Best Water-Based Mascaras
Looking for a mascara that floats effortlessly through your day without weighing down your lashes? Dive into the world of water-based mascaras, where lightness and longevity collide to create a look that's both fresh and resilient. Explore our top picks and discover the perfect wand to enhance your natural beauty with a splash of elegance.
High-Quality Low-Cost Pick: Essence Lash Princess
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| Clump-free formula |
| Long-lasting wear |
| Natural yet volumized |
The Lash Princess False Lash Mascara offers a stunningly natural yet bold look without any fuss.
Its conic fiber brush effortlessly sculpts and defines every lash, delivering dramatic volume and length without clumping.
Plus, it’s cruelty-free and free from irritating ingredients like parabens and silicones, making it a thoughtful choice for sensitive eyes.
While it might smudge a bit overnight and requires some effort to remove, its long-lasting, clump-free formula makes it a stellar go-to for everyday wear.
The perfect balance of quality and affordability!
Be sure to also check out the best water based mascara for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!
Best for Sensitive Eyes: Hypoallergenic Mascara
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| Lightweight formula |
| Easy to remove |
| Natural finish |
This hypoallergenic mascara is a game-changer for those with sensitive eyes.
Its lightweight formula effortlessly enhances your lashes without feeling heavy or uncomfortable.
Plus, it's easy to remove, saving you time during your nighttime routine.
The natural finish provides a subtle, polished look perfect for everyday wear.
While it may smudge slightly and offers less volume compared to other mascaras, its allergy-friendly, non-toxic ingredients make it a safe choice for sensitive or allergy-prone eyes.
Overall, it’s a reliable, gentle pick for a quick, fresh look with peace of mind.
Be sure to also check out the best clear mascaras for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!
Best for Dramatic Length: Honest Beauty Mascara
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| Safe for sensitive eyes |
| Built-in primer design |
| Extreme length boost |
The built-in primer creates a smooth, even base that amplifies the mascara's lengthening effects, making lashes appear dramatically longer and more separated.
Infused with jojoba esters, it nourishes and conditions while staying safe for sensitive eyes—perfect for contact lens wearers.
The extreme length formula with molded bristles effortlessly coats each lash from root to tip, delivering that sky-high lift we love.
Although the formula can be a bit thick and the wand design is a tad awkward, the standout lengthening performance truly makes this mascara a game-changer for a bold, captivating look.
Be sure to also check out the best red mascara for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!
Best for Voluminous Lashes: L'Oreal Paris Lash Paradise
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| Volumizes and lengthens |
| No smudging or flaking |
| Natural, soft look |
L'Oreal Paris Mascara truly lives up to its reputation for delivering voluminous and lengthened lashes.
The formula creates a full lash fringe that feels feathery soft — no crusty clumps or irritating flakes in sight.
It’s perfect for achieving a natural yet captivating look, thanks to its smudge-proof and flake-resistant finish.
While the brush could be a tad thinner for some, the significant increase in volume (up to 20x) and impressive length make it a go-to for quick, stunning eye makeup.
It’s a reliable, high-rated favorite!
Be sure to also check out the best white mascara for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High
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| Long, full lashes |
| Easy to remove |
| Great for sensitive eyes |
The Maybelline SkyHigh mascara truly lives up to its name, lengthening and volumizing every lash effortlessly.
The innovative Flex Tower brush bends to reach each strand from root to tip, creating a stunning, fanned-out effect.
Plus, with bamboo extract and fibers, the formula delivers long, full, lightweight lashes without flaking or smudging—perfect for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
While the wet feel takes a moment to set, the ease of removal and natural look make it a favorite for quick, flawless finishes.
Be sure to also check out the best waterproof mascara for short lashes for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!
CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean
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| Volumizes 10x |
| Vegan & clean formula |
| Long-lasting hold |
The COVERGIRL Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara truly lives up to its promise of turning up the volume—giving our lashes a 10x boost that’s impossible to ignore.
