I think it’s safe to say that pretty much anyone who wears mascara wants one that doesn’t budge at all. There’s really nothing more annoying (makeup-wise) than painstakingly applying the product to your lashes and feeling so good about it, only to look in the mirror later on in the day to see a smudged mess. There are just so many mascara options to choose from out there, but of course, not every formula is the same. Some have more staying power than others. Some might even claim to be waterproof and clump-free, but they’re not. And if you haven’t found your holy-grail product yet, it can be a bit overwhelming to shop for one.
That’s where we come in. We’ve combed the reviews, looked at our own makeup stashes, and studied the best-sellers our readers love to share a definitive list of the best smudge-proof mascaras. Take a look below.
This is a big-time Who What Wear editor favorite. All of my colleagues talk about how it lengthens and volumizes their lashes. The flake- and smudge-free formula is made with beeswax and shea butter for staying power.
There’s a reason Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara is always on “best of” lists. It’s just so good. It will make your lashes really pop.
A mascara that doesn’t dry out your lashes? We’re on board with that. This mascara is also lengthening and lifting.
This highly rated mascara is volumizing and lengthening, and it won’t budge because it’s waterproof.
Milk’s mascara contains unique ingredients like heart-shaped fibers, hemp-derived cannabis seed oil, and pure pigments. Your lashes will be soft, feathery, and fully coated.
Covergirl’s Lash Blast is a total classic—it’s ultra-volumizing. The waterproof formula won’t flake or clump, either.
Every single lash gets coated with this mascara, which means that you’ll end up with the fullest look. It will stay in place for up to 24 hours and won’t weigh your lashes down.
YSL’s Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara does exactly what it says—gives you lashes for days. My lashes are kind of sparse, so I need something that’s lengthening and lifting but that doesn’t weigh my little lashes down. This does the trick. And I don’t have to worry about raccoon eyes throughout the day.
Chances are you’ve probably owned one of these pink-and-green tubes in your lifetime. The iconic mascara is still going strong. The waterproof version stays put while also doubling your lashes.
Dior’s Diorshow is another editor favorite. It really gives your lashes an incredible lift with amazing hold.
Clinique’s mascara lasts for a whopping 24 hours so you don’t have to worry about any touch-ups. It can withstand rain, sweat, humidity, and tears.
This water-resistant mascara dries quickly, so that means you don’t really have to wait too long for it to set. And good news, it lasts up to 12 hours. It’s also enriched with pro-vitamin B to condition and vitamin E to moisturize and strengthen.
Fenty Beauty’s curling mascara has a brush that helps to volumize, lift, and lengthen. It’s also a water-resistant formula.
Essence’s waterproof mascara really sticks. The formula pumps up your lashes so it looks like you’re wearing falsies, but it won’t clump, fade, or smear.
There have been a lot of really amazing “clean” mascaras coming out in the past few years, and this one from Westman Atelier is one of them. Just one coat of this mascara will have your lashes looking defined and fluttery.
Some mascaras can feel so tight, but Glossier’s Lash Slick is flexible and natural-looking. The water-resistant formula will last for up to 12 hours.
Chanel’s waterproof mascara does it all—volumizes, lengthens, curls, and separates. It also contains pro-vitamin B5 to hydrate and condition.
I’ve heard a lot of my colleagues giving rave reviews for this lash serum. It contains vitamin B5 to support hair growth, phyto peptides to stimulate visible growth, and clover flower extract to support strong hair follicles.
This lash conditioner prevents breakage and brittleness while moisturizing your lashes.
A lot of lash serums can be pretty pricey, but at $36, this one is an affordable and highly rated find. Most people see results in just six weeks.
If you’re dealing with thin and sparse-looking lashes, NeuLash’s serum will strengthen your lashes and promote thickness.
