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8 waterproof mascaras you can rely on through rain, sweat and tears

No panda eyes in sight

By Briar Clark

BEAUTYcrew Beauty Editor / October 12 2023

If you’re a bit of a crier, tend to get sweaty come summer, or are just vigilant on especially rainy days (we’ve lost too many umbrellas to count not to be on guard TBH), then you should probably have one of the best waterproof mascaras in your makeup arsenal.

From luxury to drugstore and even a few cult favourites, when it comes to these waterproof mascaras there’s something for everyone – just make sure you’ve got a no-nonsense makeup remover to take those hard-wearing lashes off at the end of the day.

Here are a handful of waterproof mascaras that won’t let you down even on your down days.

DIOR Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Waterproof Eye Mascara

If you’re loyal to the original Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara, then congratulations because your favourite lash-curling formula just got an upgrade. This long-wearing lady allows you to enjoy 24 hours of humidity-resistant, waterproof wear without compromising on that volume and curl you’ve come to know and love. Plus, with the addition of lash conditioning cotton nectar you can rest easy knowing your eyelashes are getting the V.I.P treatment from the first swipe.

$62 at MYER

Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara Waterproof

We’re OG fans of the original Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara and when it comes to this waterproof version, honestly our opinion hasn’t changed – this is one of the best volumising mascaras we've ever had the pleasure of plumping up our lashes with. Stash this sweat-proof, long-wearing pick in your gym bag for lash-lengthening touch-ups before you head into the office and prepare to wow all of whom you encounter with your impressive peepers.

$55 at Adore Beauty

M.A.C COSMETICS Extended Play Giga Black Lash

Finding the perfect balance between durable, waterproof wear, while also being a breeze to remove, this defining and lengthening mascara is a great choice for every day. The smaller wand size makes it perfect for grabbing all those tiny lashes on your lower lash line without smudging the product all over your under eyes. Lightweight and buildable, this little guy delivers waterproof, sweatproof and humidity-resistant wear that lasts for up to 16 hours after application. A must for any kit.

$44 at Adore Beauty

Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara

Outrageously voluminous lashes are on the menu when you apply a few strokes of this mascara to your peepers. With a conditioning lash-advancing vitamin complex-infused formula that lifts and curls as it volumises, this is our false lash effect pick – the fact that it’s also smudge-proof, flake-proof and clump-resistant is just an added bonus in our opinion.

$58 at MYER

Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara

As you might have guessed from the name, this mascara is all about that smudge-free life. Long-wearing, waterproof, defining, curling and lengthening, you can look forward to some stunning lash moments with this BB on hand. With no smudging, clumping or flaking in sight, this ophthalmologist-tested pick pairs perfectly with contact lenses.

$57 at MYER

LANCÔME Lash Idole Waterproof Mascara

Want to look like you’ve had a lash lift in less than five minutes? Try this long-lasting, clump and smudge-proof formula for size. The wand boasts 25 different bristle sizes and 360 micro-bristles that help to lift and fan lashes for an eye opening effect.

$55 at Sephora

Maybelline Colossal Mascara 36hr Very Black Waterproof

Enjoy length and lightweight volume for up to 36 hours after application with this jet black waterproof mascara formula. Plus, this lash thickening pick is smudge and flake-proof for stress-free, long-wearing lashes.

$21.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Maybelline HyperCurl Waterproof Mascara Black

This curling, waterproof mascara is a straight lashed folk’s best friend. The formula utilises curl memory wax to ensure all that curl and volume holds all day long. The curved wand hugs the lash line to coat, separate and lift lash hairs, too.

$8 at Chemist Warehouse

After curled lashes that last all day? Grab your waterproof mascara and an eyelash curler.

Main image credit: @hoskelsa

Briar Clark

Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).