If you’ve been eyeing Selena Gomez’s beauty line and wondering whether that cult-favorite mascara can survive a good cry, a sweaty gym session, or a surprise rainstorm, you’re not alone. The short answer surprises a lot of people. Rare Beauty‘s Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara is not waterproof in its original form.
It’s water-resistant, which is a different thing entirely. And that distinction matters more than most shoppers realize when they’re standing in Sephora trying to decide.
Let’s clear up the confusion and dig into what this mascara actually does, how it performs, and whether it’s the right pick for your lashes.
Is Rare Beauty Mascara Waterproof or Water-Resistant?
The flagship Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara is described by the brand as water-resistant, not fully waterproof. That means it holds up reasonably well against a little moisture, humidity, and light watering of the eyes. But it isn’t engineered to withstand a full-on downpour or a swim in the pool the way a dedicated waterproof formula would be.
Why does the difference matter? A true waterproof mascara creates a tighter seal around the lash that repels water aggressively. Water-resistant formulas resist smudging and flaking to a point, then they eventually give way if you soak them.
So if you tear up at a wedding, this mascara should mostly stay put. Dunk your face underwater, though, and you’ll likely see some movement.
Rare Beauty has expanded its lineup over time, so it’s worth checking the specific product page before you buy. Formulas and shade options can change, and the brand occasionally releases limited variations. As of now, the core mascara sold at Sephora is the water-resistant tube-and-brush version rather than a separate waterproof one.
Here’s a quick way to think about the two:
- Water-resistant: Handles humidity, light tears, and a bit of sweat. Removes with a standard cleanser or makeup remover.
- Waterproof: Built for swimming, heavy rain, and emotional events. Usually needs an oil-based or bi-phase remover to break down.
How to Tell If Any Mascara Is Waterproof
This trips people up constantly, so it’s a useful skill. The most reliable way is to read the packaging.
Brands are legally required to label their products accurately, and a waterproof mascara will almost always say “waterproof” clearly on the tube or box. If it doesn’t say it, assume it isn’t.
Water-resistant and long-wearing are the terms you’ll see more often, and they don’t mean waterproof. Marketing language like “smudge-proof” or “all-day wear” also doesn’t guarantee waterproofing. Those phrases describe how well the product resists movement from oils and friction, not water specifically.
Another tell is the removal instructions. If a brand recommends an oil-based or dual-phase remover, that’s a strong hint the formula is designed to be water-repellent. Regular cleansers won’t cut through a genuine waterproof coating easily.
You can also do a simple at-home test. Apply the mascara, let it dry fully, then run a wet cotton pad gently over your lashes.
A waterproof formula stays intact. A water-resistant one will start to loosen and transfer after a bit of moisture and pressure.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers guidance on how cosmetics are labeled and regulated, and you can read more about ingredient and product claims on the FDA cosmetics resource page. It’s a solid reference if you ever want to understand what a label legally has to disclose.
What Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Mascara Actually Does
Even without full waterproofing, this product has earned a genuine following, and the reasons come down to the formula and the brush. The name says “universal volumizing,” and that’s the pitch: buildable volume that works across different lash types, from fine and sparse to thick.
The brush is the star for a lot of people. It’s a slim, tapered wand with short, densely packed bristles that grab even tiny lashes near the inner corner.
That design lets you deposit product with perfect strokes, coating each lash from root to tip without a lot of fuss. The tip is pointed enough to reach the fine, sparse lashes that bigger brushes tend to skip.
What you get from the formula:
- Volume: It builds up with each layer, so you control how full and dramatic the look gets.
- Length: The bristles separate and extend lashes for a lengthened effect.
- Lift and curl: Many users notice their curl holds through the day, especially after using a lash curler first.
- Wearability: The water-resistant formula resists flaking and smudging under normal conditions.
The formula leans creamy rather than clumpy, which is why it applies smoothly. Layer it for a bolder effect or keep it to one or two coats for everyday definition. It’s flexible that way.
Rare Beauty Mascara Price, Sizes, and Shades
Rare Beauty positions itself as accessible prestige, so the mascara sits in the mid-range for a Sephora product. It typically retails around the low-to-mid twenties for the full size. There’s also a mini version, which is handy if you want to test it before committing to the full tube or you just need something for your travel bag.
Here’s a general breakdown of the options:
| Version | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Full size Perfect Strokes | Standard full tube | Everyday use, main mascara |
| Mini Perfect Strokes | Smaller travel format | Trying it out, travel, on-the-go |
| Brown shade | Full or mini | Softer, natural daytime looks |
The classic black is the most popular, but the brown option is worth knowing about. Brown mascara gives a softer, more natural finish that suits lighter hair, fair brows, and no-makeup makeup days. It’s less harsh than black and can look more flattering in daylight.
