Menu
Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascaras
Updated March 2023
Header Image
Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Covergirl Lashexact Mascara Waterproof
Covergirl
Lashexact Mascara Waterproof
Check Price
Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

A reliable waterproof mascara that provides definition, length, and curl.

Pros

Mascara goes on smoothly. Adds volume and length without clumping or flaking. Gives a subtle curl to lashes. Stays on in the pool and in the rain without running or smearing. Doesn’t smudge, even if you accidentally sleep with it on.

Cons

Applicator brush is a little on the small side.

Best Bang for the Buck
Maybelline Full 'n Soft Waterproof Mascara Makeup
Maybelline
Full 'n Soft Waterproof Mascara Makeup
Check Price
Best for Natural Looks
Bottom Line

A waterproof option that produces stunning, natural-looking lashes that stay soft all day.

Pros

Available in a pack of 1 or 2. Layers well without clumping. Leaves lashes feeling soft and natural. Easily applied to bottom lashes without smearing. Stays perfectly in place at the gym, pool, or in the rain.

Cons

Dries out faster than other brands.

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara
L'Oreal Paris
Voluminous Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara
Check Price
Best for Volume
Bottom Line

Add a burst of volume to your lashes with this quality waterproof mascara.

Pros

Infused with collagen. Adds noticeable volume to even the thinnest lashes with just 1 coat. Aesthetically pleasing packaging. Applicator brush keeps lashes separated and clump-free. Won't smudge when sweaty or wet.

Cons

Difficult to remove; you will need a quality waterproof makeup remover.

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Mascara
Rimmel London
Scandaleyes Waterproof Mascara
Check Price
Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

The thick brush does wonders for your top lashes. The low price point is a bonus.

Pros

Gentle on sensitive eyes and contact wearers. Sits at a bargain price point. The collagen-infused formula produces thick, full lashes. Stays on all day, but is easy to remove at night. Doesn’t smudge even when wet.

Cons

Large, thick brush is difficult to use on bottom lashes.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
Maybelline
Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
Check Price
Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

This "very black" mascara from Maybelline can be worn all day.

Pros

Features a curved fanning brush that helps curl, add volume, and improve length. The 10 layers of bristles help capture the entire lash. Designed to prevent clumping. Comes at a reasonable price point.

Cons

Some buyers said it was still clumpy, while others had no issues.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights
35
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
20
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Nothing says fun and flirty quite like a quick coat of mascara. But a few drops of rain or a sweaty workout session can quickly turn your cute look into a smeared black mess. Luckily, there are a wide variety of waterproof options to keep your mascara locked in place no matter the weather. A quality waterproof formula won’t smudge, smear, or run no matter what water you come in contact with. But, with all that staying power waterproof mascara is often tough to remove. Look for a makeup remover specifically designed for waterproof makeup. Alternatively, you can use a little coconut oil to wipe your mascara off at the end of the day.

Our Top Picks
Covergirl
Best of the Best
Covergirl
Lashexact Mascara Waterproof
Bottom Line
A reliable waterproof mascara that provides definition, length, and curl.
Shop Now
Maybelline
Best Bang for the Buck
Maybelline
Full 'n Soft Waterproof Mascara Makeup
Bottom Line
A waterproof option that produces stunning, natural-looking lashes that stay soft all day.
Shop Now
L'Oreal Paris
Top Pick
L'Oreal Paris
Voluminous Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara
Bottom Line
Add a burst of volume to your lashes with this quality waterproof mascara.
Shop Now
Rimmel London
Top Pick
Rimmel London
Scandaleyes Waterproof Mascara
Bottom Line
The thick brush does wonders for your top lashes. The low price point is a bonus.
Shop Now
Maybelline
Top Pick
Maybelline
Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
Bottom Line
This "very black" mascara from Maybelline can be worn all day.
Shop Now
Neutrogena
Top Pick
Neutrogena
Healthy Volume Waterproof Mascara
Bottom Line
A waterproof mascara that's gentle and easy to remove when you're ready.
Shop Now