Drugstore Waterproof Mascaras For Maximum Length & Wear

The Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascaras

We independently select and review the products we recommend. If you make a purchase using our affiliate links below, we may earn a commission.

Volume, length, and curl minus the clumping, smudging, and dent in the wallet sure sound like a big burden to put on mascara. But don’t worry. L’oreal alone has 30+ mascaras to choose from. And one of those is guaranteed to be what you’re looking for. What a time to be alive! So no, you’re not asking for too much. The best drugstore waterproof mascaras are as good, if not better, as the high-end alternatives. But to avoid decision fatigue, it’s always best to know what you expect from your waterproof mascara.

Sure, it should be resistant to sweat, water, or humidity. But remember to always prioritize your needs. Because trust me, there is a ton of amazing mascaras out there and it’s easy to get lost. Look for a volumizing option if you’re dealing with scarce lashes. Go for a lengthening option if you have short, shy lashes. And look for a curling mascara if your eyelashes are stubborn and straight. And in that case, prepping up the lashes with an eyelash curler will ensure maximum hold.

But perhaps the most important thing to remember is to properly remove waterproof mascara! Waterproof mascara is a must-have for long-lasting wear when you can’t afford to go freshen up every two hours. But not removing them properly can cause fallouts and damage your healthy lashes. So before getting a waterproof mascara from the drugstore, make sure you have a waterproof eye makeup remover too. If not, this is your reminder to add one to the cart!

The Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascaras

Now, find below the best drugstore waterproof mascaras.

1. Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara - Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascara

Same with eyeliners, Maybelline doesn’t disappoint when it comes to waterproof mascaras. This volumizing mascara has classic bristles, neither too big nor too thin. So overall, it should suit most eye shapes. It doesn’t dry too fast so you have enough time to layer a few coats without creating a mess. The volume is incredibly satisfying and the formula is smudge-proof. Wear it to the beach or to the pool!

Mascara Benefits: Volumizing
Shades: 2
Size: 0.32 oz

2. L’Oreal Voluminous X Fiber Waterproof Mascara

Loreal Voluminous X Fiber Waterproof Mascara - Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascara

This one is a primer & mascara duo to ensure maximum length and volume. The primer is also black, as opposed to clear, so you get a really nice coat even before switching to mascara. And personally, I feel like it’s just two mascaras. The primer preps up the lashes and defines them while adding length. The actual mascara is infused with fiber, so it’s madly thickening. The result is full, voluminous lashes. Plus, you really don’t need a lot of coats. The waterproof mascara lasts forever. But, because of the fibers, avoid applying too much of the actual mascara on the lower lashes. It might get clumpy for such tiny lashes.

Mascara Benefits: Volumizing, lengthening
Shades: 3
Size: 0.44 oz

3. Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline Full'N Soft Waterproof Mascara

This is the most natural-looking mascara perfect for no-makeup makeup days. It’s also suitable for people who already have voluminous lashes but just need some definition. The thickening mascara colors up the lashes without adding too much volume or length. The waterproof formula is hypoallergenic and is like an eyelash serum but with pigments.

Mascara Benefits: Thickening
Shades: 1
Size: 0.28 oz

4. Nyx Worth The Hype Volumizing Waterproof Mascara

Nyx Worth the Hype Volumizing Waterproof Mascara - Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascara

Thanks to its tapered tip, this mascara brings out the tiniest lashes you didn’t know you had and defines them. That’s how it adds volume. Plus, the tip makes it easy to catch and define the lashes on the outer corners of the eyes if you’re going for a winged eyeliner or an uplifted eye look. It’s waterproof and leaves the under-eye area clean even if you sweat. No smudging!

Mascara Benefits: Volumizing
Shades: 1
Size: 0.23 oz
Good To Know: Cruelty-free

5. Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara

CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara - Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascara

This is another hypoallergenic mascara if your eyes tend to get watery. You have a straight wand, which might require a few coats to get the best results and grab everything. You need to take the time to properly layer it. However, it does not bleed, travel, or smudge. So you can rely on it even on your busiest day. The mascara slowly adds volume and length without getting clumpy. Plus, it’s cruelty-free!

Mascara Benefits: Volumizing, thickening
Shades: 3
Size: 0.44 oz
Good To Know: Cruelty-free

6. Neutrogena Healthy Volume Waterproof Mascara

Neutrogena Healthy Volume Waterproof Mascara - Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascara

This one is formulated with nourishing oils to avoid that dry, cracked, and clumpy look on the lashes. The wand is not too big and not too small. So the application is a breeze even if you have hooded eyelids. The slightly tapered tip grabs individual lashes and gives you a nice overall definition and volume.

Mascara Benefits: Volumizing
Shades: 5
Size: 0.21 oz

7. Maybelline Lash Discovery Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline Lash Discovery Waterproof Mascara

OK, this is like the tiniest mascara wand out there. The bristles are so small that they catch and separate every single lash and define them from the roots to the top. The small wand gets in the trickiest areas and lengthens the lashes like no other. This also makes it easy to apply mascara from the top of the lashes as well, which is an amazing trick to get maximum length and volume. It’s also great for the lower lashes. It’s waterproof, smudge-proof, and clump-free.

Mascara Benefits: Lengthening
Shades: 1
Size: 0.16 oz

8. L’Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara

L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara - Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascara

If you have sensitive eyes and you’re looking for a fragrance-free formula that’s affordable and does it all, then this is it. Though not as small as the Lash Discovery wand, the wand is amazing and provides maximum grip to define lashes from the roots for length and volume. Plus, its flexible wand makes the application convenient so that you can bend it or curve it depending on your eye shape. The waterproof mascara applies easily without needing too many coats.

Mascara Benefits: Lengthening
Shades: 1
Size: 0.27 oz
Good To Know: Fragrance-free

RELATED: The Best Mascaras For Ocular Rosacea

9. Wet n Wild Max Volume Plus Waterproof Mascara

Wet n Wild Max Volume Plus Waterproof Mascara

This is by far the most affordable drugstore waterproof mascara out there. And it’s surprisingly good. The wand allows precise and mess-free application all thanks to the bristles. So you can safely separate the lashes and build up to more dramatic looks without getting clumps all over. Considering how affordable this is, it’s basically an over-achiever.

Mascara Benefits: Volumizing
Shades: 1
Size: 0.27 oz

So these are some of the best drugstore waterproof mascaras you can use comfortably without worrying about smudging. L’Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara has an exceptional wand that will reveal glorious lashes even if you don’t have voluminous lashes. Plus, it’s free of common irritants so you can use it even if you have sensitive eyes. If you’ve got yourself a favorite, here’s a beginner-friendly and clump-free way to apply mascara.

Read Next: How To Layer Mascara Like a Pro

Scroll to Top