Best Waterproof Mascara in the UK (2026)
A good waterproof mascara should survive drizzle, a hot dance floor and the odd happy tear without leaving panda eyes. These are the waterproof mascaras UK beauty editors keep returning to, with a pick at every price from £5 to £31.
The trade-off: waterproof formulas are harder to remove. Use an oil-based or dedicated eye make-up remover, and never tug them off with a dry wipe.
Quick picks
- Best for volume Benefit Badgal Bang Waterproof
- Best for staying power Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara
- Best budget Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof
- Best from Boots No7 Intense Volume Waterproof
- Best for curl Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof
- Cheapest Max Factor 2000 Calorie Waterproof
- Cheap and dramatic Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof
How to choose a waterproof mascara
Waterproof, water-resistant or smudge-proof?
Waterproof formulas resist water and sweat and need an oil-based remover. Water-resistant formulas cope with light moisture. Tubing and smudge-proof formulas resist smudging but come off with warm water. Pick based on what you need it for.
Match the finish to your goal
- Dramatic volume: Benefit Badgal Bang Waterproof, Essence Lash Princess.
- Length and softness: Maybelline Sky High Waterproof.
- Curl that holds: Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof.
- Smudge-proof staying power: Bobbi Brown No Smudge.
Swimming
Choose a formula marked waterproof (not just water-resistant), and avoid fibre mascaras, which can loosen in chlorinated water. Rinse and remove with oil-based remover afterwards.
How to remove it safely
Press a cotton pad soaked in oil-based eye make-up remover on your closed eye for 10 to 20 seconds, then wipe gently downwards. Rubbing back and forth pulls lashes. See our full guide to removing waterproof mascara.
Do not wear it every day
Waterproof formulas can dry lashes. Many people save them for events, holidays and gym days and use a regular formula the rest of the time.
Comparison
| Mascara | Price | Waterproof | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benefit Badgal Bang Waterproof | About £25 | Yes | Best for volume |
| Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara | About £31 | Yes | Best for staying power |
| Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof | About £8 to £13 | Yes | Best budget |
| No7 Intense Volume Waterproof | About £10 | Yes | Best from Boots |
| Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof | About £28 RRP | Yes | Best for curl |
| Max Factor 2000 Calorie Waterproof | About £7.50 | Yes | Cheapest |
| Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof | About £5 to £6 | Yes | Cheap and dramatic |
Our picks in detail
Benefit Badgal Bang Waterproof
Woman & Home's number one waterproof mascara and joint winner at Good Housekeeping, which singled it out for dramatic volume that lasts.
Pros
- Dramatic volume
- Tops two UK waterproof guides
- Lasts through a long day
Cons
- Pricier than drugstore options
Choose it if: People who want dramatic volume that stays put. It was number one in Woman & Home's waterproof guide and tied for top at Good Housekeeping.
Skip it if: Anyone on a tight budget or with very sensitive eyes. It is a premium-priced waterproof formula.
Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara
The Independent's best overall waterproof mascara of 2026 (about £31 at Boots). A long-standing choice for people who need it to stay put.
Pros
- Staying power
- Stays clean under the eye
- Good for weddings
Cons
- High price
Choose it if: Anyone who wants a mascara that does not move: The Independent named it best overall waterproof mascara of 2026.
Skip it if: Bargain hunters: it is about £31 at Boots.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof
The waterproof version of the favourite, picked as best budget waterproof by The Independent and the best waterproof option in several other guides.
Pros
- Same lengthening brush as the original
- Good value for a waterproof formula
- Easy to find in-store
Cons
- Needs an oil-based or micellar remover
- Small tube
Choose it if: People who like the Sky High brush but need a mascara that survives rain, humid days, gyms or a cry. The Independent picks it as its best budget waterproof.
Skip it if: Anyone with very sensitive eyes or dry lids. Waterproof formulas are harder to remove and can feel drier; if your eyes complain, use the regular or a tubing formula instead.
Read the full review of Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof
No7 Intense Volume Waterproof
Who What Wear's best overall pick in its list of affordable mascaras, in a waterproof formula from a Boots own-brand.
Pros
- Boots own brand, easy to buy
- Waterproof
- Good value
Cons
- Mainly available through Boots
Choose it if: Anyone who wants a good value waterproof with volume from Boots' own brand: Who What Wear named it best overall in its affordable mascara list.
Skip it if: Anyone who does not shop at Boots; it is mainly available there.
Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof
Woman & Home ranked it second in its waterproof guide, and Glamour says Lancôme's waterproof mascaras live up to the standard of its regular ones.
Pros
- Holds volume and curl all day
- Trusted brand
- Good for events and holidays
Cons
- Premium price
- Needs a proper eye make-up remover
Choose it if: Weddings, holidays and long days: when you want volume and curl that hold in warm, damp or emotional conditions. Woman & Home ranked it second in its waterproof guide.
Skip it if: Everyday wear on sensitive or dry eyes. Waterproof formulas can feel drier and need a proper remover.
Max Factor 2000 Calorie Waterproof
A blogger favourite for being waterproof, smudge-proof and very low priced, with a thickening brush.
Pros
- Very cheap
- Waterproof and smudge-resistant
- Good for volume
Cons
- Dense formula can clump if you load the brush
Choose it if: People who want a cheap waterproof mascara that stays put and builds thickness. Bloggers repeatedly call it one of the best budget waterproofs.
Skip it if: Anyone who prefers a light, natural finish, or anyone who clumps easily: dense formulas can clump if you load the brush.
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof
Woman & Home puts it in the best waterproof list, and the standard version is a much-loved cheap mascara.
Pros
- Very low price
- Waterproof
- Dramatic false-lash look
Cons
- Can clump if you apply too much
Choose it if: People who want a very cheap waterproof mascara with dramatic false-lash volume. Woman & Home includes it in its waterproof guide.
Skip it if: Anyone who clumps easily or wants a natural look.
Read the full review of Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof
Which should you buy?
- Best budget: Maybelline Sky High Waterproof, The Independent's best budget buy.
- Cheapest: Essence Lash Princess Waterproof or Max Factor 2000 Calorie.
- Big volume: Benefit Badgal Bang Waterproof, number one at Woman & Home.
- Maximum staying power: Bobbi Brown No Smudge, The Independent's best overall.
- Best from Boots: No7 Intense Volume Waterproof.
Related guides: best drugstore mascara, best mascara for sensitive eyes, how to remove waterproof mascara.
FAQ
Is waterproof mascara bad for your lashes?
It is not harmful if you remove it gently. Use a proper eye make-up remover and do not pull or rub.
Can I wear waterproof mascara every day?
Yes, but it is worth switching to a regular or tubing formula on days you do not need it, to give lashes a rest.
Which waterproof mascara is best for swimming?
Look for a formula marked waterproof (not just water-resistant) and avoid fibre mascaras, which can loosen in chlorinated water.
Why does my waterproof mascara still smudge?
Oily lids can break it down. Use an eyeshadow primer, let each coat dry before blinking, and avoid oil-based skincare near the eye.