13 Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascaras for Sky-high Lashes

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 12, 2024
best drugstore waterproof mascara
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We can never get bored discussing the best drugstore waterproof mascaras. After all, they are a makeup essential that we all are obsessed with. These revolutionary formulas prevent your eye makeup from fading or running on those sweaty and hot days. These mascaras keep the color intact and ensure beautiful eye looks all day. Our research indicates that drugstore waterproof mascaras are easily accessible and keep up with low budgets without compromising on quality so anyone can get sky-high lashes effortlessly. 

Unlike traditional formulas, drugstore waterproof mascaras are often handy and offer optimum results. They are smudge-proof and resist budging to provide a long-lasting even look. Be it rains, tears, or sweat, a few glides create strong and streak-free strokes effortlessly. But there's a catch — not all waterproof mascaras are the same. For instance, volumizing mascaras thicken lashes, while lengthening mascaras create soft and natural looks perfect for formal and casual meets. 
Based on our observations we have enlisted some of the best waterproof drugstore mascaras available on the market so that you can choose any formula depending on your goals. Read below to find the best pick.

13 Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascaras

Get wispy and dramatic lashes in just one stroke with this essence waterproof mascara. The formula instantly creates voluminous false lash effects with utmost precision. You may want a lengthening mascara that adds extra volume and this is the best drugstore mascara that does so. Further, it comes with a unique conical fiber brush with dense bristles that glide smoothly, leaving a classic black hue behind. Thanks to its brilliant pigment and lasting effect, you can go for a summer concert fearlessly or wear it daily— the formula won't flake or fade even on the sweatiest day. 

Pros
  • Gentle 
  • Long-lasting 
  • Water-resistant 
  • Fragrance-free 
  • Microplastic particle-free
Cons
  • Not for weak lashes
  • Best Volumizing Formula

    Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara

    Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara
  • The Covergirl drugstore mascara is meant to give your lashes an instant volume boost. Unlike conventional formulas, this volumizing formula creates 10 times more vibrant, voluminous effects. A few strokes of this best waterproof drugstore mascara perfectly coats the lashes without clumping or flaking. Available in 4 different shades, from chic black to timeless brown, you can choose any to set your style statement. Based on our first-hand experience, we can say that pairing it with Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner gives extra contrast for more defined looks. 

    Pros
    • Leaping bunny certified
    • Highly pigmented
    • Maximizes volume
    • Simple to use
    • Easy to remove 
    Cons
    • Might require frequent applications 
  • Best for Lengthening

    Maybelline New York The Falsies Lash Lift Waterproof Mascara

    Maybelline New York The Falsies Lash Lift Waterproof Mascara
  • Get bold and confident! The Maybelline New York waterproof mascara lifts lashes while extending the length to enhance your charm. You can create your signature eye looks, from natural to dramatic, without any extra effort. This waterproof eye expert delivers length, volume, and lift to sculpt lashes precisely, so you don't have to go for expensive products. The added double-curved mascara wand with wavy bristles holds lashes from root to tip for the ultimate lift and fuller look. For those long and bold lashes that look beautiful throughout the day, this mascara is a much-needed formula in any makeup kit.  

    Pros
    • Doesn't clump
    • Flake Proof
    • Smearproof 
    • Soft brush 
    • Intense color 
    Cons
    • Slightly goopy for some
  • Best Thickening

    L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

    L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara
  • Celebrate your feminine strength with L’Oréal Paris waterproof mascara. The carbon black formula enhances your beauty and offers fab eyelashes with every use. It increases natural lash thickness up to 4 times and resists clumping and flaking. You'll love how well the formula glides on thin lashes. It instantly thickens and leaves lashes soft yet dramatic. Being formulated with panthenol and ceramides, this best waterproof mascara cum conditioning formula strengthens lash fibers and protects them against damage. You can cherish gorgeous eye looks throughout the day thanks to intense black pigments. 

    Pros
    • Precise applicator
    • Supples lashes
    • Builds thickness
    • Conditions lashes 
    • Removes easily 
    Cons
    • Might flake in extremely hot weather 
  • Best Ophthalmologist Tested

    L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara

    L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
  • For babes hunting for the blackest black mascara, this L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise formula is the best deal for them. It delivers 20 times more volume and 98% more lengthening effects than conventional mascaras. You can achieve long, voluminous lashes to flaunt everywhere. Moreover, this is the best waterproof mascara among the drugstore choices that comes with lash-strengthening benefits and keeps clumping and smudging at bay to ensure a smooth, sleek look. Infused with natural ingredients like floral eyes, the formula nourishes lash fibers and is suitable for all eyes, even sensitive ones. 

