Doesn’t the idea of putting a product so close to your eyes (and probably even getting some of it in them) and not knowing what it really contains raise any doubts in your mind? That’s why we want to talk about waterproof mascaras – what really makes them waterproof, and other safer options. 

Mascaras have been around for a very long time (since the 19th century, actually) and they still make up a very large part of the makeup industry. But it wasn’t until the 1930s that the first waterproof formula came onto the market. The idea was simple but brilliant: to create a formula that can repel water.

But what specifically makes mascara “waterproof”?

Waterproof mascara contains ingredients capable of repelling water and moisture, creating a barrier around the lashes that prevents water from breaking through the formula. Some of its main ingredients are —

Film-forming agents, such as acrylate copolymers or polyurethane, which create a flexible film over the lashes once the mascara dries, repelling water and preventing the mascara from smudging or running.

Waxes, such as beeswax or carnauba wax,which have water-resistant properties and help the mascara adhere to the lashes and form a waterproof coating. Waxes like this are used a lot in natural cosmetics where most brands do not want to use silicones, polymers, etc. 

Silicones, such as dimethicone, cyclomethicone or trimethylsiloxysilicate, among others, which are also used to enhance the longevity and water resistance capability of the mascara.

Another important part of these formulas are long-lasting pigments, which provide intense color payoff and stay in place even when exposed to moisture (since they are less likely to dissolve in water than regular pigments). Now, a fact not to be underestimated: most waterproof mascaras and other long-lasting makeup products are known for containing PFAs (or “forever chemicals”), and these substances should really be avoided by consumers for several reasons. You can find more info about PFAs here. 

The truth is, waterproof mascaras are a great option for when you need the mascara to stay put all day (or night), for example:

• • for a big event where you know there will be hot weather or it will be very humid, such as weddings, parties, proms, or even a long day of work or meetings
  • and for activities that involve contact with water, such as swimming, sweating or even for a rainy day. (Just remember they won’t last underwater, since the formula can still break down after long exposure to liquid, no matter how waterproof or water-resistant the mascara is).

But how is it possible that even waterproof mascaras are sometimes running or smudging?

Well, there is something about these formulas that most of us are not aware of – and it’s that even though they do resist water, they are usually not resistant to oils. There are certain body fluids like tears, sweat or sebum that contain oils which can break down the waterproof formula and create those much hated clumps or flakes; these can then accumulate under the lashes and get into our eyes, leading to irritation, allergic reactions or even eye infections.

Other substances that can cause waterproof mascaras to run are oil-based products, such as creams, serums or makeup like eyeshadows that contain oil or waxes. Now, in order to avoid this from happening – and if you don’t want to end up coming home with that “panda eye” effect – you should have in mind a few tips & tricks to make the mascara application as seamless as possible:

1. 1. Start with clean, dry lashes. Make sure they have no traces of water or oil.
   2. If your lashes are tilted downwards, try using a curler (gently) to prevent them from getting in contact with the skin below your eyes, which tends to accumulate sebum, natural oils or residue from your skincare products.
   3. Apply in thin and even coats; do not overwhelm your lashes with product.
   4. Allow the mascara to dry between layers and before going out. This is also great to prevent clumping!
   5. The skin around your eyes should be dry and all your skincare/makeup products should have been absorbed before applying mascara. Setting powder in the area before application works like magic!
   6. It may seem obvious, but avoid touching or rubbing your eyes after application. Even if your mascara is dry, oil or sweat around your eyes or on your hands can ruin the perfect application in a matter of seconds.

Here’s a short list with the main pros and cons of using waterproof mascara regularly…

Benefits:

• As you should know, the main benefit of these formulas is their long-lasting performance. They are specifically made to resist water and humid conditions, which makes them stay on longer than regular mascaras.
• Shape/curl hold: thanks to the presence of silicones in their formulas, these mascaras are your go-to for when you need the curl of your lashes to last throughout the day without drooping or straightening out. The waterproof formula can help hold the shape and structure of your lashes for a bolder look.
• Reduced smudging / flaking: when applied correctly, waterproof mascaras offer a more reliable and smudge-proof finish, especially in hot and humid conditions. 

