Finding the best waterproof mascara ain't easy. In fact, Cosmo UK's beauty team has been on a lifelong pursuit of ultra-fluttery, larger-than-life lashes that do not smudge or budge in the summer heat.
Whether you're going swimming, off to a wedding (Cancers and Pisces, weâre looking at you), or you just want to make it through a sweat-inducing central line commute without turning into the girl from The Ring, we can help.
However, 'to be waterproof, or not to be waterproof?' that is the question...
This contemplation has long sparked a heated debate in the industry, but makeup artist and IT Cosmetics ambassador, Rose Gallagher, is on hand to clear up all. (And hopefully, sway your decision!) #WaterproofMascara4TheWin.
What makes a waterproof mascara formula?
"It tends to be a combination of waxes and silicones that give a waterproof finish to mascara," Rose says.
Essentially, if you think of said ingredients in their simplest form, you can imagine the way that water runs straight off them. And as Rose explains: "It has the same effect when it comes to your mascara! Meaning that if you are prone to sensitive or watery eyes, or just want to enjoy some poolside relaxation, you can do so without worrying about any inky spills."
How to remove waterproof mascara
The biggest reason for steering clear of waterproof mascara is because of how difficult they are to remove. But fear not, for IT Cosmetics has a solution.
Because of the stubborn nature of these ingredients, Rose says, "You need something rich and emollient to break it down.
"Oil-based makeup removers are ideal for this job because they will completely cut through even dense, waxy formulas and melt them right away. See to the likes of the Bye Bye Makeup Melting balm, infused with ingredients like rosehip oil." This is powerful enough to remove stubborn makeup but gentle enough to use even around the eye area.
To make the process as quick and easy as possible, Rose recommends taking a scoop of the balm, melting it between your hands, and applying it straight onto a dry face â aka, dry cleansing. "Take some time to gently massage the eye area and the lashes themselves, and then ideally use a warm, damp flannel to buff away the balm and makeup. Using oil-based removers on dry skin helps to amplify the impact and speed at which they can break down makeup," Rose shares.
Waterproof mascara application tips
Rose says that her favourite tip is one she learned when first starting out in the industry as an Intern. "My favourite tip is to look down into your hand mirror when you do your top lashes. This helps to get your brush to the very root of the lashes and gives a more volumised finish," she says.
"Then, by the same logic, look up into your hand mirror for the bottom lashes to get your brush right to the root again. When applying mascara, kick the inner lashes in towards your nose, brush the middle lashes straight up, and kick the outer lashes out towards your ears."
This simple trick creates a fan effect and can significantly increase the appearance of the density and thickness of your lashes, which, ofc, is everything one could ever want!
And so, thanks to Rose's expertise as well as our very own (read: lick after lick after lick of testing endless mascaras), we're now ready to sort the bad from the brilliant. See our top-rated waterproof formulas below...
Best waterproof mascaras
MAC MACStack Waterproof Mascara
Not only is this mascara clump-resistant, but it delivers volume, lift and length, too â we love to see it! Sealed with a protective, waterproof veil, the technologically advanced formula ensures that your lashes stay locked in place all day. Come rain, come shine, come a night out on the town (read: hours of dancing, prancing and sweating on the London tube), this black pigment is committed to the cause. The longest-lasting relationship I've had...
Benefit Badgal BANG! Volumizing Waterproof Mascara
Benefit Badgal BANG! Volumizing Waterproof Mascara
Benefit's mascaras have long reigned as some of the best on the market â Fan Fest, They're Real and BADgal all included. And now, the latter comes in a waterproof formula that not only touts telescopic lashes with gravity-defying volume but a non-transfer, smudge (and fool) proof formula, that lasts up to 36 hours, too!
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara - Black 8ml
The iconic 'better than sex' mascara has been given a much-needed waterproof update. The hourglass-shaped wand deposits SO much volume onto each lash, it'll leave your flutter looking full and fanned out.
DIOR Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
Although high-street mascaras are the GOAT, the world-renowned Diorshow mascara is loved by many, and we can understand why. If you want big, fat, ah-mazing eyelashes, this is your guy. It gives SO much volume and length, plus the jet-black formula adds to the drama.
