The 11 Best Waterproof Mascaras for Every Occasion, Tested & Reviewed

Best Overall

MAC Stack Waterproof Mascara

$30 at Amazon $29 at Nordstrom View on Maccosmetics.com

Jeniah, tester with dark brown/black lashes: MAC Stack Waterproof Mascara is exactly what our testers wanted in a product. The ophthalmologist-tested mascara separates, defines, lengthens, and volumizes lashes for all-day wear. The formula is buildable but doesn’t clump and features a spiked wand that glides the product onto lashes with ease. The tip allows you to coat hard-to-reach inner and outer lashes and grab onto lower ones. Plus, both testers said it was surprisingly easy to remove this mascara.

Who It's For: We recommend this mascara to anyone in need of a versatile formula that lasts all day. Whether you’re looking for dramatic, bold lashes or a little natural definition, the MAC Stack Waterproof Mascara can deliver your desired results.

Benefits: Separates, lengthens, volumizes, and holds curl | Shades: Black Stack

Bobbi Brown No Smudge Waterproof Mascara at Amazon: “Not only was there no smearing from the water, but the oil-based makeup remover easily took off the mascara without me having to use any elbow grease. No scrubbing needed.” 

Best Budget

L'Oréal Voluminous Lash Mascara

$13 $10 at Amazon $13 at Ulta $10 at Walmart

Jeniah, tester with dark brown/black lashes: Tina, tester with dark brown lashes volumizes lashes, especially if you layer on two to three coats. It’s buildable, but watch out—putting on too much product can cause clumping. The waterproof formula delivers long, defined lashes without making them look too full. Plus, the curved brush is fantastic for gripping your lashes, so you get a noticeable boost in length and volume with just one coat (for a more dramatic effect, add a second coat). It’s a solid pick for everyday wear or fun, bolder looks.

Who It's For: This waterproof formula doesn’t weigh lashes down, but it isn’t foolproof—it smudged after our tester exposed it to water. Still, we recommend it to anyone looking for a long-lasting, natural, and volumized look. However, it may not hold up well under intense conditions.

Benefits: Volume, separation | Shades: The 10 Best Mascaras I Tested That Delivered Eye-Catching Lashes, Sans Clumps and Flaking

Milk Makeup Rise Lifting + Lengthening Mascara at Amazon: “It was my favorite drugstore mascara in waterproof form. It’s a natural look that works for all-day wear.”

Best Buildable

Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara

$26 at Amazon $26 at Nordstrom $26 at Ulta

Jeniah, tester with dark brown/black lashes: Our testers loved the naturally defined lash look this thin, ophthalmologist-tested formula and brush created. Despite its quick drying time, it's buildable but doesn’t clump. Compared to the regular version, the waterproof one offers more length than volume, but it lasts throughout the day without flaking or smudging.

Who It's For: If you love subtle, natural lash definition with an even application that holds up all day, Clinique’s High Impact Waterproof Mascara is for you.

Benefits: Definition, separation | Shades: Black, black/brown

Black, bleu, marron: “My lashes looked great with the mascara. It was a clean, full look that didn't take a lot of product to achieve. However, I could see this being used for a more glamorous look with a couple more coats.”

Best Clump-Free

Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara

$37 at Amazon $33 at Sephora $33 at Ulta

Jeniah, tester with dark brown/black lashes: Diorshow’s distinctly large wand coats lashes to create a bold, fanned-out look. The application is smooth, although the wand may be slightly thick for precise application on the bottom lashes and eyelash edges. Its buildable formula layers on with little to no clumping and holds a curl well. It also doesn't smudge, flake, or transfer. With just a few coats, you can achieve a lash-extension effect.

Who It's For: This mascara is ideal for those seeking lashes with a dramatic, all-day curl that holds (they also have to be willing to splurge). This mascara delivers long-lasting wear that keeps lashes looking bold—justifying its $33 price tag. However, if you have shorter lashes, the mascara’s large brush might be challenging to use.

Benefits: Volume, length | Shades: Black, bleu, marron

Tina, tester with dark brown lashes: “I like how natural this mascara looks while still adding nice definition and volume. It seems to hold a curl nicely, which is important to me, and it was far easier to remove than other waterproof mascaras I’ve used.”

Best Brush

IT Cosmetics Superhero Volumizing Waterproof Mascara

$28 at Amazon $28 at Nordstrom $28 at Sephora

Jeniah, tester with dark brown/black lashes: This mascara’s conditioning formula is light on the lashes, and it contains biotin, peptides, and pro-vitamin B5. It features a skinny brush that gives you great control and is superb at building volume and length. The rich, jet-black mascara also managed to hold a curl. It had a wetter consistency than other mascaras we tested, but overall, it delivered beautifully defined lashes.

Who It's For: This mascara delivers impressive volume, length, and fullness with just one coat, making it a standout for those seeking a bold, glamorous look. Our testers had different experiences with this product—one noticed some flaking after spraying their lashes with water—but both agreed that it holds a curl well and has minimal clumping.

Benefits: Volume, length | Shades: Black

Milk Makeup Rise Lifting + Lengthening Mascara at Amazon: “The wand is skinny and long but does well with the application process. I did scrape most of the product off the wand before my application. One coat was plenty to achieve the desired look."

