11 Best Water Based Mascaras Of 2023 For Luscious Lashes
Save your lash extensions and eyes from chemicals and smudges with these eye makeup essentials.
Srijani Roy Chowdhury Certified In Makeup Artistry, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 3 years
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
Srijita DeCertified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 2 years
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
Madhumati ChowdhuryCertified Style & Image Consultant
Expertise: Beauty & Lifestyle
Experience: 7 years
Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through... more
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It is true that choosing the right kind of mascara can be a difficult task given that the market is brimming with umpteen options, all claiming to be the best. But when it comes to lash extensions, you need to avoid an oil-based mascara as the oil breaks down the glue which holds the extensions together in place. This is exactly why you should have the best water-based mascara with you that can save your day. A water-based mascara is free of chemicals. What is more, it is lightweight and allows you to wash it off easily at the end of the day. To this end, in this article, we have taken the responsibility of acquainting ourselves with the 11 most fantastic water-based mascaras that you must consider buying right away. These mascaras are perfect for you to achieve some really thick and luscious eyelashes that you have always dreamt of. So, it is time for you to add some extra oomph to the lashes of yours and become the confident and posed woman that you are with the products that we have listed below. All you need to do is, go ahead, scroll down and find the ones that fit right for you. Come on!
In This Article
What Is Water Based Mascara?
Water based mascaras do not contain any added oils, have a neutral pH, and are chemical-free. It’s also the only mascara that is safe for eyelash extensions and unlike oil-based mascara, it doesn’t break down the adhesive that keeps the extensions in place. Water-based mascaras as a rule do not contain as many additives and chemicals as other mascaras, which means they are ideal for people with sensitive eyes. They also dry faster and can be easily removed. They are water-resistant to an extent and come with natural hydrogen PG levels, which means they are safe for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
11 Best Water Based Mascaras Of 2023 For Long Sweeping Lashes
1. Best Waterproof:Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara
Image: Essence Cosmetics If you are a fun person looking for fun makeup, this is just the product for you. It promises you voluminous eyelashes with its new waterproof formula. It features a conic fiber brush that catches each and every eyelash, giving it ultimate volume and length and also definition, without forming globs or clumping. You don’t have to bother with eyelash extensions with this mascara as it gives an instant false lash look to your natural lashes. You can confidently go through your day without fear of it fading, flaking, or streaking. And you don’t have to worry at the end of the day, as a gentle makeup remover or micellar water will remove all traces of your mascara. This cruelty-free, water-based mascara has 4 other options to choose from, so go for that bold and dramatic look and watch the envious looks come your way. You can also check this YouTube video for a complete idea about the product.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Waterproof
- Long lasting
- Easily removable
- Doesn’t clump or glob
- Comes with a conic brush
Cons
- Contains beeswax
Pro Tip2. Best Hypoallergenic:Bestidy Twinkle Starlight Long Curl Mascara
Image: Bestidy Just one coat of this 4D silk fiber awesome mascara will give instant volume and definition to your eyelashes, making them look thicker and fanned. It features a soft fiber brush that ensures smooth and creamy application on each and every eyelash without flaking, smudging, clumping, or drying out. This waterproof and long-lasting mascara gives your eyelashes gorgeous length and thickness that lasts through the day, and is very easy to remove with lukewarm water, lotion, or a simple makeup remover. Its hypoallergenic formula contains gentle ingredients that are safe for even sensitive eyes and people who wear contact lenses. Suitable for all occasions, this water-based mascara is a must-try for longer, thicker, and voluminous curly eyelashes.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-smudging
- No clumping
- Long lasting
- Easy application and removal
Cons
- Contains parabens and beeswax
3. Best Sweat-Resistant:Elizabeth Mott It’s So Big Volumizing Mascara – Black
Image: Elizabeth Mott Have you always craved long, curling lashes? Well, this lightweight, water-based mascara for lash extensions with its unique natural wax formula holds the curl all day and doesn’t weigh them down like oil-based mascaras. It uses flexible tubing polymers that wrap themselves around each lash, ensuring that each lash has 360° coverage, giving it superior length and volume for fuller lashes. And it stays on perfectly through the day as it’s sweat-proof, smudge-proof, and doesn’t clump. Its corset-shaped brush ensures an even application and applies just the right amount of mascara to all the lashes. Its water-based formula is gentle on lash extensions and doesn’t harm them in any way. If you want to know more about the results, take a look at this review on YouTube.
