Thinking back to waterproof mascaras of yesteryear makes me wince and I have to be honest and say that I haven't always been a fan. The first time I tried one I was 17, on holiday and trying to impress a fellow teenage holiday-goer by wearing makeup everywhere, including in the pool. It was such a pain to remove with my terrible cleanser that I had such sore eyes the next day. Honestly, I didn't touch one again until I started attending weddings in my twenties and it became an absolute necessity.
Luckily, since my teens, the formulas of waterproof and water-resistant mascaras have drastically improved—as have the oil-based cleansers that we need to remove them effectively. Yes, the best waterproof mascaras at the moment offer the lift, length and volume of your favourite regular mascara, but with the promise that no matter what the weather conditions, your eye look will not be compensated. I've also found that waterproof mascaras tend to crumble less in hot conditions and mean that panda eyes are never an issue, so it's become something of a go-to for me whenever I'm heading out for more than a quick shop.
If you don't know where to beginning on your quest for the best waterproof mascara, then take a look at my top picks below…
1. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
The film-forming polymers in this waterproof formula help it to cling to lashes for longer than the standard cult classic version.
2. Barry M That's How I Roll Waterproof Mascara
Looking for an inexpensive waterproof mascara with a plastic wand? This one from Barry M is excellent for adding curl to lashes.
3. Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof Mascara
I love the way that this wand clings to your lashes—you can easily lift and lengthen every single one with just a few swipes. Also, the formula isn't too wet so it sets lashes in place pretty swiftly.
4. Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara
The wax-based formula of this genuinely repels water and applies smoothly so you can avoid clumping. While it doesn't curl if you have straight lashes, it does add a lot of length.
5. Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara
For a fuller lash look, use the flat side of this wand to create volume and then lengthen with the bigger bristles.
6. Revlon So Fierce Big Bad Lash
The varying sized bristles on this help to create a lengthened yet wispy look that doesn't budge.
7. No7 Extreme Length Waterproof Mascara
With flexible rubber bristles you can shimmy the wand along the lash line for a lengthened look sans clumps. And, of course, the waterproof formula means it sticks around without smudging or streaking.
8. Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Volumising Waterproof Mascara
A cult favourite mascara made better with a budge-proof formulation. The brush is curved to the shape of your eye to get to even the smallest lash.
9. Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara
The formula of this one suits even the most sensitive eyes which is rare for a waterproof mascara. Opt for this one if you want an amplified natural lash look.
10. L'Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Waterproof Mascara
Mega volume is promised and it's what you get . The formula makes your lashes look twice as thick but not in a clumpy way.
11. Milk Makeup Kush Waterproof Mascara
The wand on this mascara makes it best for volume lovers and the 100% vegan formula promises flake-free application.
12. By Terry Mascara Terrybly
With densely packed bristles, this mascara offers a natural, fluttery lash look and the tapered shape of the brush reaches every lash.
13. E.l.f. Cosmetics Waterproof Lengthening Mascara
This tiny wand helps to coat top and bottom lashes well without transferring onto your skin.
14. Soap & Glory Thick and Fast Waterproof Mascara
Application for this waterproof mascara is genuinely fast due to the thickness of the bristle brush.
15. Diego Dalla Palma Sub-Aqueo Very Waterproof Mascara
The interesting shape of this wand is key to the application—it helps to lengthen shorter lashes in the inner corner.
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