Image: MomJunction Design Team
We all would agree that a classic mascara can be your makeup gamechanger. But what if you wore your regular mascara to a party where someone pushed you into a pool or made you cry? You’d need to have the best drugstore waterproof mascaras to avoid the repercussions of those sudden major disasters or smaller ones, like when you’re sweating way too much, and your mascara starts to drip.
In simpler words, if owning a normal mascara is a good thing, having a waterproof drugstore mascara is even better. Waterproof options can save you from looking like a raccoon in the middle of a gathering just because of some petty reasons. These types of mascaras are also smudge-free and long-lasting, so they would definitely serve you well in the long run.
Read on to see our list of the best waterproof drugstore mascaras with proven efficacy that are worth the buy.
Caution: Don’t forget to check the ingredient list to ensure the mascara’s suitability since waterproof mascaras are concentrated formula and may not suit everyone.
Top Picks
15 Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascaras
1. Best Volumizing:CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara
Image: Covergirl If you are looking for a waterproof mascara that adds some much-needed volume to your thin lashes, you should give CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara a try. This volumizing formula for thin lashes creates an illusion of fullness to your lashes, which means it adds 10 times more volume instantly. Check this video showcasing the reviewer’s experience to learn more about the magnifying mascara.
Pros
- Adds some length to short lashes
- Available in four colors
- Even, clump- and flake-free coating
- Leaping Bunny certified
Cons
- May be tough to remove this mascara in one go
2. Best For Contact Lenses:Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara
Image: Maybelline New York If you are someone who wears contact lenses, then Volum’ Express The Colossal Waterproof mascara is your best bet. Regular contact lens-wearers can use this mascara to volumize their lashes from root to tip, without worrying about clumping or product particles falling into your eyes. Check out this product review video displaying the tester’s experience to know more about the product.
Pros
- Infused with collagen to boost the volume of your lashes and strengthen them
- Wavy bristles that deliver a smooth application
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Available in two highly-pigmented shades of black
- Lasts for up to 18 hours
Cons
- Some may find the strong fragrance a bit overpowering
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 21,564 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
Safety warning: Keep the product away from fire or heat.
3. Best Pigmented:L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara
Image: L’oreal Paris In addition to delivering thick and lengthy eyelashes with its intense black pigmented formula, this waterproof volumizing mascara also offers other benefits. It is celebrity-endorsed and enriched with D-panthenol and ceramide-R to protect and condition eyelashes, keeping them soft. It is one of the best drugstore waterproof mascaras for sensitive eyes. Take a look at this video review link to get more information on this mascara.
Pros
- Designed to separate lashes and increase the volume up to four times
- Does not flake or smudge
- Conditioning ingredients strengthen the lashes
- Ophthalmologist and allergy-tested
- Easy to remove with eye makeup remover
- Suitable for contact lens-wearers
Cons
- Some may not prefer the thick consistency
- Tends to clump in the tube
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 77,761 reviews on Amazon.
Quick tipSafety Warning: The product is flammable until dry. It should not be used near fire, flame, or heat.
CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara Best Volumizing | Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara Best For Contact Lenses | L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara Best Pigmented | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | 825 - Very Black Waterproof | WATERPROOF GLAM BLACK | Waterproof Black |
| Dimensions | 5.63 x 2.88 x 1.05 inches | 0.88 x 2.75 x 5.63 inches | 0.73 x 2.76 x 7.07 inches |
| Weight | 0.16 Ounces | 0.32 Ounces | 0.32 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 11,233 | 21,564 | 77,761 |
| Price | $5.71 | $5.89 | $5.35 |
4. Best For Lash-Doubling:Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara
Image: Maybelline This classic drugstore waterproof mascara for short lashes is a good choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option. Deemed as America’s favorite mascara, this clinically tested Great Lash Waterproof Mascara by Maybelline New York delivers lash-doubling and lengthening effects for getting naturally thick lashes.
Pros
- Lash-building brush glides on smoothly for a clump-free look
- Conditions the lashes
- Hypoallergenic
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Suitable for contact lens wearers
Cons
- It may smear in a few hours
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,523 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
5. Best Smudge-Proof:L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Waterproof Mascara
Image: L'oréal Paris This voluminous butterfly waterproof mascara by L’Oréal Paris is meant to coat, stretch, and lengthen every lash from corner to corner, including the tiny hard-to-reach ones. The professional-grade mascara gives your lashes a winged-out effect while also adding volume, thanks to its asymmetrical wing-tip brush.
