Waterproof Mascaras for Women Over 50 That Are Made to Stay Put
I don’t ask that much of my mascara. I want longer, fuller-looking lashes, and I would prefer the mascara to actually STAY on my lashes instead of ending up underneath my eyes by lunchtime. Apparently, that can be a tall order, especially when it’s hot and humid outside.
Here’s the funny part, though. I own a ridiculous number of mascaras, as you can probably tell from my photo, but I rarely buy waterproof mascara. I honestly don’t love it.
Waterproof mascara usually takes more effort to remove, and I don’t want to spend five minutes tugging at my eyelashes every night just because I wanted them to survive a humid afternoon. The Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara in my photo is the one I know for certain is waterproof, and it is one I have personally used.
That is probably the best illustration of this entire post. Lol. I use mascara all the time. Waterproof mascara? Only when I really think I need it.
Do Women Over 50 Need Waterproof Mascara?
Not necessarily.
I wouldn’t tell anyone that waterproof mascara is automatically better for mature eyes. In fact, if your regular mascara stays in place and you like the way it removes at night, I would keep right on using it.
Waterproof mascara makes the most sense when you know moisture is going to be an issue. Maybe your eyes water outdoors, you’re dealing with humidity, you have hooded lids that tend to touch your lashes, or you’re going to a wedding where somebody is almost guaranteed to make you cry.
And sometimes it is simply hot enough outside that your mascara starts looking for an escape route.
If that sounds familiar, these are several waterproof formulas worth considering. I have not personally tested every mascara below, so I looked closely at what each brand says the formula is designed to do rather than pretending they are all personal favorites.
That distinction matters to me. If I’ve used something, I’ll tell you. If I’m researching options for you, I’ll tell you that too.
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara
The Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara is the one waterproof mascara in this roundup that I personally own and have used.
It gives you both length and volume while being made to resist smudging, sweat, and humidity. I don’t reach for waterproof mascara very often because I dislike the removal process, but this is the type of formula I would use when I knew I needed extra staying power.
If you already like Clinique makeup or tend to have sensitive eyes, this may be one worth considering.
Revlon ColorStay Full Time Waterproof Mascara
If you want an inexpensive place to start, the Revlon ColorStay Full Time Waterproof Mascara is a budget-friendly waterproof option.
It is designed for fuller-looking lashes and long wear, and the Blackest Black shade can give lighter or sparse lashes more definition around the eyes.
Since I don’t use waterproof mascara every day, I especially like the idea of having an inexpensive tube tucked away for those occasions when I need one. I don’t necessarily want to spend $30 or $40 on something that might sit in my makeup drawer waiting for wedding season.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara
If your goal is more length, the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara is designed to give lashes both length and volume while resisting flaking and smudging.
Maybelline uses a flexible brush that bends as it moves through the lashes, which may make it easier to reach some of those smaller lashes near the corners of your eyes.
Defined lashes can help the eye area look more open without requiring heavy eyeliner, which is one reason I tend to prefer length and separation over layer after layer of thick mascara.
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Waterproof Mascara
The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Waterproof Mascara is designed to fan the lashes from the inner corner to the outer corner, which can create the appearance of a more open eye.
This is also where I need to make an important distinction. I own a L’Oréal Panorama mascara, and you can see it in my photo, but I cannot tell from my tube that mine is the waterproof version. L’Oréal sells both.
The waterproof version is specifically made to resist smudging, clumping, and flaking for long wear. If you are buying it for that reason, make sure the packaging actually says waterproof.
I’ve apparently reached the age where reading mascara tubes requires both good lighting and possibly a magnifying glass. Lol.
Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies
If fuller lashes are your priority, Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara is designed to create thicker, more dramatic-looking lashes.
The spoon-shaped brush is meant to help lift and separate the lashes while building volume.
This probably wouldn’t be my everyday choice because I usually prefer a softer lash look, but I can see this being useful when you want your eyes to have a little more definition for an evening out or special event.
Benefit BADgal BANG! Volumizing Waterproof Mascara
If you are firmly on Team Volume, the Benefit BADgal BANG! Volumizing Waterproof Mascara is the higher-end option I would look at.
Benefit designed the waterproof version to create dramatic volume without making the lashes feel overly heavy.
If your lashes have become thinner with age, try concentrating most of your mascara near the roots and then combing it through the ends. That gives the lash line more definition without piling so much product onto the tips that everything starts looking clumpy.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Body Waterproof Mascara
The Maybelline Lash Sensational Body Waterproof Mascara focuses on both lift and volume.
The waterproof formula is designed to resist smudging, flaking, transferring, and sweat while helping lashes stay lifted.
Lift is something I pay much more attention to now. Lashes that point upward can visually open the eye area, especially if your lids have become a little more hooded over the years.
If your lashes tend to point straight ahead, you can curl them first and then apply mascara immediately afterward to help hold the shape.
e.l.f. Big Mood Mega Volume & Lifting Waterproof Mascara
The e.l.f. Big Mood Waterproof Mascara is another affordable option designed to give lashes both volume and lift.
It has an hourglass-shaped brush intended to separate and define the lashes, and the formula is made to resist both smudging and flaking.
Again, this is why I like having drugstore options in a category I don’t use constantly. If waterproof mascara is something you only pull out for hot weather, travel, weddings, or watery-eye days, you may not want to spend a lot on it.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
The Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara uses a fanning brush designed to separate the lashes while adding the appearance of length and volume.
