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The ultimate faux pas? Runny mascara, of course. Whether caught in the rain or under the scalding sun, take our word for it, your mascara will be the first to give way. And you’d rather not emulate Taylor Swift’s chic breakdown in Blank Space – even if you’re a Swiftie – correct? Especially as someone who lives in Mumbai, there is no good season to skip waterproof mascaras – from the humid monsoons (and even winter let’s be honest) to the sweltering summers. So, we thought it’d be best to list waterproof mascaras that have stood the test of time, delivering a budge-free finish.
While being smudge-proof, long-lasting, with no flaking and clumping, you also need to pick mascaras that are lighting and volumising – too much? Absolutely not! You deserve the best when it comes to eye makeup, especially if you have sensitive eyes or use lenses. We have curated a list of the 12 best waterproof mascaras you can buy in India. Diving right into what you’ll love about these mascaras, we’re also sharing stand-out features we love and things you should consider before buying. But before we get to it, let us tell you exactly how waterproof mascaras manage to stay put.
How Do Waterproof Mascaras Actually Work?
Waterproof mascaras form a film on the lashes that won’t run with water, tears or sweat. Conversely, formulations that don’t claim to be waterproof run easily, smudging all over, since they fail to bond with your lashes as they should.
Get rom-com movie marathon ready with our edit of the best waterproof mascaras in the biz. We’re crying happy, smudge-proof tears.
12 Best Waterproof Mascaras
1. Rimmel London 100% Waterproof Mascara
Why You’ll Love It: Lock your lash look with Rimmel’s Waterproof Mascara that’s 100% run-resistant. Lengthening, volumising, and fast-drying, this long-lasting formula won’t let you down, come rain or shine.
What we like:- Fast-drying
- Run-resistant
- Long-lasting
What to consider: The shorter cap may not be comfortable if you have larger hands.
2. Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof Mascara
Why You’ll Love It: If you want your lashes to look fire, don’t hesitate to shell out bucks for this hard-working formula. UD’s super-intense, blacker-than-black mascara won’t quit on you during your worst moments. Besides, its nourishing concoction of proteins, amino acids, and honey extract prompts healthy eyelash growth.
What we like:- Nourishing blend of proteins, amino acids, and honey extract
- Promotes growth
- No clumps even with multiple layers
What to consider: The creamy formula takes longer to dry.
3. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara
Why You’ll Love It: A budget-friendly, customer-favourite with over 23k reviews, Maybelline’s smudge-proof formula hangs on for dear life for up to 24 hours, boasting bamboo extract and fibres and promising high pigment pay-off. Trust the flex tower brush to coat every single lash.
What we like:- Lightweight formula
- Flexible brush
- Bamboo extract prevents lash fallout
What to consider: Gives a natural look and is not ideal if you want ultra-glam vibes.
4. M.A.C Stack Waterproof Mascara
Why You’ll Love It: Non-flaking and clump-resistant, this no-nasties waterproof mascara by M.A.C Cosmetics delivers gravity-defying volume and lash lift and length, according to 95% of consumers. Waterproof, smudge-proof, pool-proof, and tear-proof for up to 24 hours.
What we like:- Smudge-proof
- Weightless
- ‘Drench-Defense Technology’ protects each individual lash
What to consider: Be careful while applying as the bristles are a bit sharp.
5. Nykaa Cosmetics Curl Power Waterproof Curling Mascara
Why You’ll Love It: Sky-high 45°-curl lashes from root to tip. Waterproof, smudge-proof, zero clumping – and we’re sold. Ditch falsies for this feathery-soft, long-lasting formula that won’t disappoint. A 4.2 rating and over 23k reviews speak for themselves.
What we like:- No flaking
- Curved brush lifts and curls
- Easy to rinse off
What to consider: Won’t add a lot of volume.
6. Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
Why You’ll Love It: A cult classic that has made it onto every beauty top shelf, Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara lends voluptuous lashes in a single swipe. The cruelty-free formula boasts peptides and porcelain flower extract to condition your lashes, leveraged by the hourglass-shaped bristles.
What we like:- Volumising
- Moisturising porcelain flower extract
- Cruelty-free
What to consider: The brush is chunky, making application a bit difficult especially if you’re a beginner.
