It’s almost inevitable that you’ll shed a few happy tears on your big day, but, even if you don’t, you’re going to want a mascara that keeps you looking polished through intense sunshine (hopefully!), LOL-tastic speeches and raucous dancefloor antics (again, hopefully!). For this reason (and many more!), waterproof mascaras are your friend!
Your wedding makeup artist can help you choose the perfect product to use on the big day, but it’s no harm getting to grips with some of the best waterproof mascaras in advance, so you can be truly confident that your eye makeup will stay put on the day! But, before we introduce our favourite wedding mascara products, we wanted to answer a frequently-asked question on this topic…
Should you Reapply Mascara on your Wedding Day?
It depends on the mascara, but, in general, no, it’s best not to reapply your mascara throughout the day, as too many layers of mascara can make your lashes look heavy or clumpy. Generally, when you think you could do with touching up your lashes, it’s because the curl has been lost, so a better option is to (carefully!) curl them with a curler, without adding more mascara.
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule! Some mascara formulations are very waxy, and these are good for adding coats during the day. Our number 10 pick on this list of the best waterproof mascaras is perfect for this, for example. But if you’re still unsure about reapplying mascara, it’s worth taking your potential wedding mascara out for a day-long test drive before the big day.
The Best Waterproof Mascaras for Brides
1. Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Mascara
Big on volume, and big on weatherproof properties, Estée Lauder’s Sumptuous Extreme is a seriously powerful mascara. The brush works to multiply and magnify the lashes, and the formula boasts three different high-volume fibres. A conditioning vitamin complex keeps lashes clump-free and hydrated, too!
Buy it here: €35 at Boots
2. YSL Waterproof Luxurious Mascara
YSL has a cult classic with its Faux Cils mascara, and this is the waterproof, 24-hour wear version. A false lash effect is guaranteed, and it’s easy to remove with a bi-phase eye makeup remover. Just remember to use a curler to amplify the look of false lashes. This is a mascara with legions of fans, and we’re delighted to report that it’s worth the hype.
Buy it here: €36.45 at Look Fantastic
3. Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Waterproof
One of the finest luxury brand mascaras in waterproof form, Le Volume works for all lashes, sparse or full. The quick-drying lash liquid has a dense brush head that catches and coats even the tiniest lash. Long-wearing, the carbon black liquid never smudges or flakes, making it perfect for a hot day.
Buy it here: €42 at Boots
4. Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Waterproof Mascara
Hypnôse is one of the biggest-selling mascara lines in the world of luxury makeup. Doll Eyes is a special buy, giving a big, fluttery lash look thanks to its conical brush head. The waterproof liquid is weightless, but the lashes still look lifted and extended. Wiggle the wand from root to tip to get the best coverage.
Buy it here: €35 at Arnotts
5. M·A·C MACStack Waterproof Mascara
The MACStack mascara has picked up so many beauty awards since launching and it’s even better in a waterproof formula. It is clump-resistant, never smudges and will survive happy tears all day long. The formula feels weightless but it still gives great volume and length thanks to that specially curved brush.
Buy it here: €32 at Brown Thomas
6. Maybelline Falsies Waterproof Mascara Very Black
Delivering false lash levels of glam in a flash, and waterproof to boot, Maybelline’s Falsies waterproof mascara is an affordable favourite. You get no smudging or transferring, so, if you have a sunny location booked for your big day, this is the perfect budget buy to throw in your case. Fans of a larger brush adore this mascara, too.
Buy it here: €10.45 at Look Fantastic
7. Clarins Wonder Perfect 4D Waterproof Mascara
Sleek and resistant to tears, water, and humidity, Clarins 4D mascara visibly lengthens shorter lashes and gives great definition. More often than not, fat brushes give great volume but long narrow brushes give maximum length. If you want extra volume, give the lashes an extra coat.
Buy it here: €30 at Brown Thomas
8. IT Cosmetics Tightline Waterproof 3-In-1 Black Primer – Liner – Mascara
This is a really interesting mascara option from IT Cosmetics. A three-in-one product, it has the smallest brush head we’ve ever seen and for good reason. IT says that the brush can get right to the roots with Tightline, giving an instant liner look. The liquid has lash-conditioning ingredients that nourish root to tip, and 12 hours of wear is guaranteed. Genius.
Buy it here: €27 at Brown Thomas
9. Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara
A cult classic for many years now, Clinique High Impact gives lashes incredible length and volume. Waterproof, with a jet-black finish, the mascara resists flaking, clumping, or smudging. Other than developing this waterproof version, Clinique has done little to change this mascara for years, keeping it exactly how fans want it. This one is also suitable for sensitive eyes.
Buy it here: €29.95 at Look Fantastic
10. Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof Mascara
Perversion Waterproof is incredibly hard-wearing, it withstands water, heat, tears, and humidity. The creamy formula is infused with lots of lash-conditioning ingredients, including honey. The formula is smudge- and clump-resistant, and it’s possible to build on the layers throughout the day if you want a more dramatic look. For volume, length, and an inky black finish, you can’t go wrong.
Buy it here: €28.20 at Cult Beauty
Get more bridal beauty tips and ideas here!