Disadvantages:

• Lash damage: since these formulas are designed to last longer and repel water, the need to tug or rub during the removal process can be very damaging and tends to weaken fragile lash hairs over time. Moreover, the ingredients that make these formulas water-resistant are not a good choice for your lashes for long-term wear, as they contain chemicals such as alcohol, PFAs or harsh solvents that can severely dry out or damage lashes and cause breakage.
• Difficult to remove: another major drawback of waterproof mascaras is that they can be quite difficult to remove. The waterproof barrier created by the mascara requires a specialized makeup remover or cleansing oil to break it down completely – which let’s be honest, sometimes even that’s not enough to remove it 100%. And that basically translates to the whole process being very time-consuming.
• Lack of nourishment: makeup is no longer something purely aesthetic. Using products that not only make you look good, but also provide nutrients to your body is something we have become more aware of. And this also applies to mascaras, which can contain precious ingredients that help you condition, moisturize and improve your lashes over time, such as argan, castor and jojoba oil, vitamins B5 (panthenol) and E, biotin, etc. But unfortunately, waterproof mascaras cannot offer that same level of nourishment and conditioning as regular mascaras, as they need to have waxes and silicones as main ingredients to provide the waterproof protection.
• Environmental impact: every waterproof mascara I looked at contained some kind of plastic, and we need to do our best to limit the amount of plastics we purchase and utilize as consumers if we want to save our planet.

So yes, these formulas are a good option if you need an all-day-long mascara, and only for special occasions… but did you know that there are also water-resistant formulas? And no, they’re not the same thing.

What are water-resistant mascaras?

Water-resistant mascaras contain ingredients that provide some level of water resistance but not to the same degree as waterproof mascaras. It typically includes ingredients like polymers and waxes that help the mascara withstand minimal exposure to water. This means they offer moderate resistance to water and humidity, but may not hold up well against heavy water exposure.

These formulas are a bit more suitable for frequent use than the waterproof ones. Let’s have a look at some pros and cons —

Benefits:

• Water-resistant formulas are usually easier to remove than waterproof formulas, as they don’t contain the same amount of silicones and long-lasting ingredients, which can be less damaging to lashes, especially over time.

• Water-resistant mascaras offer a more natural look, which means they’re better for when you feel like having a more subtle, simpler look.

• They will be also more gentle and, depending on the formula, more nourishing to the lashes. If you decide on these mascaras, be sure to read the ingredient list to choose the best quality ones. In general, they are also better for the environment.

The cons of water-resistant mascaras compared to waterproof formulas would definitely be the shorter wear time and the more limited water protection that they will provide. Although in short, if you really don’t need to prioritize long wear time over eyelash health, the more natural it is, the better! This option is less harsh on your lashes and the planet, but yes, it still has a considerable amount of silicones, chemicals and plastic in its formulation. So let’s talk about what might be the best option over these two, which is simple…

Clean, vegan, natural mascaras!

They hold very well. Their formulas are great. They are the most suitable for everyday use, and will cause the least harm to your eyelashes – often none at all! The main goal of these products is to look good and appear natural throughout the day, while formulated with ingredients that will nourish, condition and moisturize the lashes, boosting their growth, improving the strength and resilience of the hair, and giving a healthier, more voluminous look over time.

And yes, they may not stand up to a heavy tropical rain or a long swim in the lake this summer, but if there’s one thing we can be sure of, it’s that your lashes will thank you and appreciate this choice over time… and that’s something that shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Benefits:

• Gentler formulations: these formulas consist of gentle, non-toxic ingredients that are less likely to cause irritation, redness, or allergic reactions, making them suitable for sensitive eyes and those who wear contacts. They are also free from harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances and dyes, reducing the risk of exposure to substances that may impact eye and skin health.
  
• Environmentally friendly: not only the formulas, but also the packaging of these products, which are often made of PCR or compostable materials – and produced using sustainable practices, which makes a great green difference for our planet.
• Everyday wear: these formulas being so much gentler on the eyelashes makes them a great choice for everyday use.
• Nourishing features: Natural, clean mascaras will focus on plant-based ingredients,  like botanical extracts, oils, and waxes that provide nourishment, moisturizing and conditioning benefits to the lashes – so it will be like wearing mascara and giving yourself a lash treatment at the same time!
• Easier to remove: just some warm water and your cleanser will be enough to remove all traces of mascara from your lashes, avoiding hard tugging or scrubbing (= less damage) as well as possible allergies, irritations or redness – saving you a lot of time in your nighttime routine!

Okay, now you know when it’s a good option to use a waterproof / water-resistant / clean natural mascara. It’s not about never using something again; it’s about knowing everything these products entail and making informed choices as a consumer.

At Amazingy, we have different options for different needs and tastes when it comes to natural, clean and nourishing mascaras – all of them truly exceptional – so much so that we even had to make a comparison of our most beloved mascaras to make the challenge of choosing just one a little easier! What a thing of abundance, right? 🙂 Please follow the link and take some time to get an in-depth look at the ingredients, performance, benefits and differences of our bestselling clean mascaras.

And as always, remember to reconnect with the beauty of nature whenever you have a spare moment, and to consistently care for our precious planet and our precious bodies, which are made in perfect synergy with each other. Beauty doesn’t have to be tough on any of them. For any questions or doubts, please do not hesitate to contact us ♡ Stay Amazingy!