I love Essence products mostly because they are cheap and effective, but this mascara didn't really work for me. It smells funny and irritated my eyes occasionally.
Yes, it did stay when in contact with water, but when I would remove it with eye make-up remover, it would feel dry and very little would actually come off. It also dried up quite quickly, considering I don't use it every day.
I would much rather suggest the Essence Get Big! Lashes (Volume Boost Waterproof). :)

It lives up to the points on the bottle:
? maximum volume and brilliance (brilliant in deed!)
? smudge and water-proof. Not once did I have to wipe off runny mascara from my face.


For an added BONUS, my lashes looked a bit longer, although it isn't branded as a lengthening mascara.



Pros:
? Budget- friendly
? Smudge and water-proof
? Lasted about a year and a half with daily application
? Creates great volume and the added bonus of length
? No clumping
? The brush is perfectly sized and can reach those short lashes and the corner of your eye perfectly
? Lasts until taken off with a make-up remover


Cons:
In all honesty, this fabulous product has only pros.

I'm usually a huge fan of Essence make up but unfortunately this is a less than stellar product. I find the formula to be very dry and doesn't go on too great. The brush is big as is usual for a volumising mascara and its quite easy to use but the fact is, it doesn't create volume. Maybe its just my eyelashes?

As for the waterproof element, by midday I had to clear up my raccoon smudges top and bottom but I didn't look as bad as Taylor Momsen. Getting this off is really a problem and I used eye make remover and eye pads after I showered. I still couldn't get if off as the remnants were left on my lower eyelash area which is so sensitive and rubbing it continuously left my skin very irritated.

I've really started to rethink buying cheaper make-up, maybe its cheap for a reason???