These Waterproof Mascaras Don't Budge—Even After a Day at the Beach

Elle

09-06-2025

Not to be dramatic, but waterproof mascara means a lot to me. The drier, waxier formula not only ensures I don't end up with raccoon eyes after a sweaty subway ride to the office, but it also locks my stick-straight lashes into their freshly curled position all day long. So, whether you're tired of finding black flakes and smudging on your lids or in need of something to wear during your beach and poolside activities this summer, these water-repellent formulas have your back.
Even celebrity makeup artist Vincent Oquendo swears by the unyielding power of waterproof mascara. 'The thing I love most is that if I send my client out on the red carpet with it on, I don't have to worry about the mascara running or transferring,' he says, noting that it's especially essential for those with 'a hooded eyelid or very long lashes that touch the crease or the skin below their eyes.' The magic is in the silicone and polymer that most formulas contain. Together, the ingredients 'create a waterproof barrier between your lashes and the formula,' Oquendo explains.
While we used to live in a world where smudge-proof formulas often meant less impactful lashes, the industry has evolved. You can now find countless mascaras that repel water and deliver incredible length and volume. However, with so many great formulas available, it can be challenging to navigate through all the trial and error. To simplify your search, I've tested dozens of options, tapped Oquendo for his top picks, and scoured customer reviews to gather the eight best waterproof mascaras below. Just make sure you have a trusty cleansing oil on hand for easy removal!
Benefit Cosmetics took their fan-favorite volumizing mascara and made it water resistant. The Badgal Bang! Waterproof Volumizing Mascara provides impressive volume and length that lasts, boasting a 36-hour wear time. Plus, the product never weighs down your lashes thanks to its unique, ultralight aero-particals.
Benefits: Volumizing
Shades: 1
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5
An ELLE editor says: 'I was already obsessed with the original Badgal Bang! mascara, so when Benefit came out with a waterproof version, I knew I had to get my hands on it. The formula makes my very short, very straight lashes incredibly long and voluminous—never clumpy! I love that the wand is thin enough to coat every lash from corner to corner. Not to mention, its 'zero-gravity formula' really does feel super lightweight and allows my lashes to hold a curl better than most mascaras I've tried. And with 36-hour wear? This mascara can't be beat.'—Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty e-commerce writer
Just as the name implies, this mascara delivers big, bold lashes every swipe. A favorite of Oquendo's, the Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara features a large brush with soft, wavy fibers that boost volume upon application. Its formula is super creamy and made with smudge-proof, sweat-proof, and, of course, waterproof agents that help it last up to 24 hours.
Benefits: VolumizingShades: 1Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5An ELLE editor says: 'With a few coats of The Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara, my lashes look as though they've doubled in thickness. While I'm usually a fan of thinner brushes, this extra-large wand makes application a breeze, coating all my lashes in seconds. The ultra-creamy formula glides on beautifully and seriously doesn't budge.'—Emma Aerin Becker
If you're looking for lashes that reach the bottom of your brows, look no further than the L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Lengthening Mascara. True to its claim, the product lasts all day long and brings your lash length to new heights—literally. The unique wand has a comb-like side that's perfect for keeping your lashes separated. The best part? It's under $10 and available in nearly every drugstore you step into.
Benefits: Lengthening, Separating
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5
An ELLE editor says: 'I discovered this mascara by accident when I forgot my go-to on vacation and stumbled into a local drugstore to save my bare lashes. I snagged the L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Lengthening Mascara from the makeup aisle, and it's been a staple in my collection ever since. After applying a few light coats, my lashes became so long I could feel them touching the tops of my eyelids—a sensation I had never experienced. And the extra-thin brush and bristles make for a clump-less application every single time.'—Emma Aerin Becker
