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Whether on the silver screen, scrolling through Instagram or on the pages of a magazine, you can find footage of celebrities anywhere and everywhere crying tears of joy, diving into the ocean during their beach getaway, or working up a sweat during an intense workout. No matter the scenario, their mascara seems to always be intact. So, what’s the secret to mascara that doesn’t run, budge or flake? Finding the best waterproof mascara.
Related: The Best Eye Makeup Removers for Waterproof Mascara
It’s a trick that all celebrity makeup artists are quite familiar with when it comes to keeping their A-list clients’ lashes from smudging. Even in humid weather, regular mascara is prone to smearing. Plus, waterproof formulas have come a long way, offering everything from lengthening and curling to volumizing, delivering the lush lashes we all crave.
Whether you’re hitting up the event circuit, heading to the beach or doing hot yoga, we’ve rounded up some of the best waterproof mascaras that will keep lashes lifted — including options beloved by Hollywood makeup artists responsible for the red carpet looks of Yara Shahidi, Kristen Stewart, Jennifer Lawrence and other stars.
At a Glance: The Best Waterproof Mascaras
Whether you’re looking for the best volumizing or lengthening mascaras, something for under $10 or a designer splurge, see our top picks that stand up against water, tears and sweat. And for a limited time, some products are on sale for up to 30 percent off at Ulta and up to 25 percent off at Nordstrom as part of National Lash Day (Feb. 19).
BEST OVERALL
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
Celebrity makeup artists Katie Mellinger and Jamie Greenberg are among the Hollywood beauty pros who love Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara. Each swipe — and you can do a few sans any clumping — delivers impressive results, extending and volumizing lashes every time. The innovative hourglass-shaped brush grasps every lash for a fluttery, feathery effect.
“It lasts the longest, IMO,” says Mellinger, while Greenberg calls the mascara “super volumizing and is my go-to for all things waterproof.”
BEST VOLUMIZING
Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
Big, bold lashes will be yours for up to 24 hours, courtesy of Lancôme’s Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara and its unique oversized brush with wavy bristles. A favorite of celebrity hairstylist Rita Hazan and star makeup artist Nick Barose, the sweat- and smudge-proof formula is packed with polymers and waxes so that it glides right onto lashes, instantly plumping them up. “I love how bold and dark [it] makes my lashes look. I never find myself having to re-apply, and it is smudge-free throughout the entire day,” Hazan previously told THR.
Best DEFINITION
Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Waterproof Mascara
Celebrity extensionist Priscilla Valles calls Dior’s Diorshow Iconic Overcurl waterproof mascara her “must-have. It never smudges and lasts me through any weather conditions. The curved wand gives me lashes the perfect natural boosted look.”
Developed for makeup artists to use backstage at shows, the mascara features a carefully created brush that grabs every last lash to lift and curl it, delivering that coveted false-eyelashes effect. Take it from the runway to your very own catwalk of life and you’ll see that it lasts for up to a whopping 24 hours.
Best lengthening mscara
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
As the best drugstore option, L’Oréal’s Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara volumizes and lengthens, extending lashes to create a full, feathery fringe. You’ll never have to worry about flaking, smudging or clumping with this formula that simply won’t budge. Lashes are left soft and luscious all day long.
Best Drugstore
Wet N Wild Breakup Proof Mascara
One of the best budget waterproof mascaras, Wet N Wild’s Breakup Proof Boosting Mascara is vegan, cruelty-free and leaves your lashes feeling softer and plumper — all for under $8. The formula contains castor oil, vitamin E and vegetable collagen to nourish eyelashes, and the brush features a strand-hugging design that ensures an even coat from the root to the tip.
Best Long-wear
Benefit Cosmetics BadGal Bang! Waterproof Mascara
Benefit babes, rejoice: The brand is now offering its best-selling BadGal Bang! mascara in a new waterproof formula. We’re fans of the wand’s easy-to-grip textured handle that makes application a breeze. Wearers can expect up to 36 hours of smudge-free wear, too.
Best Natural Look
Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara
Makeup artists Kate Lee and Beau Nelson are both fond of Inimitable Waterproof Mascara (which they’ve used on clients Lily-Rose Depp and Kristen Stewart, respectively) One of the best long-wear waterproof mascaras, this formula contains pro-vitamin B5 that keeps eyelashes hydrated, while the unique blend of waxes offers natural-looking volume. The brush is designed to separate and coat each lash (including those fine ones) for a multidimensional effect.
BEST Budget
Essence I Love Extreme Volume Waterproof Mascara
On sale for $3.49, cruelty-free brand Essence’s I Love Extreme Volume is one of the best budget waterproof mascaras out there. The brand says the formula will help you “achieve one-stroke volume for full fluttery lashes,” thanks to the large fiber brush.
Best for every day
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions
A cult-favorite for a reason, Thrive Causemetics’ Liquid Lash Extensions mascara certainly lives up to its name — just note that it’s water-resistant (not waterproof). It’s our go-to for everyday lashes (read: when we don’t need too much drama), thanks to tubing technology that gives lashes a naturally lengthened look. It contains an orchid stem cell complex that helps lashes look longer and healthier, too.
“This is my go-to choice for instantly achieving the appearance of lash extensions. It is a tubing mascara so it ensures a clump-free, and smudge-free experience,” celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg previously told THR.
Best for Swimming
Eyeko Beach Waterproof Mascara
True to its name, Eyeko’s waterproof mascara (also available in a travel-sized version) has such impressive smudge-free staying power that it will even withstand a long hot, sweaty day at the beach. Sweep it on for maximum lashes — it instantly lifts, curls and adds volume. The formula is infused with coconut oil and waterproof pigments to make it last.
Best For Sensitive Eyes
Ere Perez Avocado Waterproof Mascara
Clean beauty buffs won’t have to worry with Ere Perez’s Avocado Waterproof Mascara, which is suitable for sensitive skin and eyes. This volumizing formula offers full coverage and 24-hour wear, and it’s also one of the best vegan and cruelty-free mascaras.
Best Nourishing
Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara
A quadruple threat, Tarte’s four-in-one waterproof mascara lengthens, curls, volumizes and conditions. Even better, it’s spiked with lash-loving ingredients, including Tarte’s proprietary Skinvigorating beeswax, a natural waterproofing agent that keeps the mascara in place through rain and sweat. There are also mineral pigments to soothe and soften lashes, as well as carnauba wax to guarantee it applies smoothly.
Best Ultra-Black
Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof Mascara
Sure, there are lots of black mascaras, but Urban Decay’s Perversion Waterproof Mascara scores points for being the blackest of blacks. You know the type — the ones that really make lashes pop. And it now comes in a waterproof formula! Every coat brings on length and volume without any clumping or dryness. To make your lashes look just as beautiful from the inside, the formula is spiked with a nourishing combo of proteins, amino acids and honey extract.