<\/p>\n
Well, not exactly. \u201cMost waterproof mascaras are closer to water-resistant than truly waterproof,\u201d says Gailbreath. For the most part, they can prevent sweat-, humidity-, and water-induced raccoon eyes, but \u201cnone are invincible,\u201d she says. Even the best waterproof mascaras aren\u2019t completely guaranteed to hold up to a full day in the pool or ocean.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re designed to handle moisture, a few tears, some humidity, and light sweat,\u201d she says, which will keep you protected for the most part. So if you\u2019re having a full cry or spending the entire day fighting off sweat or water, don\u2019t be surprised if you still see some migration. That being said, they are \u201cbuilt for sustained contact with water,\u201d she notes, so you don\u2019t have to lose faith in the power of a waterproof mascara.<\/p>\n
Waterproof mascara comes with a bevy of benefits (stays in place during a good cry, helps your lashes hold a curl, and much more), but that\u2019s not to say it doesn\u2019t come with some drawbacks as well. Some \u201cformulas start to dry out and flake after a few hours,\u201d says Gailbreath. If that happens, double-check your mascara tube isn\u2019t expired or you didn\u2019t layer too many coats of mascara.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s no secret that waterproof mascara can also be tough to get off at the end of the day. Gailbreath says it best: \u201cThe same thing that makes it great makes it a pain to remove.\u201d Make sure that you have the right makeup remover to take it off at the end of the day (Gailbreath recommends an oil-based cleanser); otherwise, you\u2019re at risk of \u201cscrubbing your lashes for what feels like forever, and over time, that causes breakage and fallout,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
In general, \u201cthe formulas also tend to be drier and stiffer, which is why I don\u2019t love them for daily use,\u201d she explains, noting that they can make your lashes more brittle over time. Waterproof mascaras are best reserved for moments you know<\/em> you\u2019ll need that extra protection.<\/p>\n While standard mascaras do the trick in lengthening, volumizing, darkening, and separating your lashes, waterproof mascaras are better suited for long-wear and durability. “Waterproof mascaras are designed to be more resistant to running and smudging with tears and sweat, and some can even [withstand] a day at the pool,” says Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos.<\/em> “They often contain ingredients such as polymers that adhere strongly to lashes and create a water-resistant film.” Waterproof mascaras rely on film-forming copolymers, which help with flexibility, holding the eyelash’s curl, and boosting temperature resistance.<\/p>\n “Some waterproof mascaras are totally anhydrous, meaning they contain no water, so they dry differently and sometimes can take longer,” continues Dobos. “The unique, natural composition of beeswax makes it a useful ingredient in all mascaras but especially waterproof formulas.”<\/p>\n Waterproof mascara itself is always safe for lashes, but the product tends to be more difficult to remove when it comes time to wash off your makeup, posing potential distress to your lashes. Dobos explains, \u201cYour usual micellar water might not cut it. Rubbing and pulling at lashes can cause breakage or already loose lashes to come out.\u201d But not all hope is lost\u2014the way in which you approach removal can make a difference. \u201cUsing a bi-phase or oil-based eye makeup remover helps reduce pulling or tugging at the delicate eye area to remove. Isohexadecane and silicones work to dissolve the tenacious polymer films,\u201d Dobos adds.<\/p>\n As always, your perfect-match-mascara depends on what you\u2019re looking to get out of the product. Do you want a waterproof mascara that prioritizes lengthening? One that is especially heat-resistant? One that can withstand a day of water-sport practice? Look at the mascara\u2019s description and ingredients before you head to checkout. “Some examples of ingredients to look for are Styrene\/Acrylates Copolymer, Styrene\/Acrylates\/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, and VP\/Eicosene Copolymer,” Dobos advises.<\/p>\n Dobos suggests that, beyond examining the formula, you should consider the mascara’s brush and the “wiper” at the mouth of the tube. “There are some tradeoffs in using waterproof mascaras; some might take a little longer to dry, meaning lashes coated with the product that touch each other might stick together,” says Dobos. “A good wiper\u2014that separate ring you can see at the opening of the mascara tube\u2014and silicone bristles that are stiff and on the shorter side can help separate lashes, reduce the amount of product applied, and thereby reduce clumping potential.”<\/p>\n According to Dowds, application is a big part of her smudge-proof technique\u2014sometimes the brush is too big, or sometimes there\u2019s too much product on the brush. \u201cI recommend starting with a single, thoughtful first coat, then letting it dry for a moment before applying a second coat in the same way,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Her best trick? Keeping disposable mascara wands in both mini and regular sizes as brushing through the lashes with a clean, dry wand helps separate them and prevents clumping. \u201cA good initial application sets the lashes for the day and helps minimize smudging,\u201d she adds. \u201cI also suggest avoiding eye cream too close to application. Let it settle well beforehand if needed. Some people apply powder under the eyes to help, but I generally don\u2019t use much powder, and almost never under the eyes unless it\u2019s for a specific character look.\u201d<\/p>\n Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?<\/p>\n For our review of the best waterproof mascaras, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and cosmetic chemists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product\u2019s performance across four primary categories: formula, wear, longevity, and durability. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.<\/p>\n A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure<\/em> wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors\u2014in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon\u2014is essential to reaching that goal.<\/p>\n After all, can we really<\/em> say a skin-care product is the \u201cbest\u201d for people over 50 if the only testers we\u2019ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it\u2019s never been tested on curls? We\u2019re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nHow are waterproof mascaras different from standard mascaras?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Are waterproof mascaras safe for your lashes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
How should I choose a waterproof mascara?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
How do you stop mascara from smudging under the eyes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Meet the experts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n
How we test and review products<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Our staff and testers<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n