Not all waterproof mascaras are created equal, but rest assured that these are the best
Mascara – an absolute essential in any make-up bag. It frames the face and accentuates your eyes – a desert island beauty product. 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. The best mascara will see you through all three.
These days, the best waterproof mascara is just as good (if not better) than your run-of-the-mill smudgeable one. While waterproof formulas of days gone by didn’t always make your lashes look anything exceptional, in 2019 they can lengthen, curl and volumise just as well as the best mascara.
Lash tinting is another great option for holidays, but waterproof mascara is much more affordable, so rifle through our hand-picked favourites below to find the right one for you. You might never use the regular stuff again.
MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara, £20 John Lewis
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.
Buy now
Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara, £8.20 Feelunique
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.
Buy now
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara, £19.50 Fabled
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.
Buy now
Benefit BADgal Waterproof Mascara, £19.50 Cult Beauty
Our favourite Benefit BADgal mascara also has a waterproof counterpart, and it’s long-wearing, smudge-proof and volumising. What more could you ask for, really?
Buy now
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, £21.50 at Fabled, or La Roche-Posay Respectissime for Sensitive Eyes, £11 at Boots. 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 Eyes Eye Make-up Remover, £3.80 at Boots.
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.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
Rimmel Day 2 Night Mascara, £7.48, Amazon
Everyone loves an offer. I mean, BOGOF gives us life, no? Well check this one out – two mascaras for the price of one. One for daytime that lengthens and one for the night that volumises, and both of them are waterproof. Mic. Drop.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
Eyeko Sport Waterproof Mascara, £15.20, Fabled
For the gym you need a mascara that's waterproof, sweatproof – bascially lifeproof. Eyeko's latest innovation ticks all those boxes with a fibre-infused formula that conditions your lashes while you wear it. Hey presto.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara, £21, John Lewis
If you've tried Lancôme's new Monsieur Big mascara and loved it – fat, volumised 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!
Click or tap to zoom into this image
Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara, £28, John Lewis
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 blacker-than-black shade, but there's also very wearable rich brown that looks super natural, and bright azure blue for something a bit different.
