Top 5 Waterproof Mascaras: Our Best Picks

Ever wished your mascara could survive a summer downpour or a tearful movie? We found the answer: amazing waterproof mascara. Say goodbye to raccoon eyes and hello to smudge-proof, all-day wear. This long-lasting formula, perfect for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, keeps your lashes lush and voluminous—no matter what life throws your way. It’s the ultimate lash insurance, offering intense color and curl, even through sweat and humidity. Get ready for flawless lashes, rain or shine.

1. L'Oréal Paris Paradise Waterproof Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara

Voluminous, lengthening lashes—this mascara delivers drama!

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L'Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Waterproof Mascara delivers dramatic, buildable volume and length without clumping. Its innovative self-smoothing complex ensures lightweight, seamless layering for endlessly customizable lash impact, perfect for creating a variety of looks, from natural to intensely dramatic. The unique cross-conic brush expertly separates and coats each lash, preventing clumping and achieving a lengthening effect. This waterproof, sensitive-eyes-and-contact-lens-friendly formula (0.33 fl oz) is a must-have addition to your makeup bag, complementing other L'Oréal Paris beauty products like foundations and eyeshadow palettes. Achieve the big, bold lashes you've always wanted with this volumizing and lengthening mascara.

L'Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Mascara is a game-changer! Reviewers consistently praise its ability to deliver voluminous, lengthened, and perfectly separated lashes, even with just one or two coats. The innovative brush design, described as having fascinating alternating rows of molded silicone, expertly grabs and coats each lash without clumping, a significant advantage highlighted by many users. The formula itself is lauded as smooth, lightweight, and easy to apply, resulting in a dramatic yet natural look that lasts all day without smudging or flaking. Many users found it superior to other high-end mascaras, even those with naturally long lashes finding it exceptionally effective. While some mentioned minor flaking after extended wear or a need for multiple coats depending on lash type, the overwhelming consensus points to this mascara as a superior choice for achieving enviable lash volume and length. The ease of removal is an added bonus, making it a convenient addition to any makeup routine. Whether you're braving a snowmobile adventure or facing a more emotional occasion, this mascara (including its waterproof version) consistently delivers exceptional performance. The [L'Oréal Paradise Big Deal Mascara] and its [silicone brush] are clear standouts.

  • Brand: L’Oréal Paris
  • Color: Black Waterproof
  • Item Form: Liquid
  • Rate: 4.5 / 146
Outstanding features:
  • Buildable Volume & Length
  • Clump-Resistant Formula
  • Waterproof
Context of use:
  • Everyday makeup routine
  • Swimming or water sports
  • Special occasions/events

2. Lash Princess Waterproof Mascara: Vegan, Length & Volume

Waterproof, lengthening, volumizing mascara—a budget beauty game-changer!

Lash Princess Waterproof Mascara: Vegan, Length & Volume

Experience the dramatic false lash effect of essence Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara. This vegan and cruelty-free mascara, made in Luxembourg and free of parabens and microplastics, delivers intense length and volume thanks to its special conic-shaped fiber brush. One coat provides defined volume, while multiple coats create a bold, false-lash look that lasts all day, resisting sweat, weather, and tears. Its waterproof formula ensures smudge-proof wear, and gentle makeup remover or coconut oil easily removes it. Enjoy the luxurious length and volume without compromising your ethics – a true princess-worthy addition to your makeup bag.

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara is a game-changer! Users consistently praise its incredible lengthening and volumizing abilities, transforming even thin lashes into full, long, and defined ones, often drawing comparisons to lash extensions. The waterproof formula, lauded on the Today Show, truly lives up to its name, remaining smudge-proof and steadfast even through sweat, water, and watery eyes – a blessing for allergy sufferers. While some users mention needing a thorough cleanse to remove it completely, this is often outweighed by the mascara's remarkable staying power. Its affordable price point further enhances its value, making it a true holy grail mascara for many. The unique brush applicator ensures easy application without clumping, delivering a natural yet dramatic look. Whether you're a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, this mascara delivers exceptional results, making it a top choice for both everyday wear and special occasions.

  • Brand: essence
  • Color: Black
  • Rate: 4.4 / 72453
Outstanding features:
  • Waterproof Formula
  • Dramatic Volume & Length
  • Long-lasting Wear
Context of use:
  • Everyday makeup routine
  • Special occasions/events
  • Swimming/water activities

3. CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara: Long-lasting, smudge-proof, cruelty-free black.

Waterproof, volumizing, and smudge-proof—a lash game-changer!

CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara: Long-lasting, smudge-proof, cruelty-free black.

Experience dramatic lash volume with CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara. This long-wearing, smudge-proof formula delivers ten times the volume instantly, coating each lash evenly without clumping or flaking, as verified by numerous positive customer reviews (4.5 out of 5 stars!). Available in four shades, from subtle to bold, this cruelty-free mascara (Leaping Bunny certified) is perfect for creating a variety of eye looks. Its waterproof nature ensures all-day wear, making it ideal for any occasion. Complement this mascara with CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner for a complete eye makeup look. Achieve the perfect lash volume with this CoverGirl essential.

CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara delivers exceptional results, consistently praised for its ease of application and clump-free formula. Users with even the shortest, straightest, or blonde lashes find this waterproof mascara a game-changer, providing impressive volume and definition all day long, even through tears, swimming, or sleep. The large wand ensures complete coverage, and the brown shade offers a natural, softer look, while the black provides bold definition. Many reviewers highlight its impressive staying power, declaring it superior to high-end brands like Dior, without the hefty price tag. While some users note it may require a bit more effort to remove completely at the end of the day, the exceptional long-lasting hold and lack of smudging or raccoon eyes outweigh this minor inconvenience for most. For a volumizing mascara that lasts, CoverGirl Lash Blast is a top choice.

  • Brand: COVERGIRL
  • Color: VERY BLACK
  • Rate: 4.3 / 25790
Outstanding features:
  • 10x more volume instantly
  • No clumping or flaking
  • Waterproof and long-wearing
Context of use:
  • Swimming or water sports
  • Everyday makeup routine
  • Special events or nights out

4. Maybelline Colossal Waterproof Volumizing Mascara (Glam Black)

Waterproof, long-lasting, volumizing mascara—a beauty essential!

Maybelline Colossal Waterproof Volumizing Mascara (Glam Black)

Get the colossal lash look with Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Waterproof Mascara in Glam Black! This top-rated mascara, a fan favorite for over 10 years, delivers up to 15x the volume with its innovative mega brush and collagen-infused formula. Experience instant, clump-free volume that lasts up to 18 hours. One coat provides 9x the volume for a bold, open-eyed look, while two coats amplify the drama. Its waterproof formula ensures your lashes stay stunning all day long, making it perfect for any occasion. Achieve the perfect voluminous lashes with this iconic Maybelline product, a true testament to its superior quality and long-lasting power.

This Maybelline waterproof mascara is a long-lasting, smudge-proof favorite among many users. Praised for its volumizing brush and ability to create beautiful, lengthened lashes without clumping, it's a reliable choice for all-day wear. Customers appreciate its ease of application, even with just one or two swipes, and its superior waterproof performance, preventing smudging and mirroring under the eyes, even after extended wear. Many have been loyal users for years, consistently returning to this mascara due to its quality and affordability compared to other name brands. While some users noted occasional flaking and needed multiple applications for full coverage, the overwhelmingly positive feedback highlights its effectiveness, durability, and overall value. The convenient straight brush is also a frequently mentioned plus. Available on Amazon for those who have difficulty finding it in stores, this mascara is a go-to for achieving beautiful lashes effortlessly.

  • Brand: MAYBELLINE
  • Color: GLAM BLACK
  • Rate: 4.4 / 11457
Outstanding features:
  • 9x the volume with one coat, 15x with two
  • Clump-free formula
  • Long-lasting (up to 18 hours)
Context of use:
  • Everyday wear
  • Swimming or water activities
  • Special events/nights out

5. CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume: Vegan, Waterproof Mascara

Superb, smudge-proof, long-lasting, and gentle on sensitive eyes.

CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume: Vegan, Waterproof Mascara

Introducing CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Waterproof Mascara, a vegan and cruelty-free formula designed for dramatic lash enhancement. This smudge-proof, high-volume mascara, infused with conditioning argan and marula oils, separates and defines each lash for a fuller, more voluminous look. Its clean formula, free of parabens, sulfates, talc, and mineral oil, delivers a “lash extension effect,” lengthening lashes by up to 60%*. The easy, mess-free application ensures a flawless finish, while the hyaluronic complex contributes to lash health. Experience the voluminous, lengthened lashes of your dreams with this Leaping Bunny certified mascara – the perfect complement to CoverGirl's Simply Ageless range and Clean Fresh skincare line. *vs. bare lashes

CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Waterproof Mascara (Very Black 825) delivers impressive results for sensitive eyes and those seeking long-lasting wear. Many reviewers praise its ability to lengthen and separate lashes without the dreaded "spider-leg" effect often associated with other mascaras, even tubing mascaras like essence Lash Princess. The EWG score of 1 for this specific shade (and the non-waterproof 835 Black Brown) is a significant selling point, especially for users with sensitive eyes who experienced irritation with other brands. While some users found the waterproof formula slightly more prone to clumping than its non-waterproof counterpart and required a dedicated makeup remover (like Farmacy Green Clean Balm or a cleansing oil) for thorough removal, the overall consensus points to its exceptional staying power, smudge-proof nature, and minimal irritation. The brush is also lauded for its effective application, dispensing the perfect amount of product without mess, even for users with hooded eyes. This mascara, a true all-day wear option, is a great choice for those prioritizing both efficacy and gentle formulation.

  • Brand: COVERGIRL
  • Color: Waterproof Very Black
  • Rate: 4.4 / 14281
Outstanding features:
  • Waterproof and smudge-proof
  • Vegan and cruelty-free formula
  • Volumizing effect for fuller lashes
Context of use:
  • Beach vacations or water sports
  • Everyday wear requiring long-lasting makeup
  • Special occasions needing dramatic, smudge-proof lashes