Mascara compositions that comprise ammonium styrene/acrylate copolymer and acrylates/VA copolymer as a plasticizer, in an aqueous base. In the concentrations specified, herein, the resulting mascara compositions have various useful properties that can be controlled, such as transition temperature, viscosity, dry time and degree of contraction. Compositions of the invention are hydrophilic. Nevertheless, after application, the compositions dry to a contracted hydrophobic state that retains curl. The applied composition resists transfer, smudging, flaking, humidity, oil and sebum, making them very suitable as 24 hour long wear cosmetics. Some preferred embodiments comprise an unusually high concentration of nylon fibers, which enhances volume and lengthening of eyelashes.
