Cue the Happy Tears: These Are the Best Smudge-Proof Mascaras (2025)

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There are almost as many smudge-proof mascaras as there are cars—and just like choosing the perfect ride, the very best smudge-proof mascara all comes down to your personal needs. They have a lot to live up to: They must stay put through sweat, tears, and maybe even the occasional nap, but you also want them to come off easily…and without sacrificing your lashes.

However, while waterproof mascaras might seem like the obvious choice, they're not always a must-have. "To create a smudge-proof effect in a mascara, the key ingredients are film-forming agents and polymers that form a flexible layer over the lashes that helps the mascara stay in place, even when exposed to oils or sweat," says Shuting Hu, PhD, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Acaderma. Basically, it's science doing its thing—keeping your lashes smudge-free no matter what.

Our Top Picks

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best mascara for not smudging?
  • What is the difference between smudge-proof and waterproof mascara?
  • How do I stop my mascara from smudging under my eyes?
  • Meet the experts
  • How we test and review products
  • Our staff and testers

Best Smudge-Proof Mascara Overall: Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara

Victoria Beckham

Vast Lash Mascara

Commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara.

Sarah Hoffmann

Why it's worth it: Victoria Beckham Beauty's Vast Lash Mascara guarantees that your lashes are going to steal the spotlight. A 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, this formula delivers dramatic length and volume while staying flawlessly smudge-free—even in the stickiest, most humid conditions. Founder Victoria Beckham dubs it "Miami proof," meaning it's tough enough to handle heat, humidity, and the occasional tear-jerker. When the day is done, it washes off effortlessly with a makeup-removing cleanser, proving that a mascara can really do it all.

Hoffmann before applying Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara.

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara.

Sarah Hoffmann

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?: no | Shades: 1 (Black)

Best Volumizing: Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume Mascara

Fenty Beauty

Full Frontal Volume Mascara

Why it's worth it: The Fenty Full Frontal Volume Mascara delivers a fanned-out, falsies-like effect with a lightweight formula that lets you layer to your heart's content without weighing lashes down, a rare find in the mascara world. Its innovative "fat to flat" brush goes above and beyond: The fat side loads up product to lift lashes in a flash, while the flat side defines, curls, and evenly coats each lash. Whether you're keeping it casual with natural definition or going for major drama, this formula plays along perfectly. Plus, while it's not fully waterproof, it's water-resistant to help guard against smudging.

Allure contributor Deanna Pai applying Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume Mascara.

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume Mascara.

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback: "​​I've been using this for...too long now, and it's never failed me," Allure contributor Deanna Pai attests. "It deposits a thick (but clump-free) coat of lashes to lengthen and volumize, but doesn't smear around my eyes as some other formulas do."

Benefits: lengthening, lifting, volumizing | Waterproof?: no | Shades: 1 (Cuz I'm Black)

Best Thickening: Benefit Cosmetics BadGal Bang Mascara

Benefit Cosmetics

BadGal Bang

Why it's worth it: This smudge-proof mascara doesn't just promise big, long lashes—it delivers. The lightweight yet intensely pigmented formula coats each lash flawlessly, giving you that bold, fluttery look without any heaviness. Infused with provitamin B5, it adds thickness and conditions your lashes to help strengthen them over time. It's even tested to hold up for up to 36 hours (though, of course, we know you'd never skip your nightly skin-care routine, right?). But hypothetically, if you did want to roll out of bed and go, you'd still wake up with yesterday's mascara smudge-free and looking effortlessly put-together.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Benefit Badgal Bang Mascara in Rebel Brown.

Sarah Han

Han after applying Benefit Badgal Bang Mascara in Rebel Brown.

Sarah Han

Tester feedback: "I almost always end up with smudged mascara (and eyeliner) along my lower lash line, but BadGal never strays down there—even when I've, ahem, on the rare occasion, fallen asleep with my makeup," says commerce editor Sarah Han. "Even on a regular day of wear, it simply does what it sets out to do: lend some oomph to my teensy lashes without weighing them down." Instead of Intense Black, Han reaches for Rebel Brown or Wild Plum for her preferred, more subtle look.

