8 best waterproof mascara UK 2025: YSL, Maybelline, Lancôme ...Middle East

MASCARA is a staple in most make-up routines, and can add colour, volume and length to lashes

The best waterproof mascara take things one step further, offering a smudge-proof formula that will protect you from everything from heavy downpours to tear-jerking films.

Waterproof mascaras first hit the market in the 1930s, and have since evolved into some of the best-loved buys in the beauty world — and I’ve tried-and-tested some of the most popular.

There’s no question about it: mascara is the one make-up product I couldn’t be without.

As someone with light, short eyelashes, a good mascara completely transforms the face, and buildable formulas are versatile enough for both natural and dramatic make-up looks.

I wear mascara almost every day for long hours, whether it’s to the office, to the gym, or for the occasional cry (my star sign is Cancer, after all).

So, I need my mascara to firmly stay put all day, without needing to make my eyes sore by scrubbing off stubborn formulas.

From luxury brands to high-street favourites, scroll on to read my honest thoughts on the most popular waterproof mascaras, with prices from £8.

Best waterproof mascaras at a glance:

How I tested

Mascara would be my desert island make-up choice, so I’ve tried more than my fair share over the years.

Each waterproof mascara has been tested across days or weeks to determine whether they hold up to their promises.

When reviewing each one, I considered the length and volume each product gave my lashes, the formula, whether it smudged, and its value for money.

Most importantly, I considered whether each one held up to its claim of being waterproof.

I wore the mascaras during long days at the office, to the gym, on rainy days and even in the shower to test the performance.

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Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Waterproof Mascara, £24

Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Waterproof Mascara, £24 (was £30)

Pros: Volumising and lengthening, doesn’t smudge, long-lasting results, easy to remove

Cons: Expensive, potential to clump with too many coats

Rating: 9/10

I had high hopes for YSL’s Lash Clash Waterproof mascara, and it didn’t disappoint.

Firstly, the double-conical brush is the perfect size for getting a precise look on both the top and lower lashes, without compromising on volume.

The mascara lengthened my lashes well, and while the formula is buildable, I preferred how it looked with just a couple of coats.

Like all of YSL’s beauty products, the packaging looks and feels luxurious.

Retailing at £30 (but currently on sale for £24), it’s pretty pricey for a mascara, but it has by far the best staying power of the waterproof mascaras I’ve tried.

I was left with zero smudging and flaking even after wearing it all day and going to the gym, so it’s one I’ll be reaching for every time I need my make-up to stay put for long periods.

Reviewed by Sophie Bates

Size: 8ml, Shades: Black, Vegan: Yes

Lancôme Hypnôse Waterproof Mascara, £22.50

Lancôme Hypnôse Waterproof Mascara, £22.50 (was £30)

Pros: Sleek bottle, curved brush grabs all lashes, stays in place all day

Cons: Expensive

Rating: 9/10

This mascara is essentially the waterproof version of the cult Hypnôse Drama Mascara, and it’s just as good.

I love Lancôme packaging; it’s sleek, stylish, and always looks expensive.

For just under £30, though (when not on sale) you’d hope this mascara looks expensive — it costs the equivalent of my weekly food shop. 

The curved brush of this mascara latched onto every one of my lashes and gave my eyes a really nice wide-open look.

This is ideal on those mornings when a lack of sleep leaves your eyes looking half-closed.

Lancôme says that the waterproof formula of this mascara has up to 24-hour hold, and I can certainly vouch for the claim that it stays put. 

I had dark eyes and long lashes all day long! Even my tiny lashes were caught by this brush.

Taking this mascara off was also simple and I wasn’t left with awful panda eyes or clumps of mascara that wouldn’t budge.

Size: 6.2g, Shades: Black, Vegan: Yes

E.l.f. Big Mood Waterproof Mascara, £8

E.l.f. Big Mood Waterproof Mascara, £8

Pros: Gives length and volume, fans lashes without clumping, doesn’t smudge, affordable, easy to remove

Cons: Large brush can take a while to get used to, some slight fall out throughout the day

Rating: 8.5/10

E.l.f’s Big Mood mascara is the cheapest option I tried, and it’s one of the best.

I was initially skeptical about the large wand as I prefer a thinner style for getting precision.

While the hourglass shape takes some getting use to (I needed cotton buds at the ready for when I’d catch my face with the wand), the results were great.

The mascara separated my lashes nicely while adding length and volume, and I only needed one coat to get my desired look.

