13 Best Smudge-Proof Mascaras In 2023 To Give Your Eyes A Wake-Up Call
A few coats of these long-lasting formulas will give you luscious lashes in no time.
Stephanie G-MMakeup Artist
Expertise: Makeup
Experience: 17 years
Stephanie G-M is a green makeup artist. She has worked at Fashion Weeks in London and New York and boasts of a clientele including Alexa Chung, Benedict Cumberbatch, Cara Delevingne, Elle Macpherson, Labrinth, Little Dragon, Morcheeba, and ... more
Expertise: Beauty & Lifestyle
Experience: 5 years
Chaitra has a triple main bachelor’s degree in journalism, communicative English, and economics from St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication fro... more
Image: Image: Shutterstock
You cannot deny the fact that mascara is a game-changer. Here is why makeup artist, Stephanie G-M recommends using a smudge-proof mascara… “You want to define lashes with a brush that separates and a formula that leaves your lashes enhanced and the makeup where it needs to be! Using something smudge proof allows this to happen just like a waterproof mascara but without causing damage or more lines to the sensitive skin around the eyes while removing makeup.” But when it smudges, bleeds under the eyes, and transfers to clothes , it leaves you wondering if you need the extra worry. So why not opt for one of the best smudge proof mascaras available. Not only will they define your eyes but it will also conceal the fact that you spent all night sobbing over a rom-com for the seventh time. So, don’t you worry because, in this article, we have already curated a list of the 13 most effective smudge-proof mascaras and reviewed them. These products will enhance your eye makeup and make sure you stand out from the crowd. All you need to do now is, scroll down and pick the one that suits you best! So go on!
In This Article
What Is A Smudge-Proof Mascara?
Smudge-proof mascaras are designed to lessen the amount of product that transfers from your eyelashes after you apply it. They won’t transfer, budge, or bleed under your eyes to give the appearance of ‘raccoon eyes’. Ideal for hot or humid climates and summers in general, smudge-proof mascaras are resistant to oils and are easy to remove. The brush separates each lash and coats it with adequate pigment for an even application. To avoid smearing and messy residues, opt for a smudge-proof formula.
Instantly Brighten Your Eyes With The 13 Best Smudge-Proof Mascaras In 2023
1. Best Hypoallergenic:Bestidy Twinkle Starlight Long Curl Mascara
Is there a rule for the best non-smudge mascara to come in the prettiest bottle? Well, not really, but this one does! Bestidy’s smudge-resistant mascara comes with a soft fiber brush and is gentle on your lashes. The black formula is richly pigmented and dramatically thickens and lengthens your eyelashes for a voluminous look. Ideal for both everyday wear and dressy occasions, the Twinkle Starlight Long Curl Mascara is easy to build if you want a bolder look. Made with gentle ingredients that are kind to your eyes, this mascara that doesn’t smudge stays put all day and will carry you through rain, sweat, and even tears!
Pros
- Smooth and creamy formula
- Doesn’t clump together or flake off
- Long-wearing
- Water-resistant
- Hypoallergenic
- Buildable formula
Cons
- Contains parabens
Quick Tip2. Best Cruelty-Free:Elizabeth Mott It’s So BIG Volumizing Mascara
Make all your long-lash dreams come true with Elizabeth Mott’s no-smudge mascara. It’s made with flexible tubing polymers, which ensure that each lash is richly coated and is resistant to water and sweat all day long. Unlike traditional mascaras that use paraffin, It’s So BIG uses a natural carnauba wax, an emollient which lengthens up your lashes like it’s nobody’s business. Carnauba is hypoallergenic, lightweight, and holds the lashes in place to give them a glossy finish. This smudge-free mascara comes with a peanut-shaped application brush for even application without clumping the lashes together. Ideal for loading up on the curl, this is the best anti-smudge mascara, even if you have sensitive skin. Watch this video of the product for more information.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Doesn’t flake off or cause clumping
- Cruelty-free
- Easy removal
- Can be layered easily
- Brush allows for even application
Cons
- Contains parabens
3. Best Buildable Formula:Covergirl Professional Remarkable Mascara
Become the talk of the town at the next party with the Covergirl Professional Remarkable Mascara. This volumizing formula is enriched with deep black-brown pigment that provides an intense definition to your lashes from root to tip, lengthening their appearance. This lightweight mascara is easily buildable. It doesn’t clump, smudge, or dry out. It uses natural bristles that evenly coat each lash for a fuller and more dramatic effect.
