The Best Sweat-Proof Mascaras for Summer

Mascara was one of the first makeup products I ever started using as a wee preteen, so it’s safe to say I’ve tried quite a few of the lash-enhancing products in my day. No matter how many mascaras I’ve tried, I’ve never been a waterproof girl. I’ve often struggled to find non-waterproof products that hold up against the heat, especially in those sweltering summer months.

So, recently, I’ve been in pursuit of the perfect sweat-proof mascara—one that doesn’t smudge or flake but also doesn’t require scrubbing and frustration to remove. Yes, these gold-standard mascaras do exist. “Sweat-proof mascaras are designed to prevent from smudge and moisture while waterproof mascaras are formulated to be water resistant,” says celebrity makeup artist Ermahn Opsina. If you’re also searching for your summer mascara soulmate, keep reading for the best sweat-proof options for the summer season.

Sweat-Proof Mascaras to Stock Up on Now

1 / 6

Diorshow Iconic Overcurl ($33)

One of Ospina’s favorite sweat-proof mascaras, he loves that the product avoids fallout and smudging while maintaining next-level length, curl and definition. It’s also available in a waterproof variety if you need some extra protection from the elements.

• BUY ON SEPHORA – $33
• BUY ON DIOR – $33

2 / 6

Victoria Beckham Vast Lash Mascara ($34)

“When I was testing Vast Lash Mascara, people quite often thought I was wearing eyelash extensions,” says Beckham herself on the smudge-proof SKU, so it’s no surprise Ospina calls out the product as a favorite for sweat-proof yet glamorous wear.

 

• BUY ON VICTORIA BECKHAM BEAUTY – $34
• BUY ON BLUEMERCURY – $34

3 / 6

LE VOLUME DE CHANEL Mascara ($40)

While Chanel’s iconic Le Volume Mascara does come in a waterproof edition, celebrity makeup artist Sandy Linter often opts for the OG and praises its smudge-free, lasting wear, making it a perfect option for summer makeup looks.

• BUY ON ULTA – $40
• BUY ON SAKS FIFTH AVENUE – $40

4 / 6

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Volumizing Mascara ($28)

If long, voluminous, healthy lashes are your goal, Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Lashes Volumizing Mascara is a must-try this sweaty summer. The tinted lash serum helps create stronger, fuller lashes with each wear but also features a long-lasting, smudge-proof formula.

• BUY ON SEPHORA – $28
• BUY ON ULTA – $28

5 / 6

Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-eyes Volumizing and Curling Mascara($29)

This newest addition to the Charlotte Tilbury eye makeup catalogue, Exagger-eyes, made its debut on the red carpets before it even hit shelves, so you know its lasting formula (which promises 28 hours of smudge-free wear) will stand up to the summer heat.

• BUY ON SEPHORA – $29
• BUY ON CHARLOTTE TILBURY – $29

6 / 6

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara ($26)

Another great way to ensure your mascara lasts and doesn’t smudge is to try out a tubing mascara like Thrive Causemetics’ Liquid Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara, which wraps each lash in its clump-free formula for out-of-this-world length and lasting wear.

• BUY ON THRIVE CAUSMETICS – $26