Looking for the best waterproof mascara to survive tears, humidity and a day at the pool? A good one holds its curl, resists smudging and still comes off without a fight at night.
This guide compares ten waterproof mascaras, from a $4 drugstore pick to a $30 department-store favorite. You’ll see what each one offers, who it suits, and how to choose, apply and remove waterproof mascara safely. We also cover picks for sensitive eyes, older women and swimming.
How we put this together: we haven’t tested these mascaras ourselves. The picks draw on published hands-on tests (CNN Underscored, TODAY and Marie Claire, among others), the brands’ official product pages and eye-safety guidance, all checked in October 2026. We label brand claims as claims. Outlets don’t always agree, and we point out where they differ. Prices change, so check before you buy.
What Is the Best Waterproof Mascara?
There isn’t one winner for everyone, but the most widely backed all-around pick is Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof. TODAY’s testers ranked it best overall after swimming, sweating and showering in ten mascaras, and Marie Claire’s makeup artists also named it best overall.
Other strong picks by need:
- Swimming: Beauty Pie The Perfect Waterproof Mascara, which CNN Underscored’s tester said held up through several rounds of ocean swimming.
- Sensitive eyes: Clinique High Impact Waterproof, which is fragrance free per the brand.
- Tightest budget: Wet n Wild Mega Length Waterproof, at about $4.
- Lift and length: Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof.
The 10 Picks at a Glance
| Pick | Best for | Price seen |
|---|---|---|
| Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof | Best overall, drugstore | $13.99 |
| Beauty Pie The Perfect Waterproof Mascara | Swimming | $23 to $24 (about $14 for members) |
| Clinique High Impact Waterproof | Sensitive eyes, mature lashes | $28 |
| L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof | Volume on a budget | $13.99 |
| Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof | Lift and length | $30 |
| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Waterproof Plumping Mascara | Dry, brittle lashes on a budget | About $14 to $16 |
| Milani Highly Rated Anti-Gravity Waterproof | Lift and curl, short lashes | About $12 to $13 |
| Wet n Wild Mega Length Waterproof | Cheapest option | $3.79 to $3.99 |
| Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof | Big volume | About $30 |
| Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof | Dramatic volume | Check retailer |
Prices were seen in October 2026 on brand and retailer pages and vary by shade, store and sale.
Waterproof, Water-Resistant, Washable and Tubing: What’s the Difference?
| Type | How it behaves | How to remove it |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Resists water, sweat, humidity and tears | Waterproof or oil-based remover |
| Water-resistant | Handles light moisture but may smudge sooner | Usually a gentle remover |
| Washable | Dissolves with water | Soap and water or micellar water |
| Tubing | Forms small tubes around lashes that resist smudging | Warm water and gentle rubbing |
A makeup artist quoted by Yahoo Lifestyle recommends tubing formulas for watery eyes because they tend not to smudge. Tubing is worth a look if standard waterproof formulas feel too heavy. Tubing mascara isn’t covered in the picks below.
10 Best Waterproof Mascara Picks
1. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof: Best Overall
This is the pick with the broadest support. TODAY’s testers scored it 5 out of 5 for efficacy and ease of application and 4 out of 5 for removal.
What the brand says
- Flex Tower brush that bends to coat lashes from root to tip
- Bamboo extract and fibers in the formula
- Won’t flake or smudge
- Allergy tested, ophthalmologist tested, and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
- Remove with waterproof eye makeup remover
- $13.99 on Maybelline’s site
Who it’s for. Anyone who wants one reliable waterproof mascara with length and volume.
Worth knowing. Waterproof formulas need a proper remover. Plain soap and water won’t do it.
2. Beauty Pie The Perfect Waterproof Mascara: Best for Swimming
CNN Underscored’s tester named this the best waterproof mascara in its beach test, saying it didn’t budge or smudge after several rounds of swimming in the ocean.
What the brand says
- Curved, high-definition brush that separates lashes and leaves a glossy curl
- Pro vitamin B5, acacia seed peptides, arginine and shea butter
- Vegan and cruelty free, per the brand
- Comes in black and brown
Price. About $23 to $24 for non-members. Beauty Pie is a membership brand, and member pricing was about $14, with membership listed at $59 a year.
Who it’s for. People who want lashes that stay put through water, with a natural, curled look.
3. Clinique High Impact Waterproof: Best for Sensitive Eyes
Clinique positions this mascara around eye safety. Its page describes it as ophthalmologist tested, allergy tested, 100% fragrance free, and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. It costs $28.