Best Smudge-Proof

Bobbi Brown No Smudge Waterproof Mascara

$41 $35 at Amazon $41 at Nordstrom $41 at Ulta

Jeniah, tester with dark brown/black lashes: This Bobbi Brown mascara delivers a beautifully natural look with subtle definition and length. It gives lashes a volumizing effect without making them look overwhelmingly full, so it’s perfect for a daytime or "no makeup" look. The brush is well-designed, allowing for easy application, separation, and fanning out of lashes without clumping. The loose, watery formula dries quickly, holds curl effectively, and stays put all day without smudging or flaking. It's also among the easiest to remove.

Who It's For: We recommend this mascara to minimalists. It delivers a natural, darkened lash line with an enhanced curl and a solid waterproof performance. However, its higher price might be a drawback for some shoppers.

Benefits: Definition | Shades: Black

Tina, tester with dark brown lashes: “Such an easy removal. I use a cleansing balm, and after rubbing my eyes for about 30 seconds, it was completely off. No irritation at all.”

Best Volumizing

Essence Lash Princess Mascara

$15 at Amazon $5 at Ulta $5 at Target

Jeniah, tester with dark brown/black lashes: Our testers found they needed minimal coats of this waterproof mascara to get defined lashes, as its skinny wand delivered instant volume. Although their lashes sometimes appeared slightly clumpy, it wasn't a deal breaker. The waterproof formula performed well but smudged a bit after we exposed it to water. The good news? It's surprisingly easy to remove—a rarity for drugstore waterproof mascaras.

Who It's For: We recommend this formula to those with long lashes. Although the mascara can clump, the tapered wand excels at lengthening and defining lashes.

Benefits: Volume, definition | Shades: Black

In This Article: “This mascara is truly great for the price—just $5, and it lifts my lashes and stays put all day without any fallout. Definitely a great drugstore mascara.“

Best Lightweight

Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara

$30 $23 at Amazon $30 at Nordstrom $30 at Ulta

Jeniah, tester with dark brown/black lashes: Lancôme's Monsieur Big Mascara’s thick brush delivers dramatic volume and definition, coating each lash and giving it a bold, long-lasting effect. Although applying more than two coats can feel a bit heavy, the lightweight formula stays flake-free throughout the day. Its wet texture builds volume without drying out lashes. Despite being difficult to remove, the bold, fluttery lashes it creates are worth the extra effort.

Who It's For: This mascara is perfect for anyone wanting dramatic volume and long-lasting, waterproof wear. It held up well during tests, resisting water and eye-rubbing while keeping lashes defined and lengthened without flaking.

Benefits: Volume, length | Shades: Waterproof Big Is the New Black

Tiffany, tester with black lashes: “The mascara did not smudge or bleed after the water spritz. It actually didn't budge! The formula is definitely amazing for the purpose it serves.”

Best Curling

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

$13 $9 at Amazon $13 at Ulta $13 at Walgreens

Jeniah, tester with dark brown/black lashes: Maybelline's Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara is a standout drugstore choice for lengthening and defining lashes. Its narrow, tapered brush evenly applies the lightweight formula, reaching all corners without clumping or weighing lashes down. It may not add significant volume, but it provides a fluttery look that stays put without smudging or flaking. Its airy feel and easy removal make it a reliable option for everyday wear or poolside outings.

Who It's For: Although this mascara holds a curl well and dries quickly, it’s better suited for those who want a natural finish rather than a dramatic, voluminous look. It's ideal for people with thick lashes who are looking for added length.

Benefits: Length, separation | Shades: Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara at Amazon

Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlets editorial guidelines: “I love the way it looks on my eyes. It gave such a beautiful natural look and it stays on really well. I also really appreciate the price point. I have spent much more for mascaras, and this one is just as good, if not better, than any of those.”

Best Lengthening

Milk Makeup Rise Lifting + Lengthening Mascara

$28 at Amazon $28 at Sephora View on Spacenk.com

Jeniah, tester with dark brown/black lashes: This mascara’s curved wand and spaced-out bristles do a fantastic job of separating and lengthening your lashes for a full, fanned-out effect. The silicone-coated tube makes it easy to apply and gives you great control. It’s perfect for achieving a bold, glam look without needing much product. Build it slowly, though, as layering too much can make your lashes look spidery. We did notice a little smudging during our water test, but it performed well during daily wear. It didn’t flake and dried quickly without feeling heavy.

Who It's For: Depending on how much you apply, this product can give you a natural or dramatic look. It separates lashes beautifully and provides noticeable length and fullness. It’s an excellent choice if you want added volume and length while Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara at Amazon intact.

Benefits: Curling, length | Shades: Lifted Extreme Black

the mascara’s large brush might be challenging to use: “I like that this is a clean, cruelty-free mascara that does exactly what it claims to do: It is truly waterproof and gives my lashes a fuller, more defined look.”

Best for Natural Makeup

Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara

$15 $13 at Amazon $28 at Sephora $27 at Dermstore

Jeniah, tester with dark brown/black lashes: Tarte's Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara, which is dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested, is a real winner for both everyday looks and special occasions. You can start with a single coat for a natural vibe or build it up with two or three coats for serious volume and drama. The brush does a great job of separating lashes without causing any clumping, and the formula dries quickly and feels lightweight. It also holds up really well, even through water. The only catch? It can be a bit tricky to remove.

Who It's For: This mascara is perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions because it’s so buildable. Our testers also found it to be one of the most waterproof out of the 18 mascaras we tried. The brush size works well for various eye shapes and lash types, effectively separating lashes every time.

Benefits: Volume, length | Shades: Black

Vanessa, tester with blonde lashes: “The mascara barely smudged when I sprayed my face. I was very impressed. I sprayed my face seven times with water, and my lashes had little smudging, if any at all.”