking. In my opinion, though, if you want seriously lengthened lashes sans smudging, Hourglass Unlocked is the way to go," she says.

5. Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Waterproof Mascara

"Whilst I’m usually open to trying new things, I’m pretty averse to trying a mascara that isn't the Chanel Le Volume," says acting deputy editor, Rebecca Rhys-Evans. "I have before, of course (in the name of beauty!), but none come close to competing for me. Chanel Le Volume does as the name suggests—it creates volume from the root and separates the lashes to the point where every single one could be counted. It doesn't clump, and the wand is neat, so I rarely manage to smudge it against my lids. I also find that it lasts longer than other mascaras. Some I try are brilliant for 3-4 weeks, but quickly dry out and flake around my eyes after a couple of hours. And, I've found the waterproof version provides the same, but I must admit I save it for particular occasions instead of everyday use (summer holidays, or a wedding where I just know I'll be crying!). Whilst I usually go for black, the brown shade is a particularly lovely chocolatey tone, and looks soft and natural with sun-kissed skin," she says.

6. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara

I actually discovered this Maybelline mascara version after picking up the waterproof formula by mistake in my local drugstore. But since trying it, I've been converted. If you love the incredible lengthening and lifting from the original formula, then you'll get even more hold from the waterproof version. It's so lengthening that my lashes almost touch my eyebrows when I wear it! But it has the bonus of being smudge- and flake-proof, so it will see you through even the rainiest downpours or humid weather.

7. Lash Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara

"I consider this to be the holy grail of mascaras," says deputy editor Maxine Eggeneberger. "No flaking, no clumping, no smudging, just serious length, definition, volume and curl. I also like the wand and brush shape—its narrow design was ideated to reach even the smallest of lashes on either side of your eye, creating a wide fan-like flutter. Honestly, I don’t know why you’d ever need to buy another mascara," she says.

8. Beauty Pie The Perfect Waterproof Mascara

I've always found it tricky to find a good waterproof mascara that delivers a natural-looking effect. But Beauty Pie's The Perfect Waterproof Mascara is exactly what I've been looking for. It delivers just the right amount of volume, length and curl to make you look like you're naturally blessed with beautiful lashes with zero clumps. Oh, and it also comes in brown, too.

9. Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara

10. Benefit Badgal Bang Waterproof Mascara

11. YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof Mascara

How to Remove Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascaras need a little more help when it comes to removing them, says Coombes. "Use an oil-based eye makeup remover, such as Dior Beauty Eye and Lip Remover (£32 ) he says. "Soak a cotton pad, lay it over the lashes with the eye closed, and rest it on the lashes for a few seconds to dissolve the mascara. Then gently sweep down the lashes to avoid pulling them, and repeat until removed. Then, using your regular cleanser, wipe away any remaining residue from the eye area." An oil cleanser is also helpful for breaking down stubborn waterproof mascara.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.