    Pros
    • Ophthalmologist tested
    • Liquid texture 
    • Fade Proof color 
    • Soft and wavy bristle brush
    • Creates full fringe effects 
    Cons
    • Some may find the brush thick
  • Best Affordable Mascara

    Wet n Wild Mega Volume Mascara

    Wet n Wild Mega Volume Mascara
  • A gentle volumizing mascara is what you need to steal the spotlight everywhere. Crafted with the goodness of vitamin E, the Wet n Wild Mega Volume Mascara styles lashes to create dramatic and fuller effects. Prepare for a dinner party or a girl's night out without hassle by applying a single coat of this mascara. Further, this is a good waterproof mascara that is free from nasty ingredients to protect lashes from irritation. The added full spiral brush quickly holds the formula and sculpts lashes with maximum volume effects. Apply a few strokes of this waterproof formula, and it won't fade due to heat, humidity, or sweat. 

    Pros
    • Thickens lashes
    • Smudge-resistant
    • Gluten-free
    • Lightweight
    • Not tested on animals
    Cons
    • Dries quickly
  • Best Humidity-proof

    Wet n Wild Mega Length Mascara

    Wet n Wild Mega Length Mascara
  • This is another exclusive formula picked from Wet n Wild's exclusive mascara collection so you can get extreme lengthening effects every time. The vitamin E-infused liquid enhances definition while increasing length. What's more, is that the waterproof mascara drugstore container includes a precise root-to-tip brush applicator for optimal lash coverage. Since the formula is ophthalmologist-tested it is safe for all, including the contact lens wearers. Also, the best part is that you don't have to wait long to make your favorite eye look. The reason is that it acts quickly and sculpts eyes with a pro-finish. 

    Pros
    • Sweatproof 
    • Humidity-resistant 
    • Cruelty-free 
    • Precise brush comb 
    • Sulfate-free 
    Cons
    • The applicator might be flimsy
  • Best Hypoallergenic

    VIBELY Mascara 2 Look

    VIBELY Mascara 2 Look
  • Upgrade your makeup kit with a new-age, innovative mascara. The Vibely mascara beautifully sculpts lashes to enhance length and thickness. It intensifies thickness up to 5 times and is perfect for stunning and volumized looks. Packed in a shiny silver tube, this can be labeled the best drugstore lengthening mascara that is designed to extend lash length naturally. Whether you want thick lash fibers or sleek, slender, and long lashes, you can use the dual brush to achieve any. The large brush head increases density, while the small brush head curls and covers fibers. 

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Fine black fiber brush
    • Creamy texture 
    • No residue formula
    • Offers lightweight curling
    Cons
    • Takes some time to dry 
  • Best for Contact Lens Wearers

    Aliver Professional Long Volume Mascara

    Aliver Professional Long Volume Mascara
  • Skip artificial lash extensions and get natural-like long and spectacular lashes. This Aliver Professional top-rated waterproof mascara lifts and curls lashes for similar effects. The added 4D silk fiber lash mascara boosts leMoreover,e separating lashes for a more defined look. Further, this is one of the best waterproof mascaras for swimming that doesn't spread all over the area so you can enjoy being in water without fearing raccoon eyes. In addition, the mascara coats individual lashes without flaking or drying. Every application gives volumized and bold lashes.

    Pros
    • Dries fast 
    • Lengthens lashes
    • Easily removable
    • Suits sensitive eyes
    • Safe for contact lens wearers
    Cons
    • Slightly clumpy on thin lashes
  • Best Lightweight

    Neutrogena Healthy Volume Waterproof Mascara

    Neutrogena Healthy Volume Waterproof Mascara
  • Don't stop yourself from sculpting fragile and brittle lashes. The Neutrogena waterproof mascara plumps lashes and strengthens them to reduce falling. Your lashes won't feel heavy or greasy as the mascara is oil-free and lightweight. Formulated with good and light textured oils like sweet almond oil and olive oil, this top drugstore mascara penetrates deep into the lashes and nourishes them while adding rich color. Also, the included super-sized volume brush helps build fuller and conditioned lashes. 

    Pros
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Safe for sensitive eyes
    • Gives 400% fuller lashes
    • No flake color 
    • Easy to go on 
    Cons
    • Contains less quantity for the price 
  • Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara

    Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
  • Creating those sensual eye looks full of drama becomes easy with Too Faced volume control mascara. This can be counted among the best over-the-counter mascara that never lets you cry and feels gentle on the eyes. Our analysis of the product shows that applying one coat instantly defines and stretches length. Two coats give more luscious, dramatic, and curled lashes, while three coats result in more intense and volumized waterproof looks. With so many benefits in one, this is easily one of the best waterproof lengthening mascaras that needs to be in your makeup arsenal for quick touchups. 