I noticed a few black flakes around my eyes throughout the day, but the smudging was minimal.

My lashes always stay completely intact (even after long days), and with the affordable price tag, what’s not to love?

Reviewed by Sophie Bates

Size: 9ml, Shades: Black, Vegan: No

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara, £12.99

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara, £12.99

Pros: Stayed in place all day, nice packaging, affordable

Cons: Ever so slightly clumpy

Rating: 8.5/10

As Maybelline would say: “Maybe she’s born with it; maybe it’s Maybelline.’

Well, I wasn’t born with incredibly long lashes, but this Maybelline mascara certainly gave me the volume and length I was after.

This lasted through a sweaty run and through the rest of my day, but came off easily when I finally went to bed in the evening.

During the day, though, it didn’t budge an inch.

The price is mid-range, which makes it more affordable than many others, and Maybelline is one of those brands you can just rely on.

I liked how the brush smoothly pulled out of the bottle, and the brush definitely latched on to all my lashes really well.

Plus, the mascara formula has apparently been ‘infused with bamboo extract and fibres for long, full lashes that never get weighed down’.

This mascara was ever so slightly clumpy on the smaller lashes, but it wasn’t too much of a problem. 

Size: 9.6ml, Shades: Black, Vegan: No

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara, £21

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara, £21 (was £28)

Pros: Waterproof and smudge proof, hourglass brush to pick up every eyelash, builds volume and length in equal parts, perfect for those wanting an intense look

Cons: May be too intense for those after a subtle look, expensive

Rating: 8/10

If you’re a fan of an exaggerated eye, this waterproof mascara is for you.

It can be layered without clumping and offers a bold smoky finish thanks to the hourglass-shaped brush, which sweeps across the entire length of the eyelid, ensuring no eyelashes are left out.

The volumising mascara makes it easy to reach the root, thanks to the thickness of the bristles.

The formula and brush combined lift and add volume in equal measure to create a long-lasting finish that is smudge-proof and waterproof.

I always rely on Too Faced if I’m going away or even just to the local lido, as you can swim and sweat all day without worrying about it budging.

Price-wise, it is at the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to mascara, but for a high-quality finish that will last a very long time, it is worth the investment (and is often on sale at major retailers).

Reviewed by Lucy Powell

Size: 8ml, Shades: Black, Vegan: No

MACStack Waterproof Mascara, £27

MACStack Waterproof Mascara, £27

Pros: Buildable, doesn’t go clumpy, doesn’t smudge, separates lashes well, easy to remove, stylish packaging

Cons: Expensive, some slight fall-out throughout the day, doesn’t lengthen lashes as well as others

Rating: 7.5/10

The waterproof version of MAC’s cult MACStack mascara comes with a thin brush that separates lashes nicely, in the same stylish packaging as the original.

The easy-to-use brush is thinner at the end for reaching the corners and lower lashes, while the bristles helped to build up layers without clumping.

It has a good hold that stayed put all day without smudging, but I did experience some fallout on my cheeks.

While the application and water-resistance is full proof, the mascara didn’t give my lashes the same length or volume as others I’ve tried.

It’s easy to remove with an oil cleanser or a make-up wipe, so I could see it working well on sensitive eyes.

Reviewed by Sophie Bates

Size: 12ml, Shades: Black, Vegan: No

Sephora Collection Size Up Waterproof Mascara, £11.95

Sephora Collection Size Up Waterproof Mascara, £11.95 (was £14.99)

Pros: Gives a voluminous effect, lengthens lashes, buildable without clumping, easy to remove, affordable

Cons: Smudges on the eyelids after initial application, gives panda eyes by the end of the day

Rating: 6.5/10

Sephora’s Size Up Waterproof Mascara left me with mixed thoughts.

I loved how my lashes looked after even just one coat; long, perfectly fanned and intensely black.

It takes a lot for my short lashes to pass as anything close to falsies, but the buildable formula meant I could apply few coats for a dramatic look that was free from clumps.

While the application process was seamless, my issues with this mascara started soon after.

Firstly, I noticed smudges across my eyelids kept appearing for the first few hours after putting on my make-up.

I also didn’t find the mascara to be particularly waterproof, and by the end of the day I looked like I had panda eyes.

Because of this, it was easy to remove, but it’s not one I’d be reaching for if I needed my make-up to look flawless all day.

The length and volume it gives along with the affordable price tag makes me want to buy it again, but as a regular mascara rather than a waterproof option.

