The 7 Best Waterproof Mascaras That Actually Work
Discover the best waterproof mascaras of 2025, including the iconic Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara. Find your perfect smudge-proof mascara for swimming, workouts, and emotional moments!
WATERPROOF MASCARA
Let me tell you something - I never thought I'd become so passionate about waterproof mascara! But after that embarrassing raccoon-eyes incident at my best friend's wedding, I made it my personal mission to find mascaras that actually stay put. Like many of you, I've had my fair share of mascara mishaps - from sweaty workout sessions to unexpected rain showers. Through lots of trial and error (and more than a few raccoon-eye moments), I've finally found some waterproof mascaras that really work. The good news? Waterproof mascara technology has come a long way from the clumpy, impossible-to-remove formulas I used to struggle with.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara: The Holy Grail
As someone who's tried countless mascaras over the years, I can confidently say that Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara lives up to its bold name. Let me break down why this has become my absolute favorite and the one I always recommend to my friends.
The moment you pull out the hourglass-shaped brush, you know you're in for something special. The bristles are perfectly designed to grab every single lash, even those tiny ones in the inner corners that usually play hide and seek. I've found that the best application technique is to wiggle the brush from the base of your lashes upward - trust me, this makes a huge difference in volume and separation!
What really sets this mascara apart is its ability to maintain that perfect curl throughout the day. I've tested it through hot yoga sessions (not my brightest idea, but hey, anything for research!), and my lashes stayed perfectly curled and defined. The formula contains special polymers that create a water-resistant shield around each lash, preventing smudging and flaking.
Here's what makes it truly outstanding:
The formula strikes the perfect balance between being waterproof and removable
It adds up to 3x the volume of your natural lashes without clumping
The hourglass brush design reaches every lash from root to tip
It lasts for a full 24 hours (though I don't recommend wearing mascara that long!)
Zero raccoon eyes, even after swimming
The only minor drawback? You'll definitely need a good oil-based makeup remover to take it off at night. But in my book, that's actually a plus - it means this stuff really stays put!
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara
I discovered this gem during a summer beach vacation, and wow - talk about a pleasant surprise! The unique "Flex Tower" brush might look a bit different from what you're used to, but that's exactly what makes it special. The bamboo extract and fibers in the formula work together to create seriously impressive length without any clumping.
What really impressed me was how it performed when I went to the river. Usually, I'd come out of the river looking like a panda, but this mascara didn't budge an inch. The flexible brush reaches every single lash, even those tiny corner ones, and the buildable formula lets you choose between natural-looking length or dramatic volume.
Key features I love:
Extends lashes up to incredible lengths without weighing them down
The flexible brush adapts to your eye shape
Contains nourishing bamboo extract
Stays put through swimming and sweating
Affordable price point for exceptional quality
Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
Let me tell you about my go-to mascara for special events. After that disaster with a different mascara at my cousin's outdoor wedding (hello, summer rain!), I switched to Monsieur Big Waterproof, and I've never looked back. The big, wavy brush might seem intimidating at first, but it's designed to capture and coat every lash for maximum impact.
This mascara means business when it comes to volume - we're talking up to 12x your natural lash volume! The formula contains special polymers that create a protective shield around each lash, making it genuinely waterproof while still feeling surprisingly lightweight.
Standout features:
Dramatic volume that lasts all day
Soft-bristle brush that prevents clumping
Rich, intense black pigment
Up to 24-hour wear
Perfect for special occasions
Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
As someone who's tried countless luxury mascaras, Diorshow Waterproof holds a special place in my makeup bag. I discovered this when my best friend had her baby, and it quickly became my reliable partner for all those tear-jerking moments.
The microfiber-enriched formula builds incredible volume while maintaining a natural look - something my clients absolutely love. The brush is inspired by professional makeup artists' techniques, and it shows in how precisely it coats each lash.
What makes it special:
Professional-grade formula
Builds volume without looking artificial
Contains lash-caring ingredients
Perfect for sensitive eyes
Photographs beautifully
MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara
This one's my secret weapon for creating those stunning fanned-out lashes that everyone loves. The tapered brush is genius - it gets right into the root of your lashes while separating and defining each one. I discovered this gem while doing makeup for a beach wedding (yes, those are as challenging as they sound!).