    Pros
    • Non-clumpy 
    • Lasts long
    • Smudgeproof 
    • Everyday wear
    • Offers good coverage 
    Cons
    • Pricey 
  • Eyeko Beach Waterproof Mascara

    Eyeko Beach Waterproof Mascara
  • Prepare for a beach walk, swimming, or casual chit-chat with this Eyeko mascara. The waterproof mascara is made with coconut oil and features the potential of sunscreen and waterproof pigments to resist smudging and budging for clean eye looks. The added fruit extracts give volume, definition, and length. Inspired by Korean mascara technology, this Eyeko good drugstore mascara wraps around each lash and covers it without mess. Drawing from our experience, we can mention that the Eyeko mascara is a more convenient option compared to conventional formulas as it makes lash styling easy.

    Pros
    • Clump-free
    • Comes off easily 
    • Soft fiber brush 
    • Longwear 
    • Vegan 
    Cons
    • Slightly costly
  • Rimmel ScandalEyes Curve Alert Mascara

    Rimmel ScandalEyes Curve Alert Mascara
  • Complete your eye looks with a waterproof drugstore makeup set. The Rimmel ScandalEyes set includes a full-proof natural mascara and Kohl Kajal Eye Liner pencil. Each formula is intensely pigmented to perfectly style eyes like a professional. The mascara lifts, lengthens, and plumps lashes, while the eyeliner pencil defines and gives a precise look. Moreover, the set is more economical than traditional mascaras. Through our trial and error, we discovered that this is the best cheap mascara that features a deny-gravity, curved brush that coats lashes accurately. 

    Pros
    • Plumps lashes
    • Cruelty-free
    • Refines thin lashes
    • Provides optimum hold
    • Keratin and collagen-infused
    Cons
    • The liner doesn't include a built-in sharpener

    Sculpting your eyes with the best drugstore waterproof mascaras offers optimum and long-lasting results. To choose your favorite mascara, you can check out our top recommendations given above. Also, our user guide below will simplify your shopping journey and guide you to the right product. 

    How to Find the Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascaras?

    While purchasing the best waterproof mascaras, consider the below factors to get your hands on the most suitable products. 

    Ingredients 

    The best mascaras are free from harsh chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and gluten. They are gentle on the eyes and prevent irritation with each use. Swap your traditional formulas with mild and effective mascaras infused with natural ingredients like vitamin E, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, etc. These mascaras boost color vibrancy while strengthening and nourishing lash fibers. 

    Formula 

    Waterproof mascaras let you create any style, but considering your eye type helps you eliminate options and narrow your searches. For instance, the best waterproof mascara for sensitive eyes is hypoallergenic and chemical-free. Lightweight and oil-free formulas are perfect for oily lids as they don't feel greasy or heavy. Those with dry lashes may try hydrating and conditioning mascaras. 

    Brushes 

    Believe it or not, a mascara brush can make or break your look. After all, it determines how mascara goes on the lashes. Waterproof drugstore mascaras with soft curved brushes go smooth, while stiffer brushes offer better control and separate lash fibers for complete application. 

    Conclusion 

    Whether you want to go minimalistic with low makeup or want dramatic eyes to glam up your look for a special occasion, the best drugstore waterproof mascaras are go-to partners in any case. They are a perfect alternative to regular formulas that smudge, fade, or budge due to sweat or a few drops of water. The above-mentioned products never ruin your makeup, instead, they volumize and lengthen lashes to create subtle or serious eye looks. You can go through our user guide and check for some factors, including ingredients, formulas, and brushes, to choose the right mascara.

    FAQ's

    What is the difference between smudge-proof and waterproof mascara?
    Smudge-proof mascaras reduce transfer and avoid slipping of formula from lashes to eyelids. On the other hand, waterproof mascaras resist water to prevent transfer. However, they may not resist oils and may come out with oil-based cleansers and warm water. You may need an oil-based eye-makeup remover to eliminate waterproof mascaras.
    Can I wear waterproof mascara every day?
    You can wear a safe mascara that prevents dryness and lash breaking. However, you must avoid excessive application as this may dry lashes, making them prone to fall.
    How can I prevent my mascara from smudging?
    To prevent your mascara from smudging, always clean your face before application to remove oil and dirty lashes. Also, you can use a primer like an eyeshadow primer to tame oil. Ensure that you apply mascara correctly. Cover lashes completely. Start from the middle and reach the corners. Use a spoolie brush for correct application.
    Why do waterproof mascaras smudge?
    Waterproof mascaras typically do not smudge. But some formulas might not be smudge-proof on certain skin types, especially oily skin. These may not resist oils secreted by the skin and may slip to the lids.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, our beauty expert, is passionate about various makeup products available on the market. Of course, mascaras are one of those. She did extensive research to find the best drugstore waterproof formulas that offer high performance even on a low budget. After product analysis, she has come up with the most effective mascaras. Formulas like L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara deliver long and voluminous lashes, while Wet n Wild Mega Length Mascara increases lash length and is suitable for everyone, including contact lens wearers. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health and fitness on board to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More