Photo: Patric Shaw
We know your wedding check list is already overloaded with to-dos, but one thing you absolutely cannot forget on your big day is a reliable waterproof mascara. You need one that won't smudge, smear, or run when those unexpected (but inevitable) tears start flowing during the ceremony. But the last thing you need right now is another important wedding-planning task, so we took the liberty of test-driving them for you. Here, the five waterproof mascaras Brides editors deem reliable enough to wear on the most important day of your life.
The Sophisticate:
Lancôme Définicils Waterproof, $27, Lancôme
We didn't give this a Brides Beauty Award for nothing! This winning mascara glides on super easily and creates fluttery, separated lashes without the added step of having to brush them out. "I love everything about this mascara, right down to the elegant applicator," our tester says. "I felt so chic putting it on!"
The Natural:
Neutrogena Healthy Volume Waterproof, $7.49, Neutrogena
For brides wary of wearing too much makeup, this mascara creates voluminous lashes without looking like you've had any help at all. "It goes on lightly, evenly, and is totally clump free — even if you reapply it a few times," our tester says. Bonus: Our tester's sensitive, light blue eyes usually make her shy way from waterproof formulas, but this one didn't leave them the least bit red or itchy.
See more: Perfect Eye Makeup
The Perfectionist:
Maybelline New York Lash Discovery Mini-Brush Waterproof, $7.49, Maybelline New York
If you're always trying to coat those hard-to-reach lashes in the inner corners of your eyes, you'll love this waterproof mascara. It's tiny wand covers every last lash — both upper and lower — and since it's waterproof, you won't have to worry about your bottom lashes smearing. "This mascara plus an eyelash curler equals the best eyelashes ever," our tester says. "It defined lashes I didn't even know I had."
The Multitasker:
Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Waterproof, $32, Sephora
Our tester would be lying if she said she wasn't initially swayed by this mascara's chic white tube, but her first impression was quickly validated after taking it for a trial run. It added volume, length, and curl to create just the right amount of drama. "Two coats gave me a retro, 60s-inspired look," she says. "I didn't even need an eyelash curler!" (PS: Start using this one a few months before the wedding, because it contains ingredients that strengthen your lashes over time.)
See more: Three Easy Steps to Gorgeous DIY Wedding-Day Eye Makeup
The Unflappable:
Blinc Amplified, $26, Blinc
This cult favorite does. not. move. Exhibit A: Self-diagnosed with oily eyelids, our tester has trouble finding mascaras that don't give her raccoon eyes. "On top of being water-resistant, the propaganda says this is smudge-proof, sweat-proof, and flake-proof, and it was," she says. "You don't even need makeup remover to take it off. Just warm water and it comes off with no residual product. It seems like it will be able to withstand any climate or activity — wedding-day tears included."