Benefits: thickening, conditioning, separating | Waterproof?: no, but available separately | Shades: 4 (Intense Black, Rebel Brown, Wild Plum, Power Blue)

Best Tubing: Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara

Why it's worth it: If a swipe of mascara is all you need to feel put together, let us introduce you to your next obsession: Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara. When Tarte dropped its first-ever tubing mascara in 2022, it practically broke TikTok with its lengthening, volumizing, and curling abilities. Instead of piling on pigment, however, it creates lightweight "tubes" around each lash, delivering enviable length without the heaviness. While tubing mascaras aren't waterproof, they wash off effortlessly with just water and a little pressure—to say the least, this one stays perfectly put until you want to take it off.

P.S. If you're in the mood for more drama, the XL version of the original has the same conditioning, smudge-proof, and sweatproof formula, but takes length and volume to the next level—and it won a well-deserved 2024 Best of Beauty Award, too.

Senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying Tarte Tartlette Tubing Mascara.

Lexi Herrick

Herrick after applying Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara.

Lexi Herrick

Tester feedback: "I have a bad habit of rubbing my eyes throughout the day, so smudge-proof mascara is an absolute must, and Tartelette is perfect for this," says senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick. "It extends my short lashes and gives them so much more volume, and is deeply resistant to any kind of smudge or smear. Combine that with the affordable price and this really is a mascara that packs a TON of value."

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Benefits: lengthening, conditioning, volumizing | Waterproof?: no | Shades: 2 (Black, Brown)

Best Curling: Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara

Tower 28 Beauty

MakeWaves Mascara

Why it's worth it: Before this mascara came along, we were a little skeptical about clean makeup—especially mascaras—and whether they could deliver. But this clean, vegan gem proved us wrong in the best way. It's curling, defining, volumizing, and incredibly buildable, all without turning lashes crunchy or clumpy. Bonus: it's surprisingly easy to wash off despite its impressive Aquaflex Technology that keeps lashes lifted and fanned out while blocking humidity that can cause smudging. Designed with sensitive eyes in mind, it skips the waterproof claim but trust us—it still stays put beautifully.

Shopping director Shanna Shipin applying Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara to her lashes.

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara to her lashes.

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback: "I have short, dense, and straight lashes that are just so stubborn—but this coaxes some length and curl out of them," shopping director Shanna Shipin says, noting MakeWaves is one of the rare nonirritating formulas that doesn't cause her eyelid eczema to flare up. While it's not the most lengthening or curling formula you can get your hands on, it's so comfortable and doesn't flake or smudge. I love that it provides the perfect amount of natural-looking weight to my eyelashes so you can actually see them."

Benefits: curling, separating, volumizing | Waterproof?: no | Shades: 2 (Jet, Drift)

Best Wand Shape: Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara

Lancôme

Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara

Why it's worth it: This iconic brand has no shortage of mascaras, but Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Waterproof Mascara is definitely a standout—and a favorite among Allure editors. It’s smudge-proof, flake-free, and gives you that fluttery, lifted look no matter your lash length. The elastomer wand might not look like your typical mascara brush, but it gets the job done by evenly applying the weightless gel formula. The inner curve adds volume, while the outer curve lifts and lengthens, giving your lashes that perfect fanned-out look with every swipe.

Allure contributor Christa Lee applying Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara to her lashes.

Christa Lee

Lee after applying Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara to her lashes.

Christa Lee

Tester feedback: "As someone with hooded eyes and lashes so short, straight, and stubby they might as well be invisible, the Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Waterproof Mascara is nothing short of a miracle worker," says Allure contributor Christa Lee. "My lashes are so tiny, I can't even bother with an eyelash curler, so I rely 100% on mascara for length and volume. My biggest struggle with mascara is usually smudging during application—not once it's on—but this waterproof formula and wand combo is a game-changer. The sturdy, curved elastomer wand is not your typical fluffy brush, so it grabs every tiny lash without poking or smudging against my hooded lids. It's like it was designed just for me and my baby lashes."

