Finding the best waterproof mascara isn’t just a test of staying power. Depending on the lash effect you’re seeking, the right formula for you should hold up through heat, humidity and the occasional downpour, while still delivering on lift, length and/or volume. It also needs to hit the sweet spot: long-lasting enough to resist smudging or running, but not so stubborn that it’s impossible to remove at the end of the day. Arduous removal often leads to lingering remnants, or worse, can cause friction damage and wear to your lashes.
Whether you prefer a natural, defined finish or full, dramatic volume, mascara is one product you can’t swatch or trial in-store, even premium make-up counter brands have to use generic disposable wands that can’t give you the full picture of ‘specific-wand/formula’ combo. With so many options promising everything from tear-proof wear to sky-high lashes, narrowing it down involves way more trial than the average consumer has time or money for.
So, from high-end favourites to more affordable high-street buys, I put a range of well-known waterproof mascaras to the test to see which ones actually live up to their claims. I wasn’t expecting any to survive a diving competition, but I looked closely at how each formula performed across a full day of wear, paying attention to everything from curl retention to how well it held up in damp, unpredictable conditions.
Read more: 15 best mascaras for length and volume
The best waterproof mascaras for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Bobbi Brown no smudge mascara: £31, Boots.com
- Best budget buy – Maybelline lash sensational sky high waterproof mascara: £13, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for natural looking length – No7 extreme length waterproof mascara: £13.95, Boots.com
- Best for high-impact volume – Benefit badgal bang! waterproof mascara: £28, Lookfantastic.com
- Best for lift and definition – Lancôme lash idôle waterproof mascara: £28, Lookfantastic.com
Read more: Best eyelash curlers for length and lift, tried and tested
Bobbi Brown No Smudge Waterproof Mascara
Best: waterproof mascara overall
Why we love it
- Extremely long-lasting
- Zero smudge
- Classy finish
Take note
- Not a dramatic finish
If you want to maximise your lashes without having super-noticeable mascara, then this is perfect. It gets the most out of your lashes (length and volume) that can be achieved before having a heavily ‘mascara-d’ look. If staying power is your priority, this is one of the most reliable formulas.
Once applied, it genuinely doesn’t budge, holding up through humidity, heat and even rain without smudging or flaking. Despite its steadfast waterproofing, it’s somehow also easy to remove with a little micellar water.
Key specifications
While the Bobbi Brown no smudge waterproof mascara is currently out of stock, the retailer says it’s due to be restocked soon
Buy now £31, Boots.com
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara
Best: budget waterproof mascara for length
Why we love it
- Lengthening
- Great value
Take note
- Needs proper removal at the end of the day,
- OG trumps it
This really delivers on length, visibly extending lashes. The slim, flexible wand helps coat every lash from root to tip, and it layers easily without clumping. Waterproof performance is strong; it holds up through heat, sweat and long days with minimal smudging, making it one of the most reliable high-street options.
There is a slight quality to the visible texture that means, for me, I prefer the non-waterproof version of the mascara (solid five stars), which, to be fair, never smudges and holds up as well as many waterproof mascaras.
Key specifications
Buy now £13, Amazon.co.uk
Rimmel Thrill Seeker Waterproof Mascara
Best: budget waterproof mascara for volume
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Easy to apply
- Good everyday wear
Take note
- Hard to remove
- A lot of product on the wand
This balances volume and length without requiring much effort. It gives a lifted, defined look quickly, and the brush catches even shorter lashes well. The brush does get quite heavily loaded, so it can be hard to go for a more subtle look. Waterproof-wise, it performs reliably across a full day, resisting smudging and flaking while still feeling relatively flexible on the lashes.
This was by far the hardest to remove, couldn’t be removed with micellar water, and removal did feel tough on my lashes, which was a big drawback for me. But great if you want it to stay put through something really intense.
Key specifications
Buy now £10.99, Amazon.co.uk
Revolution Big Lash Fierce Volume Waterproof Mascara
Best: budget waterproof mascara for drama
Why we love it
- Dramatic effect
- Affordable
Take note
- Can feel slightly heavier on lashes
This was a real surprise standout for me. It goes all in on volume, delivering a thicker, more dramatic lash effect quickly. It builds well for a more intense look, adding noticeable density with just a couple of coats.
Waterproof performance is solid for everyday wear, holding up through warmth and light moisture without excessive flaking. The large brush can make it harder to apply on short lashes, but I was impressed at how it held its volume all day.
Key specifications
Buy now £6, Amazon.co.uk
No7 Extreme Length Waterproof Mascara
Best: waterproof mascara for natural-looking length
Why we love it
- Natural-looking length
- Lightweight feel
- Easy to apply
Take note
- Subtle
- Takes a few coats to build up length
A reliable everyday option, this focuses on clean, defined length rather than vava voom. I found it lengthens and separates lashes really well, giving a fanned-out look with a smooth, almost-invisible finish, even with numerous coats.