Pros
- Super pigmented
- Adds definition
- Flake-proof
- Affordable
- Doesn’t clump
Cons
- Not water-resistant
4. Best For Sensitive Eyes:Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara
Image: Neutrogena For eyes that stand out, pick Neutrogena’s Healthy Lengths Mascara, as it is made with a unique lengthening formula. A blend of vitamin E and olive oil deeply condition your eyelashes and strengthen them, so they can withstand harsh makeup products and pollutants. It also contains rice protein, which helps naturally lengthen your lashes for a fuller look. Neutrogena’s non-clumping mascara comes with a bristle brush that gently combs your lashes with an antioxidant-rich pigment. No more raccoon eyes or clumping with this one, folks! Check out this video for a detailed review of the product.
Pros
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
- Comes in 3 shades
- Contains naturally strengthening and lengthening ingredients
- Dermatologically-tested
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Some may find it slightly greasy
5. Best Waterproof Formula:Eyeko Beach Waterproof Mascara
Whether you love swimming or like spending time on the beach, the Eyeko Beach Waterproof Mascara will keep your makeup on point all day. It is infused with coconut oil and 12 fruit extracts to nourish your lashes while adding length and volume to them instantly. The formula even protects your lashes from the damaging rays of the sun. The innovative brush design helps evenly coat the lashes, add lift and give them a natural curl.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Long-lasting
- Fade-proof
- Value for money
Cons
- Can be difficult to remove
Quick Tip6. Best Talc-Free Formula:Beauty For Real Hi-Def Mascara
The revolutionary Beauty For Real Hi-Def Mascara is a great way to get long, well-defined, and beautifully curled-up lashes in a jiffy. This waterproof formula provides a long-lasting finish without any smears or smudges. Its micro brush uses only a little product to deliver full coverage and volumize even the smallest of lashes. You can wear this mascara even on hot and humid days and even out in the sun and still it will stay intact throughout the day.
Pros
- Imparts volume
- Long-lasting
- Super pigmented
- Value for money
- Paraben-free
- Talc-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Not waterproof
Pro Tip7. Best For Volumizing:Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Bang! Volumizing Mascara
A mascara that graces your eyes for a whopping 36 hours doesn’t sound real, right? Well, Benefit Cosmetics does long-wear like a pro, with their BADgal Bang! mascara that gives your lashes volume without weighing them down. The intense, pitch-black pigment can be layered easily for those statement-making lashes that you’ve always wanted! With aero particles derived from space technology, this mascara glides easily over your eyelashes for root-to-tip volume. And for a natural strength and thickness boost, it contains vitamin B5. The custom Slimpact brush gets all your lashes from every corner for even application. Lashes for days just got real! Get ready for explosive lashes right about now!
Pros
- Lifts, volumizes, lengthens lashes
- Water-resistant
- Long-wearing
- Gravity-defying formula is easy to layer
- Weightless
- Doesn’t clump
Cons
- Slightly expensive
8. Best Flake-Free Formula:Revlon So Fierce! Mascara
If you think a full-glam eye is incomplete without falsies, you ought to think again. Revlon’s So Fierce! Mascara goes above and beyond to give you lashes for days! It’s the perfect choice if you can’t be bothered with fake lashes. It is infused with lash-lifting polymers, rice bran waxes, and paraffin that volumize your lashes for that instant boost of confidence. With a tapered wand with 252 multi-layered bristles, no eyelash will go untouched. On days when you’re feeling empowered and carefree, apply a coat of So Fierce! for glossy lashes that slay as hard as you do.
