10 of the best waterproof mascaras that won't smudge through hay fever szn
Finding the best waterproof mascara ain't easy. In fact, Cosmo UK's beauty team has been on a life-long pursuit of ultra-fluttery, larger-than-life lashes that do not smudge or budge in the summer heat.
Whether you're going swimming, off to a wedding (Cancers and Pisces, we’re looking at you) or you just want to make it through a sweat-inducing central line commute without turning into the girl from The Ring, we can help.
However, 'to be waterproof, or not to be waterproof?' that is the question...
This contemplation has long sparked a heated debate in the industry but makeup artist and IT Cosmetics ambassador, Rose Gallagher is on hand clear up all. (And hopefully, sway your decision!) #WaterproofMascara4TheWin.
What is in a mascara formula that makes it waterproof?
"It tends to be a combination of waxes and silicones that give a waterproof finish to mascara," Rose says.
Essentially, if you think of said ingredients in their simplest form, you can imagine the way that water runs straight off them. And as Rose explains: "It has the same effect when it comes to your mascara! Meaning that if you are prone to sensitive or watery eyes, or just want to enjoy some poolside relaxation, you can do so without worrying about any inky spills."
What is the best way to remove waterproof mascara?
The biggest reason for steering clear of waterproof mascara is because of how difficult they are to remove. But fear not for IT Cosmetics has a solution.
Because of the stubborn nature of these ingredients, Rose says "You need something rich and emollient to break it down.
"Oil-based makeup removers are ideal for this job because they will completely cut through even dense, waxy formulas and melt them right away. See to the likes of the Bye Bye Makeup Melting balm, infused with ingredients like rosehip oil." This is powerful enough to remove stubborn makeup but gentle enough to use even around the eye area.
To make the process as quick and easy as possible, Rose recommends taking a scoop of the balm, melting it between your hands, and applying it straight onto a dry face – aka, dry cleansing. "Take some time to gently massage the eye area and the lashes themselves, and then ideally use a warm, damp flannel to buff away the balm and makeup. Using oil-based removers on dry skin helps to amplify the impact and speed of how they can break down makeup," Rose shares.
Do you have any application tips when it comes to mascara?
Rose says that her favourite tip is one she learned when first starting out in the industry as an Intern. "My favourite tip is to look down into your hand mirror when you do your top lashes. This helps to get your brush to the very root of the lashes and gives a more volumised finish," she says.
"Then, by the same logic, look up into your hand mirror for the bottom lashes to get your brush right to the root again. When applying mascara, kick the inner lashes in towards your nose, brush the middle lashes straight up, and kick the outer lashes out towards your ears."
This simple trick creates a fan effect and can significantly increase the appearance of the density and thickness of your lashes – which, ofc, is everything one could ever want!
And so, thanks to Rose's expertise as well as our very own (read: lick after lick after lick of testing endless mascaras), we're now ready to sort the bad from the brilliant. See our top-rated waterproof formulas below...
If you were around during the golden age of beauty YouTube – y'know, peak Zoella circa 2015 – then you will probably remember this mascara. Loved for its curved wand and miracle-working formula, the Lash Sensational mascara (in all its forms) is a firm favourite of the team. Expect XXL lengths and volume, not to mention all-day wear, zero fallout and most importantly, no smudges!
Enter: The TikTok sensation of 2021, the Lash Sensational Sky High... Coming for its OG counterpart, this waterproof formula is delivered on a 'flex tower' mascara brush which bends to volumise and extend every single lash from root to tip. Essentially, drugstore mascaras are thee GOAT.
Having said that, the world-renowned Diorshow mascara is loved by many and we can understand why. If you want big, fat, ah-mazing eyelashes, this is your guy. It gives SO much volume and length plus the jet-black formula adds to the drama.
Not only is this mascara clump-resistant but it delivers volume, lift and length, too – we love to see it! Sealed with a protective, waterproof veil, the technologically advanced formula ensures that your lashes stay locked in place all day. Come rain, come shine, come a night out on the town (read: hours of dancing, prancing and sweating on the London tube), this black pigment is committed to the cause. The longest-lasting relationship I've had...
The iconic 'better than sex' mascara has been given a much-needed waterproof update. The hourglass-shaped wand deposits SO much volume onto each lash, it'll leave your flutter looking full and fanned out.
A personal fave, Clinique's mascara delivers the perfect amount of volume, length and separation. It worked wonders lifting my droopy, elephant-like eyelashes, and for that, it's earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag. Even when tested with a soggy cotton pad, zero effect was had on this mascara. (And I held it on for an extra few seconds, just to be 100% sure!)
Delivering on all that the brand promises, IT Cosmetics' mascara lives up to its name; in every aspect, she is a 'Superhero'. Fluffy, voluminous lengths aside, this formula is crammed with ingredients to strengthen and nourish your eyelashes. Specifically, the biotin used (a vitamin B) is great for supporting keratin production, aka lash growth!
If you're a fan of a natural finish (and the London look, wink, nudge), Rimmel's 100% Waterproof Mascara is for you. On first swipe, this wand and formula give a subtle boost but when going in for round two, it proves buildable and thickening. Plus, priced at under a fiver, when it comes to saving the integrity of your makeup through tears (of laughter, obvs) how can one complain?
Benefit's mascaras have long reigned as some of the best on the market – Fan Fest, They're Real and BADgal all included. And now, the latter comes in a waterproof formula, that not only touts telescopic lashes with gravity-defying volume but a non-transfer, smudge (and fool) proof formula, that lasts up to 36 hours, too!
If a fanned-out effect is what you're after, look no further than Lancôme's Lash Idôle. But what sets it apart from the rest is its staying power. With the ability to survive the unpredictable (yet classic) London weather – including a tragic thunderstorm, – all hail this wonder.
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