While the terms “water-resistant” and “waterproof” sound almost identical, there is a slight difference worth noting when choosing which mascara is best for your needs. What it really comes down to is how much water penetration you want your mascara to be able to handle.
Water-resistant mascara can withstand some exposure to water, but will eventually break down when wet. This type of formula is a great choice for everyday wear—it holds and defines your lashes, provides just the right amount of protection against smudging, and removes easily with makeup remover.
Waterproof mascara is designed to stay put even if you were to jump in a pool, take a shower, or shed a few tears while watching a sad movie. This heavy-duty, no-budge formula is ideal if you want to keep your lashes looking long and full at the beach or while you’re staying active. Keep in mind, waterproof makeup is harder to remove by nature, so make sure you invest in a proper eye makeup remover to gently take your makeup off without irritating your eyes.