Your mascara often gets wet or smudges in cold weather because cold air can make your eyes water reflexively. To protect themselves from dry, cold air, your eyes may produce more tears. This extra moisture can cause mascara to smudge, run, or look watery. My name is Shahnaz. One day, while going for a morning walk, I noticed my eyes getting dry from the cold air and strong wind. When I blinked my eyes, they started to water. My eyes became watery, and I realized that was the reason my mascara kept getting wet and smudgy. Another day, I tried wearing glasses, but that didn’t fully solve the problem. I was wearing a non-waterproof mascara during my walk, so it kept smudging. I knew I had to find a better solution to avoid this daily hassle, so I tried the waterproof version of my usual mascara.
The idea worked, and I finally found what I needed. Now I don’t worry as much when my eyes water from fog, cold air, or chilly early-morning walks. I also feel more confident in humid weather because the waterproof formula usually stays put and helps hold my lash curl. So, my curious friends, I’m here to share several waterproof mascaras that can help your lashes look defined and fresh in cold or wet conditions. All the mascaras on this list are affordable drugstore options that my friends and I personally love.
In this list, you’ll find seven affordable mascaras that my friends and I personally use and love. These mascaras can help lengthen, darken, thicken, and define your eyelashes so they look bigger and more noticeable.
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The 7 Waterproof Mascaras That Hold Up Better in Cold Weather
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Can you believe it? L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara comes in thirteen (13) shades, including fun colors like blue and purple. Some of the brown and black shades can work well for a more natural, “no-makeup” lash look. The formula includes common mascara ingredients like beeswax and glycerin, which help the product coat and adhere to your lashes.
It’s formulated to minimize clumping and help create more defined lashes in a single application. It is designed to resist clumping and is fragrance-free, with a formula that aims to provide long-lasting wear. L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara is uniquely formulated to resist clumping, soften and build lashes up to 5× their natural thickness, according to the brand. The Volume Maximizing Brush thickens lashes evenly & smoothly.
One Amazon reviewer rated it five stars and said she used to be a regular user of Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, but it sometimes left her with raccoon eyes by the end of a long day. She called L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara one of the best non-flaky mascaras she had tried and said she discovered it while searching for mascaras that don’t flake.
You never know when emotional moments might happen, so having a reliable waterproof formula can be helpful. Many users like this as a “must-have” mascara because its waterproof formula helps resist tears and reduces the chance of raccoon eyes or spidery smudging.
Maybelline Falsies Push Up Drama Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
A reviewer suggested curling your lashes first, then applying one coat and building up with a second coat for extra volume and drama. She mentioned that if you have naturally long eyelashes and wear glasses, the stiff formula may cause your lashes to touch your lenses. She recommended using contact lenses with this mascara, or trying Maybelline Volum’ Express Mega Plush Waterproof Mascara for a softer, more flexible finish that works better with glasses.
From Maybelline, and it is falsies push-up mascara. This one goes on easy every time. The magic is that it does not clump and gives your lash a more volumized look with perfect length. It includes rice bran wax to optimize lash volume, making it flexible. Push up cup brush with cup-shaped bristles, and separate and lift lashes. The new creamy plumping formula delivers instant volume and holds the curl.
One reviewer said that if you need a mascara for the beach, lake, or swimming pool, this is one of the most reliable waterproof options she has tried. Moreover, she said she constantly gets asked what mascara she is wearing.
Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Mascara gives your lash a defined length with minimal effort. It is perfect if you have small or thin eyelashes, providing buildable volume to the upper and bottom lashes. It provides instant volume with a waterproof formula that is designed to resist water, including light splashes or contact with moisture.
The customer said it didn’t smudge during sweaty workouts or swimming and that she didn’t experience smears or raccoon eyes. Moreover, she said, this mascara doesn’t run or budge. She said she did not experience smudges, smears, or raccoon eyes while using it. She mentioned that she even went swimming while wearing it and was impressed that it stayed in place for her. According to her, She said it stayed in place for her even while swimming.
