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best smudge proof mascaras
Hourglass, Benefit, Clinique, & Other Stories

9 Of The Best Smudge-Proof Mascaras To Withstand Water, Sweat And Humidity

The ELLE team spill their winning mascaras for the beach, the gym and beyond

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Finding the best smudge-proof mascaras to withstand summer's unpredictable weather, high humidity and all the exciting things the warm season has to offer (long nights dancing, splashing in the pool...) is a tall order.

The best, tried and tested, smudge-proof mascaras

While it is far easier to go mascara-free when you're being active (no one needs showstopping lashes at a barre class), for those who do want to have a little something on their lashes, there's thankfully plenty of modern formulas that boast exceptional staying power. From navy blue mascaras to brown ones, there's a smudge-proof version for everyone.

These smudge-proof mascaras are also great for anyone that simply wants lashes that stay lifted, lengthened and volumised throughout the day without any touch-ups or the risk of smearing. Plus, they're great for special occasions such as weddings, too.

How to find the best smudge-proof mascaras

Tubing mascaras are incredibly popular amongst beauty editors. These formulas use polymers that 'wrap' around the lash hairs to form a 'tube' that curls, lifts and elongates. While waterproof formulas may last the longest and often hold a curl better, tubing formulas come off easily with warm water so you don't have to tug at your lashes.

When shopping for your next mascara, do consider the wand, too. Tapered and slim wands tend to work better for smaller eyes, while chunkier wands suit larger eyes. Comb-like bristles will separate and define lashes, but a full bristled-brush can create more volume.

With mascaras, it's often a lot of trial and error, which is why high street mascaras are a great place to start. If jet black lashes appear too stark against your complexion, opt for a brown mascara.

There are some useful hacks for longer-lasting, lengthened lashes. The classic trick of curling before applying mascara always helps to give sparse and straight lashes extra lift, but if smearing is your main concern, try dusting a small amount of setting powder on your under-eyes and eyelids to absorb any excess oils.

There's really no such thing as a one-size-fits-all mascara since we all seem to require different things for our lashes, so we went straight to the ELLE team to find out what their favourite smudge-proof mascaras are.

The best smudge-proof mascaras for summer, tried and tested

beauty editor with best smudge proof mascara

How We Test

When trialling the best smudge-proof mascaras, we look at its staying power, how it lasts through various situations and weather, the results in terms of curl, length, lift, volume and definition as well as how comfortable it wears.

Best for waterproof mascara

Benefit Badgal BANG! Volumizing Waterproof Mascara

Badgal BANG! Volumizing Waterproof Mascara

This clever formula uses lightweight 'aero-particles' to effectively lift spindly lashes without weighing them down. The slim brush gets into the root of the lashes to give them a boost while the long-lasting, waterproof formula withstands even the sweatiest of days. It does require a little elbow grease to remove (try a combination of oil cleanser and a micellar water) but it promises to stay put.

Product specifications

Waterproof:Yes
Best for:Length, definition
Shades:1
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Best mascara for separating

& Other Stories Lash Spill Mascara

Lash Spill Mascara
Credit: & Other Stories

A personal favourite of mine, I find this mascara to behave very much like a tubing formula. It lifts, lengthens and defines my very sparse and fine lashes and doesn't smudge even through dance cardio classes, rain and humidity. Considering how even the most popular mascaras tend to smudge on me, this high street gem is an unsung hero. It takes a while to remove, but it comes out in tubes with warm water.

Product specifications

Waterproof:No, but water-resistant
Best for:Lift, definition, separation, fine lashes
Shades:1
Best mascara for volume

Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara

Vast Lash Mascara
Credit: Victoria Beckham Beauty

ELLE's fashion features director Tamison O'Connor is loyal to this mascara for nights out dancing. Vast Lash resists smudging or flaking, and does an exceptional job at delivering both lift and volume for a false-lash effect. The lightweight formula doesn't get clumpy, and removes easily with warm water.

Product specifications

Waterproof:No, but water-resistant
Shades:1
Best for:Lifting, volumising, definition, drama
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Best mascara for curl

Sculpted by Aimee My Mascara

My Mascara
Credit: Sculpted By Aimee

For senior e-commerce editor Esther Coombes, this mascara is unbeatable for lasting through sweaty reformer pilates classes. The formula can be built up for a more intense effect without looking clumpy and the gently curved wand helps to deliver extra curl.

Product specifications

Waterproof:No, but water-resistant
Shades:2, brown and black
Best for:Curl, lift, volume, nourishing ingredients
Best for oily eyelids

Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara

Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara
Credit: Charlotte Tilbury

For those with oily eyelids, ELLE's commissioning editor Naomi Pike highly rates this new mascara by Charlotte Tilbury as it 'is the only mascara I've ever actually liked for staying power'.

As expected from Charlotte Tilbury, this mascara goes full throttle when it comes to volume and length so you no longer have to choose between longevity or drama. It uses lash-plumping polymers to create glossy, jet-black lashes. The smaller, compact brush is excellent for smaller eyes, too.

Product specifications

Waterproof:No, but humidity and sweat-proof
Shades:1
best for:Length, definition, volume, smaller eyes, drama
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Best mascara for fluttery lashes

L'Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara

Volume Million Lashes Mascara
Credit: L'Oréal Paris

Whether she's in the office or sunbathing somewhere tropical, ELLE's head of social media Amy Brewster is never without enviable lashes. Her go-to? The classic Volume Million Lashes mascara from L'Oréal Paris. With a clever 'millionizer' brush that combines long and short bristles, this mascara lift and intensifies each lash for a fluttery, wide-eyed Bambi effect that stays put through sun and surf.

Product specifications

Waterproof:No, but water-resistant
Shades:1
Best for:Fanned-out lashes, length, volume, lift, curl
Best for sensitive eyes

Clinique High Impact Mascara

High Impact Mascara
Credit: Clinique

Created for sensitive eyes, this classic mascara delivers impactful volume and definition that still looks polished and natural. It comes in three eye-enhancing shades, and the buildable formula makes light work of lifting sparse and fine lashes.

Product specifications

Waterproof:No
Shades:3. Black, Black/Brown and Black Honey
Best for:Definition, lift, sensitive eyes
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Best tubing mascara

Rum Wrap Party Tubing Mascara

Wrap Party Tubing Mascara

The brainchild of three of the UK's most influential beauty figures - journalist Sali Hughes, PR extraordinaire Jo Jones and make-up artist Sam Chapman - Rum's mascara naturally sets a high bar. The tubing formula promises to elongate short lashes, lift and curl straight ones and add natural-looking volume. £1 from each sale goes towards Beauty Banks to support people experiencing hygiene poverty.

Product specifications

Waterproof:No, but smudge-proof
Shades:2, black and navy blue
Best for:Tubing formula, definition, separating, length, lift
Best for travel

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara Travel Size Ultra Black

Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara Travel Size Ultra Black
Credit: Hourglass

For a pretty, lash-lift effect, try Hourglass Unlocked. True to its name, it mimics the look of extensions by lengthening and defining the lashes. It removes easily with warm water, and this mini version is perfect for gym bags and holidays. The tapered brush makes it easy to get into hard-to-reach areas and extra fine lashes, too.

Product specifications

Waterproof:No, but smudge-resistant
Shades:1
Best for:Travel, fine lashes, lift, separation, length, volume
Headshot of Medina Azaldin
Medina Azaldin
Beauty Editor, ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK

Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too. 

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