There are a lot of reasons that you could need a heavy-duty, waterproof mascara. For one, summer is coming [1] and summer means it's really hot out there, which makes for some sweaty situations and by default, a smeared mascara situation — if you haven't found your trusty waterproof hero [2], yet.
There's no trust like the trust you put in a waterproof mascara formula [3]. Whether you're swimming in a pool, preparing for a particularly humid day, or balling your eyes out during a heart-felt moment in your favourite rom-com movie (we don't judge), you're putting your faith in that tiny tube of mascara that it won't leave you looking like a raccoon when it's all said and done.
Long-lasting, waterproof [4] mascaras aren't hard to come by, but finding one that really — and we mean really — works, is. Only the toughest, most resilient waterproof formulations will do. To make your search for your perfect match a little easier, we rounded up the best waterproof mascaras ahead.
— Additional reporting by Sophia Panych
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
The Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara [5] (£22) is the same, award-winning formula that you've been using for years but waterproof. So, you can fearlessly use it at the beach, in the pool, at a wedding — the possibilities are endless.
Dior Diorshow Waterproof
The Dior Diorshow Waterproof [6] (£29) comes in three waterproof colours — blue, brown, and black. The pointed brush allows you to reach every lash and coat it in volumising formula.
Eyeko Sport Waterproof Mascara
The Eyeko Sport Waterproof Mascara [6] (£18) will. not. budge. No really, this mascara resists anything you throw at it, be it a beach day, a spin class, a torrential downpour, your sibling's wedding, you name it. And the best part is it's still an elegant formula, meaning it adds length, volume, curl without feeling or looking crusty on your lashes.
MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara
The MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara [7] (£22) packs on the volume and gives your lashes a lengthened look but most importantly, it stays put.
Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara
This drugstore hero is highly regarded for not just its ability to lengthen and volumise your lashes, but also its ability to really stick. You could swim in the Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara [8] (£6) without any problems.
Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara
The Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara [9] (£26) gives you the same dramatic volume that you know and love from the original formula, but now in waterproof.
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara
For just £4, the Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara [10] (£4) delivers dramatic volume, thanks to its cone-shaped brush, that doesn't budge. Side note: this one is an editor-favourite [11].
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara
The Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara [12] (£21) gives you lengthened, thicker-looking lashes without any clumps and is resistant to sweat and humidity.
Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara [13] (£18) has a thick, large brush that gives you high-volume, intense lashes. That, coupled with the waterproof formula, makes this one a best-seller.
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
The L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara [14] (£12) will give you touchable, soft, long, fluffy eyelashes. As its name suggests, it's perfect to bring on a tropical, paradise holiday because the formula won't run if it gets wet.
Max Factor Divine Lashes Waterproof Mascara
Not only does Max Factor Divine Lashes Waterproof Mascara [15] (£12) not leave clumps all over your lashes (thanks to a silky, flexible formula), but it also doesn't crumble or flake throughout the day. It's seriously one of the most comfortable waterproof formulas we've tried in a while.
Milk Makeup Kush Waterproof Mascara
The Milk Makeup KUSH Waterproof Mascara [16] (£24) contains heart-shaped fibres and hemp-derived cannabis seed oil to condition lashes.
Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara
The Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara [17] (£19) is the waterproof version of the beloved original formula. It gives you perfectly curled, lifted lashes, all thanks to the fluffy mascara wand.
Maybelline New York Volum' Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara
As the name suggests, Maybelline Volum' Express the Falsies [18] (£9) really does create that coveted false-lash look. The curved brush lifts and separates your eyelashes to individually coat each one in the black pigment.