Pros
- Makes your natural lashes look six times as thick
- Smudge-proof
- Supreme staying power
- Does not flake
Cons
- Tends to be difficult and painful to remove
- May not be suitable for sensitive eyes
Safety Warning: The product is flammable until dry. It should not be used near fire, flame, or heat.
6. Best Easy-To-Apply: e.l.f. Waterproof Lengthening And Volumizing Mascara
Image: Elf The e.l.f mascara for thin lashes provides longer and fuller-looking lashes in a couple of coats. Its waterproof formula and clump-free consistency add to its longevity. In addition, this celebrity-endorsed mascara comes with a unique applicator brush that is easy to maneuver and thoroughly coats the lashes.
Pros
- Skin-safe ingredients
- Volumizing formula
- Quick-drying
- Does not smudge
- Cruelty-free mascara
Cons
- Might have an unpleasant odor
- Some may not find the quantity sufficient
Quick tip7. Best Buildable: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara
Image: Essence Say yes to the dramatic voluminous false lash effect with the Essence Lash Princess waterproof mascara. The conic-shaped fiber brush facilitates easy application and targets every eyelash, offering long and bold lashes. You can count on this rain-proof, all-day wear, affordable mascara to last a long time and beat sweat, tears, and more.
Pros
- Can be easily removed using oil
- Buildable up to two to three coats
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Microplastic particle-free
- Paraben-, fragrance-, and alcohol-free
Cons
- May clump and flake
- Some may find it drying
8. Best Vegan:Milk Makeup Kush Waterproof Mascara
Image: Milk & Co. Give your lashes length and volume with this 100% vegan Milk Makeup Kush Waterproof Mascara. It features hollow, heart-shaped fibers that lock onto your lashes to create thick and extended long-lasting lashes. This Milk mascara also provides an intense black and smooth finish with its creamy formula and spiral brush.
Pros
- Loaded with hemp-derived cannabis seed oil that conditions and gives you healthier-looking lashes
- Does not smudge or flake
- Cone-shaped mascara wand with spiral bristles ensure even coating without clumping
- Free of paraben, talc, and gluten,
- Cruelty-free formula
Cons
- May not be long-lasting
9. Best Sweat-Proof:Wet n Wild Mega Length Waterproof Mascara
Image: Wet N Wild The lengthening mascara by Wet n Wild uses the benefits of Vitamin E to provide fuller and longer lashes. Its densely bristled comb-like applicator helps create a protective and nourishing layer over the entire length of the lashes and ensures precise application. Being one of the best drugstore waterproof volumizing mascara, it features a highly pigmented clump- and smudge-free formula that provides voluminous lashes without weighing them down.
Pros
- Smooth consistency
- Suitable for contact lens wearers
- Humidity-resistant
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Cons
- May not be quick-drying
- May be difficult to remove
Quick tip10. Best Hypoallergenic:Almay Thickening Waterproof Mascara
Image: Almay Just two coats of this Thickening Waterproof Mascara are all it takes to give your lashes 100% thickness and dramatic length instantly. This lash-thickening formula is available in 3 shades and comes in a pack of 2. It is infused with aloe vera and vitamin B5 to moisturize, condition, and beautify your lashes, making it an ideal mascara for sensitive eyes.
Pros
- Does not smudge, flake, or clump
- Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free
- Suitable for contact lens wearers
Cons
- Tends to dry out quickly
- Hard to remove
11. Best For Dramatic Look:CoverGirl Peacock Flare Waterproof Mascara
Image: Covergirl With CoverGirl Peacock Flare Waterproof Mascara, give your lashes full-on length, volume, and definition while creating a peacock feather-like look. This volumizing mascara has a special feather-fan brush that grabs, coats, and separates each lash to create a dramatic fanned-out lash effect, while the soft-grip handle provides excellent control to coat every lash smoothly.
Pros
- Stays on for long
- Easy to remove with soap and water
- Smudge-free formula
- Cruelty-free formula
Cons
- Might clump during application
12. Best Long-Lasting:Vivienne Sabó Cabaret Première Waterproof Mascara
Image: Vivienne Sabó Say hello to bold and voluminous lashes with Vivienne Sabó Cabaret Première Waterproof Mascara. This long-lasting and smudge-proof formula helps you create thick and defined lashes with just one coat. However, you can apply more coats of this waterproof option if you prefer a much thicker, deep black and fanned eyelash look.
