9 Best Smudge-Proof Mascaras, According to Our Testers

There are almost as many smudge-proof mascaras as there are cars—and just like choosing the perfect ride, the very best smudge-proof mascara all comes down to your personal needs. They have a lot to live up to: They must stay put through sweat, tears, and maybe even the occasional nap, but you also want them to come off easily…and without sacrificing your lashes.

However, while waterproof mascaras might seem like the obvious choice, they’re not always a must-have. “To create a smudge-proof effect in a mascara, the key ingredients are film-forming agents and polymers that form a flexible layer over the lashes that helps the mascara stay in place, even when exposed to oils or sweat,” says Shuting Hu, PhD, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Acaderma. Basically, it’s science doing its thing—keeping your lashes smudge-free no matter what.