My Mascara Always Smudges in the Summer, But These 10 Waterproof Formulas Have Fixed That Problem

The original version of this mascara is one of my favourites for the fact that it ticks every box you could need in a mascara. It lifts, separates, thickens and volumises without any clumping at all—so the fact that it’s now available in a waterproof formulation is brilliant. The brush is curved to catch every single lash, and the final result is fluttery, feathery lashes that don’t budge.

It’s likely that anyone with brittle or sparse lashes might avoid waterproof mascaras entirely, as they can be so stubborn to remove. This one from Too Faced, however, is brimming with conditioning and nourishing ingredients to actually look after your lashes while it’s on. The collagen-rich formula uses peptides to condition and strengthen lashes alongside omega oil and porcelain flower extract to moisturise. But that doesn’t mean this mascara doesn’t stay put. It also contains film-forming polymers to help it cling to lashes for longer than the original cult classic version.

If it’s ultra-long lashes that you’re after, then this formulation from No7 won’t disappoint. It has a long, narrow wand with flexible rubber bristles that mean it’s really easy to shimmy it along the lash line to extend your lashes from the root—and it really does work. The waterproof formula lightly coats eerie single lash, drawing it out and defining each one without any flakiness or clumps. It won’t add much in the way of volume or thickness, but you will be left with naturally lengthened lashes.

The original iteration of this affordable mascara was a viral hit with seemingly every mascara wearer, including the team at Who What Wear, instantly obsessed with it. This waterproof version delivers all of the same impact in terms of length and full volume, but in a flake-free waterproof version, so it will stay put for even longer. A special shout-out must go to the unique flex tower wand, which catches even the teeniest of lashes and coats them with mascara.

Anyone with sensitive eyes will know how tricky it is to find a mascara in general that won’t cause irritation, but it proves even more difficult with waterproof formulations, which can be a little harsher. Thankfully, this formula from Clinique was developed specially with contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes in mind, and the ophthalmologist-tested formula is therefore ultra-gentle and non-irritating. Yes, it won’t give you the most dramatic lash look, but if you want fluttery, natural, everyday lashes, then this will suit. It's also a great mascara for older lashes for these exact reasons

The enormous wand on this volumising mascara makes it an obvious choice for volume lovers and makes light work of making even the finest of lashes look fuller and thicker. It boasts a conditioning formulation using hemp-derived cannabis seed oil to soften, while a vegan ‘beeswax’ alternative helps to adhere the formula to lashes so it stays in place all day without flaking.

While all of these waterproof mascaras do a decent job holding up through tears or unexpected downpours, a more intense formulation is required if you’re wanting a formula that will stay put during a full-on swimming session. Enter: Eyeko’s aptly named beach mascara. Enriched with coconut oil and fruit extracts, it’s a conditioning formulation that lifts and curls lashes that, most crucially, doesn’t budge even if you’ve been in the pool or sea. A summer holiday essential.

Finding a decent waterproof mascara in any colour other than black is really tricky, but Beauty Pie has delivered with this gorgeously glossy chestnut formula that delivers sheeny, expensive-looking lashes in one slick. Enriched with provitamin B5, peptides and shea butter, it glides on like a dream to deliver volume, length and curl in a beautiful brunette hue—and it really does stick around. One review even claims they wore it for 24 hours and it didn’t budge.

The original False Lash Effect mascara is something of a high-street icon, so if you love that version, then you’ll be pleased to learn that it comes in a waterproof version too. As the name suggests, it really does mimic the appearance of false lashes, so you can expect really thick, fluffy and lifted lashes after applying this, and if yours struggle to hold a curl, then this makes light work of that. My only gripe? It does get a bit clumpy if you apply more than one coat, but for an evening or party look, it works.

The name of the game with waterproof mascaras is longevity, but that does mean that a lot of the formulas dry down and can look quite matte on the lashes. This one, however, is the opposite—it's incredibly glossy and has a beautiful shine that gives an almost editorial finish to your lashes. Even better, it lengthens, lifts and volumises with just one single coat (no layering required) and because the formula isn’t too wet, it sets lashes in place for all-day wear.