10 Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascaras That Deliver Gorgeous Lashes

There are a few things I refuse to spend a lot of money on, and mascara is one of them. Why would I when the drugstore has so many amazing options? But finding the best drugstore mascara that’s also waterproof? That’s the real challenge.

A good waterproof mascara needs to survive everything. I’m talking about sweaty summer days, ugly-crying during a sad movie, and even an unexpected dip in the pool. It can’t smudge, flake, or leave you with raccoon eyes by noon.

So, I put my lashes on the line. I tested a ton of tubes to find the ones that actually hold up without making your lashes feel like brittle little sticks. Here are the ones that truly impressed me.

 

 

My Favorite Drugstore Waterproof Mascaras

L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara

This one has been a favorite for years. It gives you incredible volume and length, making my lashes look full and feathery. It really does look like a more expensive mascara.

The formula is a little on the drier side, which I like because it builds up fast without getting messy. And once it sets, it’s not going anywhere. Seriously, it lasts all day and night.

 

 

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara

The hype is real with this one. The super-flexible brush grabs every single lash, even the tiny ones in the corners I usually miss. The result is insane length.

If you want your lashes to look longer, this is the one. It doesn’t provide a ton of volume, but the separation and length are top-notch. It also holds a curl incredibly well.

 

 

CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara

You can’t miss that bright orange tube. This is probably one of the first mascaras I ever used, and the waterproof version is still a total workhorse. It gives you clean, separated volume without any clumps.

I love this for a more natural, everyday look. It defines your lashes beautifully and you never have to worry about it flaking off. It’s just a reliable, solid choice.

 

 

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara

For the price, you just can’t beat this mascara. It delivers dramatic volume and length that lives up to its “false lash effect” name. I was genuinely shocked at how good my lashes looked.

It can get a little clumpy if you apply too many coats, so I’d stick to two. But for a night out, this gives you big, bold lashes that stay put. It’s easily the best drugstore mascara for anyone on a tight budget.

 

 

Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara

Ah, the iconic pink and green tube. It’s a classic for a reason. This mascara is perfect for a very natural, defined lash look. It darkens and separates without adding a ton of bulk.

This is my go-to for “no-makeup makeup” days or for my bottom lashes. It never smudges, which is a huge plus. It’s simple, but it works.

 

 

L’Oréal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara

If you want length, look no further. The skinny plastic brush is designed to coat your lashes from root to tip, extending them to unbelievable lengths. My lashes almost touched my eyebrows with this stuff.

It’s not a big volumizer, so don’t expect thick, chunky lashes. It’s all about that spidery, super-long look. And let me tell you, it did not budge through a whole day of running errands in the humidity.

 

 

e.l.f. Lash ‘N Roll Waterproof Mascara

I was so happy when e.l.f. came out with a waterproof version of this. The curved brush is fantastic for lifting and curling your lashes, and it holds that curl all day long. It’s a great drugstore mascara for straight lashes.

The formula gives you a nice mix of length and separation. It’s not the most dramatic mascara on the list, but for a curled, wide-eyed look, it’s perfect.

 

 

Milani Highly Rated Anti-Gravity Waterproof Mascara

This mascara promises to give your lashes major lift and volume, and it really does. The hourglass-shaped brush coats every lash for a full, fanned-out effect. My lashes looked instantly thicker.

It’s a buildable formula, so you can go from natural to dramatic pretty easily. It also felt surprisingly lightweight on my lashes, not heavy or stiff at all.

 

 

NYX Worth The Hype Waterproof Mascara

The name says it all. This mascara builds volume and length really well, and the tapered brush tip makes it easy to get those inner corner lashes. It gives you a full, fluttery look that I love.

It stays comfortable all day and doesn’t flake. I wore this to a friend’s wedding and it survived happy tears without a single smudge. Definitely a solid contender for the best drugstore waterproof mascara.

 

 

Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Waterproof Mascara

This mascara is meant to mimic the look of a salon lash lift, and it gets pretty close! The double-curved brush lifts your lashes from the root while the formula adds fiber-infused volume and length.

I was impressed by how lifted and curled my lashes looked without using a curler first. So if you want that wide-awake look that lasts, this is a fantastic option.

 

 

Final Thoughts on Drugstore Waterproof Mascara

You really don’t have to spend a fortune to get lashes that can withstand anything life throws at you. The drugstore is packed with formulas that perform just as well, if not better, than their high-end counterparts.

Just remember that waterproof mascara is tough for a reason. Make sure you have a good oil-based makeup remover or a cleansing balm on hand. Your lashes will thank you for it at the end of the day!