The best waterproof mascara for beach vacations offers strong smudge-proof and waterproof performance designed to withstand humidity, sweat, and brief water exposure during beach activities. Top choices include Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof mascara for dramatic volume and curl, CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof mascara for clump-free lashes and durability, and Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara for intense length and definition. These mascaras help your lashes stay defined and lifted throughout your beach day, resisting sweat, saltwater, and heat with minimal smudging or flaking for most users.
You don’t need to skip wearing mascara on days when you’re going to a pool party or beach vacation. Water sports and beach activities are more popular than ever. Beach parties and pool gatherings are an important part of summer fun. On the other hand, swimming parties can also be held during winter in warm water pools. I am sure you’ve been looking for an ideal pair of swimsuits for swimming at the beach or in the pool. But have you given any attention to your mascara? In other words, is your mascara the best waterproof for swimming? Here is a curated list that can help you maintain lifted, defined lashes when you dive into the beach or pool. Moreover, the beach waterproof mascaras come in a travel-friendly size.
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Waterproof Mascaras for Beach – Detailed Overview
Even the best waterproof mascaras may gradually wear off with prolonged swimming, heavy rubbing, or extended saltwater exposure. Results vary based on application and activity level.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Smoky Extravagant Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Overview
A waterproof mascara designed to perform well in humidity and during water exposure. It helps create longer-looking, curlier, fuller lashes. This product shapes your eyelashes and adds color using a special micro-defining complex that covers the surface of your eyelashes in ultra-black pigments for a strong effect. The rounded base is good to apply from root to tip and precision tip in a vertical motion to emphasize and separate lashes. The two-in-one, cone-shaped, synthetic fiber brush has a fine tip for separating eyelashes and a round base for adding full volume. It provides long-lasting color. This formula doesn’t clump and is water-repellent, thanks to a new, non-sticky wax complex that helps resist clumpy lashes.
Katied shared her review on Sephora for this mascara. Miss Katied has green eyes, brown hair, and a light-medium skin tone with dry skin. She gave it five stars for the Aqua Smoky Extravagant Waterproof Mascara. Furthermore, she described the Aqua Smoky Extravagant Waterproof Mascara as the “best mascara she has ever used.” It stayed on all day at the pool, beach, and club in Mexico. In the picture, she is wearing just one coat, no liner, and no lash primer. She said she also used the eyelash curler to curl her eyelashes, and then she wore just one coat of aqua mascara. The buildable properties are really good, and you can layer multiple coats.
Best Clean Mascara: MILK MAKEUP RISE Lifting + Lengthening Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Overview
RISE Waterproof Mascara is vegan and a clean waterproof mascara that lifts, lengthens the lashes and holds a curl throughout the day. It adds subtle volume for natural-looking, defined lashes. This product is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free. It is infused with monoi oil and marigold extract, which help condition, fortify, and strengthen the lashes. The creamy formula dries quickly and stays put through sweat, tears, and swimming. The water-resistant emollients provide reliable water resistance during daily wear and light swimming. Hold the brush in line with the curve of your lashes. Wiggle the brush from root to tip. Apply one to two coats for natural-looking definition and length. Avoid letting coats dry in between. The tip of the mascara brush is especially designed to reach inner and outer corners; use the tip to define inner and lower lashes. Boom! You are good to go for swimming.
Best Vegan: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Overview
The volumizing formula of Lash Princess Waterproof Mascara gives stunning volume with a conic shape fiber brush in addition to being reasonably priced. It won’t clump, though, and won’t give you spider eyes. It is a cruelty-free brand and is designed to resist flaking, fading, and wear. The conic shape large brush lengthens the lashes and provides dramatic volume and a false-lash look. Apply one coat to define volume and multiple coats for a strong, extra-voluminous effect. To prevent clumping, remove any extra product from the wand before applying. It provides clump-free lashes. This mascara is ideal for all-day and has a sweat-proof formulation. It does not flake or clump. At night, remove mascara gently with micellar water or a gentle cleanser; using coconut oil is also good.
Mac Stack Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Overview
This mascara is a great all-around choice because it makes your eyelashes longer and fuller. The formula doesn’t clump, so it resists smudging during swimming and water exposure. This buildable mascara was first released in a washable formula. Now it’s also available in a waterproof formula that offers long-wear performance for up to 24 hours, depending on activity. The buildable formula of M.A.C. Stack waterproof mascara helps to build the length and customizable volume of your lashes. You will no longer experience raccoon eyes during your swimming sessions or surfing in the ocean. Its formula is designed to resist running or smudging in the pool, on the beach, or when you tear or sweat. To protect each lash, the Drench-Defense Technology in this waterproof mascara helps to wrap around your fringe and keep water repellent.
PRO tip for best result
- Wipe excess product from the mascara brush with wet tissue, and let the brush dry.
- Apply the first coat and swipe brush from roots to tips, wiggling the mascara wand onto each lash. Apply second coat.
