Watch this video for step-by-step instructions on applying faux lashes:
As it turns out, waterproof mascara has come a long way. Here were my four favorites.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
Maybe it was the adorable packaging (tiny droplets of water decorate the tube) or maybe it was because I was already obsessed with the non-waterproof, collagen-infused version, but I approached this product with high hopes. After two coats, I was pleased to see that everything I loved about the original still applied: My lashes were just as fluffy and voluminous. But that didn’t matter unless they looked like that after my dip in the pool. Luckily, when I emerged soaking wet, my lashes looked like nothing (and I mean nothing!) had happened.
Buy it: $23, toofaced.com
Photograph courtesy of Too Faced
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Sculpt Waterproof Mascara
The winged out, butterfly-shaped applicator brush made it so easy to define my top and bottom lash lines. Before swimming, my eyelashes were super sculpted—and afterward, the same held true. The water did make a few lashes stick together, but in a separated, Twiggy-esque way that I actually really liked. Added bonus? My bottom eyelashes seemed extra fluttery and appeared totally unscathed by my splashing around.
Buy it: $9, ulta.com
Photograph courtesy of L’Oreal
MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara
I was naturally #blessed with super-long fringe, but two coats of MAC’s latest really took things to the next level. The wand had miniature fiber-like bristles to get in between lashes and extend, curl, and plump up their appearance. Post-plunge they held their shape and length with zero flakiness.
Buy it: $22, maccosmetics.com
Photograph courtesy of MAC
RELATED: 7 Things You Never Knew About Eyelashes
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Luscious Waterproof Mascara
First off, I couldn’t get enough of the wand: Its narrow tip was able to reach every. single. lash. And it gave me that coveted doe-eyed look I’m always trying to achieve. The formula was infused with a blend of oils that kept my eyelashes super-soft after a few laps—not a touch of crunchiness in sight. I even accidentally rubbed my eyes when they were wet, too. No raccoon eyes, and the only damage done was losing a teeny bit of lift, which was nothing my trusty lash curler couldn’t fix.
Buy it: $7, amazon.com
Photograph courtesy of Maybelline
Oh, and just a quick note: Removing waterproof mascara is a b*tch if you don’t do it right. But if you use an oil-based makeup remover, you won’t have to worry about losing any lashes, since oil cuts through waterproof products most effectively.