LancĂ´me Lash IdĂ´le Waterproof Mascara
If a fanned-out effect is what you're after, look no further than LancĂ´me's Lash IdĂ´le. But what sets it apart from the rest is its staying power. With the ability to survive the unpredictable (yet classic) London weather â including a tragic thunderstorm, â all hail this wonder.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Volumizing and Thickening Waterproof Mascara
Maybelline Lash Sensational Volumizing and Thickening Waterproof Mascara
If you were around during the golden age of beauty YouTube â y'know, peak Zoella circa 2015 â then you will probably remember this mascara. Loved for its curved wand and miracle-working formula, the Lash Sensational mascara (in all its forms) is a firm favourite of the team. Expect XXL lengths and volume, not to mention all-day wear, zero fallout and most importantly, no smudges!
Maybelline Sky High Lash Sensational Waterproof
Enter: The TikTok sensation of 2021, the Lash Sensational Sky High... Coming for its OG counterpart, this waterproof formula is delivered on a 'flex tower' mascara brush which bends to volumise and extend every single lash from root to tip. Essentially, drugstore mascaras are thee GOAT.
Clinique High Impact Mascara
A personal fave, Clinique's mascara delivers the perfect amount of volume, length and separation. It worked wonders lifting my droopy, elephant-like eyelashes, and for that, it's earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag. Even when tested with a soggy cotton pad, zero effect was had on this mascara. (And I held it on for an extra few seconds, just to be 100% sure!)
IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara
Delivering on all that the brand promises, IT Cosmetics' mascara lives up to its name; in every aspect, it is a 'Superhero'. Fluffy, voluminous lengths aside, this formula is crammed with ingredients to strengthen and nourish your eyelashes. Specifically, the biotin used (a vitamin B) is great for supporting keratin production, aka lash growth!
Rimmel 100% Waterproof Mascara
Rimmel 100% Waterproof Mascara 8ml
If you're a fan of a natural finish (and the London look, wink, nudge), Rimmel's 100% Waterproof Mascara is for you. On first swipe, this wand and formula give a subtle boost, but when going in for round two, it proves buildable and thickening. Plus, priced at under a fiver, when it comes to saving the integrity of your makeup through tears (of laughter, obvs), how can one complain?
Barry M That's How I Roll Waterproof Mascara
It's time we stopped sleeping on affordable mascaras because this one right here? She's an icon, she's a legend, and she is the moment! If you love a crisp curled lash without having to do too many passes, you'll love this mascara from Barry M. For under ÂŁ6 you'll get a waterproof formula and fab-looking lashes. What more could we ask for? đ
Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Waterproof Mascara
Yves Saint Laurent Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Waterproof Mascara
This is another coveted mascara that now comes in a waterproof formula for a true long-lasting hold that will see you from sunrise to sunset. In just one swipe, you'll get a great colour payoff and a stronghold. As well as being waterproof, the formula is also heat-proof and sweat-proof. Now, we just need YSL to release the blue and brown shades in a waterproof formula, and we'll be eternally grateful!
Milk Makeup RISE Waterproof Mascara
As much as we love a dramatic lash moment, sometimes all we want is an effortless lash with a bit of length and volume. Milk Makeup's RISE Waterproof Mascara fits the bill with its waterproof hold. As well as being vegan and cruelty-free, the formula is enriched with monoi oil and marigold extract to help condition, fortify, and strengthen the eyelashes.
How we test
At Cosmopolitan, we rigorously test every waterproof mascara over several weeks to evaluate its effectiveness. Each product is trialled by our editors or trusted testers in real-life conditions, allowing us to assess performance, longevity, transfer, and long-lasting results. We don't just rely on claims â we ensure every recommendation is backed by hands-on experience and visible results you can trust.
Meet the expert
Rose Gallagher is a Londonâbased makeâup artist, beauty journalist and content creator with over a decade of experience. As the UK & Ireland Brand Ambassador for ITâŻCosmetics, she creates expert tutorials tackling rosacea and radiant skin (diagnosed 2018). Rose hosts the podcast âBeauty From the Heartâ, championing inclusive industry voices and causes and has taught at The Beauty Show and partnered on rosacea awareness campaigns.
Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?
Lia Mappoura is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. With over three years under her belt, over three different roles at Cosmo (intern, assistant and now, writer), as well as a year prior interning at magazines including Grazia, Dazed Beauty and Glamour, she has learnt a lot about what makes for a good great beauty product. I mean, she has been a judge in over seven seasonal beauty awards... which includes having to test over 100 skin, makeup, hair and body products for each. Someone's gotta do it!
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the former Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPAâs 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitanâs platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the seasonâs next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
