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Get Ready for Summer with a Good Waterproof Mascara

Orange tubes of mascara; a wand applying mascara; a teal-colored mascara tube
CoverGirl/Maybelline/Too Faced

Even if you lighten your makeup routine in summer, a quick swipe of mascara makes a big impact with minimal effort. You need a long-lasting waterproof formula for those hotter months, though.

Whether it’s to stand up to those inevitable humid days or all the splashing around in the pool, a good waterproof mascara is a necessity during the scorching months.

To choose the right waterproof mascara, you’ll want to look for the following factors:

  • Long-wear formula
  • Non-flakiness
  • Smooth application
  • A brush shape that will hit even the smallest lashes.

To help you sift through the seemingly endless options, we’ve put together a list of the top waterproof mascaras below. Try them out and see which one works best for you!

Covergirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara

Several orange mascara tubes in a pile; one orange tube of mascara with the wand pulled out
CoverGirl

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara is a product your face and wallet will both love. It’s an affordable drugstore mascara that uses its special formula and unique brush design to provide extra volume and coverage for the full lash.

The formula goes on smoothly, typically doesn’t flake, and can stand up to some serious water splashing.

Diorshow Waterproof Mascara

Two open tubes of mascara: one with blue on the wand, one with black
Dior

Want a waterproof, lengthening, thickening mascara in a deep, true black shade? Try Diorshow Waterproof—it stays on without flaking or clumping, even when exposed to sweat.

It’s a slightly thinner formula than some, so keep that in mind. It will also probably require a balm or oil cleanser to remove, rather than just soap and water. As a bonus, though, it also comes in blue and brown!

Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara

A black tube of mascara with the wand out; a before-and-after image of a woman's eyes using mascara
Lancôme

Get a volumizing mascara designed for long wear, sweat and smudge resistance, and more with Lancôme’s Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara. The large brush provides great coverage, giving a full-volume, smooth look.

It also doesn’t flake and will last for hours without the need for touchups. It’s perfect for those days when you’ll be out and about for hours.

Maybelline Volum’Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara

A wand applying mascara to an open brown eye; a yellow tube of mascara with the wand out
Maybelline

The Maybelline Volum’Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara is an affordable favorite in a fun, sunny yellow tube. Between the collagen formula and large brush, it provides major volume with a smooth, non-clumpy formula.

It covers well in one coat and will last. It’s all the volume and coverage you need, at an affordable price.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara

Several tubes of mascara with their wands pulled out
Too Faced

Brush shape matters as much as formula when it comes to top-tier mascara coverage. The Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara has a unique hourglass-shaped brush for a slightly different angle on lash coverage.

The waterproof formula also provides great volume and length. You can do anywhere from one to three coats, depending on your style. Plus, the brand is cruelty-free.

Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara

A woman with mascara on one eye but not the other; a silver tube of mascara with the wand out
Benefit Cosmetics

For a lighter touch, try Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara. It’s water-resistant, rather than waterproof, but the brush is fantastic at separating individual lashes.

It also coats evenly, and the formula isn’t too thick but improves volume and length without flaking and smudging.

Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara

An open tube of mascara with the wand out; a tube of mascara in plastic packaging
Maybelline

We love Maybelline Full ‘N Soft because of its soft texture. It also doesn’t clump or make your lashes feel tough and brittle.

It’s safe for sensitive skin and those who wear contact lenses. It’s also sweat- and waterproof, making it perfect for summer activities and weather.

Amanda Prahl Amanda Prahl
Amanda Prahl is a freelance contributor to LifeSavvy. She has an MFA in dramatic writing, a BA in literature, and is a former faculty associate focusing on writing craft and history. Her articles have appeared on HowlRound, Slate, Bustle, BroadwayWorld, and ThoughtCo, among others. Read Full Bio »
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