The best drugstore waterproof mascaras are designed to resist water, sweat, and humidity while keeping lashes defined and smudge-free throughout the day. Popular options like Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara for dramatic volume, L’Oréal Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara for intense fullness, and CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara for clump-free definition—all at an affordable price. These mascaras are ideal for swimming, humid weather, or long days, especially when removed gently with an oil-based makeup remover or cleansing balm.
Mascara instantly enhances the eyes and adds definition to any makeup look. If your mascara gets on your face, it could ruin your look. Mascara is a key part of many daily makeup routines. These drugstore waterproof mascaras provide long-lasting wear, volume, and curl, and enhance the eyes with a bold, eye-catching look. These formulas also highlight the eyes, separate each lash with a well-designed brush, and resist under-eye smudging. Finding the best drugstore waterproof mascara for different lash types can be challenging. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a carefully researched list worth considering.
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How We Chose the Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascaras
To ensure accuracy, fairness, and real-world usefulness, we evaluated each drugstore waterproof mascara using clear, consumer-focused criteria. Our goal was to identify mascaras that perform reliably in everyday conditions as well as demanding situations like swimming or high humidity—without sacrificing lash comfort or eye safety.
Our Selection Criteria Included:
- Waterproof performance: Resistance to water, sweat, tears, and humidity
- Smudge & flake control: Ability to stay intact throughout the day without transferring
- Brush design & application: How evenly the formula coats, separates, and lifts lashes
- Lash comfort: Whether the mascara feels stiff, heavy, or flexible once dry
- Sensitive-eye suitability: Ophthalmologist testing and contact-lens friendliness
- Ease of removal: Compatibility with oil-based removers or cleansing balms
- Affordability & availability: True drugstore pricing and wide accessibility
Only mascaras that balanced performance, comfort, and value earned a place on this list.
Quick Comparison Table
| Mascara | Waterproof | Best For | Removal Ease |
|---|---|---|---|
| L’Oréal Telescopic Waterproof | ✅ Yes | Length & separation | Moderate |
| Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof | ✅ Yes | Volume & curl | Moderate |
| L’Oréal Lash Paradise Waterproof | ✅ Yes | Dramatic fullness | Moderate |
| L’Oréal Bambi Eye Waterproof | ✅ Yes | Sensitive eyes | Easier |
| theBalm Mad Lash | ❌ Water-resistant | Everyday wear | Easy |
| Maybelline Great Lash (Washable) | ❌ No | Daily use | Very easy |
| Wet n Wild Mega Length Waterproof | ✅ Yes | Natural length | Moderate |
Top Listed 7 Drugstore Waterproof Mascaras – Detailed Overview
L’Oréal Paris Makeup Telescopic Original Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
You can now get the famous Telescopic Original Mascara in a waterproof formula. The waterproof formula helps lashes appear significantly longer and more defined—and separates each lash in a way that is all its own. Telescopic mascara is featured with a great brush for thin lashes. The specially made, flexible Precision Brush has two sides: the flat side makes eyelashes look longer, and the comb side separates eyelashes perfectly so they don’t clump. It is fragrance-free and tested by an ophthalmologist and an allergy expert. It is good for people with sensitive eyes or who wear contact lenses. You can easily remove it with a cleansing balm or cleansing oil.
Some users report that gently massaging an oil-based remover for 15–30 seconds helps remove the mascara without tugging. Another user reported receiving many compliments after wearing this mascara for the first time. She noted that the mascara quickly became a favorite due to its lengthening effect.
theBalm Mad Lash Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
You don’t need to rub your eyes harshly when removing this mascara. theBalm Mad Lash Mascara is easy to remove and does not cause any allergic reaction to sensitive eyes. A customer named Ann.L reviewed at Influenster; she said Balm Mad Lash mascara was the first product she tried from Balm Cosmetics, and now she is hooked on their products. Moreover, she said it has no scent, which is very good for sensitive eyes. One of the most important features of this mascara is the wand, which is unique compared to other brands. It delivers the product effortlessly and separates the lashes without being clumpy. With just two coats, it defines and lifts the lashes like a celebrity look.
If you wear lash extensions, always check with your lash technician before using mascara. It is smudge-proof and long-lasting. The Balm Mad Lash Voluminous Mascara includes a molded wand to transform your lashes. It adds volume and definition to your lashes and is water-resistant and smudge-proof. Balm Mad mascara is cruelty-free and contains no parabens. The wand is friendly and can separate eyelashes, lengthen, and build volume.
