According to makeup artist Adeola Gboyega, having the best waterproof mascara formula in your beauty bag is essential. “Waterproof mascara is perfect for occasions when your makeup needs to last, whether you’re working out, in a hot climate, or prone to watery eyes and oily eyelids,” she says.
We often think about purchasing a waterproof formula during the summer holiday season, but truthfully, a good one comes in handy year-round. This could be during a workout where you want to apply a little makeup, or if oily lids and excess oil around the eye area are your nemesis. Similarly, special occasions such as weddings often benefit from tear-resistant eye makeup (for obvious reasons).
But what’s so different about water-resistant options? “Unlike regular mascara, waterproof mascara is designed to resist moisture and stand up to water, sweat, and humidity, preventing smudging and running,” notes Adeola. “It also provides excellent hold and curl. Adding a waterproof mascara to your collection ensures your lashes look great and stay smudge-free, no matter the conditions.”
The best part? There’s no shortage of formulas to choose from. Be it high-street budget options or the more high-end, luxury buys and even viral TikTok favourites – today’s best waterproof mascaras are nothing short of impressive. We’ve selected the very best formulas so you don’t have to do the extra work to try out tester after tester. We’ve even tossed in some tips on application and removal. Here’s everything you need to know.
SKIP TO: Our full reviews.
How we tested waterproof mascaras
The GLAMOUR team – alongside our freelance writers – have over the years tested dozens of waterproof mascaras from a range of brands (and retailers such as Boots, Cult Beauty, LookFantastic, Amazon and Sephora) that range in price, ingredients’ lists and packaging. We have looked for which mascaras look the best on, last the longest in water and are best value for money. The following list consists of our favourites (find out how we test here).
How to remove waterproof mascara
“The long-lasting nature makes waterproof mascara perfect for special occasions, but it has the caveat that it is difficult to remove and can make lashes dry and brittle,” says Ruby Hammer MBE, makeup artist and founder of Ruby Hammer Beauty.
It’s just as important to pair the best waterproof mascara with a gentle but effective eye makeup remover or cleanser to help lift it away completely without tugging or damaging your lashes. Many of the eye makeup removers in our tried-and-tested edit are tough on waterproof mascara but gentle on the eyes – and formulated specifically with waterproof mascara in mind. Take the Bioderma Sensibio Cleansing Micellar Water Sensitive Skin, for example. Fragrance-free and irritation-free, it works an absolute treat, making it a ‘must’ for your skincare kit.
Elsewhere, try cleansing your eyes with cold cream – a particularly good method for dry skin – or use natural alternatives like baby oil and almond oil.
In terms of the correct technique, Ruby says that a common mistake is not leaving the remover to actually do its job. “If you wait, it simply wipes away without any pressure,” she says.
Ruby also recommends soaking a cotton pad (or microfibre pad) with the remover and holding it on the eye for a few seconds to allow it to break the product down before wiping off. This way, you shouldn’t have to be rough with removal.
Waterproof mascara application tips
We spoke with Adeola to determine the best waterproof mascara application tips to get a flake-free finish and to see if you need to do anything special in comparison to regular formulas.
“When applying waterproof mascara, I always make sure my lashes are clean,” she shares. “If you have oily eyelids, a light dusting of powder beforehand can help the mascara adhere better and achieve optimal results.”
“Start by applying the mascara at the base of your lashes [by the lash line], wiggling the wand upwards to evenly coat each lash and add volume. For extra definition, use the tip of the wand to reach the smaller lashes in the corners of your eyes.”
Adeola also recommends using a compact mirror and resting your elbow on a table for stability. “Tilt your head back slightly and look down into the mirror to ensure you can coat every lash without getting mascara on your lids.”
Feeling inspired to upgrade your makeup routine with more beauty products? Check out our guides on the best bronzers, best concealers, best lightweight foundations, best cream blushes and best liquid blushes. We can also help you pick the best lipstick, best highlighter, best eyebrow product, best setting spray and more.