Best Waterproof Mascaras—Ranked

Fanned out, full fringe that doens't smudge or budge.

By Taylor Stephan, Carly Milne Feb 19, 2020 12:30 PMTags
E-Comm: Waterproof Mascara

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You know what they say: don't get between a girl and her mascara.

If you're a makeup girl, you know what we mean—the length and volume of your lashes is everything. And while selecting a mascara seems easy on the surface, not all are created equal. Then throw in the fact that spring break season and warmer weather is upon us, so we're in the market for something that's sweat-proof and play-proof, too. So what stay-put formulas will give you that fanned out, full fringe you're after?

Glad you asked. Our top 12 waterproof formulas are below! 

12. Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara

This volumizing mascara is so good, you can ditch the curler if you take the time to do a few coats. The full brush makes it easy to build. Besides, we're suckers for the glam packaging.

11. Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara

If you have sensitive skin or eyes, Clinique is a brand you can count on. We especially love that this elongating formula is ophthalmologist-tested, so it's safe for sensitive eyes and contact-lens wearers.

10. L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara

No joke, this mascara makes lashes look five times their natural thickness. The volume maximizing brush applies evenly with no flakes or clumps for a full and intense look.

9. Revlon Volumazing Waterproof Mascara

This quick-building formula stands out for one reason: the ultra-creamy texture. It's enriched with carnauba wax for volume, but something about applying it feels conditioning, too.

8. Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara

As if the name doesn't already sell it for us, this sweat-proof formula works. On top of that, the super-stiff hourglass-shaped brush perfectly grips the carbon black, collagen-fueled formula right where you want it.

7. Lancome Hypnose Drama Waterprof

We love this wax-based formula, but the real winner is the full contact brush. Its S-shaped curve grasps and coats lashes for the voluminous look of your dreams.

6. Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara

This classic formula (in that iconic watermelon-themed tube) has been around forever because it works. The no fuss brush makes it easy to build as you go—just don't let it dry in between coats.

5. Rimmel Scandaleyes Retroglam Mascara

Want the look of falsies without having to wear 'em? This mascara has your back, with extra volume and a no-clump formula. Plus, it'll stay put all day and into the night, even if you're shedding some tears (happy ones, we hope!).

4. MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara

Take your lashes to the next level with this lightweight whipped mascara, with a lengthening, volumizing, curling, and non-clumping formula that's sweat-proof, waterproof, tear-proof, and withstands the demands of humidity for superior all-day waterproof wear.

 

3. CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara

Want mega-volume in a waterproof formula? You got it. The combination of this volume-boosting formula and the special brush grab every lash on your lid, and coat it with mascara-y goodness for super full, smudge-proof lashes.

2. Kush Waterproof Mascara

There is so much to love about this mascara. Yes, it's waterproof, but it also offers heart-shaped fibers to lock on to your lashes, delivering a deeply intense black mascara formulated with hemp-derived cannabis sativa seed oil for extra conditioning. Your lashes will thank you.

 

1. Urban Decay Cannonball Ultra Waterproof Mascara

Trust us when we say we've tested a lot of formulas and this one wins. The exclusive Japanese formula gently deposits special microcrystalline wax via the dense, fuzzy brush so you're left with length like you wouldn't believe.

Looking for more beauty buys? Grab some clean beauty goodies to add to your routine, and check out what's in Tichina Arnold's beauty bag!

—Originally published March 19, 2019 at 3 a.m. PT