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Benefits: curling, lengthening, volumizing | Waterproof?: yes | Shades: 1 (Glossy Black)

More smudge-proof mascaras we love:

Best Waterproof: Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara

Bobbi Brown

No Smudge Mascara

Why it's worth it: We had high hopes for a name like "No Smudge" but Bobbi Brown exceeded our expectations. In our waterproof mascara tests, it impressed with a natural-looking, no-smudge, no-budge finish that stayed flawless all day. 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 dry—a rare achievement for waterproof mascara.

Editor's tip: Curious about what makes mascara waterproof? It's all in the ingredients. "Waxes like beeswax or carnauba and silicone compounds create a barrier that repels water and keeps mascara intact," says Dr. Hu.

Benefits: lengthening, volumizing | Waterproof?: yes | Shades: 1 (Black)

Best Long-Lasting: Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara

Clinique

High Impact Waterproof Mascara

Why it's worth it: Clinique offers plenty of standout mascaras, but the High Impact Waterproof Mascara takes the crown for smudge-proofing power. "I especially love this mascara for my teary-eyed brides—it applies smoothly, evenly, and never smudges or clumps, even over false lashes," says Lauren Lumsden, an Austin-based makeup artist and founder of LL Hair & Makeup. Beyond its staying power, it makes lashes look fuller, lifted, and perfectly separated—like your lashes, but better. The twisted wire brush is expertly designed to comb through and define every lash, ensuring a flawless finish every time.

Editor's tip: "To prep your lashes for a smudge-free finish, start by curling them—this helps mascara go on smoother and prevents it from weighing your lashes down," says Melissa Hurkman, a makeup artist based in LA.

Features: curling, volumizing, separating | Waterproof?: yes | Shades: 2 (Black, Black/Brown)

Best Lengthening: Wander Beauty Mile High Volume Mascara

Wander Beauty

Mile High Volume Mascara

Why it's worth it: Among the countless options in a makeup artist's arsenal, the former Best of Beauty award-winning Wander Beauty Mile High Volume Mascara is the go-to favorite of Boston-based makeup artist Amy Strozzi. "I swear by this mascara, especially for sensitive eyes. It's never let me down—no 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. Enriched with castor seed oil to nourish and trehalose to strengthen, it's as much about lash care as it is about stunning results.

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Editor's tip: "To minimize smudging, use a light touch and a smaller wand to avoid overloading product. Let each layer get tacky—not too wet or fully dry—before applying the next to prevent clumping," says Hurkman.

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. While there are some great ones, "a lot of waterproof formulas can be really drying if worn daily," says Lumsden. "I like to save those for special occasions like a date night, wedding day, or whenever you expect heat or tears to affect your eye makeup look."

What is the difference between smudge-proof and waterproof mascara?

The main difference between smudge-proof and waterproof mascara comes down to how they’re formulated and what they’re designed to handle. “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. However, waterproof mascaras may feel heavier or drier on the lashes because of these ingredients,” says Dr. Hu. Both have their strengths, so it’s all about what works best for you.

How do I stop my mascara from smudging under my eyes?

To prevent mascara from smudging underneath your eyes, "dust a bit of loose setting powder on your lower lashes after the mascara dries and over your under-eye concealer for extra staying power. Use a fluffy brush to avoid over-applying, especially if you have fine lines," says Lumsden. Additionally, "opt for lightweight, quick-drying formulas to minimize clumps and flakes, and try mascaras with shorter bristles for precise application on lower lashes without smudges," says Hurkman.

Meet the experts

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? 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?

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For our review of the best smudge-proof mascaras, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we can fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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Cue the Happy Tears: These Are the Best Smudge-Proof Mascaras (2025)

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