7. SUGAR POP Waterproof Mascara
Why You’ll Love It: Another affordable, albeit efficacious option for those on a tight budget, SUGAR POP’s vegan, clump-free, and waterproof formula is imbued with nourishing oils to take your lash game to the next level.
What we like:- Jojoba oil to nourish the lashes
- Paraben and Sulphate free
- Adds length
What to consider: Tends to clump after 2-3 layers, ideal for a one-swipe application.
8. Bobbi Brown No Smudge Waterproof Mascara
Why You’ll Love It: The ultimate raincoat for your lashes, Bobbi Brown’s buildable mascara layers each lash separately to give you a long-wearing set that won’t budge for hours. Trust us, the superior formulation justifies the price point.
What we like:- Buildable formula<
- Can be applied over other mascaras to make them waterproof
- Patented brush allows for even application
What to consider: The want is a bit short and you need to hold it really close to your face.
9. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Panorama Waterproof Mascara
Why You’ll Love It: This Kendall Jenner-approved mascara has a special multi-level spoolie brush for the ultimate volume. It fans out the lashes from corner to corner, defining the eyes and making them look bigger.
What we like:- Combination of short and long bristles add volume
- Flexible formulation
- Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested
What to consider: Can be flaky after wearing it for a long time.
10. e.l.f. Cosmetics Big Mood Volume & Lifting Mascara - Waterproof
Why You’ll Love It: Get the ultimate lift and definition with the e.l.f. Cosmetics Big Mood Waterproof Mascara. It is highly pigmented with an intense black shade to help you achieve the appearance of big lashes.
What we like:- Hourglass-shaped brush separates lashes
- Intense pigment gives a bold look
- 100% Vegan
What to consider: Smudges a bit under the eyes.
11. Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Waterproof Mascara
Why You’ll Love It: Formulated with iris extracts from the Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Ourika Community Gardens, this luxury mascara must be on your wishlist for its nourishing benefits. It is fortified with conditioning agent safflower glucoside for healthy and soft lashes.
What we like:- 48 hour long wear
- Nourishing Iris extract (as per study)
- Heat proof
What to consider: Needs many layers with little to no payoff in the first application.
12. MARS Double Trouble Mascara
Why You’ll Love It: If you want the best of both worlds – aka length and volume – you must try the MARS Double Trouble Mascara. It has a unique twin wand system that allows you to pick the look you want for the day or go for both.
What we like:- Unique 2-step wand system
- Curl lock formula
- Fluttery look
What to consider: The wands pick up too much product as its consistency is on the thinner side.
Conclusion
Waterproof mascaras are the perfect match for your makeup routine in the monsoon and for humid weather. They are also ideal for days when you need your mascara to stay in place for long hours. If you need to wear light makeup for sports or intense outdoor activities, you can rely on waterproof mascara as it won’t rub off due to sweat. They are also lengthening and volumising, which helps you achieve a glamorous and dramatic look. It adds the perfect touch of drama to your makeup and can even be used on a bare face to define the eyes.
FAQs On Mascara
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How is a waterproof mascara different from any standard mascara?
A waterproof mascara ensures the product doesn’t run in the face of rain, tears or sweat while offering lengthening and volumising properties. It forms a protective film on the lashes that makes the mascara run-resistant
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Are waterproof mascaras safe for the lashes?
Yes, a waterproof mascara is safe for the lashes. Although, it may be a bit more difficult to remove, causing potential distress to the hair. Use an oil-based makeup remover and avoid rubbing or tugging at the lashes to minimise breakage.
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Can you sleep with waterproof mascara on?
Certainly not. As a rule of thumb, remove all makeup and thoroughly cleanse your skin before hitting the hay. Sleeping with mascara on – waterproof or not – can cause eye irritation and make the lashes brittle and more prone to breakage.
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What happens if you don’t remove waterproof mascara?
As waterproof mascara dries with a harder texture, leaving it on for long hours or overnight may damage the lashes and cause them to fall off more than usual, as per a study.
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What are the disadvantages of waterproof mascara?
Waterproof mascaras can sometimes feel heavier and make the lashes look clumpy. Remove excess product from the wand and work with thin layers for a natural and seamless application.