Pros
- No animal testing
- Sweat-resistant
- Smudge-proof
- All-day wear
- Corset shaped brush
- Unique natural wax formula
Cons
- Contains parabens and beeswax
4. Best Pigmented Formula:Teteyana Naturals 4D Silk Fiber Eyelash Mascara
Image: Tetyana Naturals If you are fed up with your mascara smudging, clumping, or flaking, it’s time for a change! This water-based mascara is deeply pigmented and immediately creates bold and dramatic lashes with just one application. This hypoallergenic water-based mascara instantly volumizes and lengthens your lashes and is a complete game-changer in eye makeup. This 4D silk fiber mascara has a gentle yet powerful formula and coats your lashes flawlessly for that ultimate glamorous look. This long-lasting and deeply pigmented mascara is hypoallergenic and doesn’t smudge or flake. Its natural and non-toxic formula makes it completely safe for those with sensitive skin or who wear contact lenses. You can be assured of a natural look with the silky, feathery smooth formula of this mascara. You can check this YouTube video for more information about the product.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Waterproof
- Long lasting
- No smudging
- No flaking
- Deeply pigmented
Cons
- Some may find it a bit clumpy
5. Best For Volumizing:L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Curved Brush Mascara – Black Brown
Image: L’oreal Paris Have you ever envied those models in glossy magazines for their long, sweeping eyelashes? This water-based volumizing mascara has a unique formula that prevents clumping, keeps your eyelashes soft, and separates, lifts, and builds lashes up to 5 times their natural thickness. This non-clumping formula comes with an innovative curved brush that instantly thickens every individual eyelash evenly for a luscious and bold look. Infused with panthenol and ceramide-R, this water-based, buildable mascara conditions and protects your lashes. The end result is no flaking, and soft and supple lashes that are to die for.
Pros
- No clumping
- Lash-conditioning formula
- Voluminizes up to 5 times
- Unique curved brush
- Contains panthenol and ceramide-R
Cons
- Contains parabens and PEGs
6. Best Contact Lens-Safe:Maybelline New York Lash Discovery Mascara – Very Black
Make a difference to your beauty quotient with this amazing mascara! This hypoallergenic, water-based mascara by Maybelline comes in an intense black color and not only lengthens but also defines your lashes so that your eyes always look gorgeous and bold. This clump-free formula features a unique lash-catching mini-brush that separates and coats each eyelash, including the hard-to-reach ones. Made of safe ingredients, this lash-defining mascara is suitable for the most sensitive skin and also for those who use contact lenses. And you never have to worry about your mascara forming globs or clumps, ensuring you never have to deal with spidery, flaky, or unnatural-looking lashes again.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Waterproof
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Contact lens safe
- Lash catching mini brush
Cons
- Contains parabens
7. Best Fragrance-Free:Ecco Bella FlowerColor Mascara – Black
Image: Ecco Bella Ranking among the best water based mascaras for eyelash extensions, this vegan product takes your beauty regimen to a whole new level. This lash lifting mascara uses iron oxide coated with flower cutin and clay to give you fuller, smooth, natural looking lashes without globs and clumps. Flower cutins, the delicate coating that protects a flower’s petals keeps your eye makeup fresh all through the day. The water-resistant formula of this natural water-based mascara makes it easy to remove without scrubbing and damaging your eyelashes. It features a uniquely designed brush that separates and coats each lash and also comes with a convenient mirrored tube for application while you are on the go.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Silicone-free
- Fragrance-free
- No mineral oil
Cons
- Some might find its consistency a bit dry
Pro Tip8. Best Clump-Free:Covergirl Clump Crusher Waterproof Mascara – Black
Image: Covergirl Be the showstopper at any occasion with this water based mascara that gives your lashes up to 20 times more volume without the annoying globs and clumps. It features a unique curved brush that hugs the curve of the eye and covers your lashes from root to tip with loads of color and combs out any clumps. The bristles are precisely designed so that each lash is separated for flawless application and monster volume. This mascara is suitable for any skin tone or eye color and is sure to turn heads whenever you apply it.
Pros
- Vegan
- No phthalates
- No mineral oil
- No formaldehyde
- Talc-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Contains parabens
Quick Tip9. Best For Lash Extensions:Alluring Max 2 Water Based Special Mascara
Image: Alluring The Alluring Max 2 Water Based Special Mascara gives your eyelashes a luscious finish. Its oil-free moisturizing formula lasts all day. Its creamy formula smoothly covers each lash without clumping them together. This non-irritating mascara is infused with vitamins, royal jelly, and herbal extracts that nourish your eyelashes, make them look fuller and protect them from environmental contaminants. This mascara can be used for both natural eyelashes and eyelash extensions.
Pros
- High-quality ingredients
- Creamy formula
- Long-lasting
- Smudge-proof
- Clump-free
Cons
None
10. Best For Lash Enhancement:Clinique Naturally Glossy Mascara – Jet Black
Image: Clinique Long, sweeping eyelashes are now just a stroke away! This gel based formula defines lashes naturally by lengthening, glossing, and enhancing them to perfection. Your lashes stay pliant, clump-free, silky, and flake-free giving you a picture perfect look. This jet black, water-based mascara separates each eyelash and thickens them with an even coat, giving them a striking and beautiful look. It features a bushy, easy-to-use brush that applies mascara evenly from root to tip. This lash-enhancing mascara will make sure that you look poised and well groomed through the day.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Gel-based
- No clumping
- Flake-resistant
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Cons
- Contains SLS, beeswax, carmine, and PEGs
11. Best For Sensitive Eyes:Xtreme Lashes By jo Mousselli – Blue
Image: Xtreme Lashes You can really up your WOW factor with this mascara that not only beautifies but also looks after the health of your lashes. This water based mascara features a large, lash maximizing brush that thickens, lengthens, and voluminizes each and every lash from base to tip. Its highly pigmented formula creates high definition without any clumping, flaking, or smudging. Its high quality ingredients condition your lashes and protect your eyelash extensions. This long-lasting, non oil based mascara is enriched with vitamin B and is ideal for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. It’s formulated specifically for use with semi-permanent lash extensions and lower lashes for dramatic definition and color.