- Important: Don’t pump the wand into the tube, which causes the formula to dry out and get clumpy.
- Use makeup remover to easily remove this mascara gently.
➡️ PRO TIP TO BOOST VOLUME: Apply M.A.C. False Lashes Maximizer first, then repeat all the pro tips that I mentioned above.
Real user experiences and reviews
Miss Kayla Bloomstrand rated this mascara five stars on the Amazon website and shared her experience with the Mac Stack Waterproof Mascara. She said she had been looking for the best waterproof mascara for so long. However, she noticed that every mascara she tried left black marks under her eyes. This Stack mascara from M.A.C. stays on your lashes all day and doesn’t smudge down your face.
Madam Mitzi has blonde eyelashes, and she loves the smoothness of the application. It makes the eyelashes so much longer without being awfully clumpy.
Miss Leilani Nicole was a regular consumer of Bobbi Brown and Too Faced mascara. But after using the MacStack waterproof mascara, she became a huge fan of it and loves this mascara due to its lengthening and thickness properties.
Best Beach-approved Mascara: Eyeko Beach Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Overview
This mascara is specially made for the beach. Manufactured in London, it is formulated with sunscreen, coconut oil, and waterproof pigments. It is designed to resist running or fading. Its curved brush is shaped like an ocean wave, designed to sweep lashes up for volume and lift. Many users report Eyeko beach is a good waterproof mascara for swimming, even in saltwater. Eyeko Beach Waterproof Mascara is a popular choice among frequent beachgoers.
Real user experiences and reviews
Natalie watched a video review of Eyeko Beach Mascara. In this video, someone wore this mascara to work out, swim, and shower, and her eyelashes still looked great. This is what made her decide to buy the mascara, and she shared her experience on Amazon. Before she went to the Caribbean, Natalie made sure to buy something that would last through water sports, the sun, and the humidity, of course. She was amazed at how well this Eyeko beach-approved mascara worked, though. Miss Natalie wore it for 32 hours, through salty ocean water, sweat, and finally a shower. Moreover, she said it may have been a bad idea to leave it on for more than 24 hours, but she was on vacation and didn’t think much about taking it off at night. When Natalie woke up, she was amazed that her lashes were looking like she had just done her eyelashes. Her mother even asked if she had worn fakes. Furthermore, she noticed that her lower lash line smudged more than her upper lash line after 24+ hours of wear, but she never looked like a rabid raccoon.
Note: Wearing mascara for extended periods without removal is not recommended, especially overnight.
Best Lengthening Drugstore: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Overview
Maybelline Sky High Waterproof Mascara will be your new best friend if you want to lift and define your lashes. Plus, it is ophthalmologist-tested, suitable for sensitive eyes, and the waterproof formula is removable with a dedicated waterproof eye makeup remover. Sky High Waterproof Mascara features a unique Flex Tower mascara brush. You can get your desired volume with one to two coats, depending on lash type. It coats each lash from root to tip and separates them to give you dramatic lashes. An allergist and an ophthalmologist approve this mascara. It is ideal for people with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Read detailed review about: Maybelline Sky High Mascara, A beauty gem.
Best Volumizing Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Overview
Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara by L’Oréal is developed with an exclusive waterproof and buildable formula with intense black pigments to thicken and lengthen your lashes. The brand claims it can make lashes look up to 4× longer and offers buildable volume, which separates and lengthens. It removes easily with a dedicated waterproof makeup remover. You can also use this mascara for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Best for Hot and Humid Climate: Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Overview
The waterproof mascara of Clinique’s High Impact will give you instant volume and length that stands the test of heat, sweat, and humidity. Apply upward to the tips at the base of your lashes, and repeat to build. (Just let it dry between coats!) It is also paraben, sulfate, phthalate, gluten, alcohol, mineral oil, and fragrance-free, so it is a mascara with which you can feel comfortable if you have sensitive skin. Many reviews indicate that the product is gentle for many users with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. This mascara does not irritate sensitive eyes. The application goes on smoothly and easily without being clumpy. It comes off easily with waterproof makeup remover.
Real user experiences and reviews
One of the customers from Amazon said she has tried many other mascaras, but there is no comparison with the Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara. Furthermore, Miss SBO said she lived in a hot and humid climate, and this mascara never smeared or smudged on her face. Miss SBO, who has sensitive eyes, reported that this mascara never caused any irritation to her very sensitive eyes. This is her go-to mascara, which always makes her eyelashes pop with a natural appearance.
Best for volume: Neutrogena Healthy Volume Lash-Plumping Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Overview
The 0.21-ounce Neutrogena Healthy Volume Lash-Plumping Waterproof Mascara will help build larger and beautifully conditioned lashes. The rich waterproof product enters lashes from the inside and helps bold each lash. At the same time, the super-sized volume brush coats every lash and provides a dramatic, volume-building effect, even if you have short lashes. Additionally, it is an oil-free mascara, making it ideal for those with oily skin. This conditioning mascara is designed to soften the eyelashes without clumps, smudges, and offers noticeably fuller-looking lashes. It is made with sweet almond and olive oil. Dermatologists and ophthalmologists have tested this mascara and recommend it for sensitive and contact lens wearers. You can remove this volumizing waterproof mascara effortlessly and it is available on Amazon.
