Best Drugstore Mascara for Oily Skin (Smudge-Proof Picks That Actually Last)

Is waterproof mascara always the best choice for oily skin?

Not always, but it is a strong starting point. Oily skin breaks down many regular mascaras, especially “creamy” formulas that stay flexible, so waterproof can buy you more time before you see transfer or smudging. The trade-off is removal: waterproof formulas typically need an oil cleanser or balm, and aggressive rubbing can stress your lashes over time.

If you mainly get smudging (not running from tears or rain), a tubing mascara can be even better for oily lids. Tubing formulas form little sleeves around the lashes that resist oil and flaking, then slide off with warm water and gentle pressure. For a lot of people, that means less mess at 6 pm and less tugging at bedtime.

Why does mascara smudge more on oily lids, even when I set my makeup?

Most smudging is a combo of oil plus contact. Oil from your lids (and sometimes rich eye cream) travels down to the lash line, then blinking presses lashes against skin. If your lashes naturally point straight out or slightly down, the tips can stamp your under-eye area all day long.

Two practical fixes: first, keep the lash line itself matte by tapping a tiny amount of translucent powder right at the base of the lashes (upper and lower) before mascara. Second, consider a curl-first approach: curl, apply a thin first coat, let it set, then add a second coat. A better lift angle often reduces how much your lashes physically touch your skin, which can make a bigger difference than adding more concealer.

What is a tubing mascara, and how do I know if it will work for oily skin?

A tubing mascara uses polymers that wrap around each lash instead of painting pigment directly onto it like a traditional waxy formula. When it dries, it behaves more like a flexible film, which is why it is so good at resisting smudging from skin oils. If you routinely get “shadow” under the eyes from mascara, tubing is usually the quickest way to clean up your day.

You will know it is working if your lashes still look defined late day, and if removal looks like tiny black “tubes” sliding off (that is normal). If you want dramatic volume, you may need to layer carefully, since some tubing formulas lean more length and definition than plush thickness.

How can I stop lower-lash mascara from transferring without skipping it entirely?

Lower lashes are where oily-skin smudging shows up fastest because the under-eye area is warm, moves a lot, and often has skincare underneath. For lower lashes, use the lightest amount possible and choose a formula that dries down firmly. A drier wand or a tubing formula usually behaves better than a very wet, glossy mascara.

Try this: wipe the wand opening first, then lightly touch only the tips of the lower lashes (not the base). Give it a full minute to set before you do any final under-eye blending. If you still see transfer, switch just your lower lashes to a tubing mascara and keep your favorite volumizer on top.

What is the gentlest way to remove long-wear mascara (especially waterproof) at the drugstore level?

For waterproof mascaras, your goal is to dissolve first, then wipe, not rub. Use an oil cleanser, cleansing balm, or a bi-phase eye makeup remover. Saturate a cotton pad, press it onto the lashes for about 15 to 20 seconds, then gently swipe downward. Repeat until the pad comes away mostly clean.

For tubing mascara, skip the oil and go warm: soak lashes with warm water, then lightly pinch and slide the tubes off between your fingers. If you are losing lashes during removal, it usually means you are rubbing while the formula is still intact. Give the remover more time to do the work, and your lashes will thank you.