I think this type of mascara would appeal to someone who wants definition without a huge, dramatic lash.
Sometimes the most flattering approach is simply making the lashes you have look darker, longer, and more separated. We don’t necessarily need to recreate the eyelashes we had at 25.
Although if someone figures out how to recreate the skin I had at 25, please send her directly to my house.
How to Keep Mascara From Smudging on Hooded Eyes
Sometimes waterproof mascara isn’t even necessary because the mascara itself isn’t always the problem.
A rich eye cream or creamy concealer can leave the skin around your lashes slightly slippery. If your upper lashes touch that area throughout the day, the oils can encourage mascara to transfer.
Give your skincare a few minutes to absorb before applying your eye makeup. You can also lightly set the area where your lashes tend to touch with a small amount of translucent powder.
Once you apply your mascara, give it time to dry before opening your eyes completely. I have learned the hard way that blinking enthusiastically immediately after applying mascara is a very efficient way to stamp it right onto my eyelid.
And if mascara constantly smudges underneath your eyes, try skipping your lower lashes for a day. You might discover that concentrating mascara on the upper lashes actually gives you a cleaner, more lifted-looking eye.
Waterproof vs. Smudge-Resistant Mascara
This is one of those beauty labels that can get confusing.
A mascara can be smudge-resistant, transfer-resistant, sweat-resistant, or water-resistant without actually being waterproof.
If you specifically need mascara for swimming, tears, rain, or a very humid day, look for the word waterproof on the actual product.
How to Remove Waterproof Mascara Without Tugging at Your Lashes
And now we arrive at my least favorite part. Getting the stuff OFF. This is exactly why waterproof mascara and I are not best friends.
Don’t scrub it.
Use an eye-makeup remover, cleansing balm, or the cleansing oil I use to break down waterproof makeup. Saturate a cotton pad, place it gently over your closed eye, and leave it there for several seconds before wiping downward.
Give the remover time to do the work.
If mascara is still hanging onto your lashes for dear life, repeat the process rather than rubbing harder. The skin around our eyes is thin, and our lashes don’t need unnecessary pulling either.
Is Waterproof Mascara Worth It for Women Over 50?
For me, waterproof mascara is a sometimes product, not an everyday product.
If I’m dealing with hot weather, humidity, watery eyes, or a special event where tears might be involved, I’m glad to have one. The Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara is the one I personally own for those situations.
But on an ordinary day? Give me mascara that stays where I put it and washes off without requiring a negotiation. That’s really all I ask.
Because I don’t mind a few laugh lines around my eyes.
Black mascara smeared underneath them is another story entirely.
Did you find something helpful in today’s post? Share it with a friend or save it to Pinterest so you can find it again later. That simple click also helps more women over 50 discover our little corner of the internet, and I truly appreciate it.
Are You One Of The GURLS?
Join the Gurls and get my newest posts delivered straight to your inbox. I’ll share everyday outfit ideas, honest fit details, beauty finds, and a little life along the way.
To GOD Goes The Glory!
Verse Of The Day
Genesis 1:3 (NIV)
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
🙂 Thanks for the options. I have the green cleaning balm and love it.
🙂 You show many options here. I rarely even use mascara anymore.
I only have one mascara at a time, and prefer waterproof since it’s swimming all summer, and then stays hot anyway here in Florida.
I make remover with a coconut oil/water/drop of liquid hand soap.
I don’t use black, because I am a redhead and black is HARSH. It’s rare to find brown. I use Just for Redheads.
Wet n Wild Big Poppa is my go to mascara (regular or waterproof). It’s inexpensive and does what I need. Happy shopping 🙂
:)I usually do not use waterproof mascara. I like the Loreal mascara and use the clinique take the day off eye makeup remover.
I used to use a Clinique eye makeup remover, and it was really good.
😊 I’m with you. I do not like tugging at my eyes trying to get the last remnants of waterproof mascara off! That said, I have used Clinique and it’s the lesser of the evils.
I agree!
😊I use Clinique mascara, but I never try the waterproof mascara.
🙂 I didn’t start wearing mascara till I was 21, didn’t think I needed it. Then I started wearing waterproof for 20 some years. Now after 20+ years of many experiments I usually wear tubing mascara, not waterproof, at least as a base. The tubing makes it easy for me to get off. I use Tarte and Clinique. Have you ever heard of Cellmetics?
I use the Tarte tubing mascara, but I’ve never heard of Cellmetics.
There are definitely times where a waterproof mascara is nice. I tend to avoid because of the removal process. Years ago I tried tubing mascara no 7. That was horrible to get off. This year I tried Milani tubing mascara called Lash Extensions. I have been very happy with that. It has lasted me a long time. Comes off easy with warm water. I worried it may just dribble off with sweat, but it’s been 90’s much the summer and no problem. I don’t care to use it on my lower lashes and have to play with those a bit. Unless I am in the water though, this has been nice. Seems to last a long time. so, not a waterproof one but it doesn’t seem to smear.
Yeah, the Milani Lash Extensions is not waterproof, so I didn’t include it. But it is long-lasting and smudge-resistant.
My favorite go to waterproof mascara is the Maybelline SkyHigh. So many cool colors. Found it!