If you're fed up of your mascara running and smudging, you need to know about this product

Not all waterproof mascaras are created equal, but rest assured that these are the best

Waterproof mascara
(Image credit: Getty / Jeff Spicer/BFC / Contributor)

Mascara—an absolute essential in any make-up bag. The best mascara frames the face and accentuates your eyes—a desert island beauty product. While make-up trends come and go (although we're very into cloud lips  right now), mascara is one of those products that stands the test of time. But if you're alone on a desert island, a normal mascara is just not going to cut it, you need the best waterproof mascara. It's going to be hot, so you'll sweat a lot. It's going to be lonely, so you might shed a few tears. And you'll be on the beach, so you'll probably kill some time swimming.

These days, the best waterproof mascara is just as good (if not better) than your run-of-the-mill smudgable one. While waterproof formulas of days gone by didn’t always make your lashes look anything exceptional, in 2023 they can lengthen, curl and volumise just as well as a normal mascara. Adding to that, they're ultra long-wearing, non-clumping and best of all, easy to remove—because no one wants to be tugging their lashes at the end of the day. 

Luckily, we've tried and tested the best out there—they'll give you zero flaking, smudging or smearing. In short, they're a dream for long nights, busy days and this hot weather. So much so, you might never use the regular stuff again. Plus, find our top tips for removing even the most stubborn waterproof formulas below. 

1. Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara

Waterproof mascara

(Image credit: Bobbi Brown)

Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara

Best overall waterproof mascata

Reasons to buy

+
Delivers on its promises 

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't come in brown 

As the name suggests, this formula from Bobbi Brown truly doesn't budge (or smudge!) Whether it's tears, sweat or swimming, this mascara lasts through it all. And smudge-proof ability aside, the mascara does an excellent job at lengthening and separating lashes. 

2. MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara

(Image credit: Look Fantastic)

MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara

Best waterproof mascara for dramatic lashes

Reasons to buy

+
Zero smudging 

Reasons to avoid

-
Slightly thicker formula than others 

Who better to ask for a formula that's good enough for make-up artists than Make-up Art Cosmetics themselves? Think In Extreme Dimension mascara, but waterproof: expert definition that withstands the smudging effects of day-to-day life in an ultra-black, eye-enhancing formula. Cheers, MAC.

3. Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara

(Image credit: Look Fantastic)

Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara

Best waterproof mascata for lash curl

Reasons to buy

+
Holds an impressive curl 

Reasons to avoid

-
More difficult to remove

We love Max Factor False Lash Effect, you love Max Factor False Lash Effect, we all love Max Factor False Lash Effect. Guess what: you're gonna love the waterproof version too. It does what a lot of other formulas struggle with: holding a curl. It doesn't weigh lashes down but is totally budge-proof and always reliable. 

4. Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara

(Image credit: Clinique)

Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara

Best waterproof mascara for sensitive eyes

Reasons to buy

+
Available in brown

Reasons to avoid

-
On the pricey end 

Clinique is renowned for excellent mascaras (Bottom Lash, anyone?) and their waterproof one also has a brilliant reputation; it's the go-to in my family for funerals, which says it all really. It won't flake down your face and it's available in brown if you prefer a softer colour than black.

5. Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara

(Image credit: Lancome)

Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara

Best waterproof mascara for fluffy lashes

Reasons to buy

+
Coats every lash

Reasons to avoid

-
Can take more time to remove than others  

If you've tried Lancôme's Monsieur Big mascara and loved it—fat, voluminous lashes that pack a punch—then we've got some good news for you: It's also available in an equally punchy waterproof version. Hurrah! 

6. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara

(Image credit: Boots)

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara

Best everyday waterproof mascata

Reasons to buy

+
Buildable formula 

Reasons to avoid

-
Flexi wand, which isn't for everyone 

You just can't go wrong with a Maybelline mascara and the same can be said for the Lash Sensational Sky High waterproof version. It's a great all-rounder for everyone thanks to its flexible brush and thin formula, this mascara is buildable so can go from fluttery natural lashes to dramatic falsies. It's a slightly wetter formula than some so be patient and give it time to try down before getting on with your day; and whatever you do, just don't sneeze before it's dried. 

7. Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara

(Image credit: Dior)

Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara

Best brown waterproof mascara

Reasons to buy

+
Available in brown and blue 

Reasons to avoid

-
On the pricey side  

A couple of coats of Diorshow mascara gives bold, glossy and dramatic lashes. The waterproof version is just as amazing and lasts all day if you're hitting up the beach, spending the day in the pool or your own wedding. Naturally, there's a jet black shade, but there's also very wearable rich brown that looks super natural, and bright azure blue for something a bit different.

8. NYX Professional Makeup Worth the Hype Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara


(Image credit: Boots)

NYX Professional Makeup Worth the Hype Waterproof Mascara

Best affordable waterproof mascara

Reasons to buy

+
Withstands lots of sweat, tears and water 

Reasons to avoid

-
Can be a little clumpy 

When a product is called "Worth The Hype" it really does have to live up to that. Leave it to NYX to create a mascara that does just that. If you're looking for a long-lasting waterproof formula that gives dramatic lashes then this ticks all of the boxes. Since it's on the more affordable end, you might find this one is slightly more clumpy in formula than the others, but this is fixed by slightly more thoughtful application, wiping off some of the excess or using a separate, clean spoolie to fan lashes out. It's durability is worth the extra attention needed for application for us. 

Best waterproof mascara remover 

Last but not least, you'll need something that actually has the power to remove these moisture-resistant formulae, because warm water ain't gonna cut it. Our two top buys are Lancôme Bi-Facil Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover or La Roche-Posay Respectissime for Sensitive Eyes. No waterproof mascara is a match for these potent potions. If you're looking for something with a smaller price tag though, try out Simple's Kind to Skin Eye Make-up Remover.

We defy you not to find a waterproof mascara you'll fall in love with in our picks; keep reading for more of the best waterproof mascara buys out there.

Katie Thomas

Katie Thomas is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire UK. With over 10 years of experience on women's luxury lifestyle titles, she covers everything from the best beauty looks from the red carpet and stand out trends from the catwalk, to colonic irrigation and to the best mascaras on the market. She started her career on fashion desks across the industry - from The Telegraph to Brides - but found her calling in the Tatler beauty department. From there she moved to Instyle, before joining the Marie Claire digital team in 2018. She’s made it her own personal mission to find the best concealer in the world to cover her tenacious dark circles. She’s obsessed with skincare that makes her skin bouncy and glowy, low-maintenance hair that doesn’t require brushing and a cracking good manicure. Oh and she wears more jewellery than the Queen.

With contributions from