Picture this: you’ve applied your mascara, and each lash is looking lifted and lengthened to absolutely perfection. And then you leave the house and everything goes pear-shaped. Yep, your mascara has smudged and smooshed and you look like you’re aiming for a ‘grunge’ look rather than your intended crispy clean peepers.
But what if we told you there was a way to solve all that? Yep, you’ll be able to confidently know what your lashes look like at all times thanks to a little something we like to call smudge-proof mascara. Now, the concept isn’t entirely new. And makeup brands have been working on all kinds of formulas to ensure their mascaras stay put (think the likes of waterproof mascara).
And even though (like we said) many of the smudge-proof formulas also happen to be waterproof, you’ve got nothing to worry about when it comes to taking it off. Why? Because we’ve gone and given you a full ‘how to remove waterproof mascara’ run-down (you’re welcome).
Heck, some have even garnered ‘best of‘ titles without promising smudge-proof capacities. So, it really is down to you and your eyes. But if you’ve been struggling to keep your mascara staying put, then its time to read on and find out all about the best smudge-proof mascaras on the market…
2024’s Top 3 Smudge-Proof Mascara
- Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara, $65, Myer
- Natio Extreme Volume Mascara Black, $16.95, Priceline
- Maybelline Great Lash Mascara Waterproof, $12.95, Adore Beauty
Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara
From $65 at Myer
A tube of mascara that looks as elegant and luxe as this one is already worth shouting about. Add in the fact that its smudge-shield polymer locking technology means this bad boy isn’t going anywhere for 15 long hours and we’re really onto a winner. Coated, detangled and lengthened? Yes PLEASE.
Want to read more? Read Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara Reviews here…
Key features:
- Smudge-Shield™ polymer technology locks in place
- Able to resist high-temperatures and humidity
- Micro-fibre bristles
Available at:
- $65 from Myer
- $65 from Adore Beauty
- $65 from Estée Lauder
Natio Extreme Volume Mascara Black
From $16.95 at Priceline
This silky pick is entirely Aussie-owned and (mostly) Aussie-made. So, you can rest assured that you’re shopping local when picking up the nurturing vitamin E-infused tube. If you’re wondering how this mascara promises to stay put, we’ve got the natural inclusions of rice bran and carnauba waxes to thank for that. Bonus: you can also pick this one up is a more natural brown shade!
Want to read more? Read Natio Extreme Volume Mascara Black Reviews here…
Key features:
- Formulated with natural ingredients
- Enriched with vitamin E
- Silky feeling
Available at:
- $16.95 from Priceline
- $16.95 from Amazon Australia
- $14.99 (usually $16.95) from Chemist Warehouse
Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara
From $12.95 at Adore Beauty
Okay, so you’re undoubtedly already seriously familiar with this iconic Maybelline pick. But if you’re not, introducing Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara. It’s been around for over forty years and has been the fan fave since day one. Yep, it’s pretty impressive. Aside from having a bright and fun tube, this waterproof mascara has been formulated to be safe for all eyes with a hypoallergenic formula. That same formula is able to glide easily over your lashes (with a lash-building brush) leaving behind some seriously lengthened lashes.
Want to read more? Read Maybelline Great Lash Mascara Waterproof Reviews here…
Key features:
- Contact lens safe
- Conditions while wearing
- Hypoallergenic formula
Available at:
- $12.95 from Adore Beauty
- $14.99 from Priceline
- $7.49 (usually $14.99) from Chemist Warehouse
Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes! Smudge-Proof Volumizing And Defining Mascara
From $6.50 at Priceline
If you’re ever looking to find us, we’ll be perusing the aisles of our local pharmacy (read: scrolling online in our PJs). Why? Because drugstore mascara is top tier. Yep, we’ve said it. Snagging a vegan, oil-free and consciously formulated mascara is always on our to-do list, add in the fact that it’s a literal $6.50 bargain and the smudge-proof pick just can’t be beat!
Key features:
- Vegan
- Oil-free formula
- Microplastic particle free
Available at:
L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Volumising Mascara Black
From $32.99 at Adore Beauty
So, your eyes err on the side of sensitive, we get it. The last thing you want is to irritate them and make the watering or smudginess any worse. Enter: L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Volumising Mascara Black. This gorgeous golden tube is seriously worth its weight in gold. With a tubing-adjacent formula that wraps each lash in a flexible hold, it works to stretch and fan out your lashes creating fluttering, gorgeous volume. Need we say more?
Want to read more? Read L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Volumising Mascara Black Reviews here…
Key features:
- Sensitive eye-safe
- Five per cent Stretchflex complex wraps each lash
- Fans out volumised lashes
Available at:
- $32.99 from Adore Beauty
- $19.79 (usually $32.99) from Priceline
- $16.49 (usually $32.99) from Chemist Warehouse
How do I stop my mascara from smudging under my eyes?
Ah the age old question. If we had a dollar for every time we’d wondered this, we’d be filty rich! In the battle against racoon eyes there is no one size fits all solution (sadly). But these are a few tips to make your mascara as smudge-proof as possible.
Step one: find the formula for you. No we know, you’re trying, and that’s exactly what you need to do, whether it be a tubing mascara, water-proof or even a stock standard one find your perfect fit (it’s like Cinderella but for your eyes). Next up, figure out if you’ve got oily lids. It’s something you may never have thought about. But if your lids are oily, then it’s likely your lashes will smudge. If you do have oily lids, don’t fret. The simple solution? A light dusting of powder will do the trick. Ta da, you’ll be on your way to smudge-proof lashes in no time.
Main Image Credit: Getty
What’s your go to mascara? Do you prefer a waterproof formula?
Smudge proof or water proof, that is exactly my kind of mascara. Thank you for the helpful article.
Mine too. A must have !
I have a terrible habit of rubbing my eyes, so racoon eyes is real for me. 😀
I’ve been working my way through a stash of mascaras to find the best smudge proof one. Looks like I have a couple of extras to add to the list.
I haven’t used waterproof mascara in ages
I prefer the regular one, the waterproof one is more difficult to remove.
You’d think this would be a minimum requirement for a mascara.
Totallyagree!
Nothing worse than freshly applied masacra and then i sneeze
OOps!!!
Oh yes and then you spend sometime trying to get the masacara off your lower eyes.
I need these.
I have certainly experienced racoon eyes in the past.
Very surprised the Natio one doesn’t smudge. I’ll have to check it out!
It helps at lot to prepare the skin as well
I don’t mind. I like to try waterproof mascara.
Tubing mascara. It does not budge.
The Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes! Smudge-Proof Volumizing And Defining Mascara is so well priced. Cheap in fact.