Mascara That Doesn’t Smudge Under Your Eyes

It has been said by mystics and philosophers throughout history that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Perhaps this is why making our eyes pop with mascara has been an adorning tradition for millennia.

Mascara is THE one cosmetic staple that you’ll find in all makeup bags. And, of course, like any cosmetic, there are many formulations available to choose from. So how do you find a mascara that doesn’t smudge under your eyes?

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Mascara That Doesn’t Smudge Under Your Eyes

The Egyptians believed that mascara gave a person’s soul protection against evil spirits.

During Cleopatra’s reign, they embellished their eyes with a stank concoction of kohl, honey, water and crocodile dung.

Luckily these days, you can have the same effects without using croc poop (or bat poop, for that matter!).

Just like everything, though, there’s no one-size-fits-all mascara formulation to suit everyone.

When it comes to dodging smudged peepers, waterproof and water-resistant are the way to go to avoid looking like a raccoon come lunchtime.

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Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara formulations are great if you’re after serious holding power. They are designed for stubborn lashes that won’t hold a curl with normal mascara.

If you live in a humid environment, are prone to sweating during the summer, or exercise regularly, then waterproof mascara is for you. Waterproof mascara’s durable formulation will do the job without smudging, flaking, or melting.

And if you wear contact lenses or glasses, waterproof mascara is perfect. Its long-lasting formula means changing your lenses isn’t a problem and it won’t leave flakes of deposits on your glasses.

You can even use eye drops without hassle.

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The Problems With Waterproof Mascara

The biggest criticism about waterproof mascara is that it is difficult to remove. and their strong chemical formulas increase the risk of damage to your lashes by causing them to become dry and brittle.

This means lots of thinning and fallout of lashes, which can take up to six months to grow back.

Those with sensitive eye skin should avoid waterproof mascaras altogether, because of their drying effect. Similarly, you can’t use waterproof mascaras with lash extensions or lash lifts!

For everyone else, waterproof mascara should only be used when you REALLY need protection from moisture.

It isn’t a great idea to have these chemicals on your eyelashes every day.

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Water Resistant Mascara

Water-resistant mascaras, as opposed to waterproof formulas, contain fewer harsh ingredients. That said, they’re still able to withstand moisture issues.

So, if you’re working out at the gym, crying, or get caught in a downpour, water-resistant mascara will protect your lashes from the dreaded raccoon look.

What water-resistant mascara won’t do, however, is protect your lashes against immersion. If you’re swimming or if you have to your face in water for long periods of time, these won’t do the job.

The main differences between the two formulations are the amount of moisture they can withstand.

Water-resistant mascaras are medium ground between standard mascara and fully waterproof. This means they’re easier to remove than waterproof, but still more difficult to deal with than standard mascara.

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Choose Your Brush

There are many looks that mascara can give your lashes. So, if a full-on Cleopatra look isn’t what you’re after, luckily there are less dramatic alternatives available.

Do you want more natural-looking lashes with a bit of enhancement? Perhaps you’re after something a little bit more defined.

Or maybe getting your drama on like a drag queen with big-volume dramatic lashes is more your style! This means choosing the right wand is important — whether your lashes are short, long, straight, or curly.

While plastic combs and brushes will be better at defining and elongating your lashes because they are often thinner and less chunky than traditional bristles.

But it’s traditional brushes that will add volume and fullness because they apply more product to the lashes.

So now, let’s take a look at some of the most popular waterproof and water-resistant mascaras available!

Bestidy 4D Silk Fiber Lash Mascara 

Bestidy’s 4D Silk Fiber Lash Mascara is a long-lasting waterproof mascara that offers clump-free and voluminous lashes — and no smudge.  The formula dries super fast and it keeps its hold after just one coat.

For a more fabulous look, you can boost your lash volume with more coats.

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Eyeko Yoga Waterproof   

Eyeko’s Yoga Waterproof is an ultra-waterproof mascara that not only doesn’t smudge, but is also a winner as far as sustainability is concerned. Its conditioning formulation contains collagen, matcha tea and 11 fruit extracts.

Plus it’s vegan, paraben-free, and is packaged in a zero-waste squeezy tube.

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blinc Original Tubing Mascara 

blinc’s Original Tubing Mascara was the first mascara that forms tiny tubes that bind around your lashes to make them water-resistant.

Its oil-free formula doesn’t penetrate the skin, so irritation around the eye is reduced.  The tiny tubes protect your lashes, even when you rub your eyes or sleep in your mascara.

Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara 

Ilia’s Limitless Lash Mascara is a cruelty-free, water-resistant formulation that contains 99% natural-derived ingredients, including organic shea butter and organic beeswax. So it’s gentle and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

It also has a special wand that has a dual-sided brush for curling and creating volume on the short side, while the longer bristles lengthen, lift and separate lashes.

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Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Water Resistant Mascara 

Pacifica’s Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Mascara has a water-resistant formula that won’t smudge or flake. It is made from cruelty-free, non-toxic ingredients and is 100% vegan.

This mineral mascara contains kelp extract, coconut oil, and vitamin B, and leaves out harsh ingredients like paragons, silicone, mineral oil, and petrolatum.

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The Eyes Have It

Just one coat of mascara can make your eyes look refreshed and bright in an instant. And now that you know how to choose mascara that doesn’t smudge under eyes, you won’t be overwhelmed the next time you’re shopping around for the new addition to your makeup bag.

See also:

• What Color Mascara For Blue Eyes?
• Do You Put Mascara On Before Fake Lashes or After?
• Is Mascara Bad For Your Eyelashes?