When it comes to buying, you’ll find it on Rare Beauty’s own site and at Sephora both online and in stores. Shipping through the brand’s website is straightforward, and orders typically ship within a few business days, though timelines vary by region and promotion. Buying in person lets you swatch and check the brush in your hand before you decide, which some people prefer.
Is Rare Beauty Mascara Good for Sensitive Eyes?
This is a common concern, and it’s a fair one. A lot of people who wear contacts or have reactive eyes are cautious about mascara. The good news is that many users with sensitive eyes report wearing this one comfortably, but individual reactions always vary.
The formula is designed to be gentle and doesn’t rely on harsh flaking that can drop bits into your eyes throughout the day. Because it’s water-resistant rather than waterproof, it also comes off more easily, which means less tugging and rubbing at removal time. Aggressive removal is often what irritates delicate skin around the eyes, so an easier-to-remove formula is a plus.
That said, no mascara is universally safe for every pair of eyes. If you have known allergies or a history of reactions, it’s smart to patch test or check the full ingredient list before applying near your eyes. People who wear contact lenses should also pay attention to fallout, though the tube-style formula tends to stay put well.
If sensitivity is a serious issue for you, an ophthalmologist-tested or fragrance-free formula might be a safer bet. Rare Beauty’s mascara isn’t marketed specifically as hypoallergenic, so use your own judgment there.
Waterproof Alternatives and How This One Compares
If waterproofing is a hard requirement, you’ll want to look beyond this particular product. Plenty of brands make dedicated waterproof mascaras built for swimming, humid climates, and long emotional days. The trade-off with those is usually a stiffer feel and a tougher removal process.
Some of the most water-repellent mascaras on the market include tubing formulas, which coat each lash in a flexible polymer that slides off with warm water and pressure rather than smudging. Those are a smart middle ground if you want water resistance without an oil-based remover.
Here’s how the Rare Beauty option stacks up against typical categories:
| Type | Water Resistance | Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes | Water-resistant | Standard cleanser or remover |
| True waterproof mascara | High | Oil-based or bi-phase remover |
| Tubing mascara | High | Warm water and gentle pressure |
For most everyday situations, honestly, the water-resistant formula is plenty. Unless you’re planning to swim in your makeup or you cry at every movie, you probably don’t need full waterproof lockdown. And the easier removal is a genuine perk your lashes will thank you for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rare Beauty mascara actually waterproof?
No, the Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara is water-resistant, not waterproof. It holds up against light moisture, humidity, and a few tears, but it isn’t built for swimming or heavy rain. Always check the current product page before buying, since formulas can change.
How do I remove Rare Beauty mascara?
Because it’s water-resistant rather than waterproof, you can usually remove it with a standard makeup remover or a gentle cleanser. Soak a cotton pad, hold it against your lashes for a few seconds to loosen the product, then wipe downward. No aggressive scrubbing needed.
Does the mascara come in a mini size?
Yes. There’s a mini version alongside the full size, which is a great low-commitment way to try the formula and brush before buying the larger tube. The mini is also convenient for travel or keeping in your bag.
Is it good for fine or sparse lashes?
It works well for fine, sparse lashes thanks to the slim tapered brush with short bristles. The wand grabs even tiny lashes and coats them cleanly, building volume and length without a heavy, clumpy feel. You control the intensity by layering.
Where can I buy Rare Beauty mascara?
You’ll find it on the Rare Beauty website and at Sephora, both online and in physical stores. Buying in person lets you see the brush and swatch it, while ordering online through the brand or Sephora usually ships within a few business days.
The Bottom Line on Rare Beauty Mascara and Water
So, is Rare Beauty mascara waterproof? Not quite.
It’s water-resistant, which means it’ll survive normal daily wear, a bit of sweat, humidity, and the occasional watery eye, but it won’t hold up to swimming or a serious downpour. And for most people, that’s completely fine.
What you’re really buying is a well-designed brush, a creamy buildable formula, and reliable volume and length that flatters a range of lash types. The easy removal is a bonus, especially if you have sensitive eyes or hate tugging at your lashes at the end of the day. Add in the mini size and the brown shade option, and it’s a flexible pick that earns its place in a lot of makeup bags.
If true waterproofing is non-negotiable for your lifestyle, look toward a dedicated waterproof or tubing mascara instead. But if you want a pretty, everyday volumizing mascara that behaves under normal conditions, this one holds its own.
