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However, whilewaterproof mascarasmight seem like the obvious choice, they’re not always a must-have.
Source images:Allureeditors and courtesy of brands; Collage: Laneen Wells
Basically, it’s science doing its thingkeeping your lashes smudge-free no matter what.
Hoffmann before applying Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara.
Hoffmann after applying Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara.
Commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara.
Tester feedback:“This mascara looks and feels so luxe,” says senior business director Eilish Morley.
“I love how it makes my lashes look: long and full.”
Benefits:lengthening, volumizing| Waterproof?
Hoffmann before applying Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara.
Plus, while it’s not fully waterproof, it’s water-resistant to help guard against smudging.
Allurecontributor Deanna Pai applying Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume Mascara.
Pai after applying Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume Mascara.
Hoffmann after applying Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara.
Benefits:lengthening, lifting, volumizing| Waterproof?
Infused with provitamin B5, it adds thickness and conditions your lashes to help strengthen them over time.
Allurecommerce editor Sarah Han applying Benefit Badgal Bang Mascara in Rebel Brown.
Han after applying Benefit Badgal Bang Mascara in Rebel Brown.
Instead of Intense Black, Han reaches forRebel BrownorWild Plumfor her preferred, more subtle look.
Benefits:thickening, conditioning, separating| Waterproof?
Allurecontributor Deanna Pai applying Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume Mascara.
Senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying Tarte Tartlette Tubing Mascara.
Herrick after applying Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara.
Combine that with the affordable price and this really is a mascara that packs a TON of value."
Allurecommerce editor Sarah Han applying Benefit Badgal Bang Mascara in Rebel Brown.
Benefits:lengthening, conditioning, volumizing| Waterproof?
But this clean, vegan gemproved us wrongin the best way.
It’s curling, defining, volumizing, and incredibly buildable, all without turning lashes crunchy or clumpy.
Allurecommerce editor Sarah Han applying Benefit Badgal Bang Mascara in Rebel Brown.
Designed with sensitive eyes in mind, it skips the waterproof claim but trust usit still stays put beautifully.
Shopping director Shanna Shipin applying Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara to her lashes.
Shipin after applying Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara to her lashes.
Benefits:curling, separating, volumizing| Waterproof?
Its smudge-proof, flake-free, and gives you that fluttery, lifted look no matter your lash length.
Allurecontributor Christa Lee applying Lancome Lash Idole Waterproof Mascara to her lashes.
Senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying Tarte Tartlette Tubing Mascara.
Lee after applying Lancome Lash Idole Waterproof Mascara to her lashes.
It’s like it was designed just for me and my baby lashes."
Benefits:curling, lengthening, volumizing| Waterproof?
Shopping director Shanna Shipin applying Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara to her lashes.
The buildable formula adds gorgeous volume without a trace of flaking or running.
Think of it as a teeny tiny umbrella for your lashes: fully waterproof yet feather-light.
It leaves your lashes surprisingly soft and clump-free once drya rare achievement for waterproof mascara.
Shopping director Shanna Shipin applying Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara to her lashes.
Benefits:lengthening, volumizing| Waterproof?
Features:curling, volumizing, separating| Waterproof?
“I swear by this mascara, especially for sensitive eyes.
It’s never let me downno flaking, no irritation, just ultra-black lashes and a foolproof wand.
While it might take a little extra patience to remove, isn’t that the point?
It stays put like a dream,” she says.
Allurecontributor Christa Lee applying Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara to her lashes.
Features:conditioning, lengthening, volumizing |Waterproof?
:no |Shades:1 (Black)
What is the best mascara for not smudging?
When considering a smudge-proof mascara, your first instinct might be to go for a waterproof formula.
What is the difference between smudge-proof and waterproof mascara?
Smudge-proof mascaras usually use film-forming agents that create a flexible layer around lashes.
This helps prevent smearing from natural oils or moisture, but they are not resistant to water.
Waterproof mascaras use water-repellent ingredients like waxes and silicones, making them very resistant to water.
Both have their strengths, so its all about what works best for you.
How do I stop my mascara from smudging under my eyes?
Use a fluffy brush to avoid over-applying, especially if you have fine lines," says Lumsden.
Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?
Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses?
Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge?
Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions.
For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.
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