As a beauty editor, I spend countless hours every day attempting to understand the nitty gritty, scientific sides of the products I'm testing, reviewing, and hopefully recommending to my readers. To completely understand a product, it's imperative that I'm able to break down the ingredients; in hopes of eventually coming to an appreciation for the unique qualities that set it apart from all others. This process (what I've affectionately dubbed as the "deep dive") is especially beneficial when I'm comparing a number of similar products that possess a similar feature. This time around, I'm taking a look at 13 of the highest-rated mascaras using water-based formulas to deliver major length and volume.
When it comes to mascara, there are two main types oil-based and water-based. Oil-based mascaras are typically crafted with natural oils such as mineral oil, castor oil, and carnauba wax in addition petroleum distillate which can contribute to skin irritation. While oil-based mascaras are often celebrated for being water-proof, long-lasting, and smudge-resistant, they're not ideal for individuals with sensitive skin or eyes. Water-based mascaras, while not water-proof, are normally somewhat resistant to some degree and are chemical-free; making it the best option for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Water-based formulas are also easy to remove with minimal effort.
I reached out to Global Head of Artistry at Stila Cosmetics and Celebrity Makeup Artist, Charlie Riddle, for his expertise on finding the best water-based mascara. Riddle, who's created looks for everyone from Winnie Harlow and Chloe Bailey to Dove Cameron and Charlie D'Amelio, is no stranger to endless mascara options. "Aqua (water) will always be the main/first ingredient to look out for. What to avoid would be any mascaras that have oils," he says. The makeup artist mainly uses two water-based mascaras on his celebrity clientele: Stila's Huge Extreme Lash Mascara and Lancôme's Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting Volumizing Mascara. "This is my go-to mascara! I love the volume it gives, and each coat gives a significant increase of volume. It wears so well throughout the day and doesn’t get flakey," Riddle says of the former.
Now that you know what ingredients to look for in your water-based mascara formulas, you can shop confidently equipped with knowledge. Below, you'll find a selection of products that are Who What Wear beauty editor approved (complete with helpful pros and cons). If this story is enough to encourage switching from team oil-based to team water-based, I will have done my job well. Happy scrolling!
Available in three natural-looking shades, Lancôme's best selling mascara creates the look of fuller-looking with a flake-free, non-clumping formula that lifts and lengthens the lashes. Its brush dispenses the perfect amount of formula while separating for a natural, yet defined, eyelash look. Pros: Does not transfer or smudge. Cons: None
If it's a mascara, length primer combination you're after, look no further than this cult-classic multipurpose mascara duo by Honest Beauty. Made with Jojoba esters and without mineral oil, parabens, or silicones, or paraffins; its mascara delivers both length and staying powder with the help of a primer to enhance the mascara's performance. Pros: Applies smoothly and evenly to the lashes. Cons: None
Zero clumps, clean definition, and length are the three descriptors that come to mind when using this mascara. In addition to delivering major definition and volume for longer looking lashes (thanks to its flexible lash accentuating brush), the product can be removed without any discomfort using soap and water. Pros: Brush separates the lashes for definition. Cons: Leaves some flakes with reapplication
Yves Saint Laurent's buildable, volumizing mascara is enriched with ingredients that nurture, strengthen, and lengthen the lashes for a long-lasting false eyelash effect. While its formula is infused with moroccan argan oil and pro-vitamin B5, its described by the brand as being majority water-based, lending to conditioned lashes that appear fuller overtime. Pros: Offers intense pigment and length. Cons: Highest price point
Pictured wearing Yves Saint Laurent's Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils.
Although I rarely where falsies, when I do, I absolutely live for this mascara since it adds the ideal amount of buildable volume to the lashes. Offered in 13 shades and finishes, the Voluminous Original Mascara builds the lashes up to 5x their natural thickness while keeping them incredibly soft and resistant to clumping. Pros: Removes easily with soap and water. Cons: Slight smudging by end of day
Maybelline's Full 'N Soft Washable Mascara uses a unique advanced thickening formula using nourishing Vitamin E for softer and fuller looking lashes. Like many of the other mascaras included on this list, it removes easily with soap and water to prevent lash loss and is suitable for sensitive eyes and skin as well as contact lens wearers. Pros: Creates full, healthy-looking lashes. Cons: None
The Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara (offered in four natural-looking shades) is made from a clean, vegan formula infused with argan and marula oil; providing 10x the volume of bare lashes. Its applicator brush also separates and defines for visibly longer and fuller lashes. Pros: No smudging or clumping. Cons: Flakes over the course of a day
Does your mascara dissipate by the end of the day? It's time to update your makeup routine with one that lasts. This long-lasting mascara, by Xtreme Lashes, is formulated specifically for semi-permanent lash extensions for dramatic definition and length. Its formula features vitamin B5, to define and nourish your natural lashes as well. Pros: Waterproof and non-clumping. Cons: Smudges with all-day wear
This is my best kept secret to achieving longer, healthy-looking eyelashes in seconds. Neutrogena's Healthy Lengths Mascara helps your natural lashes grow using a formula that features rice protein, vitamin E, and olive oil to keep them nourished and looking noticeably longer. Pros: Affordable price point. Cons: Minimal flaking and clumping
Achieving long, voluminous lashes shouldn't lead to them feeling weighed down. Benefit Cosmetic's volumizing mascara offers a solution to that, with a smudge-proof, water-resistant formula that instantly lifts and lengthens the lashes using aero-particles (one of the lightest known materials derived from space technology). Pros: Instantly delivers length and voluming. Cons: Formula dries quickly
I've been using this mascara non-stop for years and can't imagine a day when I won't be reaching for it to complete my everyday makeup routine. It conditions and thickens the lashes using a hypoallergenic formula that's ophthalmologist tested and safe for contact lens wearers. I love how smoothly it glides onto the lashes without any unsightly clumps or flaking. Pros: Long-lasting and easy to remove. Cons: Dries slowly after application
This mascara's formula is infused with bamboo extract and fibers for long and full lashes without any flaking or smudging. Its flexible mascara brush coats every lash evenly with product; extending each one from root to tip. It's also ophthalmologist approved, allergy tested, and sensitive eye safe. Pros: Easy to apply and remove. Cons: None
Perricone MD's No Makeup Mascara is a 2-in-1 lash treatment and mascara clinically proven produce the appearance of lengthened, lifted, and thick lashes. Its formula is full of nourishing ingredients while its dual-faced brush ensures precise application. Pros: Natural-looking finish. Cons: Somewhat flakey