Pros
- Vitamin B5 enriched
- Long lasting
- Smudge-proof
- Can be removed easily
- Ideal for sensitive eyes
- Safe for contact lens wearers
Cons
- Some may find its texture thick and clumpy
Now that you’ve been through our review of the 11 best water based mascaras, let us give you a few guidelines to follow while choosing your mascara so that you can get the best out of it and always have dramatic and bold eyes.
How To Choose Water Based Mascara
- Find your formula:
If you like the usual, evenly spaced lashes you need to go for a light formula. But you will require a specialized mascara if you are looking for a specific effect. A curling mascara would give an upward lift to your eyelashes as it contains resins and waxes. In the same way, you can decide on a lengthening or volumizing mascara. As far as colors go, black is always a safe bet, unless you have blonde eyelashes, in which case you should use a black brown mascara.
- Check the ingredients:
As with all makeup, you always need to read the ingredients carefully to see that there are no harmful chemicals or additives. Also, if you are particular about it, check whether the product is vegan and cruelty-free or not.
- Check the brush:
A big and bushy brush will give you similar eyelashes, while a brush with spiky plastic combs will ensure that each lash is separated.
- Select a mascara that is not waterproof:
It’s better to avoid a mascara that is waterproof as they are difficult to remove and you may damage your eyelash extensions while scrubbing the mascara off. The lashes will fall out and can also damage your natural eyelashes. A water-resistant formula is better as it’s easier to remove and won’t leave streaks.
- Choose a mascara with a sealant:
This not only increases the longevity of your eyelash extensions, it also provides nourishment to keep your extensions and natural lashes healthy.
- Look for a mascara that has added nutrients:
Having vitamins and other added nutrients in your mascara can keep your natural lashes strong and healthy. The added vitamins like vitamin B5 can assist in the overall growth and stimulation of lash follicles.
Infographic: What Features To Look For In Water-Based Mascaras
If you have sensitive eyes and the skin around your eyes is prone to clogging, switch to water-based mascaras. These products not only help transform your entire eye look but are also super gentle on your eyes. Check out the infographic below to know more about the features to look for in water-based mascaras.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
Mascaras are a great way to add some extra oomph factor to your lashes. They make your lashes appear voluminous, lengthy, and stronger. But unfortunately, the oil-based mascaras are of no help to lash extensions. They break the adhesive and make the lashes fall off. So all you need is the water-based mascaras that are chemical-free and go well with lash extensions. For example, opt for the Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara for its dramatic and waterproof effect or the Teteyana Naturals 4D Silk Fiber Eyelash Mascara for its intense volume and length, or the Clinique Naturally Glossy Mascara for its natural and glossy finish. These mascaras are safer for sensitive skin and prevent clumps. They are ideal for both everyday and occasional use. Some mascaras come with a powerful formula to give a flawless look. In addition, the water-based mascaras are easier to remove and dry faster.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Srijani Roy Chowdhury, is a makeup enthusiast. She has curated a list of water-based mascaras after carefully researching and browsing through reviews online. Her list comprises mascaras that are chemical-free and add extra oomph to your lashes. Not only are these water-based mascaras safe for people with sensitive skin, but are also long-lasting and can be removed easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my mascara is water-based?
All water-based mascara comes with natural hydrogen PG levels. The chemical-free nature of this mascara makes it the preferred option for people with sensitive skin or skin allergies. Also, it is easy to remove and dries faster compared to oil-based or silicone-based mascaras. Some natural water-based mascaras also come with beneficial ingredients like provitamin B5, which is good for healthy skin and hair.
Can you use water based mascara on eyelash extensions?
If you use an oil based mascara, your eyelash extensions are likely to fall off as they are rather heavy and fragile. A coat of a water-based mascara is a much safer option and it will give your lashes extra volume.
Does water based mascara smudge?
No, most water-based mascaras do not smudge. They do not contain added oils that usually cause mascara smudging .
What’s the advantage of water based mascara over other types?
Water based mascaras are easier to remove and are made without any additives and oils. This makes these mascaras safe for sensitive eyes. They also dry faster and are safe for people with allergies.
How can you remove water based mascara?
You can remove water based mascaras using gentle makeup removers or natural alternatives like baby oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil.
Is it okay to wear water based mascara everyday?
Yes, it is okay to wear water based mascara every day. These are safer for the skin and easier to remove at the end of the day.
