Alright, besties, let’s talk about a real game-changer in everyone’s makeup routine—the one thing you cannot skip if you want your lashes to look snatched all day long. Yep, you guessed it: waterproof mascara! We all know that regular mascara is cool and everything, but when the humidity hits or you literally just have one of those emotionally unstable days and end up crying over that TikTok of a baby duck, you’ll be thanking the beauty gods for your waterproof mascara. But here’s the deal: not all waterproof mascaras are created equal. Some just feel like they’re playing you, and that’s not cool.
I’ve put these bad boys to the test in real-life situations—crying during rom-coms, sweating through an intense workout (and by workout, I mean scrolling Instagram and sipping on iced coffee outside), and yeah, some actual beach days too. So let’s get into it: the best waterproof mascaras that actually live up to the ✨hype✨!
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
Okay, this one is LEGIT. It’s like…the Holy Grail for so many reasons. One, it’s affordable; two, it doesn’t budge; and three, the volume? Girl, you’ll feel like you have falsies on without the drama of glue.
This mascara gives your lashes that fanned-out look and stays perfect through pool days, sad movies, and even spontaneous food fights—if you’re into that kinda thing. 😂 Also, the wand is next-level. It has super soft bristles that coat every lash, so you don’t need to worry about clumping or spidery lashes (ew).
This one’s a no-brainer if you want volume but refuse to deal with smudges. Your lashes will stay on FLEEK, no matter what.
Bonus tip: Go slow when applying this one. Seriously, less is more! If you try to do multiple coats too fast, it might get a little clumpy.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
Yo, the name alone is EVERYTHING…but does it really live up to that promise? 💘 Spoiler alert: YES, SIS. The formula is super rich and creamy, but what I think takes it up a notch is the hourglass-shaped brush. It just grabs onto your lashes perfectly and gives them that dramatic length and bam factor. Oh, and did I mention it’s actually WATERPROOF? ‘Cause it seriously stays intact through ANYTHING.
If you’ve tried the OG Better Than Sex Mascara and loved it but needed a waterproof version, this is perfect for you.
Heads-up: This formula is more suited if you prefer super bold lashes. If you’re a “I just want to look like I have something on but not too extra” kinda person, keep scrolling.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
HELLO drugstore fave!! This mascara gives all the high-end ones a run for their money. It’s super lightweight, so your lashes won’t feel like they’re weighed down, but it still brings that curl-and-volume action. And trust me, once it’s ON, it’s on. It doesn’t flake off or smudge at all, AND you only need like 2 coats max.
Another reason I’m obsessed with this one is its brush. It’s curved, so it really helps you get close to the lash line and lift the lashes. We’re talking doll-like lashes that aren’t extra clumpy or stiff.
Best of all? You won’t need to blow an entire paycheck for lashes that stay poppin’ all day!
Pro Tip: If you want your lashes to stay lifted even longer, use an eyelash curler before you swipe this baby on. Thank me later.
Benefit Cosmetics BADgal BANG! Waterproof Mascara
Okaaayyy, for all my girls who REALLY want DRAMA in their lashes, this one might just be the one. This mascara is crazy for building that volume, and the best part? It’s waterproof, but still just as lightweight as the regular BADgal mascara. Perfect for giving you that put-together, fully glam look when you’re sweating through a rager or, you know, crying over how good your makeup looks. 😇
It has this cool slim brush that makes it super easy to wiggle the bristles into the root of your lashes, adding DRAMA (in all the best ways). It’s definitely for a full glam moment, though.
Oh, and speaking of drama…
“I believe all women are pretty without makeup, but with the right makeup can be pretty powerful.” – Bobbi Brown
Real Talk: While this one is amaze for volume, getting it off at the end of the day can be a struggle. Make sure you’ve got a bomb makeup remover on hand!
Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara
Okay, this pick is both classic and a total throwback. Anyone else remember using Covergirl in middle school?! Vsco girls, where ya at?! 😂 But honestly, Covergirl is still killing it. Lash Blast Waterproof has that HUGE, thick wand that helps grab and separate lashes like a pro. And the formula? It’s pretty much bulletproof.
Use it if you need that “I just woke up with naturally great lashes but also, I’m gonna cry three times today” vibe. It’s great for an everyday look that you can build up for occasion-worthy drama. I can confirm this held up through watching the last episode of Euphoria without giving me the dreaded raccoon eyes.
Sometimes, I just want something I can trust to stay all day and all night. This is that girl.
Bonus tip: This mascara dries pretty quick, which is a bonus if you’re in a rush. Just try not to blink while it’s still fresh on, so you don’t accidentally smudge it all over yourself!
Dior Diorshow Iconic Waterproof Mascara
This one might just be the most ~boujee~ option on this list. But maaaan, it’s fancy for a reason. Dior’s Diorshow Iconic Waterproof is ideal for anyone who wants both LENGTH + CURL without putting in too much effort. It’s on the pricier side—duh, it’s Dior—but if you’re into luxury makeup, this mascara is like the only one you NEED to splurge on.
It uses a plastic comb brush instead of the traditional fiber ones, and it’s so good at grabbing even the tiniest lash hairs. It stretches out your lashes while holding that curl ALL. DAY. LONG. Oh, and the waterproof formula? It’ll survive a full day at the beach or even a dip in the pool.
Worth it? For sure. You’re gonna feel like a glam queen every time you swipe this on. 💅
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, glam babes. If you’re on the hunt for a waterproof mascara that’ll survive a day of unintentionally swiping your eyes after staring at a screen for too long, sweating through a gym sesh (or just straight-up summer heat), or worst-case scenario: a sudden downpour—you need these mascaras in your makeup bag, like yesterday. ✨ I promise, these won’t leave you with those smudgy, black streaks of regret.
Also…pro tip? When removing waterproof mascara (like after an all-day binge of Netflix and outdoor selfies), make sure you use an oil-based remover. Trust me, it’ll make your life SO much easier. You do not wanna be tugging your lashes off…been there, done that #NeverAgain. 😬
Stay fierce and keep those lashes on point, fam! 💕 Let me know in the comments which one’s your fave or if I missed one that I absolutely need to try!
xoxo
Su 🌟
