What Makes Waterproof Mascara Waterproof?

And why does all mascara smudge...even waterproof mascara? Hint: it’s all in the ingredients.

So...what really makes mascara waterproof?

The short answer: the formulas of traditional and “waterproof” mascaras are different. Certain mascaras use different ingredients to make their mascara not dissolve or smudge in water.

The long answer: ...it's complicated. Technically, it means that the mascara’s formula isn’t water-soluble (water shouldn’t dissolve it). But that doesn’t make it totally unfazed by water.

Plus, mascaras labeled “waterproof” and “water-resistant” don't mean the same thing. A waterproof mascara is built to withstand more water than a water-resistant mascara.