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Waterproof in just a few seconds? A mascara top coat review

Natalie Hemengül

14.9.2021

Translation: Veronica Bielawski

Pictures: Valentina Sproge-Werndli

The Artdeco «Waterproof Maker» is supposed to make any mascara waterproof within mere seconds. Tip or trick?

If a mascara sells well, sooner or later a waterproof version of it is bound to appear. The downside: a modified formula, which you might not actually like as much as the original. The Artdeco «Waterproof Maker» – a clear top coat that you apply over your favourite mascara – is supposed to solve that problem. The concept sounds especially convenient for rainy days, vacationing in places with high humidity or going swimming.

I’ve put the Artdeco «Waterproof Maker» to the test.

Mascara

Artdeco Waterproof Maker

Clear

Grab your water guns, get set, go!

I start by applying my favourite mascara and letting it dry. Next step: applying the top coat. It serves as a kind of protective layer, which is supposed to not only make my mascara smudge-proof and waterproof, but even make it last longer. In order to have a direct comparison, I use the top coat only on one eye. I apply it both to the bottom and the top of my lashes to ensure maximum coverage. Unfortunately, this causes the mascara underneath to wear off and look less intense. In addition, it makes my eyelashes clump together. And then there’s the pungent smell, reminiscent of a heavily chlorinated pool that occasionally doubles as a urinal. Yuck.

Water test without top coat — Water test with top coat

I allow the top coat to dry completely and hope the ghastly smell will also dissipate. Alas, it threatens to remain in my nose for the time being. Time for the acid test. Using a water gun, I wet both my eyes and see what happens. The eye without the top coat looks like something straight out of a romcom heartbreak scene. The mascara smudges into an inky eye shadow with every blink. This was to be expected, of course. Less so the pitiful result on the side with the top coat: what little mascara was left on my lashes after applying the top coat migrated onto my skin in the form of little clumps. There’s no way I would have survived a visit to the pool unscathed.

Verdict: a stinkin’ fail

In theory, the top coat seems like a good idea. But in practice, it leaves a lot to be desired. It stinks, changes the look of my favourite mascara, and doesn’t even begin to compete with an actual waterproof mascara. My advice to you: find a waterproof mascara you like, or just skip the mascara altogether when in doubt. You’ll be better off either way than with the «Waterproof Maker».

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Natalie Hemengül

Senior Editor

Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.

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Waterproof in just a few seconds? A mascara top coat review

Grab your water guns, get set, go!

Verdict: a stinkin’ fail

These articles might also interest you

Maybelline’s glitter mascara: this diva’s craving the spotlight

Telescopic Lift: putting L’Oréal’s controversial mascara to the test

Best of beauty: my January favourites

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