The applicator brush does a fantastic job of separating and defining, making each lash appear longer and fuller in just a few swipes.
What we also appreciate is the clean, vegan formula enriched with nourishing argan and marula oils, perfect for those who want beauty with a conscience.
Keep in mind, it can be tricky to remove and may clump if applied too generously, but the long-lasting hold makes it worth it.
Be sure to also check out the best waterproof mascara for contact lens wearers for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!
Prime Prometics Water-Based Mascaras
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| Natural-looking finish |
| Easy to remove |
| Non-clumping formula |
PrimeLash's water-based formula is gentle yet effective, making it perfect for sensitive eyes, especially for women over 50.
The clever magic wand separates and coats each lash without clumping, giving a natural yet defined look in just two coats.
It’s incredibly easy to remove at the end of the day, preventing lash breakage and maintaining lash health.
While it might not withstand heavy water activities or last all day without touch-ups, it delivers a beautiful, lightweight finish that enhances lash length and volume smoothly.
Ideal for everyday wear and those seeking a fuss-free, nourishing mascara.
Be sure to also check out the best iron wand mascara for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!
Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara
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| Nourishes and strengthens lashes |
| Safe for sensitive eyes |
| Easy to remove |
The Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara truly lives up to its promise.
Its nourishing blend of vitamin E, rice protein, and olive oil helps strengthen lashes while promoting the appearance of longer, healthier strands.
The soft-bristle brush expertly coats each lash from root to tip, delivering outstanding definition without clumping or smudging.
Perfect for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, it’s gentle enough for daily use and easily removable with your favorite makeup remover.
While it might flake slightly and offer a modest lengthening boost, overall, it’s a reliable, no-fuss choice for natural, nourished lashes.
Be sure to also check out the best mascara primer for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!
GladGirl Mascara
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| Gentle for Sensitive Eyes |
| Easy to Remove |
| Water-based Formula |
The GladGirl Oil-Free Mascara is perfect for those looking to protect and enhance their eyelash extensions without any fuss.
Its water-based formula is gentle on sensitive eyes and easy to remove — no tugging or pulling required.
The dual brush wand gives you the flexibility to create a natural or more defined look, while the smudge-free finish lasts all day.
Although it may not add as much volume as some other mascaras, its emphasis on lash health and easy removal makes it a go-to choice for daily wear.
Plus, being cruelty-free and vegan is the cherry on top!
Be sure to also check out the best mascara redheads for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!
Essence Lash Princess Waterproof Mascara Water-Based Mascaras
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| Dramatic volume effect |
| Long-lasting, waterproof |
| Cruelty-free & vegan |
The Lash Princess Waterproof Mascara from essence delivers instant dramatic volume with just one coat, thanks to its unique conic-shaped fiber brush.
It truly mimics false lashes, giving you that bold, eye-opening look.
Plus, it stays put all day—whether you’re sweating through workouts, caught in rain, or tearing up during a sappy movie.
The waterproof formula lasts longer than many competitors, but remember, it can be a tad tricky to remove and might smudge in high humidity.
Still, its vegan, cruelty-free credentials make it a winner for ethically-conscious beauty lovers.
Be sure to also check out the best clear mascara to hold curl for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!
Almay Mascara
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| Builds thick, lashes |
| Evenly separated lashes |
| Conditioning ingredients |
The Revlon Water-Based Mascara effortlessly builds thicker, fuller lashes without clumps, flakes, or smudges.
Its specially designed brush ensures each lash is evenly coated and perfectly separated, giving you that irresistible, high-volume look.
Plus, with nourishing ingredients like aloe and vitamin B5, your lashes stay conditioned and healthy while you wear it.
Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, this hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula is a reliable choice.
Just a heads up — it might wear off a bit faster, so a careful application is key for the perfect, long-lasting look.
Be sure to also check out the best baked foundations for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!
Clinique High Impact Mascara
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| Easy to remove |
| Curls well |
| Lightweight formula |
The Clinique Water-Based Mascara offers a refreshing lift to your lashes with its lightweight formula, making it perfect for everyday wear.