Pros
- Available in 3 shades
- Lengthens and thickens lashes
- Wears for up to 24 hours
- Wand coats each eyelash with precision
- Doesn’t clump up
- Doesn’t flake off
Cons
- Not water-resistant
9. Best For Contact Lens Wearers:Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara
Estee Lauder’s anti-smudge mascara will have all your friends asking if you got eyelash extensions! With up to 15 hours of wear, the Smudge Shield formula locks in the pigment with innovative polymers. Come rain or shine, you’re good to go, as the micro-fibre bristles separate each lash and coat them for a much-needed lift. How your eyelashes look in the morning before you step out, is exactly how they’ll look when you’re back, too. No matter what your skin type, comb through your lashes with Estee Lauder’s smudge-proof mascara for instantly bright and lively eyes.
Pros
- Wears up to 15 hours
- Fragrance-free
- Easy to remove
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Safe for contact lens wearers
Cons
- Slightly expensive
10. Best Soft Gel Formula:CLIO Kill Lash Superproof Mascara
Killer lashes are super easy to achieve with CLIO’s top-rated smudge-proof mascara. At the base, a soft gel formula and wax ingredients combine for an instantly lifted and volumized appearance. You simply can’t go wrong with the Kill Lash Superproof Mascara as it is resistant to water, oil, and sweat, and the Strong Curve System technology will hold your lashes in place for a curl like never before! The slim, curved brush is designed to fit your eyelash line precisely and glides smoothly for an even application. Apply a light coat for work meetings and when you’re ready to let loose at night, you can easily build on it!
Pros
- Lengthens and separates lashes
- Curls eyelashes
- Waterproof
- Easy, even application
- Buildable formula
Cons
- Might be difficult to remove
11. Best Weightless Formula:Peripera Long Lash Curling Ink Black Cara
If you’re lamenting about how your mascaras can never grab onto those hard-to-reach lashes, it’s time to toss them out and bring home a new one. We’re talking about Peripera’s best no-smudge, no-flake mascara that mimics the effects of your eyelash curler. With a dense, evenly curled brush, your lashes are going to get an instant 3D lift, and yes, it hugs those tiny little lashes too! On days when you have an unannounced Zoom meeting, and you want to look natural, swipe some of this lightweight formula onto your lashes for a quick energy boost for the eyes. As the formula is also buildable, it’s now up to you whether you want to go minimalistic or dramatic!
Pros
- Gives a natural-looking lift
- Waterproof
- Easy to apply
- Lightweight formula
- Buildable
- Rich black pigment
Cons
- May not offer long-lasting wear
12. Best For Lengthening Lashes:Lancome Grandiose Smudge-Proof Mascara
If you’re a sucker for elegantly packaged makeup, you won’t be able to ignore this Lancome mascara. However, its packaging isn’t the only thing worth raving out! The Grandiose Smudge-Proof Mascara has a swan-neck wand, which goes in deep to coat all your lashes from root-to-tip and corner-to-corner. The waterproof formula adds visible length to your lashes with an intense black glossy finish. Containing rose-cell extract, Lancome’s mascara ensures your lashes stay soft and supple and for a weightless formula that stays on all day long, you won’t find any harsh waxes in this luxury mascara.
Pros
- Fans out all lashes
- Richly pigmented
- Swan-neck wand allows for even application
- Weightless
- Waterproof
- Makes lashes soft
Cons
- May take a long time to dry
13. Best Long-Lasting:Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula
With Clinique’s 12 hour-long staying formula, you can go swimming on that first date without any worries. Formulated for all skin types, the Lash Power Mascara has a unique brush that follows the contours of your eyes and goes to the roots to lift up each lash with precision. It naturally lengthens them too, without any smearing or clumping. No more ‘spider legs’ eyelashes for us, thank you!