Attention no-makeup-makeup lovers: This product lengthens, defines, and ever-so-slightly volumizes your lashes for a stunning natural finish. Even better, the formula's packed with monoi oil and marigold extract to condition and strengthen your eyelashes while you wear it.
Benefits: Lengthening, enhances curl
Sephora rating: 4/5
A Sephora reviewer says: 'I literally love this so much!! It is fully waterproof and does not smudge on my eyes at all. It is great because it is lightweight, and makes my eyelashes look much naturally longer and darker. I also love that it is in the clean collection.'
A runway staple for decades, this formula instantly thickens, lengthens, and even curls your lashes as you apply. The brand's exclusive Aquastop water-resistant technology ensures your mascara will never run or flake—no matter how many tears are shed. The cult-favorite formula comes in black, brown, and bright blue shades.
Benefits: Thickening, Lengthening
Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'Of all the waterproof mascaras I have used, this is by far my favorite. It separates my lashes, makes them look long, long, long, and never smudges under my eyes. It doesn't seem to contain fibres that end up flaking off and bothering my eyes, like some others. And it comes off completely with a luxurious cleanser. This is the only mascara I've used for the last 14 years. Love that it works so well and makes my eyelashes look so great!'
There's nothing worse than a clumpy mascara application, and when you love to layer your mascara as much as I do, you understand the struggle. Fortunately, Mac has solved all our clumpy conundrums with its MacStack Waterproof Mascara. Designed to be layered (or 'stacked'), this waterproof formula can be built up to its highest potential, providing customizable volume and length that lasts 24 hours, thanks to the brand's iMAC's Drench-Defense Technology.
Benefits: Custom length and volume
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'Although this mascara was priced on the high end for me, I wanted one that would last while on vacation at the beach, and this was it! It doesn't budge, it doesn't clump when stacking and last all day. It's the perfect mascara for me'
A mascara that delivers extreme, long-lasting volume while making your natural lashes softer? Yes, please. Infused with iris extract, the YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Waterproof Mascara conditions your eyelashes as you wear it. The nourishing formula also boasts 48 hours of maximum thickness and color.
Sephora rating: 4.3/5
A Sephora reviewer says: 'Yves Saint Laurent's Lash Clash Extreme Volume Waterproof Mascara is now my holy grail mascara. I have been on the hunt for a good waterproof mascara forever. I have oily lids and some waterproof mascaras would still end up under my eyes, giving me raccoon eyes. Or, some waterproof mascaras don't really provide length or volume. It goes smoothly, doesn't clump. It really provides great length and volume. I also wear contact lenses and found this mascara comfortable to wear. I will repurchase once I run out.'
Oquendo swears by the Serge Lutens Mascara, because—to put it plainly—it really does it all. One swipe delivers long-lasting volume and impressive lash length; the one-sided comb applicator is amazing at separating each lash as you swipe, and works to physically extend the look of your lash. Plus, it comes in two unique shades: a deep black brown and a transparent version filled with fibers.
Benefits: Volumizing, lengthening, separating
Shades: 2
Serge Lutens rating: 5/5
A Serge Lutens reviewer says: 'Speechless... Expensive yes...worth it ? absolutely! Does not clump, does not smudge, has staying power.'
Vincent Oquendo is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City, and the host of his talk show 'Backseat Beauties.'
'Most waterproof mascaras contain silicone and polymers, which is what creates the waterproof barrier between your lashes and the formula,' explains Oquendo. Additionally, they're often infused with waxes, which repel water and provide a base for other ingredients to adhere to. Application is generally the same, though Oquendo warns, 'waterproof mascaras can take a little longer to dry, so when I'm applying it on my clients' lashes, I allow for extra drying time.'
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Emma Aerin Becker spoke with a renowned makeup artist about waterproof mascaras. She also tried a few herself, searched the internet for heated round brushes, perused reviews for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on its features and customer reviews.
The Best Brown Mascaras for a Natural Lash
The Best Mascaras According to ELLE Editors
The Best Eyeliners, From Pencils to Gels
The Best Cream Eyeshadows for Long-Lasting Looks
The Best Eyeshadow Sticks for Breezy Application