We could talk about mascara for hours on end, dissecting the different formulas and brushes and debating which ones are actually the best of the best. (FYI: We kind of already did.) Still, different situations will call for different mascaras. For example, if you're going to the office or brunch and want a soft, natural look, a lengthening mascara is probably best. On the other hand, if you're going to dinner or meeting friends for drinks and want a sultry, defined look, a volumizing mascara is the one for you. Let's say you're going to the beach or pool and just want to avoid the smudging and flaking that comes with excessive summer heat. In that case, it's a waterproof mascara that you want.
Speaking of waterproof mascara, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get one. In fact, some of the best formulas are found at the drugstore. Keep scrolling!
What to Look for in a Waterproof Mascara, According to a Makeup Artist
"When selecting a waterproof mascara, make sure it's clearly marked as 'waterproof' to resist moisture, tears, and smudging," says makeup artist Andrea DiSabatino. "Look for the 'long-lasting' label to ensure it stays fresh throughout the day. Smudge-proof is essential to prevent raccoon eyes, especially in humid or wet conditions."
Aside from the 'waterproof' label, DiSabatino says to consider the wand. "Your applicator wand is a personal choice, but it should offer easy and precise application to coat each lash evenly," she says. "Consider additional lash benefits like volume, length, or curling, depending on your preferences. Don't forget to check for any ingredients that might cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive eyes; opt for hypoallergenic options to reduce the risk of a reaction."
Finally, don't think that just because it comes from the drugstore, it won't be as effective as other, more expensive formulas. "Don't underestimate the power of drugstore mascaras," DiSabatino says. "Even professionals, myself included, vouch for them!"
Best Overall: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara
For a $5 mascara, you can't get much better than this. It gives you the same voluminous lash effect as the original, yet it's completely waterproof to prevent flaking, smudging, or budging of any kind.
Pros: Long-lasting, voluminous effect
Cons: None
Promising review: "I have very teary eyes and I love this mascara. I have only bought this one for the last few years. If I lost all my makeup this would be my FIRST purchase." — Ulta reviewer
What would this list be without the cult-favorite L'Oréal Voluminous Mascara? It does all the same things as the original, namely providing fluffy volume and definition to the lashes, while staying put all day or night long.
Pros: Good for big volume.
Cons: None.
Promising review: "L'Oréal knows what they're doing when it comes to mascara. I find that this one has found its way into my rotation for several years, and it never disappoints. As long as you keep the lid tightly screwed on, it does not dry out, does not irritate my eyes, and both lift my lashes and thicken them at the same time. It does all of these things without becoming 'clumpy' like some other mascara brands that you would find in the drugstore." — Amazon reviewer
This mascara is aptly named because it can actually deliver sky-high lashes. With just a couple of coats, it lengthens short lashes and makes them look long and fluttery—no falsies needed.
Pros: Good for a natural, fluttery look
Cons: Some say it can clump.
Promising review: "I have really struggled to find a good, waterproof mascara because my skin literally melts mascara, and this is a winner. The silicone brush does a really good job of separating lashes to apply product to each lash, and the formula really lengthens and plumps. One coat gives a beautifully natural look, as if you were just born with gorgeous lashes." — Ulta reviewer
A favorite of DiSabatino, this one's all about a bright, wide-eyed look since it fans out lashes and provides both length and volume. Plus, the waterproof formula is truly budge-proof. This baby saw me through a six-hour beach trip.
Pros: Good for straight lashes and for adding definition
Cons: Some say it's difficult to remove.
Promising review: "This is absolutely the best of the 'drugstore' options for waterproof mascara. I have tried them all, and they all flake or smudge or clump. All of them EXCEPT this one. Benefit from my mistakes and just buy this one. You won't regret it." — Ulta reviewer
This mascara has a wide brush designed to lift and separate lashes (even the tiny ones on the inner corner of the eyes). It's the perfect mascara to get that TikTok-viral doe-eyed look.
Pros: Good for dark, dramatic volume
Cons: Some say it's difficult to build.
