7 Best Waterproof Mascaras For Swimming – 2023 Update

Top selection of waterproof mascaras to keep your eyes smudge-free while swimming.

Reviewed by Cha Cha Woska, Certified Makeup Artist
Written by Baishali Bhattacharya, Certified Image Consultant, Certified In Makeup Artistry
Edited by Srijita De, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Fact-checked by Madhumati Chowdhury  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

If you are looking for the best waterproof mascara for swimming, we got you covered. Everyone has their own definition and preference when it comes to the ideal mascara. While some of you may want waterproof mascara with a lightweight texture, and easily removable, few of you may prefer a long-lasting, thick, and waterproof one. Especially, if you are someone who enjoys watersports or swimming regularly, you may want to opt for a good waterproof mascara.

However, make sure you don’t opt for a water-resistant one for watersports. While those may work for a good cry or a chance to douse in rainy weather, water-resistant mascara isn’t enough for swimming or underwater sports. Waterproof formulas, on the other hand, tend to be thicker, dry faster, and do not disintegrate under water. So if you are heading for a beach vacation, a pool party, or your regular swimming lessons, make sure to have waterproof mascara for underwater wear handy with you. To help you choose the right one, we have shortlisted the 7 best waterproof mascaras in this article.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Long-Lasting:Eyeko LondonBeach Waterproof Mascara - BlackPrice on Amazon
Best Fade-Proof:L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise - Blackest BlackPrice on Amazon
Best Cruelty-Free:Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess Ariel False Lash Effect MascaraPrice on Amazon
Best Clump-Free:Peripera Ink Black Cara Long Lash - 01 Long Lash CurlPrice on Amazon
Best Curl Effect:Christian Dior Diorshow Waterproof MascaraPrice on Amazon
Best Smudge-Proof:Lancôme Paris Monsieur Big Mascara - Waterproof BlackPrice on Amazon
Best Paraben-Free:Pacifica Beauty Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Long Lash Mineral Mascara - Abyss (Black)Price on Amazon

7 Best Waterproof Mascaras For Swimming

1. Best Long-Lasting:Eyeko LondonBeach Waterproof Mascara – Black

4.4

If you are someone who regularly visits the beach, then this waterproof mascara by Eyeko London is your holy grail! It instantly volumizes and lengthens your lashes, thus giving you the perfect-picture ready curls. This waterproof mascara with a lengthening formula is infused with coconut oil and various essential fruit extracts that keep your lashes nourished and moisturized. The sunscreen in the formula protects your eyelashes against the UVA and UVB rays of the sun.

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Soft bristles
  • Clump-free
  • Smudge-proof
  • Easy to remove
  • Value for money
  • Sweat-proof

Cons

  • Might cause irritation
Why It’s Worth Buying: A whopping 1,485 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
Price at the time of publication: $24.0

2. Best Fade-Proof:L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise – Blackest Black

4.1
16.-L'Oreal-Paris-Voluminous-Lash-Paradise-Mascara Image: L'oreal Paris

This rich mascara by L’Oreal Paris lengthens and volumizes your lashes instantly! It creates feathery soft fringes without flaking, clumping, or smudging. The uniquely designed bristle brush has over 200+ bristles that give you maximum coverage. 95% of users say that the formula lasts all day. To make an informed decision before buying, you can check out this video.

Pros

  • Smooth formula
  • Long-lasting
  • Feathery soft
  • Smudge-free
  • Clump-free
  • No flaking
  • Intense length
  • Fade-proof
  • Easy application
  • Easy to remove
  • Value for money

Cons

  • Might cause irritation

protip_icon Quick Tip
Take some makeup remover on a cotton pad and hold it over your eyes for a few seconds to remove this waterproof mascara.

