Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara Waterproof (Black/Brown)

Product Information

Ashley Brissette, MD, MSc, FRCSC, an ophthalmologist at Weill Cornell Medicine/New York-Presbyterian Hospital and founder of Daily Practice While we love the clean formula and nourishing ingredients in this mascara, we do notice that it tends to clump a bit after you apply more than one coat. We suggest using a lash comb after use to eliminate any clumps. Carly Rose, OD, a board-certified optometrist and founder of Clear Eyes + Aesthetics in Cincinnati, OH, is a big fan of the Beautycounter Think Big All in One mascara for a few reasons. “Not only is this richly pigmented mascara EWG Verified, but it actually has conditioning tripeptides to help nourish your lashes,” she explains. “I always say that healthy lashes are beautiful lashes. That's the real secret in how to grow long, lushes lashes safely.”

Just like any makeup, mascara does expire. The more important issue is the growth of bacteria in the bottle and the risk of infection, especially if you are using preservative-free mascara. Dr. DeRosa recommends throwing out your mascara every three months (or sooner). If you suffer from sensitive eyes, you probably already know how much of a pain it can be to deal with mascara. From excessive smudging thanks to watery eyes to redness from an irritating formula, finding a mascara that won’t bother sensitive eyes can be a challenge. If you absolutely must apply a waterproof mascara for a special occasion, we recommend opting for the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Waterproof Mascara. This brand is a leader in products for sensitive skin, so it makes sense that their mascaras would be a first choice for folks with sensitive eyes, too. This mascara not only volumizes and lengthens, but it also has hydrating ingredients to help strengthen your lashes. We like that the applicator is slim and not bulky, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally smudging the product onto your lash line during application.

Enjoy your first purchase.

We also chose products we’ve personally tried and had success with. Lastly, we made sure each of the mascaras we’ve recommended includes clean ingredients, is non-irritating, and adds volume and length to lashes, too. Just as the product's name suggests, this formula is very natural-looking. So natural, in fact, that some folks have complained that it doesn’t look like you have anything on after application. Make sure to apply multiple coats to get a lengthening and volumizing effect.

Dr. Rose loves this mascara because it’s free of parabens, coal tar dyes, and several other offenders, and it actually performs. “I am still trying to wrap my head around how this one isn't a waterproof mascara because it stays put so well,” she explains. The 49-year-old shared her beauty secrets in a recent interview with Shop TODAY, where she spoke about the mascara and a few more of her other must-have products. “I love a drugstore mascara,” she said.We love how easy this is to apply, and how easy it is to wash off. However, you’re going to have to apply multiple coats if you prefer the look of voluminous lashes. The most common ingredients that can cause eye irritation include synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, coal tar, polyethylene glycol, and formaldehyde. “If possible, it is best to avoid waterproof mascara because it can dry out your lashes, making them more brittle and prone to breakage,” suggests Jennifer Tsai, a board-certified optometrist and owner of LINE OF SIGHT in New York City. Dr. DeRosa feels the same. “‘Clean’ does not give you a real measure of what is in the mascara and whether it is better for sensitive eyes. 'Clean’ and ‘natural’ ingredients still can be irritating to sensitive eyes,” she explains. Instead of looking for a mascara that claims it's clean, she recommends opting for a mascara that claims it is hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist tested.