We love how easy it is to remove—no harsh scrubbing required—and it curls beautifully without weighing down your lashes.
While it isn't waterproof and might not deliver all the volumizing punch some seek, it compensates with a natural, fluttery look that feels weightless.
If you prioritize ease and a fresh, clean finish, this mascara is a solid choice.
Just keep in mind, if you're after intense length or waterproof hold, you might want to explore other options.
Be sure to also check out the best mineral concealers for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!
CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Water-Based Mascaras
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| Instant volume boost |
| Clump-free application |
| Cruelty-free product |
The Lash Blast Volume Mascara truly delivers instant mega-volume, making your lashes look instantly fuller and longer with just a swipe.
Its clump-free formula coats each lash evenly, avoiding that dreaded spidery look, while still providing dramatic impact.
With four bold shades to choose from, you can tailor your look from subtle to striking.
Best of all, it’s cruelty-free, aligning with ethical beauty standards.
The only caveat?
It’s not waterproof, so it’s best saved for regular days rather than those sweaty, emotional moments.
Overall, a fantastic choice for quick, high-impact results.
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COVERGIRL Lash Blast Mascara
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| Plant-powered, clean formula |
| Vegan and natural ingredients |
| No parabens or sulfates |
This plant-powered mascara delivers voluminous lashes while staying true to your eco-conscious values.
Infused with cellulose fibers, aloe, ceramides, and rainforest maracuja oil, it’s a delightful blend of natural ingredients that nourish as they enhance.
The vegan formula is free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, making it a fantastic choice for sensitive eyes and those seeking cleaner beauty options.
However, beware of its tendency to be a little clumpy and flake — the big brush can also be tricky to maneuver.
Overall, a great eco-friendly pick for luscious lashes!
Be sure to also check out the best baked eyeshadow for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High
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| Long, full lashes |
| Smudge-proof & waterproof |
| Lashes are separated |
The waterproof formula effortlessly lengthens and volumizes with bamboo extract and fibers, giving your lashes a natural yet dramatic lift.
The exclusive Flex Tower brush bends to hug every lash from root to tip, ensuring a precise, separated look that stays put all day.
Plus, it's ophthalmologist and allergy tested, making it safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
While it’s a bit small and dries quickly, its smudge-proof power makes it a top pick for busy days or outdoor adventures.
If you want full, defined lashes with zero fuss, this one's a winner.
Be sure to also check out the best waterproof concealer for scars for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!
BANGFENG Mascara Water-Based Mascaras
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| Lengthens and defines lashes |
| Easy to remove |
| Non-irritating for sensitive eyes |
The slim silicone brush glides effortlessly over delicate lashes, lengthening and defining without clumping or stickiness — perfect for mature eyes.
The water-based formula feels light and gentle, reducing irritation while maintaining a long-lasting hold, even through tears or humidity.
Plus, it’s cruelty-free and easy to remove with your favorite makeup remover—no more tugging or rubbing.
While the color options are limited and it’s not as waterproof as oil-based options, its natural, hypoallergenic properties make it a top pick for sensitive eyes seeking a quick, effective lash boost.
Be sure to also check out the best waterproof leg makeup for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!
Sandstone Scandinavia
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| Smudge-proof and long-lasting |
| Gentle for sensitive eyes |
| Vegan and cruelty free |
This smudge-proof mascara effortlessly provides length and definition without irritating sensitive eyes.
The hypoallergenic formula is a real standout—completely free of parabens and fragrances, making it safe and gentle for all skin types.
Its vegan and cruelty-free nature means you can feel good about your beauty routine.
While it may deliver a slightly minimal volumizing effect and occasionally get a tad clumpy, its long-lasting, tear-proof wear definitely compensates.
Perfect for busy days, this mascara stays put without flaking, ensuring your lashes look fabulous from morning to night.
Be sure to also check out the best mascara over 60 for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!






