Finding the best waterproof mascara isn’t just a test of staying power. Depending on the lash effect you’re seeking, the right formula for you should hold up through heat, humidity and the occasional downpour, while still delivering on lift, length and/or volume. It also needs to hit the sweet spot: long-lasting enough to resist smudging or running, but not so stubborn that it’s impossible to remove at the end of the day. Arduous removal often leads to lingering remnants, or worse, can cause friction damage and wear to your lashes.Whether you prefer a natural, defined finish or full, dramatic volume, mascara is one product you can’t swatch or trial in-store, even premium make-up counter brands have to use generic disposable wands that can’t give you the full picture of ‘specific-wand/formula’ combo. With so many options promising everything from tear-proof wear to sky-high lashes, narrowing it down involves way more trial than the average consumer has time or money for. So, from high-end favourites to more affordable high-street buys, I put a range of well-known waterproof mascaras to the test to see which ones actually live up to their claims. I wasn’t expecting any to survive a diving competition, but I looked closely at how each formula performed across a full day of wear, paying attention to everything from curl retention to how well it held up in damp, unpredictable conditions. Read more: 15 best mascaras for length and volumeI looked for volume, definition and longevity (Elena Chabo/The Independent)The best waterproof mascaras for 2026 are:Best overall – Bobbi Brown no smudge mascara: £31, Boots.comBest budget buy – Maybelline lash sensational sky high waterproof mascara: £13, Amazon.co.ukBest for natural looking length – No7 extreme length waterproof mascara: £13.95, Boots.comBest for high-impact volume – Benefit badgal bang! waterproof mascara: £28, Lookfantastic.comBest for lift and definition – Lancôme lash idôle waterproof mascara: £28, Lookfantastic.comRead more: Best eyelash curlers for length and lift, tried and tested