10 best waterproof mascara
It’s often cited as the one product we can't live without, so a great waterproof mascara that’s robust enough to last through sun, sea, sweat and tears is a must have make-up bag addition. Before you invest, have a look at our pick of the best that promise maximum length and full-blown volume alongside their water-resistant credentials.
Clump Defy Waterproof Mascara by Max Factor
We’re massive fans of Max Factor mascaras here at Red HQ – just as good as some of their pricier counterparts, their intense pigments, volumised results and purse friendly price tags make them real make-up bag essentials.
Clump Defy promises to let you apply coat after coat with, as the name suggests, no clumping thanks to a curved ‘well’ in the brush that holds just the right amount of product to load onto lashes without overdoing it. While two to three coats is enough for a full-fringe effect, we’re pleased to report that you could indeed layer up five or six if you wish.
This waterproof version boats all the benefits of its original counterpart, while the water-resistant, anti-smudge credentials make it an ideal summer holiday wash bag addition.
Reviewed by Ashleigh McMorran
Diorsnow Waterproof Mascara
Adding effortless oomph, volume and added length, Dior’s waterproof mascara does exactly what it says on the tin.
Building up volume stroke by stroke, for maximum effect you’ll need to build up a few coats, but the end result ensures lashes are evenly coated in an intense kohl shade with a product that effortlessly stays put all day.
Quite difficult to remove, invest in a cream cleanser to ensure all traces of product are wiped away at the end of the day.
Reviewed by Marisa Bell
Semi-Permanent Technical Mascara by Diego Dalla Palma
Enhancing lashes as well as being resistant to both water and smudges, Diego Dalla Palma's mascara is a great beauty buy for the summer.
Leaving lashes feeling soft and volumised (without clumping), this waterproof mascara also claims to be semi permanent. While we haven’t had the chance to fully test it out, the brand claims that after applying the silicone resin for five consecutive days, the black pigment will start to redefine lashes to leave them looking tinted on a more long term basis.
Long lasting and but without even a hint of flaking, this waterproof mascara is quite tricky to take off, with an oil based product needed to fully remove.
Reviewed by Anna Berrill
Waterproof Lash by Topshop
With a long, straight brush, this mascara takes a bit of getting used to, but once you’ve mastered it, the super-long, super-volumised lashes it leaves you with make it a great high street beauty buy.
Even with a couple of coats loaded onto top and bottom lashes, this managed to resist smudging or flaking off throughout the day and kept lashes looking glossy and defined.
If you’re heading to a wedding or a soppy film at the cinema, make sure you apply this before you go.
Reviewed by Ashleigh McMorran
High Impact Waterproof Mascara by Clinique
if you can't head to the beach without at least one item from your beauty bag, then it's time to invest in a waterproof mascara.
Competing for top slot, Clinique's High Impact mascara is one of our favourite options.
Just like it's non-waterproof sister, the wand makes it easy to apply and wear all day long from beach to bar and beyond.
No smudges, no flaking - what more could you ask for?
Reviewed by Hannah Gilchrist
Better Than Waterproof Mascara by Cargo
With an eye-catching name that boasts big promises, we expected a lot from this offering from Cargo.
The medium sized brush is easy to wiggle through lashes and leaves them looking pleasingly longer and fuller after a couple of strokes while the formula really does resist running, smudging and flaking throughout the day. Managing to stay put even throughout an hour-long gym workout, this is a great daytime lash option.
Another bonus? As it forms little ‘tubes’ around each lash, it can easily be removed without eye make-up remover by gently wiping a hot muslin cloth downwards over the eyes (don’t tug), making it great for holidays when you want to streamline your beauty bag.
Reviewed by Ashleigh McMorran
Eyes to Kill Waterproof Mascara by Giorgio Armani
Encased in a weighty gun metal tube Giorgio Armani’s Eyes to Kill waterproof mascara is an investment luxury beauty buy.
The combination of the innovative asymmetrical designed brush and wet resistant polymore ensures a bold coating that will protect you against the elements. The scientific formula behind the waterproof technology proved to be long-lasting and smudge resistant too – so it’s an ideal choice for summer holiday.
While some mascaras fall prey to thick, gloopy coverage, thisvolumising mascara provides an evenly distributed amount of product onto lashes for a natural-looking finish.
Reviewed by Elena Andreou
Lash-coat Mascara by By Terry
Despite the fact that there are numerous tried and tester waterproof mascaras on the market, if you still can’t be parted from your everyday lash enhancer, then By Terry’s Lash-coat Mascara is certainly worth investing in ahead of a hot summer holiday.
Working to add a waterproof top coat to your regular mascara, applied to dry mascara, this innovative gel ensures all day smudge protection. Not only can we readily testify that it really works, it also has the added benefit of not causing the dreaded clumping effect that you’d expect from layering additional product on top of already coated lashes.
Certainly an investment buy, and more expensive than many standalone mascaras, this is definitely worth the spend if you’re completely loyal to your everyday non-waterproof option.
Reviewed by Marisa Bell
Wonder Waterproof Mascara by Clarins
Not so much a waterproof but a water-resistant choice for your holiday, Clarins' Wonder Waterproof mascara is a great all round buy.
The long wand is ideal for lengthening, while a few coats will give you extra volume too.
But beware, after a full day of holidaywear, it can begin to smudge, so make sure you take extra an strength eye
make-up remover to avoid the dreaded panda eye look the morning after a night out.
Reviewed by Hannah Gilchrist
Hypnôse Star Waterproof Mascara by Lancome
Making a welcome change from block, bright coloured designs, this Lancome mascara is certainly one of the most glamorous-looking beauty products on the market with the faded glittered effect.
If you’re heading to a wedding and dread the tear-stained look then this is a great choice. The dual-sided brush will not only lengthen lashes, but will also whip them into a soft curl to complete your party look.
It can be a bit stubborn to remove, so make sure you invest in a good quality eye make-up remover to avoid sleeping with leftover residue on lashes after a night out.
Reviewed by Elena Andreou