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Lash paradise mascara contains collagen-inspired ingredients designed to create a fuller lash appearance. The collagen creates the appearance of dramatically fuller lashes. It doesn’t form clumps. It features a lash-plumping system that volumizes and separates lashes while keeping lashes soft and flexible. Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara comes with a brush half the size of a standard brush. This small brush helps build impressive volume and is clump-free and flake-free.
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Luscious Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
The Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara is perfect for defining your lashes. The mascara includes a fanning brush that has ten layers of bristles. The brush captures the lashes perfectly from root to tip, giving it a full-fan effect. This mascara is waterproof thanks to a liquid ink that can be built and applied from all angles without clumping. It is ophthalmologist-tested and is safe for contact lens users. This mascara has also been featured in celebrity makeup routines and is popular among makeup artists.
L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Mascara instantly opens your eyes and volumizes and curls the lashes. The mascara applicator adjusts to your eye shape and coats each lash individually. For a definition, the brush comes with both long and short bristles. It is effortless to remove with the help of a cleansing balm or Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water for All Skin Types. It is suitable for sensitive skin and is approved by an ophthalmologist.
Other Most Popular Drugstore Waterproof and Washable Mascaras
There are also other washable and waterproof drugstore mascaras on the market. The washable mascaras also provide a natural appearance without making the lashes hard. Some waterproof formulas may feel firmer than washable mascaras due to film-forming ingredients. Some formulas use waxes or polymers to improve water resistance and longevity.
The Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Hypoallergenic mascara features a unique formula that builds up every lash to provide maximum volume and dramatic length to short lashes. It features a precision plastic comb brush designed to separate lashes. Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes mascara is washable and comes in striking black, Black, and very Black shades. Washable lengthening and volumizing mascara that is easy to remove without excessive rubbing.
Wet n Wild Mega Length Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
The lengthening mascara from Wet N Wild increases definition with precision to create natural-looking, sweat-proof, humidity-resistant, and smudge-resistant. It also increases the volume of lashes. It features Vitamin E to soften, nourish, and protect the lashes. The unique brush is precise and hugs each lash from root to tip to ensure the best length.
Waterproof vs Washable Mascara: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between waterproof and washable mascara depends on how, when, and where you plan to wear it.
Waterproof Mascara Is Best If You:
- Swim or spend time near water
- Live in humid or hot climates
- Have oily eyelids or watery eyes
- Need long-lasting wear for events or long days
Washable Mascara Is Better If You:
- Wear mascara daily for casual use
- Have very sensitive eyes
- Prefer quick, easy removal
- Want a softer, more flexible lash feel
Pro tip: Many makeup users keep both types—washable for everyday wear and waterproof for special occasions or extreme conditions.
Tips to Make Waterproof Mascara Last All Day
Want maximum performance from your waterproof mascara? Follow these expert tips:
- Curl lashes before application to lock in lift
- Apply thin layers, letting each coat dry before adding another
- Avoid heavy eye creams on the lash line before mascara
- Wipe excess product off the wand to prevent clumps
- Lightly set under-eyes with translucent powder to prevent transfer
These steps help improve longevity while keeping lashes comfortable and defined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying mascara correctly is simple with the right technique. Apply mascara from the root to the tip using a gentle zig-zag motion. Start at the outer corners of your lashes and work inward, coating from root to tip.
Yes, many drugstore waterproof mascaras are ophthalmologist-tested and safe for sensitive eyes. Always look for fragrance-free formulas and avoid harsh removal methods.
You can, but it’s generally better to reserve waterproof mascara for long days or water exposure. Daily use may increase lash stress if not removed gently.
Use an oil-based makeup remover or cleansing balm. Hold it on the lashes for 15–30 seconds, then gently wipe downward—never rub aggressively.
Yes. Waterproof formulas typically hold curl longer because they dry faster and resist moisture that can weigh lashes down.
Most ophthalmologist-tested waterproof mascaras are safe for contact lens users, but it’s best to avoid flaking formulas and remove makeup carefully.
Conclusion
Some drugstore waterproof mascaras may feel firmer than washable formulas, especially if layered heavily. Because waterproof formulas dry quickly on the lashes, they help provide long-lasting wear. Waterproof mascaras are best reserved for long days, humidity, or water exposure rather than daily casual wear. Improper removal may contribute to lash breakage over time. Using a cleansing balm or oil-based remover is a gentle and effective way to remove waterproof mascara. For everyday casual wear, washable mascaras may be a better option. L’Oréal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara is great to apply to upper and bottom lashes for a completely defined look, making your eyes pop.
Looking for more mascara recommendations?
You may also like our guides on:
- Best Waterproof Mascara for Swimming.
- Best Drugstore Mascara for Sensitive Eyes.
- Best Mascaras for Short Lashes.