Comparing Our Top 6 Washable and Waterproof Mascaras

We often get asked, ‘Which is better: waterproof or washable mascara?’ Honestly, the answer is, ‘It depends!’

When choosing between a washable or waterproof mascara, take your environment and lifestyle into account.

If you live in a humid climate and are quite active, you’ll appreciate the hold of a waterproof mascara. If you live in a drier and colder climate or you want to be able to remove your makeup in a flash, a washable mascara is for you.

Today, I’m breaking down three great examples of each formula to explain the difference between washable and waterproof mascara.

First up in our washable or waterproof mascara showdown: washable mascaras. These mascaras are designed to be removed with a water-based cleanser or, depending on the formula, water alone!

Need a Mascara for Contacts? M.A.C’s Got You!

What it is: M.A.C COSMETICS Extended Play Giga Black Lash has a mouthful of a name but a user-friendly formula. This iconic, carbon-black mascara wears for 16 hours and removes with warm water.

Why it's so good: Amazingly, the formula is sweat-, water-, and humidity-resistant, so it lasts all day. Extended Play Giga Black Lash was specifically designed with contact wearers and those with sensitive eyes in mind.

Bonus: the tiny brush is perfect for coating hard-to-reach lashes and all your bottom lashes. All in all, this is the perfect mascara for those who love a lifted, lengthened lash effect

The Mascara That Took TikTok by Storm

What it is: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara - Very Black It seems as if TikTok is *the* destination for discovering the beauty that everyone’s buzzing about. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara is currently the most hyped mascara on the platform.

Why it's so good: The easy-wash formula doesn’t weigh down lashes. It’s infused with Bamboo Extract to condition lashes and volumising fibres to give your lashes the oomph factor. Combining full volume and dramatic length, this mascara delivers high impact from every angle. Sometimes, mascara differences can be subtle. But if you wear contacts and want more dramatic volume and length, Lash Sensational Sky High is the washable mascara for you!

The French Marvel With Unprecedented Acclaim

What it is: Lancôme Grandiose Mascara If you wanna go LUXE with your mascara choice, Lancôme is your destination. The Parisian powerhouse is well and truly known for its mascaras, and Grandiose is no exception.

Why it's so good: The wand is of an exclusive swan-neck design for the ultimate in length, lift, and volume. And the formula itself features Rose-Cell Extract to condition your lashes over time, preventing brittleness and enhancing individual lash definition.

Lancôme Grandiose Mascara won’t smudge or flake during the day but can be effortlessly removed with your regular facial cleanser. In light of the washable or waterproof mascara debate, Lancôme has offered you a chic option.

Outrageous Volume, Even When Soaking Wet

What it is: Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara If you love a mascara effect best described as ‘audacious’—ultimate volume, length, and curl, all in a waterproof mascara—you can’t go past Estee Lauder Sumptuous Mascara.

Why it's so good: This mascara features a blend of 3 high-volume fibres in a lightweight mousse-like base to create the effect of lash extensions without a heavy feel. This waterproof mascara also has a lash-conditioning complex that keeps the formula from drying out your lashes. Sumptuous Mascara is also smudgeproof, flakeproof, and clump-resistant, so your lashes look fabulous all day.

Why Should Dolls Be the Only Ones With Good Lashes?

What it is: Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara - Waterproof Inspired by the wide-eyed look of dolls with lush faux lashes, Lancome has created a mascara that will mimic the effect for you. Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara smoothly lifts, sculpts, curls, and loads each lash with pigment for the ultimate shining-lash effect.

Why it's so good: A unique cone-shaped brush covers even the hardest-to-reach eyelashes with Lancome’s exclusive FiberShine formula. And this Doll Eyes waterproof mascara formula stays on until you’re ready to take it off, letting you make the most of your natural lashes without clumping or drying.

Your Secret Weapon To Make Any Other Mascara Waterproof

What it is: Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara - Black Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara is a waterproof mascara that defines, curls, separates, and lengthens without clumping your natural lashes. This buildable formula easily goes from everyday natural glam to full glam, depending on how many coats you apply.

Why it's so good: What makes No Smudge Mascara particularly unique, though, is that you can swipe it on over any regular mascara to instantly make your lashes waterproof. This waterproof mascara formula is also safe for contact-lens wearers, so it has everyone covered.

And although I know one shouldn’t judge a book (or mascara) by its cover, the chrome tube is très chic!

I hope that this guide has broken down the difference between washable and waterproof mascara! There is no right or wrong formula when it comes to mascara, just the formula that works for you, the climate you’re in and your lash goals! Go forth and conquer with one of these formulas.

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.

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