L’Oréal Voluminous X Fiber Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
L’Oréal Voluminous X Fiber Waterproof Mascara has mascara primer to instantly build volume. This mascara has two parts. It has actual mascara and a mascara primer. First, apply primer and then mascara. Get great length and volume without giving several coats. It is a fiber-infused mascara with lengthening fibers that help create a longer lash look. It’s a long-lasting, waterproof option that many people like for humid weather and watery eyes.
==>> L’Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara Review, price, and availability.
Maybelline The Colossal Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
If you need something long-lasting for the beach with long-lasting effects—a non-clump plumping formula infused with collagen that delivers nine times the volume in just one coat. With dramatic volume, the collagen formula is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
==>> The Colossal Volum Express Mascara Review, price and availability.
NYX worth the hype Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
A cruelty-free brand lengthens the short and tiniest eyelashes. Again, waterproof with a chunky brush, effortless, and comfortable to wear. It also stands up to rain, sweat, or tears, so don’t worry if you’re having an emotional day. It’s designed to resist tears, sweat, and rain, making it a reliable option for emotional or active days.
Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Covergirl Lash Blast is available in four colors, so it is best to wear Covergirl Lash Blast when going to parties or weddings. Moreover, it’s designed to minimize clumping and flaking while adding significant volume to the upper and lower lashes. A reviewer even joked that it stayed put through windy beach weather. Moreover, She mentioned it stayed put even during swimming or in the shower. It stays on your eyelashes and does not smudge. At the end of her review, she recommends elf makeup remover balm to wipe off it.
How to prevent mascara from getting wet
- Use waterproof mascara: Opt for a waterproof or water-resistant formula, especially in cold, windy, or dry weather when your eyes tend to water more.
- Use an eyeshadow primer: Applying a primer to your eyelids can create a smoother base that helps keep eye makeup in place and may reduce transfer from your upper lashes to your lid.
- Let it dry: Allow each coat dry before applying next to prevent it from becoming wet and clumpy.
- Set with powder: Apply a very light dusting of setting powder under your eyes to help absorb oil or moisture that might cause smudging. After powdering, gently tap off the excess.
- Be mindful of eye cream: Make sure your eye cream is completely dry before applying mascara, as residual moisture can cause the mascara to run.
FAQs
You can remove waterproof mascara by soaking a cotton pad in an oil-based eye makeup remover or micellar water, then gently pressing it over your closed eye for about 20–30 seconds to let the formula dissolve. Gently wipe away without rubbing or tugging.
Most waterproof mascaras are designed to last on your lashes for many hours. However, you should not use any mascara past its recommended expiry (usually around 3–6 months after opening), as old mascara can increase the risk of eye irritation or infection and may not perform as well.
Most waterproof mascaras are designed to resist light sweat and moisture. However, very heavy sweating or rubbing your eyes can still cause smudging or flaking, so results may vary from person to person.
Yes, you can wear waterproof mascara for emotional occasions, like weddings or funerals, because it’s designed to resist tears better than regular formulas. Just try not to rub your eyes too hard, as that can break down the product and cause flaking. When you find the right formula, mascara can feel like one of your best beauty friends.
Waterproof mascaras have stronger, more long-wearing formulas to resist water. If you wear them regularly, it’s a good idea to use a gentle lash primer and a proper waterproof eye makeup remover so the product comes off more easily and you’re not rubbing your lashes too hard.
You can layer a thin coat of waterproof mascara over your regular mascara if you don’t have a lash primer and want extra smudge resistance. Just avoid using too many layers, as this can make lashes feel heavy or clumpy and harder to remove.
Conclusion
Stunning, smudge-free winter days are waiting for you. I’ve shared some of the most reliable waterproof mascaras I know to help you avoid runny mascara in cold weather. These are my personal favorite picks for formulas that aim to be non-clumpy and less flaky, while leaving your lashes soft and flexible when removed gently. Get your long-lasting, stunning eyelashes with no smeared look. A great mascara can enhance your eyes and make them stand out beautifully. And because eyes are the windows to the soul, a good mascara can help them look more defined and expressive.
Another solution is to focus on waterproof eyeliner instead of mascara to create a cat-eye or winged look. However, if you love bold lashes, a good waterproof mascara can still be part of your winter or cold-weather routine.
Thank you for reading! Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.