The best waterproof mascaras for lush lashes
Invest in a waterproof mascara you can rely on come rain or shine
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
We’ve all been there – dolled up to the nines, fresh face of makeup, then bam, the rain comes or a long commute leads to a steamy complexion. The result? Smudged eyes and black streaks. The solution? Waterproof mascara.
A good waterproof mascara won’t let moisture, humidity or watery eyes stand in the way of a good makeup look. Designed to stay on no matter what the day throws at you – whether working out at the gym, heading to the beach or watching an emotional film – waterproof mascara is the finishing touch to your flawless appearance. To help you wade your way through the many, many options on the market, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to the best waterproof mascaras.
What makes a mascara waterproof?
To put it simply, waterproof mascaras are crafted with either silicones or waxes and create a film over your eyelashes so that water and moisture rolls right off without creating an inky mess. While most market themselves with a clear label to proclaim the waterproof qualities, you can also double check the ingredients – non-waterproof mascaras will usually contain water as one of the key ingredients while waterproof mascaras won’t.
How to apply waterproof mascara
When it comes to applying waterproof mascara, remember to start with clean lashes to avoid clumping. Give your lashes an extra boost with an eyelash curler before going in with a primer. Finally, make sure to apply waterproof mascara quickly as it tends to dry quicker than standard formulas. Use the wand to curl the inner lashes towards the nose while fanning out the outer lashes to get the perfect look every time.
How to take off waterproof mascara
One of the only problems with waterproof mascara is that it can be difficult to remove given that it’s, well, resistant to water. To avoid drying out (or worse, pulling out) lashes, opt for an oil-based cleanser. Try using a makeup melting balm like the Sisley Triple-Oil Balm or the Drunk Elephant Slaai Butter Cleanser to gently remove mascara before following up with your usual everyday cleanser.
The best waterproof mascaras
Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl waterproof mascara
A waterproof iteration of the Diorshow Iconic Overcurl mascara, this formula is crafted for 24-hour wear. Infused with cotton nectar to nourish your lashes, the unbudgeable formula comes with a curved brush that not only coats and fans out lashes, but also adds a defined curl.
Too Faced Better Than Sex waterproof mascara
Holy grail. Cult classic. Social media favourite. The Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara has been called it all – and for a reason. The popular mascara’s waterproof edition comes with a peptide-enriched formula and hourglass-shaped brush to easily curl and lengthen lashes, while film-forming polymers and collagen keep it in place all day long.
Chanel Inimitable waterproof definition mascara
From the formula to the packaging, Chanel’s Inimitable waterproof mascara is as luxurious as they come. A blend of mineral wax and polymers offer immovable volume and length while beeswax adds a glossy sheen and provitamin B5 nourishes the lashes. The mascara’s brush features ultra-thin bristles, making it a great option for creating natural-looking fanned out lashes ideal for everyday.
Lancôme Hypnôse Drama waterproof mascara
Dramatic lashes come easy with Lancôme’s Hypnôse Drama waterproof mascara. While the intensely pigmented formula is great on its own, it comes with a unique convex brush that changes the game. Apply the volumising mascara with a zigzag movement for a high impact look that will rival the best fake eyelashes.
Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme waterproof mascara
Another formula to nail the falsies look, Estée Lauder’s Sumptuous Extreme mascara lives up to its name. A blend of three high-volume formulas in a light mousse-like base melds with a conditioning vitamin complex to offer extreme volume and lift. The long-wear mascara guarantees a smudge-proof, flake-proof, clump-resistant look to combat end-of-day raccoon eyes.
Yves Saint Laurent Luxurious mascara
Yves Saint Laurent’s famed Luxurious mascara’s waterproof iteration is armed with the brand’s signature triple-film complex. A coating film intensifies the lashes, a conditioning film adds curves, and a fixing film promises long-lasting results. A blend of four oils, meanwhile, leaves lashes silky smooth and helps reduce breakage. The eye-catching gold tube is equipped with a unique nylon brush featuring fibres of varying diameters to perfect that fluttery wink.
Victoria Beckham Vast Lash mascara
Victoria Beckham’s Vast Lash mascara is designed to beat the Miami heat, so you know it won’t budge through both London winters and your winter sun escapes. The vegan and gluten-free formula is meant to be dramatic, giving you bold, voluminous lashes with just one swipe. That it comes in a clean and classy white tube just makes it all the more appealing to carry on-the-go.
Ere Perez Avocado waterproof mascara
The only natural mascara on the market, Ere Perez’s waterproof offering is crafted with organic avocado and mamey oils. The deep black pigment makes a statement while the nourishing ingredients boost lash growth. All this in a formula also great for sensitive eyes.
Byredo mascara
Byredo may be known for its enchanting fragrances, but this mascara is definitely a stand out in its burgeoning makeup range. The waterproof formula is built to withstand sweat, water, and tears and comes packaged in a gorgeous curved red tube. Did we mention, it comes in a myriad of brilliant hues as well?
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