What the brand says
- Adds volume and length while resisting clumping and smudging
- Stands up to heat, humidity and an active day
- Fragrance, paraben, phthalate and sulfate free
What testers say. A panel of an ophthalmologist and a makeup artist, cited by Who What Wear, named it the best waterproof option for aging lashes. CNN Underscored’s reviewer was less excited and said it didn’t strike her as innovative, so expect a reliable formula rather than a dramatic one.
Worth knowing. Allergy tested doesn’t mean no one will react. Patch test if you’re prone to irritation.
4. L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof: Best Volume for the Money
This one costs $13.99 on L’Oréal’s site. It has a soft, wavy brush with 200+ bristles and a formula with flower oils. Marie Claire’s makeup artists named it best value.
What the brand says
- Up to 36 hours of waterproof wear (a brand claim)
- Smudge-resistant, and suitable for sensitive eyes
- Removes with waterproof makeup remover
Who it’s for. Shoppers who want fuller-looking lashes without spending more than $15.
5. Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof: Best for Lift and Length
TODAY’s testers named it best for lengthening. It costs about $30, though sale prices are common.
What the brand says
- Curved wand with 360 micro-bristles
- Lightweight gel formula
- Up to 24 hours of waterproof wear (a brand claim)
- Suitable for sensitive eyes
Worth knowing. A customer-feedback summary on Macy’s notes mixed experiences with the waterproof claims and the ease of removal. Use a good remover.
6. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Waterproof Plumping Mascara: Best for Dry, Brittle Lashes on a Budget
CNN Underscored named it the best budget waterproof mascara, at about $14 to $16.
What the brand says
- Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and keratin
- Conical brush
- Ophthalmologist tested and safe for contact lens wearers
- Remove with Neutrogena’s makeup remover towelettes
Worth knowing. One retailer’s ingredient list includes fragrance, so skip it if you’re fragrance-sensitive.
7. Milani Highly Rated Anti-Gravity Waterproof: Best for Lift and Curl
Milani describes a transfer-, sweat- and smudge-proof formula that helps lock in curl, with castor oil and plant-based waxes and a molded hourglass brush. The brand claims up to 24 hours of wear, and the price runs about $12 to $13.
CNN Underscored’s tester loved it on short lashes.
8. Wet n Wild Mega Length Waterproof: Best Cheapest Option
At $3.79 to $3.99, this is the lowest-priced pick here. It has a comb brush and vitamin E. CNN Underscored named the Wet n Wild Mega-Length Waterproof its best drugstore mascara in a separate test.
Who it’s for. Anyone who wants a no-risk, low-cost waterproof formula, or a spare for the beach bag.
9. Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof: Best for Big Volume
Marie Claire’s makeup artists named it best volumizing waterproof mascara. A makeup artist cited by Parade picked it as the best waterproof for mature lashes and described it as easy to remove without drying lashes. It costs about $30.
10. Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof: Best for Dramatic Volume
Marie Claire’s makeup artists named it best for natural-looking lashes, while Woman & Home included it for big volume. Some buyer reviews say the waterproof version feels different from the original, so check recent reviews. Prices vary, so check your retailer.
Best Waterproof Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
Start with fragrance-free, ophthalmologist-tested formulas. Clinique High Impact Waterproof is the clearest fit. Maybelline Sky High Waterproof and L’Oréal Lash Paradise Waterproof also carry sensitive-eye claims from their brands.
A few safety points from eye-care guidance:
- The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends replacing eye makeup, including mascara, every three months.
- Don’t share mascara.
- Take it off every night.
- Stop using any product that stings or irritates, and see an eye doctor if redness or pain continues.
If waterproof formulas still bother your eyes, a washable or tubing formula may be gentler.
Best Waterproof Mascara for Older Women
Lashes naturally get thinner, sparser and more fragile with age. That affects which mascara works best.
What experts suggest:
- Pick a nourishing, fragrance-free formula. An ophthalmologist quoted in Prevention recommends fragrance-free mascaras with hydrating oils.
- Think twice about waterproof for daily wear. The same ophthalmologist says water-soluble mascaras are easier to remove, with less pulling and rubbing. Save waterproof for days you need it.
- Don’t pile on layers. Makeup artists quoted by Parade say more coats often backfire on mature lashes.
- Choose a formula that removes easily. Staying power shouldn’t cost you lashes.
Good fits from this list: Clinique High Impact Waterproof (named best waterproof for aging lashes by an ophthalmologist and makeup artist panel) and Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof (named best waterproof for mature lashes by Parade’s experts). If you have hooded lids, our guide to makeup tips for hooded eyes can help with transfer and placement.