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Lasts up to 12 hours
- Naturally lengthens lashes
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Easy to remove
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Now that we’ve gone over some of the best smudge-proof mascaras on the market, let’s look at how you can pick the right one for yourself.
How To Choose The Best Smudge-Proof Mascara
After your favorite smudge-proof mascara is staring back at you from your dresser table, it’s time to learn how to use it for those statement eyes!
- Water-resistant
Not all smudge-proof mascaras are waterproof, but if you’re going to be spending time swimming or in the rain, choosing a water-resistant formula is a no-brainer. If you happen to have oily skin, too, waterproof formulas will prevent your mascara from getting messy during the day.
- Wear time
Smudge-proof mascaras offer varying hours of wear and the one you choose depends on the type of occasion you’re attending. A 12 or 24-hour long wearing mascara is ideal for fancy or even office occasions where you can’t afford to retouch your makeup. However, if you’re going to be able to fit in a touch-up here and there, a mascara with a short-staying power will also do.
- Other benefits
Smudge-proof mascaras can offer only smudge-proof benefits or they also have added features such as lengthening, curling, and thickening the lashes. Usually, the added benefits are mentioned on the packaging, and if you happen to have short, sparse lashes, these lifting mascaras can make them fuller and thicker.
How To Use A Smudge-Proof Mascara
- Step 1: Ensure that your lashes are clean and dry
- Step 2: Curl your eyelashes with an eyelash curler for a natural lift
- Step 3: Using the wand, place the brush at the base of your eyelashes and slowly wiggle it to reach the tips
- Step 4: Wiggle the brush another time gently
- Step 5: If you want a fuller look, you can repeat the steps mentioned above until you get the desired volume and length
- Step 6: Apply a coat of mascara on your bottom lashes
- Step 7: Make sure you’ve tightly sealed your mascara tube after use!
To make the best use of your eye cosmetics, you should complement them with mascara! Mascaras help in making your lashes stand out! With that thought in mind, smudge-proof mascaras are the need of the hour! These products are ideal for people living in hot and humid countries. Smudge-proof mascaras automatically resist sweat, oil, or water and help in elevating your eye makeup! So much so, smudge-proof mascaras also offer a voluminous look to your eyes. Choose mascaras that are smudge-proof, smooth, and creamy, and cause no irritation to the area around your eyes. However, steer clear of products that don’t allow even application or form clumps after use.
Infographic: Tips To Prevent Your Mascara From Smudging
The following infographic is designed to help you master the art of applying mascara and prevent smudging. The infographic talks about the steps involved in attaining perfectly applied smudge-proof mascara. It includes cleansing your lashes, applying a primer, blotting, and then applying mascara to the front of your lashes. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
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Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Chaitra Krishnan, is a makeup lover whose passion lies in reviewing beauty products. Through careful research of hundreds of user reviews and feedback, she has curated this list of the best smudge-proof mascaras that help define your eyes and add depth and intensity to them. These mascaras are high-quality, bleed-proof, and do not irritate the eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between waterproof and smudge-proof mascara?
A waterproof formula is resistant to water, sweat, and rain, but not oils. Smudge-proof mascaras, on the other hand, are resistant to oil, but not necessarily water.
How to remove smudge-proof mascara?
You can use a water-based cleanser, micellar water, or simply warm water with an eye makeup remover to remove smudge-proof mascara.
Is it okay to use smudge-proof mascara daily?
Yes, it is alright to use smudge-proof mascara regularly. In fact, it is recommended to use it daily (if you are someone who does makeup every day) to keep your eye makeup intact even during sweaty days.
Is smudge-proof mascara safe for contact lenses?
Yes, a smudge-proof mascara with a gentle formula is safe for contact lenses. Choose the ones that do not create goop, clumps, or flakes since those particles can fall and get into your eyes and ruin your lens.
Does a setting spray stop mascara from smudging?
Yes, a setting spray can stop your mascara from smudging. Just like every other makeup item, a setting spray also keeps your eye makeup, especially your mascara, intact if you apply a generous amount of it.
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