Promising review: "I have tried 100s of mascaras, expensive and drugstore! This is the one I buy over and over! Gives me full lashes with no clumping and stays on till I remove it!" — Target reviewer
This mascara has a volumizing formula for big, bold, and dark lashes. It also gradually tints lashes over time for extra definition even when you're not wearing makeup. That's cool, right?
Pros: Good for definition.
Cons: Some say the wand and brush shape is difficult to use.
Promising review: "LOVE this mascara! My new favorite. I am a fair-skinned redhead with clear lashes. I have been using it daily and even after washing my face my lashes are slightly tinted. It also gives me GREAT length. It lasts all day and doesn't flake off. LOVE it!" — Target reviewer
This is a fiber mascara, otherwise known as a tubing mascara, so it delivers instant length, volume, and definition in one swipe. All the while, the waterproof formula will keep everything in place with no smudging or flaking down your face.
Pros: Good for straight lashes that won't hold a curl.
Cons: Some say it's difficult to remove.
Promising review: "This is my new fave mascara, it's a great blend of length/color/volume and a not absurdly fake look. Also, it's comfortable to wear and lasts all day." — Target reviewer
This 100% vegan and cruelty-free mascara has a natural mineral formula that contains ingredients like coconut water, kelp extract, and vitamin B to keep your natural lashes long and strong.
Pros: 100% vegan and cruelty-free formula.
Cons: Some say the formula is runny.
Promising review: "I've tried various 'natural' mascaras with a waterproof claim, but this one is just perfect and the search is now over! This mascara doesn't smudge on me, even after a 10+ hour day. I think it performs just as well, though it looks a bit more natural. I highly recommend this mascara if you're looking for something long wearing (it me takes a while to remove with oil makeup remover/cleaner) with better ingredients." — Target reviewer
There are only two words for this mascara: big volume. It's all thanks to the brush, which has wavy bristles to coat each lash with the product.
Pros: Good for big volume.
Cons: Some say it can dry out quickly.
Promising review: "Very good mascara. Don't need a lot to get lashes coated. There is no fallout with this mascara either and it lasts all day. The only downside is that if you accidentally use too much, eyelashes will clump together." — Target reviewer
The name of this one says it all. If you hate clumpy lashes (we know we do), this waterproof formula will be your new fave. It has a unique fiber-stretch formula to keep any clumps away.
Pros: Doesn't clump.
Cons: Some say it doesn't hold a curl as well as others.
Promising review: "It's so good, it made my eyelashes perfect. If I had the money I would buy like 10 thousand of these. Covergirl is my favorite mascara. It leaves no clumps." — Target reviewer
Two things make this mascara brush unique. The first is the short silicone bristles. The second is the curved wand. Together, they brush lashes up and out for a winged effect.
Pros: Comb-like brush for fanned-out lashes.
Cons: Some say the formula is runny.
Promising review: "This product made me feel so confident because the mascara has a great wand and its formula makes your thin lashes stay up." — Target reviewer
Another one of DiSabatino's top picks, this drugstore classic always gets the job done, especially when it comes in a waterproof formula. The brush has 10 layers of bristles, so it lifts and separates lashes instantly.
Pros: Doesn't smudge.
Cons: Some say it can dry out quickly.
Promising review: "This mascara is spectacular! I was a makeup artist for 12 years and it has been my absolute favorite mascara I've ever used even after using some of the highest-end brand mascaras! The brush does a really great job at separating the lashes without clumping or having to do a ton of coats! And the formula is hydrating so it doesn't crumble/fall all over your face through the day!" — Target reviewer
Another iconic drugstore mascara, this one offers the best lash separation in the game. Seriously, this formula will make your lashes look perfectly defined.
Pros: Small, comb-like brush for precise application.
Cons: Some say it can make lashes look a little too spidery.
Promising review: "Awesome for my thin, fine, long lashes! Those more expensive mascaras have nothing on this one!" — Target reviewer
This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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