Pros
- Lightweight and clump-free formula
- Does not flake
- Easy application and coats every lash
- Cruelty-free eye product
- Easy to remove with waterproof makeup remover
Cons
- The small brush may not be suitable for long lashes
13. Best For Sensitive Eyes:Neutrogena Healthy Volume Waterproof Mascara
Image: Neutrogena This healthy volume waterproof mascara by Neutrogena promises to give you beautiful and fuller lashes from inside out. The dermatologically tested formula of this mascara penetrates and plumps the core of each and every lash, while on the outside, the super-sized brush coats each lash giving it a voluminous look.
Pros
- Enriched with sweet almond and olive oil that conditions lashes
- Does not clump, smudge or flake
- Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested
- Safe to use for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
Cons
- The formula in the bottle may dry up quickly
14. Best Non-Toxic:Tetyana Naturals 4D Silk Fiber Eyelash Mascara
Image: Neenoxtub Formulated with natural and non-toxic ingredients, this 4D silk fiber eyelash mascara is ideal for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. This gentle waterproof mascara is also an advanced thickening formula that delivers soft lashes with a boost of volume and length.
Pros
- Provides fuller-looking lashes whether you have short, thin or light lashes
- Smudge and flake-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Deeply pigmented and long-lasting cosmetic
Cons
- May make your lashes stick together
"The Neenoxtub mascara enhanced the length of my lashes beautifully, but it needs multiple applications for volume. Smudge-proof and gentle on sensitive eyes, it impressed me. I found this much more effective and user-friendly than other options."
15. Best Clump-Free:Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Mascara
Image: Estee Lauder Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Mascara is designed with Extreme Bold Volume™ formula, which gives your natural lashes a false-lash effect, while also providing extreme volume, and making it seem like your lashes are multiplying. This waterproof option also lifts and curves your lashes and offers a clump-free definition.
Pros
- Features lash-advancing vitamin complex to condition and keep your lashes supple
- Ophthalmologist-tested and fragrance-free
- Lifts and curves your lashes
- Lasts for 10 hours
- Includes an oversized brushcomber extreme™ that combs and separates your lashes
Cons
- Expensive
In the next section, we will take you through a few points that will help you choose the right waterproof mascara.
How To Choose The Right Drugstore Waterproof Mascara?
Here are a few tips to help you pick the best drugstore waterproof mascara:
- Long-lasting: The best waterproof mascara for voluminous lashes is meant to be long-lasting and should not budge unless you are ready to wipe it off. So, look for mascara lasting all-day, if not more.
- Application: It should be smooth to apply and cover your lashes from root to tip without clumping during use or making your eyelashes stick together.
- Dries quickly: If you are someone who is always in a rush, it is best to choose a waterproof mascara that dries quickly and beautifies lashes by giving them an even and thick coating in one or two swipes.
- Formula: Waterproof mascaras can volumize, stretch, curl, define, or condition your lashes. While most of them provide all these qualities, there are a few others that are meant for a specific role. Choose the right formula, depending on your eyelashes.
- Brush: Aside from the texture and consistency, ease of application also depends on the brush you use. It is available in different bristles such as straight, curved, triangle, pointed, skinny, spiral, hourglass, thick, ball, and precision tip. Choose wisely depending on your lashes as each brush has its own feature.
Simone De Vlaming, a beauty blogger, says, “Using a gentle, oil-based makeup remover can help break down the waterproof formula of the mascara, making it easier to remove. Soak a cotton pad with the makeup remover and hold it against your closed eye. After 30 seconds, wipe away the mascara using a downward motion to avoid pulling at your lashes. Avoid rubbing back and forth, as this can cause lashes to break or become damaged.”
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is an articulate and experienced writer who specializes in writing about beauty and personal care products. She has compiled this thoroughly researched list of the best drugstore waterproof mascaras to help you choose the right one as per your personal preference. The products listed here have been added after careful consideration of the reviewer’s experiences and product features to ensure they are long-lasting, quick-drying, clump-free, and easy to apply.
The Bottom Line
The right mascara can pull your whole look together and make your eyes pop in gorgeous colors. And when the mascara is waterproof, smudge-proof, long-lasting, and quick-drying, it’s a blessing as you need not worry about sweat, tears, or water wiping your mascara away whether you’re headed to a party or going out for a run. The best drugstore mascaras can provide you with fuller-looking lashes while being gentle, hypoallergenic, and safe for those sensitive eyes. Hence, our list includes the collagen-infused Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara and the allergy-tested L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara. It also features the smooth-gliding CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara. While most mascaras are safe for your eyes, read the product labels carefully and ensure you do not wear them near a fire.
Infographic: How To Apply Waterproof Mascara?
Check out this infographic on applying mascara to make your eyelashes look fuller and longer. Also, don’t forget to save it for the next time you want your eye makeup to appear perfect. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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