Price at the time of publication: $554.0

3. Best Cruelty-Free:Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess Ariel False Lash Effect Mascara

This limited-edition mascara from Essence Cosmetics – Disney Princess collection is simply glorious! It has a cone-shaped fiber brush that sculpts every single lash to deliver optimum fiber placement and helps add volume and definition to the lashes. The formula is super smooth and doesn’t form any globs or clumps. It stays on without fading, flaking, and smudging! This mascara is also PETA-certified, so you can indulge in guilt-free wear! Click here to check out this YouTuber’s unbiased review.

Pros

  • Cruelty-free
  • Clump-free
  • Long-lasting
  • No flaking
  • Fade-proof
  • Sweat-proof
  • Easy to remove
  • Value for money
  • Smudge-proof
  • Doesn’t smear

Cons

  • Might dry out
Price at the time of publication: $9.95

4. Best Clump-Free:Peripera Ink Black Cara Long Lash – 01 Long Lash Curl

4.2
Peripera Ink Black Cara Long Lash – 01 Long Lash Curl Image: Peripera

Lengthen and lift your lashes with this iconic black mascara by Peripera! The formula lengthens each lash separately to create a fuller effect that looks like eyelash extensions. The waterproof mascara with a curved brush technology forms a powerful gel coating to seal in your curls. You can also enhance the volume of your lashes by applying multiple coats, as this formula does not clump or stick. The wand is designed ergonomically to grab the lashes which are closer to the root. It is long-lasting and does not smear or smudge.

Pros

  • Smudge-proof
  • Cruelty-free
  • Long-lasting
  • Smear-free
  • Clump-free
  • Easy application
  • Doesn’t flake
  • Easy to remove

Cons

  • Feels heavy on the lashes

protip_icon Pro Tip
Use a spoolie brush after using this waterproof mascara to prevent clumping.

Price at the time of publication: $9.9

5. Best Curl Effect:Christian Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara

4

The Christian Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara has a creamy, buildable formula that makes your eyelashes look long and lush. It is infused with microfibers that add measurable fiber extensions to the lashes. The waterproof mascara with a buildable formula features an XXL brush that adds spectacular volume to your lashes. The brush also allows for an even application of the product for a defined curl lash effect.

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Buildable formula
  • Clump-free
  • Smooth application
  • Value for money
  • Tear-proof

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $26

6. Best Smudge-Proof:Lancôme Paris Monsieur Big Mascara – Waterproof Black

4.3
Lancôme Paris Monsieur Big Mascara – Waterproof Black Image: Lancome

This waterproof mascara by Lancôme Paris is super long-lasting mascara and can stay put for up to 24 hours. The formula delivers superior volume and has an ultra-creamy texture that coats your lashes equally. The applicator has a unique shape with super soft wavy bristles that deliver just the right amount of formula. The wax and polymers in the mascara instantly add length and volume with a single swipe. It does not flake or smudge.

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Sweat-proof
  • Smudge-proof
  • Creamy texture
  • Intense length
  • Great for travelling
  • Easy to remove
  • Smooth application
  • Value for money
  • Quick drying

Cons

  • Less in quantity
Price at the time of publication: $20.88

7. Best Paraben-Free:Pacifica Beauty Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Long Lash Mineral Mascara – Abyss (Black)

4.1
Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Long Lash Mineral Mascara Image: Pacifica
Now 30% Off

This mascara by Pacifica Beauty is infused with natural ingredients like coconut oil, kelp extract, and vitamin B. These ingredients hydrate your lashes while strengthening, lengthening, and adding volume to them. The 100% vegan brush is super soft and separates each lash to deliver a voluminous look. The mascara’s gentle formula makes it an ideal choice for people with sensitive skin and eyes.

Pros

  • Vegan formula
  • Cruelty-free
  • Suitable for sensitive eyes and skin
  • Long-lasting
  • Long lashes
  • Sulphate-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Paraben-free
  • No propylene glycol
  • No petroleum
  • No mineral oil
  • Easy to remove
  • Volume control

Cons

  • Dry texture
Why It’s Worth Buying: There are more than 1,434 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Price at the time of publication: $9.8

The best waterproof mascaras are formulated to withstand any amount of water without it running down your face and ruining your look. They make sure your lashes remain gorgeously curled even while you are at the beach or doing your laps at the pool. No smudges and no smears, waterproof mascara is designed to hold up and ensure you look your best wherever you are. Before you choose your swimming pool-proof mascara, here are some factors to consider and keep in mind.