The waterproof formula holds up nicely through long days, light rain and general wear without smudging or flaking, and it stays comfortable and flexible on the lashes. One coat is genuinely invisible on the lash, while still giving length and definition. If you want no-make-up make-up but still need a length boost. This is for you.
Key specifications
Buy now £13.95, Boots.com
Benefit badgal bang! waterproof mascara
Best: waterproof mascara for high-impact volume
Why we love it
- Dramatic volume
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight for a volumiser
Take note
- Requires a proper remover
If you want bold lashes, this delivers. The shade of black packs a serious punch, and the formula builds volume quickly while still keeping lashes relatively lifted and separated.
The brush is slim, flexible and nimble, but it is a very wet formula, so you do have to be careful when applying and may need to do a little clean-up. While many report this doesn’t budge at all, I actually had some smudging from the tips of lashes onto my eyelids while squinting in the sun.
Key specifications
Buy now £28, Lookfantastic.com
Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara
Best: waterproof mascara for lift and definition
Why we love it
- Lifted, fanned-out effect
- Holds curl well
Take note
- Less dramatic than volumising mascaras
This has a more refined feel than heavier volumising formulas. The curved brush lifts and fans lashes beautifully, creating a wide-eyed, fluttery finish.
It holds curl exceptionally well, and the waterproof formula keeps everything in place throughout the day without smudging. It’s long-wearing but still flexible, so lashes don’t feel overly rigid. You can also build it up for a more intense look.
Key specifications
Buy now £28, Lookfantastic.com
Dior Diorshow Overvolume Waterproof Mascara
Best: waterproof mascara for volume and length combo
Why we love it
- Bold volume
- Rich pigment
- Long-lasting
Take note
- Takes a while to remove
Delivering both volume and remarkable length, it creates a thicker, more intense look from the first coat, with a rich black finish that really frames the eyes. The product on lash is a bit more substantial than some of the others, yet it doesn’t look heavy or clumpy.
Once set, it holds impeccably, resisting transfer, humidity and long wear without smudging or flaking, though on the flip side, it isn’t the easiest to remove; in fact, it was a bit of a mission, which is why it lost 0.5 of a star. The tube is also gorgeous.
Key specifications
Buy now £38, Boots.com
No7 Pro Artist Instant Impact Volumising Waterproof Mascara
Best: waterproof mascara for buildable volume
Why we love it
- Buildable, defined volume
- Long-wearing
Take note
- Takes a couple of coats for full impact
This sits somewhere between natural and dramatic, offering buildable volume while still keeping lashes defined, fanned and curled. It adds thickness at the roots and layers well without becoming overly clumpy.
The waterproof formula holds its shape throughout the day, resisting smudging even in warmer conditions, but it’s not overly difficult to remove.
Key specifications
Buy now £17.95, No7beauty.co.uk
Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara
Best: waterproof mascara for a polished finish
Why we love it
- Elegant, defined finish
- Comfortable wear
Take note
- Subtlety over impact
This feels like a classic, refined mascara that prioritises definition and separation. It gives lashes a clean, elongated look with a subtle lift, rather than heavy volume. It wears comfortably throughout the day and resists smudging well, even in more humid conditions, making it a dependable everyday option.
If you’re looking for impact, though, this isn’t one for you. Think quiet luxury. The high price point was a factor in scoring here, as it’s up against some really great high street contenders that give more bang for your buck.
Key specifications
Owing to its popularity, this mascara is currently out of stock but you can sign up to be notified about its return
Buy now £38, Johnlewis.com
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
Best: waterproof mascara for feathery volume
Why we love it
- Full volume
- Buildable
- Long-wearing
Take note
- Not super lengthening
- Grainy texture
- Clump risk
A cult favourite, this gives that full lash look with a slightly lifted finish. It creates a soft, feathery thickness that still feels glamorous, and it builds easily for extra drama.
Though it does lean on a slightly grainy texture to create that feathery volume, once set, it holds up well against humidity and long wear without smudging. There was a little clumping, though, on one of the occasions I wore it.
Key specifications
Buy now £27.95, Amazon.co.uk
What is the best waterproof mascara?
Whatever your budget or preferred lash effect, there are plenty of brilliant waterproof mascaras on the markets. For me, the Bobbi Brown no smudge formula came out on top, thanks to its ability to get the most out of your lashes in terms of length and volume, with plenty of staying power yet a subtler finish than some other options.
How I tested waterproof mascara
Each mascara was tested over multiple full-day sessions, including in warm weather/or heating on high (this is England after all) and light rain (easier to come by), and on busy days running around, to assess how well it held up against smudging, flaking and hold. I compared how each formula performed in terms of length, volume, ease of application and removal, as well as how comfortable it felt on the lashes throughout the day. I assessed each one against the following criteria:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Elena Chabo is a beauty expert. She has reviewed everything from ghd straighteners and Shark’s flexfusion to the best foundation sticks and much more. For this review, she’s researched the formulas and considered whether the product is a worthy addition to your make-up bag.
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