Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story There are plenty of days when regular mascara gets the job done—and then there are occasions that call for one of the best waterproof mascaras. Think: weddings, beach vacations, hot and humid summer days, intense workouts, or “any occasion where crying or sweating is basically guaranteed,” says Nashville-based hair and makeup artist Shani Gailbreath .
Waterproof mascaras do much more than resist tears, though. They can lengthen, volumize , separate, and lift, all without leaving you with raccoon eyes by lunchtime. “If you have naturally straight lashes that won’t hold a curl, waterproof mascara is worth considering,” Gailbreath adds. “These formulas act almost like a hairspray or gel on the lash, so it helps the curl stay put significantly longer than a regular formula would.”
Today’s waterproof mascaras have come a long way. Instead of formulas that turn your lashes crunchy and brittle, the best ones deliver impressive length, volume, and lift without clumping or smudging—no matter what the day brings.
Is waterproof mascara really waterproof? What are the drawbacks of waterproof mascara? How are waterproof mascaras different from standard mascaras? Are waterproof mascaras safe for your lashes? How should I choose a waterproof mascara? How do you stop mascara from smudging under the eyes? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers Best Overall: Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Lancôme
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying Lancôme's Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara
Why we love it: Lifting, lengthening, feathering, and packed with deep, dark pigment that stays put for up to 24 hours— Lancôme's Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara checks nearly every box, making it a perennial favorite of Allure editors. The unique curved brush is lined with tiny bristles that grab and coat every single lash, creating a wide-eyed, fanned-out effect without clumping or weighing them down. Better yet, the formula is infused with conditioning white tea extract to help keep lashes feeling soft and flexible beneath its budge-proof finish, too.
If you want another stellar option from Lancôme, Linda Dowds , the Oscar- and Emmy-winning makeup artist, also loves the Lancôme Définicils Waterproof High Definition Mascara , which she calls a “lighter waterproof mascara with a more natural look.”
Pai before applying Lancôme's Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara
Pai after applying Lancôme's Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
"The curved wand makes it simple for me to grab every last lash, which might explain why this mascara delivers ah-ma-zing lift and separation. One coat makes me look wide awake—a major plus if you, like me, have a very active toddler on your hands." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
Key ingredients: white tea extract, jojoba oil Number of shades: 1 Best Volumizing: Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Clinique
Allure video producer Lauren Alberti applying the Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara
Why we love it: Much like hair with the wrong styling products, lashes can fall flat under the weight of heavy or overly wet mascara. If your lashes tend to go straight or look sparse as the day wears o…