How To Choose The Best Waterproof Mascaras For Swimming

  • Ingredients To Look For

Read the ingredients list carefully to make sure there are nourishing ingredients for your lash and skin health. Formulas that include such ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, nourishing essential oils and vitamin E provide nourishment to your lashes.

  • Formulation

Look for waterproof mascara with a volumizing formula depending on your needs and wants. Choose a mascara that lasts through multiple laps and dips in the pool without any touch-ups. Opt for an oil-based mascara as they are long-lasting and smudge-proof. Ophthalmologist-tested mascaras are the safest for the eyes. They are hypoallergenic and will not cause any irritations or allergies to your eyes.

  • Ingredients To Avoid

Look for chemical-free formulas that are formulated without sulfates, gluten, parabens, propylene glycol, mineral oils, and petroleum. These mascaras will be best for people with sensitive eyes and skin.

  • Ease Of Application And Removal

The shape of the mascara wand defines the ease of application and the finish. Short bristles are usually the easiest to use as they help to give full coverage to the lashes without smudges and smears. A cone-shaped fiber brush sculpts the lashes for added volume and definition. Waterproof mascara can be difficult to remove, but there are ones that come off more easily, they should be your preferred option.

  • Colors

To make your eyes pop while you’re in the water choose a colored mascara. A blue mascara suits most eye colors and makes a welcome change from the classic black. You may also opt for plums, greens, and browns for a bright or muted look.

Infographic: Dos and Don’ts Of Applying Waterproof Mascara While Swimming

If swimming is your vibe, we know how you can keep looking your prettiest even after all your laps. With waterproof mascaras, it’s easy to keep your eyes looking popping as you go about your day in a pool or the ocean. But do you know how to apply it such that it doesn’t budge a bit? Check out the infographic below to learn more!

Dos and Don'ts Of Applying Waterproof Mascara While Swimming (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

Swimming is the best water sport to stay active and healthy. If you prefer to have your eyes well-defined while swimming, you can go with these best waterproof mascaras with a smudge-resistant formula. These waterproof mascaras are ideal for rainy weather and beach vacations. They contain hydrating ingredients that hydrate and volumize your lashes. These waterproof mascaras with a clump-free formula for swimming are easy to use, remove, and provide long-lasting results. To hydrate your lashes while giving them a voluminous look, try the Eyeko LondonBeach Waterproof Mascara. You can also use the L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise to give an instant lift to the lashes, and for a non-flaking option, try the Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess Ariel False Lash Effect Mascara. However, some products may be heavy on your lashes and dry them out. Grab the best waterproof mascara from our recommended list to meet your needs.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Baishali Bhattacharya, is a certified image consultant and expert in makeup artistry. She not only knows the tips and tricks of makeup to accentuate your best features. She has conducted in-depth research on shades and formulations to help you select from the best. These mascaras are waterproof, smudge-proof, and easy to apply, adding that perfect volume, length, and dimension to your lashes!

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you wear makeup to the pool?

There are no rules when it comes to beauty, so if you want to wear makeup to the pool, give it a shot! But make sure you invest in waterproof makeup and always clean your face thoroughly once you are home.

What eye makeup do swimmers use?

Swimmers use silicone oil-based beauty and skincare products for the eyes while swimming, as they are waterproof.

Can you go swimming with mascara on?

Yes, you can wear waterproof mascaras such as the Maybelline New York Illegal Length Fiber Extensions or L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise, which provides a smudge-proof experience and lasts long on the eyes.

How do you keep makeup on while swimming?

Use waterproof makeup formulations while swimming. Do not rub your eyes or wipe yourself roughly with a towel cause that might smudge up your makeup.


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