Dirty little secret: I wear mascara to the gym. Without it, my blonde lashes disappear, which makes me feel freakish. What I've learned is: Not all waterproof mascaras live up to their claims -- and a sweaty workout can leave me with smudges around my eyes (a dead giveaway that I'm high-maintenance).
To save face, I tested out the most popular waterproof mascaras to find out which ones stand up to a sweaty workout. Because if they can last through a hot yoga class, they can last through anything (even an hour-long sob fest). Here, the great mascara sweat test.
To save face, I tested out the most popular waterproof mascaras to find out which ones stand up to a sweaty workout. Because if they can last through a hot yoga class, they can last through anything (even an hour-long sob fest). Here, the great mascara sweat test.
The mascara: Covergirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof
The fat brush, stubby synthetic bristles and quick-dry formula make this mascara easy to swipe on and go -- something I was immensely thankful for when rushing out the door to make it to my 6 a.m. CrossFit class.
I'm happy to report that it lasted through 150 wall balls (a movement that consists of a full squat followed by tossing a 14-pound medicine ball at a 10-foot target) and the inevitable sweat without smudging, smearing or flaking. And it came off easily in the shower with the use of a cleansing oil. --Allie Flinn
The fat brush, stubby synthetic bristles and quick-dry formula make this mascara easy to swipe on and go -- something I was immensely thankful for when rushing out the door to make it to my 6 a.m. CrossFit class.
I'm happy to report that it lasted through 150 wall balls (a movement that consists of a full squat followed by tossing a 14-pound medicine ball at a 10-foot target) and the inevitable sweat without smudging, smearing or flaking. And it came off easily in the shower with the use of a cleansing oil. --Allie Flinn
The mascara: Dior Black Out Waterproof
This mascara stays on really well -- no flaking, running or general undereye smeariness. My only complaint is the wand. Because the bristles are long and thick, I found it almost impossible to avoid getting mascara on my lids during application, which means I'm wetting a Q-tip and attempting to wipe it off without causing my lashes to clump together -- a near-impossible feat. I also found that volume and curliness I first experienced was sacrificed after a couple hours hiking. Though the formula is OK -- I have faith it could withstand a sad-movie-induced ugly cry without producing raccoon eyes -- I can't use it because the application is too messy and the volume doesn't last, at least during sweaty activities. --Emily Woodruff
This mascara stays on really well -- no flaking, running or general undereye smeariness. My only complaint is the wand. Because the bristles are long and thick, I found it almost impossible to avoid getting mascara on my lids during application, which means I'm wetting a Q-tip and attempting to wipe it off without causing my lashes to clump together -- a near-impossible feat. I also found that volume and curliness I first experienced was sacrificed after a couple hours hiking. Though the formula is OK -- I have faith it could withstand a sad-movie-induced ugly cry without producing raccoon eyes -- I can't use it because the application is too messy and the volume doesn't last, at least during sweaty activities. --Emily Woodruff
The mascara: Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara
After my hot yoga session, I was so Zen and relaxed, and felt superlimber afterward. But even better: my lashes still looked fantastic. I didn't even make efforts during the class to wipe my face as sweat was trickling everywhere. I just let it happen. And when I looked in the mirror, my eyes still looked good. No smudging or running anywhere. I should also note that I had the mascara on during the day, went to the class at 5:15 p.m. and then stepped in a steamy shower afterward and still, the mascara was intact. In fact, I had to use an oil-based cleanser and Vaseline to get all of it off that night (a small price to pay for all-day lashes). --Paulina Kay
After my hot yoga session, I was so Zen and relaxed, and felt superlimber afterward. But even better: my lashes still looked fantastic. I didn't even make efforts during the class to wipe my face as sweat was trickling everywhere. I just let it happen. And when I looked in the mirror, my eyes still looked good. No smudging or running anywhere. I should also note that I had the mascara on during the day, went to the class at 5:15 p.m. and then stepped in a steamy shower afterward and still, the mascara was intact. In fact, I had to use an oil-based cleanser and Vaseline to get all of it off that night (a small price to pay for all-day lashes). --Paulina Kay
The mascara: Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash
"Waterproof" and "lengthening" seem to be mutually exclusive when it comes to mascara, but that's not the case with Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash. Not only did this waterproof version of the brand's classic Smoky Lash mascara give me fluttery, pretty lashes, it also would not budge -- no matter how much sweat got in my eyes. The formula is pigmented, but runny, so be sure to give it a couple minutes to dry before sweating all over it. --Allie Flinn
"Waterproof" and "lengthening" seem to be mutually exclusive when it comes to mascara, but that's not the case with Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash. Not only did this waterproof version of the brand's classic Smoky Lash mascara give me fluttery, pretty lashes, it also would not budge -- no matter how much sweat got in my eyes. The formula is pigmented, but runny, so be sure to give it a couple minutes to dry before sweating all over it. --Allie Flinn