Waterproof mascaras that truly won't budge, even in the surf
Waterproof mascaras have had a bad reputation in the past for being clumpy, drying and uncomfortable to wear. However, we've continually returned to them because, well, life happens – which means water coating your eyelashes happens, and no one wants trails of black liquid making their way down their face.
Still, it's been a love/hate relationship. Until now.
You may not have revisited waterproof mascara for a while, but it's worth doing so as the Australian weather warms up and our beach days and pool swims become more frequent. You will find formulas are smooth on application, there are options for dramatic finishes and natural looks, and there are even waterproof mascaras that will come off easily without the need for intensive makeup remover.
Below, find our favourite waterproof mascaras for 2023.
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Waterproof
Maybelline New York makes great mascaras. In fact, you'll often find their products mentioned by makeup artists as their go-to's for backstage beauty at fashion shows. While there are many we could include in this list, the Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara has incredible reviews on Amazon. "This mascara does NOT smudge or smear at all," one fan writes. "Can wear it all day, lifts the lashes beautifully, and always looks as good as when you applied it."
Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Bang Waterproof Mascara
Benefit Cosmetics mascaras have hyper-strong fanbases – they rarely release new formulas, but whenever they do, the product develops a legion of diehard users. BADgal Bang is one of their most intense formulations, promising major volume and jet-black colour, and the waterproof version is known as one of the most budge-proof. One reviewer on Adore Beauty even noted that she bathed with the mascara on, and it didn't move.
MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Lash Mascara
Another makeup artist-favourite, MAC mascaras are usually on the more dramatic side, making them the perfect choice if you need more oomph and like to layer up for a dramatic finish. In Extreme Dimension Mascara has a whipped formula for a clump-free finish, plus a thick-bristled brush that coats every lash. It's sweatproof and waterproof but doesn't flake off through the day.
Huda Beauty Legit Lashes Waterproof Topcoat
Love your usual mascara, just wish it could be waterproof occasionally? This is the product you should invest in. Huda Beauty has taken the complexity out of waterproof makeup with its Legit Lashes Waterproof Topcoat, a clear gel you apply on top of your own mascara to seal it from tears, sweat, and water. Far from being an uncomfortable addition to your makeup routine, the formula features flexible polymers and resins so it won't impact your perfect mascara application, and won't dry out your eyes either.
Blinc Original Tubing Mascara
When you start searching for the best waterproof mascaras, you'll come across tubing mascara. This more recent addition to mascara formulations coats the lashes with a tube-like finish that you then gently wipe off with warm water. It removes in flakes, and those who love it rave about how budge-proof it is and how it really extends short lashes and adds believable volume. Blinc's Original Tubing Mascara has plenty of fans, although most say that it's best for those wanting a natural finish, not a dramatic one.
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Superstar Waterproof Mascara
The dual wand on this L'Oreal Paris waterproof mascara achieves incredible volume on even the finest of lashes. Start with the white primer, which will prep your lashes by adding additional volume and length, then when dry, add the fibre-rich coloured formula on top, which seals the mascara with a waterproof finish and adds even more volume and length.
Lancome Hypnôse Doll Eyes Waterproof Mascara
The Lancome Hypnôse range has been around for years, with many iterations now beloved for various reasons, whether for their lengthening properties or extreme volume. Doll Eyes does what you would expect – defines and curls lashes, widening the eyes for a doll-like finish. The fanned-out effect remains clump-free even with the waterproof formula, and it's an easy mascara to layer, so you can achieve a natural, no-makeup look if you prefer.
Mirenesse Secret Weapon Super Volume 24H Mascara Mini
A cult favourite from beauty brand Mirenesse, this is another tubing mascara formula that wipes off easily with warm water but will stay put through tears, swims and rain. One of the best offers from Mirenesse is that many of its popular mascaras come in miniature versions, such as this one, so you can try the product before committing to the full-sized option. "This mascara is honestly incredible," one buyer recently wrote on Adore Beauty. "I have such tiny eyelashes, to get any effect, I need to layer, and then it gets clumpy. I find with this, I get length and volume instantly, I will for sure buy the bigger tube next time. Highly recommended."
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