The invention relates to a water-resistant mascara composition that has a high water content. The inventive mascara composition contains an oil phase comprising a liquid ester, an oil, or a mixture thereof, 1 to 50 percent by weight of a silicon-based film-forming agent, 1 to 10 percent by weight of a gel-forming agent selected among fatty acid esters, glycol derivatives, or mixtures thereof, 1 to 50 percent by weight of substances selected among pigments, powders, fillers, and mixtures thereof, an aqueous phase comprising 42 to 75 percent by weight of water, 0.1 to 10 percent by weight of a surfactant, and other carrier substances, auxiliary agents, active substances, or mixtures thereof until reaching 100 percent by weight. Said composition contains no wax and no hydrocarbon solvent.