8 Expert-Approved Waterproof Mascaras that Won't Budge in the Summer Heat
by Christa Joanna Lee, Teen Vogue
In the beauty world, they’re the closest things to real life magic wands.
They say the only things that are certain in life are death and taxes, but in theTeen Vogue beauty department, we beg to differ. We’re also positive that there isn’t a single day we (willingly) leave the house without mascara. Even people who normally don’t wear a full face of makeup will swipe on a coat or two to brighten up their look.
So it makes sense that a great formula is the most important factor when it comes to this must-have product. And just any ol’ mascara from the bottom of your makeup bag won’t do—particularly in the summer heat and humidity. You have to have one that’s not only sweat- and waterproof, but one that doesn’t sacrifice length and volume, too.
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Understandably, with hundreds of options on the market, it’s hard to figure out what truly works. And as much as we like to experiment, you can’t blame us for wanting to avoid the risk of constantly fixing raccoon eyes from mascaras that don’t quite live up to their expectations. That’s why we enlisted the help of some of Hollywood’s top makeup artists for their best waterproof mascara picks—ones they’ve used countless time on models, celebs and, themselves to perfect their eye makeup look. Click through to find your new favorite.
1. Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara
“This one’s not specifically labeled waterproof, but it’s long-lasting all the same. I’ve found a lot of waterproof mascaras don’t have the thickening capabilities of their non-waterproof counterparts, but this Kevyn Aucoin tube is my fantastic little secret,” says celebrity makeup artist Beau Nelson. “The formula is thick and rich and elongates each lash with hair-like tubes that only come off with warm water.”
2. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Waterproof Mascara
“The wand is key here. The brush is narrow and tapered, so it’s easy to use and you can really reach every corner lash without the risk of bumping into the sides of your eyes, which is all too common with big, bulky brushes,” says celebrity makeup artist Kristofer Buckle. “I use waterproof on a regular basis because I like my eye makeup looks to keep pristine for many hours—and this mascara has proven its staying power through dozens of day-long cover shoots, music videos shot in the rain, and tear-filled acceptance speeches during awards season.”
3. Maybelline Lash Discovery Waterproof Mascara
“Don’t let the tiny size of the wand fool you—it actually works better than fluffier brush designs to coat every single lash from top and bottom. It never clumps or smears, regardless of the weather. I’ve even experimented with this formula in the ocean and pool without getting dreaded raccoon eyes,” says celebrity makeup artist Frances Hathaway.
4. Lancome Hypnose Star Waterproof 24-Hour Mascara
“The pigment is so rich and opaque, which is hard to find in a waterproof formula,” says celebrity makeup artist Tamah Krinsky. “I not only apply it on my clients [like Alexa Chung, Hailee Steinfeld and Bethany Mota], but I use it on myself to give my eyes a pop for a no-makeup makeup look. This mascara has withstood thick, humid New York City summers, plus multiple cry sessions watching Up. It’s a game changer in my book.”
5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat
“This technically isn’t a mascara, but it’s a top coat that turns any mascara into a waterproof formula. It has a powerful wand, which lengthens and defines your lashes as it seals the look to make it completely smudge proof,” says celebrity makeup artist Marni Burton. “I was in Mexico working on a photoshoot, which took place in a freezing cold pool during a torrential downpour and thanks to this top coat, my clients didn’t have a single lash out of place.”
6. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara
“I now understand the importance of budge-proof mascara after a particularly hot and sweaty weekend at Coachella. L'oreal Voluminous Miss Manga Waterproof Mascara not only gives buildable volume and big, full lashes, it withstood the intense desert heat throughout my client’s entire on-stage performance,” says celebrity makeup artist Nikki DeRoest.
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7. Maybelline Volume Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara
“I’m obsessed with lashes and it’s the one thing that needs to be perfect on all my clients. I met my mascara soul mate when another lash loving friend of mine turned me on to Maybelline’s The Colossal. Depending on how many coats you use, you can get a soft, natural look or full-throttle spider legs. Either way, once it’s dried, you can be rest assured your mascara look won’t move,” says celebrity makeup artist Frankie Boyd. “I’ve even used it in the high heat and humidity in Tulum, Mexico without any problems. Just make sure you have an amazing eye makeup remover or coconut oil handy once you’re actually ready to take it off.”
8. Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof
“Though waterproof mascaras are meant to last all day long, a lot of formulas are so thin they leave the lashes lifeless and clumpy. It was difficult to get the volume and fluffiness lashes craved—until I found this guy. The consistency is nearly identical to the original formula, yet it never smears. I love the traditional black, but it also comes in a gorgeous electric blue and vibrant purple that are both so stunning,” says Fiona Stiles, celebrity makeup artist and owner of online beauty boutique Reed Clarke.
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Photos: Courtesy of Vendors