Best for Show-off: CoverGirl Exhibitionist Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Overview
With just one coat, CoverGirl’s Exhibitionist Waterproof Mascara defines bold and longer lashes for a dramatic appearance. Worry-free swimming, sunbathing, and splashing are all possible with this mascara. Thanks to the waterproof formula, which also adds length and shape to your bottom lashes. The formula is very smooth, and it glides on easily with no flaking or smudging.
Real user experiences and reviews
Miss Alexis gave this 5 stars because, even though it feels light, it makes a difference; the brush is soft; and the mascara won’t make your eyelashes stick together. The mascara brush is easy to use and separates the outer eyelashes to make them stand out more. Furthermore, she said that you definitely need to let your eyelashes dry a bit after putting this on.
Bestidy 4D Silk Fiber Lash Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Overview
The Bestidy Lash mascara will instantly add volume and length to your eyelashes. This mascara is perfect for daily use and will give you beautiful long lashes. It is hypoallergenic, gentle on sensitive skin, and generally well-tolerated, though sensitivity can vary by individual. The mascara is also suitable for people who wear contact lenses. It is simple to use. The waterproof and long-lasting mascara formula ensures that your eyelashes stay gorgeously long, thick, and voluminous all day through rain, tears, swimming, and sweat. It provides length, thickness, and volume that last all day!
Ultimate Comparison Chart
| Product | Best For | Water Resistance | Best Feature | User Type | Quick Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Smoky Extravagant Waterproof Mascara | Overall Waterproof | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Ultra-black pigments & buildable | All lash types | Great for long wear in humidity |
| MILK MAKEUP RISE Lifting + Lengthening Waterproof Mascara | Clean Formula | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | Vegan & conditioning | Sensitive skin | Natural volume + curl |
| Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara | Budget + Vegan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Dramatic false-lash look | Affordable users | Fantastic value pick |
| MAC Stack Waterproof Mascara | Long-Wear & Buildable | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Clump-resistant formula | Sensitive eyes | Buildable length & volume |
| Eyeko Beach Waterproof Mascara | Beach/Saltwater Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Designed for beach days | Frequent swimmers | Beach-themed formula |
| Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara | Lengthening | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Flex Tower brush | Sensitive eyes | Great lift + curl |
| L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara | Drugstore Volume | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Buildable volume | Drugstore lovers | Bold look on a budget |
| Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara | Hot & Humid Climate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Heat & sweat resistance | Sensitive eyes | Smooth & gentle |
| Neutrogena Healthy Volume Lash-Plumping Waterproof Mascara | Oil-Free / Plumping | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Conditioning formula | Oily skin | Fuller look + gentle |
| CoverGirl Exhibitionist Waterproof Mascara | Show-Stopping Volume | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Dramatic lashes | Bold lash fans | One-coat drama |
| Bestidy 4D Silk Fiber Lash Mascara | Fiber Length + Volume | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Fiber length + volume” (or) “Sensitive-eye friendly (brand claim) | Sensitive eyes | Max length + volume (multiple coats) |
Tips to Keep Your Mascara Intact While Swimming
- Apply a waterproof mascara primer. This will help to create a barrier between your lashes and the water.
- Let your mascara dry completely before going swimming.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes while you’re in the pool.
- Use a waterproof eyeliner to line your upper lash line. This will help to prevent mascara from smudging.
- Be sure to remove your mascara thoroughly at the end of the day. Waterproof mascara can be difficult to remove, so you may need to use an oil-based makeup remover.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the right waterproof mascara is essential for maintaining flawless lashes during beach vacations. This guide highlights top-performing mascaras that offer long-lasting wear, volume, and resistance to water and humidity. Notable mentions include MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Smoky Extravagant Waterproof Mascara for its intense black pigment and clump-free application, MILK MAKEUP RISE Lifting + Lengthening Waterproof Mascara for its vegan formula and lash-conditioning ingredients, and Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara for its affordability and smudge-proof wear.
These options help your lashes stay voluminous and defined, whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying seaside activities. Choosing a waterproof mascara that combines durability with lash-enhancing properties will keep your eyes looking stunning throughout your beach adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
During the winter, mascaras get wet due to the cold, and in summer, the heat and humidity make it challenging to have amazing lashes. It’s much easier with a high-quality waterproof mascara. These unique waterproof formulas use ingredients that coat lashes and lock moisture out. Many waterproof mascaras hold up well when you dive in the pool.
You don’t need to skip mascara on days when you’re going to a beach or swimming party. For the appearance you want, you must select the best waterproof mascara. Here are some of the most popular frequently bought waterproof mascaras by swimmers that can help you achieve defined, beach-ready lashes.