Reviewed by Sophie Bates

Size: 14ml, Shades: Black, Vegan: Yes

Best waterproof mascaras FAQs

What to look for in a wateproof mascara?

International makeup artist and content creator Sophia Brad gives her expert tips on what to look for when choosing a waterproof mascara.

“One thing to look for is the word ‘waterproof’ rather than ‘water-resistant,” explains Sophia.

“Just like any other mascara it’s down to the effect you want it to have on your lashes, may it be volume, length, curl, etc.

“Waterproof mascaras tend to feel less wet at application as they contain waxes and some of them contain traces of alcohol, and therefore will dry quicker which also means that after using it for a couple of months some of them can start to crumble a few hours into wearing them.

“So if you’re a contact lens wearer this might cause you some mild irritation.

“This will be your sign to replace your waterproof mascara – probably sooner than your regular mascara.”

What is the best waterproof mascara for swimming?

All waterproof mascaras are designed to hold up well in water, so any high-performing product should work well when swimming or sweating.

Yves Saint Laurent, Lancôme and Maybelline are among the most popular brands for their waterproof mascaras, all of which have been praised for their staying power and smudge-proof formulas.

The effectiveness of waterproof make-up depends on the product itself and how much water is involved, but the beauty buy is a popular choice for wearing on holidays, swimming and for exercising.

What is the best makeup remover for waterproof mascara?

As waterproof mascara is more difficult to remove, finding a make-up remover that’s powerful yet gentle is key.

Oil cleansers are generally a top choice for tackling waterproof mascara, as they break down the oil-based ingredients without the need for excessive rubbing.

For a top-rated oil cleanser, you can ready my Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm review.

Micellar waters also work well against waterproof mascaras, while some brands have released make-up removers designed specifically to work with waterproof mascara.

La Roche-Posay, Glossier and Beauty Pie all have eye make-up removers created to remove stubborn formulas.

What is the best waterproof mascara for sensitive eyes?

Those with sensitive eyes should be careful when choosing a mascara, as any eye make-up or skincare products have the potential to cause irritation. 

Mascaras with hypoallergenic formulas are usually the best option for those with sensitive eyes, as they’re usually made with gentle ingredients that are less irritating. 

Make-up products that are free from alcohols, parabens and harsh chemicals are safer for sensitive skin and eyes, but it’s always worth performing a patch test beforehand where possible. 

Waterproof mascaras aren’t as easy to remove as traditional formulas due to the ingredients included to prevent them from smudging. 

For this reason, those with sensitive eyes should ensure that the waterproof mascara they’re using doesn’t need to be scrubbed to remove, as this is likely to cause the eyes to feel irritated.

What is the best drugstore waterproof mascara?

Most of the top-rated waterproof mascaras can be purchased online or in-store from major retailers including Boots, Amazon, Sephora and Lookfantastic.

Brands including Maybelline, Rimmel, Lancôme and Benefit can all be purchased from most beauty retailers.

Here are some of the top retailers:

How to take off waterproof mascara

Oil cleansers are the most effective for removing waterproof mascara, as the ingredients that make a mascara waterproof are also oil-based.

Cleansers and balms can be gently massaged into the lashes (avoiding too much product in the eye), to remove the mascara, before wiping away with a wet cloth.

It’s important to be gentle with the eye area, so avoid using too much product at once, as a little often goes a long way.

Using a make-up wipe is another method for removing mascara, although this option may not be as gentle on sensitive skin.

Does micellar water remove waterproof mascara?

Micellar water works well to remove waterproof mascara, as the micelles inside the formula attract and remove make-up

The make-up remover is a popular choice, as it gently breaks down products and it doesn’t need to be washed off, and you can read our round-up of the best micellar waters.

For the best results, micellar water can be applied to a cotton pad and gently rubbed across the face, eyes and neck to remove foundations, mascaras and lip products.

Can I use waterproof mascara on a lash lift?

It’s is usually advised that those with a lash lift should not use waterproof mascara.

Waterproof formulas are generally more difficult to remove, so it’s likely that the process of taking off the make-up would be too harsh.

Regular mascara can be used alongside a lash lift, but only after 24-28 hours after the treatment.

A lash lift needs time to lock in for long-lasting results, so applying mascara before this time could potentially weaken the lift.

Even with a water-based mascara, users should still be gentle when using after a lash lift, as applying too much at one time may weigh the lashes done and impact the results.

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