Best Waterproof Mascara: Drugstore Picks
If you want the best waterproof mascara drugstore shelves can offer, these five cover most budgets:
- Maybelline Sky High Waterproof ($13.99): the all-rounder
- L’Oréal Lash Paradise Waterproof ($13.99): volume
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Waterproof (about $14 to $16): hydrating formula
- Milani Anti-Gravity Waterproof (about $12 to $13): lift and curl
- Wet n Wild Mega Length Waterproof (about $4): lowest cost
You don’t need to spend $30 to get a formula that holds up. Department-store options like Lancôme often add brush design and finish rather than basic staying power.
Best Waterproof Mascara for Swimming
For swimming, choose a true waterproof formula, not water-resistant or washable. The most-tested picks:
- Beauty Pie The Perfect Waterproof Mascara: held up through several rounds of ocean swimming in CNN Underscored’s test.
- Maybelline Sky High Waterproof: TODAY’s testers swam, sweated and showered in ten mascaras and ranked this best overall.
Swim tips:
- Apply one or two coats and let each dry before the next.
- Don’t rub your eyes when you get out. Pat dry gently.
- Remove all makeup afterward with a waterproof remover.
- Skip contact lens risk: rinse or remove lenses per your eye doctor’s advice if mascara flakes into your eyes.
How to Choose a Waterproof Mascara
- Brush shape: wavy or hourglass brushes add volume, curved wands lift, and combs separate and lengthen.
- Your goal: length, volume, curl or a natural look.
- Your eyes: if you’re sensitive, choose fragrance-free and ophthalmologist-tested formulas.
- Your budget: decent options exist from $4 to $30.
- Removal: if you hate scrubbing, pick a formula that comes off easily, and buy the matching remover.
If you want a polished, minimal face to go with your lashes, try our clean girl makeup tutorial.
How to Apply Waterproof Mascara Without Flaking
- Curl your lashes first.
- Wipe excess product off the wand.
- Wiggle the wand at the roots, then sweep up.
- Let the first coat dry before adding a second.
- Comb through with a clean spoolie while it’s still wet.
Don’t pump the wand in the tube. It pushes air in and dries the formula out faster.
How to Remove Waterproof Mascara Safely
Waterproof formulas need a waterproof or oil-based remover. Maybelline’s own page says to use one.
- Soak a cotton pad in remover.
- Press it over your closed eye for about 20 seconds.
- Wipe gently downward, without rubbing or tugging.
- Use a cotton swab for leftover bits at the lash line.
- Cleanse your face normally.
Eye-care guidance says to take off all eye makeup every night, since mascara can stick to lashes and flake into the eye.
Common Problems and Easy Fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Clumps | Too many coats or a dried-out tube | Wipe the wand and use fewer coats |
| Flaking | Layering over wet mascara | Let each coat dry |
| Raccoon eyes | Oily lids | Use a primer or blot lids first |
| Dry, brittle lashes | Daily waterproof use and rough removal | Alternate with washable and use a gentle remover |
| Stinging | Old product or sensitivity | Replace it and see an eye doctor if it persists |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best waterproof mascara overall?
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof has the broadest support. TODAY’s testers ranked it best overall, and Marie Claire’s makeup artists named it best overall too.
What’s the best waterproof mascara for swimming?
Beauty Pie The Perfect Waterproof Mascara was CNN Underscored’s top pick after ocean swimming, and Maybelline Sky High Waterproof won TODAY’s swim-and-shower test.
What’s the best waterproof mascara for sensitive eyes?
Clinique High Impact Waterproof is a strong choice because it’s fragrance free and ophthalmologist tested, per the brand. Patch test and replace it every three months.
Is waterproof mascara bad for your lashes?
It isn’t automatically harmful, but harsh removal can be. Use a gentle waterproof remover, avoid rubbing, and consider alternating with a washable formula.
How often should I replace mascara?
Every three months, per the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Replace it sooner if you’ve had an eye infection.
Can I use waterproof mascara every day?
Yes, if your eyes tolerate it and you remove it properly each night. Many experts suggest washable formulas for daily wear, especially for thinner, older lashes.
What’s the best waterproof mascara at the drugstore?
Maybelline Sky High Waterproof, L’Oréal Lash Paradise Waterproof, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Waterproof, Milani Anti-Gravity Waterproof and Wet n Wild Mega Length Waterproof all sit under about $16.
Final Thoughts
The best waterproof mascara depends on what you need it to survive. For most people, Maybelline Sky High Waterproof is the safest place to start. Choose Beauty Pie for swimming, Clinique for sensitive eyes and a $4 Wet n Wild when you want zero risk.
Your next step: pick one formula that fits your eyes and budget, remove it gently every night, and replace the tube every three months. For more makeup and beauty guides, browse our beauty category.
Style Blooming isn’t affiliated with any brand mentioned. This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have eye pain, redness or an infection, see an eye doctor. Prices and availability can change.
