Anyone with an affinity for listening to Adele or a history with allergies will be well aware: even the finest mascara formulas are useless if they’re guilty of getting going when the going gets tough (or in other words, when the eye area gets damp).
Yes, we all know to reach for that old waterproof option we keep at the back of the shelf when an emotional event (such as a Titanic screening, perhaps) calls for it, but we happen to think waterproof formulas are a worthy opponent for day-to-day dampness, too.
After all, you never know when hay fever, dry eyes, etc. will strike – and it’s best to be prepared. Anything (from the tiniest smudge to full-fledged mascara tears) holds the power to ruin a makeup look entirely, and we simply don’t have the time nor the energy to start from scratch with every smear.
So if you’re ready to work waterproof mascaras into your makeup kit, we’ve rounded up seven superior options that deliver dynamite lash-defining results and will actually stay put through an endless loop of “Easy On Me”…
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara
The jet-black colour of this mascara won’t be going anywhere post-application (it’s waterproof and long-wearing), and in equally amazing news, the wide-eyed curl it provides will be sticking around as well.
$44 at Sephora
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Mascara
Designed to withstand water without drying out lashes (one of the few cons associated with smear-proof formulas), it’s all about creating a full and fluffy base while still coating and lengthening each individual lash.
$47 at Sephora
Dior Diorshow Black Out Waterproof Mascara
A luxurious volumising formula inspired by the lacquered effect of lip gloss, its full bristle brush leaves every last lash defined with intensely saturated, smear-proof kohl pigment in a single sweep.
$58 at Sephora
Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Waterproof Mascara
If it’s a ‘matte’ mascara finish you’re partial to, look no further. Not only is this formula just that (and waterproof, of course), but the cone-shaped wand offers both extreme precision and major volume depending on how you wield it.
$58 at Sephora
Nudestix Vegan Splashproof Mascara
After a volumising vegan buy that won’t smear? This one is clean and clump-proof. Featuring an impressive ingredient mix (ranging from argan oil to bamboo extract) it defines without draining lashes of precious moisture.
$43 at Sephora
Dear Dahlia Paradise Dream Volume & Long Lash Mascara
Available in statement black as well as a softer brown shade, this fibre-enriched formula is blessed with a shea butter and olive oil blend to provide buildable waterproof volume without weighing lashes down or upping the brittle factor.
$61 at Sephora
Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara
This wet weather-friendly mascara isn’t just reliable in general; it promises 10 whole hours of waterproof wear. Considering it also lets you lift, curl and leave lashes beautifully separated thanks to its clever comb brush, it’s truly a win-win.
$55 at Sephora
Main image via: @hungvanngo
