Gives lifted, separated lashes that resist sweat and humidity—build with light layers for best, smudge-free wear.
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If you are anything like me, you have believed the "waterproof" label right up until you step out of the pool and catch a faint gray shadow under your eyes. I started treating summer mascara like a performance test, one light layer, a quick blink-check, then a second coat only if it still looks clean. The formulas that make this list are the ones that stay lifted through sweat and swims, not the ones that look pretty for five minutes in air conditioning.
In-depth Reviews
Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara
- Holds curl well without feeling stiff
- Great definition with minimal clumping
- Resists sweat and humidity transfer
- Needs an oil-based remover
- Pricey compared to drugstore
Kiss Me Heroine Make Long & Curl Super Waterproof Mascara
- Extremely strong staying power in water
- Excellent curl hold for straight lashes
- Minimal smudging even on very humid days
- Removal takes patience (and the right remover)
- Can feel a bit “sealed” if you over-apply
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara
- Noticeable length with a lighter feel
- Strong wear for a drugstore waterproof
- Easy to control on lower lashes
- Can clump if over-layered
- Removal still requires a good cleanser
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
- Fast, dramatic volume payoff
- Builds thickness without immediate flaking
- Great for evening makeup looks
- Can feel heavy with too many coats
- More likely to transfer if you apply thickly
Caliray Come Hell or High Water Mascara
- Excellent anti-smudge performance on oily lids
- Defined, separated lashes with a light feel
- Simpler removal than traditional waterproof
- Less “wow” volume than classic waterproofs
- Not the most swim-proof option for long pool days
Buying Guide
Pro Tip: Make waterproof mascara look better (and come off easier) in summer
Think in “thin coats,” not one thick layer. Waterproof formulas set as they dry, and a heavy coat can stay tacky longer, which makes it more likely to stamp onto the upper lid. Try one light coat, let it set, then add a second only where you need it (usually the outer third for lift).
Keep your lash line clean if you wear sunscreen. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, but if it sits right at the lash base it can break down mascara and cause smudging. After sunscreen, lightly blot the lash line with a tissue, then apply mascara.
At night, remove in two passes. First dissolve the mascara with remover and a gentle press, then cleanse as usual. That second cleanse step is what keeps leftover pigment from hanging around your lash line and making eyes feel gritty the next day.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final Verdict: If you want the most reliable combination of lift, definition, and summer-proof wear, Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof is my top pick because it holds up in humidity without feeling heavy. For true pool days, Heroine Make Long & Curl Super Waterproof is the “commitment” option that stays on until you remove it properly.
How we judged “summer-proof” mascara
For summer, the dealbreakers are simple: smudging on the upper lid, flaking onto cheeks, and lashes that lose their curl the moment humidity hits. The winners below prioritize true staying power, comfortable wear (not stiff or crunchy), and removal that does not require aggressive rubbing.
I also looked at how formulas behave over sunscreen and dewy base makeup, since that combo is where a lot of mascaras quietly fail.
What to look for in a waterproof mascara for summer
- A formula that matches your “summer situation”: true waterproof for swimming and heavy sweat, or tubing if your main issue is transfer and smudging.
- A brush that fits your lashes: slim combs tend to separate and reduce clumps in humidity; hourglass brushes build fast volume but can get heavy if you over-layer.
- Lift and hold: if your lashes are straight, prioritize curl hold over pure volume or you will end up with droop by lunchtime.
- Removal plan: the best waterproof mascara is only “best” if you can remove it gently at night.
Application tips that prevent smudges in heat and humidity
- Start with clean, dry lashes. If you applied skincare right up to the lash line, blot lightly with a tissue before mascara.
- Curl first, then apply in thin coats. One to two light coats wears better in humidity than three thick coats that stay tacky longer.
- Hold the wand at the base, then wiggle up. This deposits product where you want it without overloading the tips (which can droop).
- For lower lashes, use the leftover product. Lower lashes are where summer smudges show up fastest, so less is more.
- Give it a full minute to set. Waterproof formulas often need a little time to “lock.” If you blink too soon, transfer happens.
Removal without rubbing (your lashes will thank you)
If you wear true waterproof mascara often, plan on a cleansing oil or bi-phase remover at night. Saturate a cotton pad, press it on closed lashes for 15 to 20 seconds, then gently sweep down. Repeat instead of scrubbing. If you prefer tubing mascara, warm water and gentle pressure usually releases the tubes without a greasy remover.
Either way, finish with a gentle cleanser to remove residue along the lash line, since leftover film can make eyes feel irritated the next day.
See also
If summer turns your lids slick by noon, start with our best mascara for oily eyelids guide and pair it with these top picks for hooded eyes if you battle transfer.
- Read our Caliray Come Hell or High Water tubing mascara review
- Everyday mascaras that wash off with warm water
- The best mascaras for sensitive eyes
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Is waterproof mascara bad for your lashes?
Waterproof mascara is not automatically “bad,” but it can be harder to remove, and rough removal is what causes most lash breakage. If you wear waterproof often, use a proper remover (oil or bi-phase), press and dissolve first, and avoid back-and-forth rubbing. Also consider rotating in a tubing mascara on non-swim days for easier takedown.
Why does my waterproof mascara still smudge in summer?
Most “waterproof” formulas resist water better than they resist oil. In summer, sunscreen, sweat, and natural oils can break down mascara at the lash base and cause transfer to the upper lid. Try using less product on lower lashes, letting each coat fully set, and prioritizing a tubing formula if your main issue is transfer rather than tears or splashing.
What is the best way to remove waterproof mascara without losing lashes?
Use an oil cleanser or bi-phase remover and give it time to work. Saturate a pad, press it on the lashes for 15 to 20 seconds, then gently sweep downward. If you still see residue, repeat the press-and-sweep instead of scrubbing. Finish by washing your face to remove any leftover remover and pigment near the lash line.
Can I layer waterproof mascara over regular mascara?
You can, but it often leads to clumping and flaking because formulas do not always “bond” well. A better approach is to commit to one formula and apply in thin coats. If you want extra hold, curl first and focus waterproof mascara at the base, then comb through to the tips while it is still slightly tacky.
Is tubing mascara actually waterproof for swimming?
Tubing mascaras are usually excellent for sweat and smudge resistance, but many are better described as water-resistant than true swim-proof. Some hold up to light splashing, but a long pool day can loosen the tubes. If you are doing water parks or laps, a true waterproof (or “super waterproof”) formula is the safer bet.
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