The formula is lightweight but buildable, meaning you can go from subtle daytime definition to dramatic evening looks with just a few extra coats. And once it sets? It's not going anywhere until you decide it's time to remove it.
Highlights worth mentioning:
Creates beautiful fanned-out lashes
Tapered brush for precise application
Buildable formula
Never flakes or smudges
Great for layering
Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof Mascara
When I first tried Urban Decay's Perversion Waterproof Mascara, I was honestly skeptical about whether it could live up to the original Perversion's reputation. But after wearing it through a rainy outdoor concert (where my other makeup definitely didn't survive!), I became a total convert.
The creamy formula is packed with honey extract and marine collagen, which explains why my lashes never feel dry or brittle when wearing it. The brush is one of my favorites - it's full and dense with lots of bristles that somehow manage to coat every single lash without clumping. I love how it makes my lashes look thick and dramatic without feeling heavy.
What sets it apart:
Super creamy formula that doesn't dry out lashes
Creates intense black color that doesn't fade
The brush separates lashes beautifully
Stays put through rain and sweat
Great for creating dramatic volume
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara
Sometimes you want drama, and sometimes you want your lashes to look naturally perfect - that's where this Clinique mascara shines. I recommend this one to my clients with sensitive eyes or contact lenses because it's ophthalmologist-tested and incredibly gentle.
The brush is designed to deposit just the right amount of product, preventing that heavy, overloaded feeling that some waterproof mascaras can give. I've worn this through allergy season (when my eyes tend to water constantly), and it stayed perfectly in place.
Why I love it:
Perfect for sensitive eyes
Creates natural-looking definition
Non-irritating formula
Builds easily without clumping
Ideal for daily wear
How to Choose the Right Waterproof Mascara
After testing countless formulas, I've learned that finding your perfect waterproof mascara isn't just about picking the most expensive option or the one with the fanciest packaging. Here's what really matters:
First, consider your lash type. If you have naturally long lashes, you might want to focus on formulas that emphasize volume and curl-holding power. For shorter lashes, look for lengthening formulas with precision brushes. I made the mistake of using volumizing mascaras on my already-thick lashes when I first started out - hello, spider legs!
The brush design is crucial too. Straight brushes are great for precision and separation, while curved brushes help create that gorgeous curl. The Too Faced Better Than Sex brush is unique because it combines both elements with its hourglass shape.
Pay attention to these key factors:
Formula consistency (too wet can be messy, too dry can flake)
Brush design (match it to your lash needs)
Removal process (some require specific removers)
Wear time (consider your typical day)
Price point (sometimes mid-range performs better than luxury)
Application Tips for Maximum Impact
Let me share some hard-learned lessons about applying waterproof mascara. The biggest game-changer? Using an eyelash curler before and after applying mascara. I used to only do it before, but once I started doing it after, my lashes would stay curled throughout the day and night.
Here's my foolproof application routine:
Curl your lashes when they're completely clean and dry
Apply one thin coat, focusing on the roots
Let it dry for 30 seconds (crucial step!)
Apply a second coat, concentrating on the tips
Use the tip of the brush to define outer corner lashes
Let them dry while doing the rest of your makeup
Curl them one last time
Pro tip: Keep your mascara tube closed tightly and store it upright. I once left mine horizontal in my makeup bag, and the formula got much thicker and clumpier within weeks.
One thing I wish someone had told me earlier - proper removal is just as important as proper application! I damaged some lashes early in my makeup journey by being too rough with removal.
Removal and Lash Care
The key is using the right remover and being patient. I recommend using a dedicated eye makeup remover that's formulated for waterproof products. Apply it to a cotton pad, hold it against your closed eye for 30 seconds (count them!), then gently wipe downward. No rubbing back and forth - that's a recipe for lash damage.
To keep your lashes healthy:
Never sleep with mascara on (I learned this the hard way)
Use a lash serum at night to condition and strengthen
Replace your mascara every 3 months
Clean your lash curler regularly
Take occasional breaks from wearing mascara