Naomi Jamieson
If you're trying to narrow down which of the best Lancôme mascaras to invest in, you've come to the right place. I've layered my lashes in every single formula the brand has to offer and can tell you exactly which to shop for lift, lengthening or a subtle everyday tint.
Known for creating some of the best mascaras of all time, Lancôme is a safe bet for those in search of an effective lash product. The French brand has quite a reputation for not just their quality, but also the sheer variety available. We're not merely just talking about the array of formulas here (like waterproof and volumising), but also the shades and brush shapes. That said, with so much choice, it can be difficult to know exactly which mascara will best suit your taste.
Thus, I've done the lash legwork for you, so to speak, and tried every single Lancôme mascara. These are the six I deemed the best of the best, whether you’re seeking the best volumising mascara or the best mascara for short lashes...
The best Lancôme mascara deals
The 6 best Lancôme mascaras, tried and loved by our senior beauty editor
If long, dramatic lashes are the goal or you're looking for a great all-rounder for everyday wear, I've got you covered, having thoroughly tested every formula the brand has on offer. These are the six that are worth investing in, as my lashes can attest in each and every picture...
RRP: £30 | Shades: Black, brown | Brush type: Hourglass | Waterproof formula available: Yes
I've heard countless celebs, makeup artists, and beauty editor friends talk about this product to the point that it started to sound a bit like white noise. But after not using this for years, I was wowed by the results. Considering its stellar reputation, it shouldn't be surprising, but I'm always impressed when products fully live up to the hype.
I had super-lengthened, slick lashes from the first test almost immediately and with minimal effort. It was a dream to apply - genuinely effortless and not a clump in sight. The same result occurred with the second and third testing, where it snuck a place in my permanent makeup bag (no mean feat for this clutter-averse beauty editor). It's absolutely the best Lancôme mascara, and maybe even one of the best mascaras on the market, full stop.
RRP: £28 | Shades: Black, brown | Brush type: Curved | Waterproof formula available: Yes
This was a very close second to Hypnose as the best Lancôme mascara overall, and honestly, there's a case for them both being joint winners, but I had to be extra picky to pick just one winner. Regardless, this is one of the best mascaras for straight lashes, as it has impressive curling skills.
My lashes were pushed up with minimal effort, and the tiny bristles grabbed every lash to create a fanned-out, open-eye effect. The shape of the brush also means it's perfect for applying to lower lashes. It didn't smudge or clump - even when I layered on more later in the day. This is the ideal pick if you have long, straight lashes, but I think it's a brilliant all-rounder even if you don't - I'm genuinely so impressed by it. Beauty Editor Stephanie is similarly evangelical in her Lancôme Lash Idôle review.
RRP: £28 | Shades: Black | Brush type: Chunky | Waterproof formula available: Yes
The USP for this is big, dramatic lashes, and as you can tell from the picture, it really delivers. The chunky brush provides impressive volume in just a few sweeps. While the formula is a little wet to begin with (that annoying 'new mascara' trait), after the first few uses, the hold improves, and it becomes less smudgy to apply.
Considering the volumising effects are so instant and effective, it doesn't clump, which is extra impressive. If you want quick volume and dramatic lashes, this is the best Lancôme mascara for the job.
RRP: £29 | Shades available: Black | Brush type: Slim | Waterproof formula available: No
The Defincils mascara is designed to define lashes rather than give full-blown volume or length. Because of this, it's a much smaller brush than others on this list, but that makes it the best natural-looking mascara by Lancome.
Don't be put off by the smaller brush - it means you can give a really precise application, and you'll be surprised by how efficient it is - I certainly was, and by the length it achieved. A few coats lead to nicely separated, defined lashes that pair nicely with nude lipstick and a sheer base. If you're volume-hungry, you may not love this, but I'd say it's the best Lancôme mascara for easy, everyday wear.
RRP: £30 | Shades available: Black | Brush type: Curved | Waterproof formula available: No
I said 'oooh' out loud when I first twisted this mascara open. When you've written about as many mascaras as I have, something as surface-level minor as a twisted wand is enough to inspire a little 'oooh'.
The brush in question is designed to grab even the tiniest, stubbiest lashes, fanning them out while lifting and coating them. Very intriguing and - having tested this a handful of times - very smart. The bend in the brush means you can get close to the lash line and grab each one from the root, pushing them up and out with minimal effort. It's also the perfect shape and size for bottom lashes. Essentially, it does a bit of everything, making this the best Lancôme mascara if you don't want to pick between volume, curl, and length.
RRP: £30 | Shades available: Black | Brush type: Conical | Waterproof formula available: Yes
Did you know that the bestselling Hypnôse mascara has a few siblings? I didn't until I started writing this roundup. There are three other versions of the bestselling mascara, and this new-to-me option is the best Lancôme mascara of the bunch.
It's down to the conical wand - the slim top means you can be really precise with some areas, like the bottom lashes, while the wider bottom builds volume and length on the outer lashes, giving a doll-like, open-eyed look - really, it's very well-named. While I think the classic Hypnôse is still the best all-rounder, I was surprised at how much I liked this - it creates a dramatic, but pretty end effect. And yes, it's now permanently neatly slotted in my make-up bag.
How to choose the best Lancôme mascara for you
If you're unsure of how to choose just one from Lancôme's line-up of mascaras, it's best to first consider the effect and finish you're looking for. Below, I've outlined what every formula delivers, from dramatic volume to subtle lengthening...
- If you want a brilliant all-rounder, try Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara
- If you have straight eyelashes, buy Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara
- If you want dramatic volume, try Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara
- If you want a natural-looking mascara, try Lancôme Défincils High Definition Mascara
- If you want a mascara that can create multiple lash looks, buy Lancôme Grandiôse Mascara
- If you're looking for a fanned-out, open-eyed look, try Lancôme Hypnose Doll Eyes Volumising Mascara
How I tested the best Lancôme mascaras
Picking the best Lancôme mascara was a thoroughly fun experience - I’m now a real convert to the brand. I received all of the brands' mascaras and tested each one over the course of a few weeks.
To make testing fair to each option, I tried each one a couple of times, to make sure I had given each product the full experience of wear - this means I started to like some formulas a lot more (and some, a lot less). I also didn't use the best eyelash curlers with any of these mascaras, to see how they performed on their own.
The main points I focused on were:
- Ease of application
- Wand shape
- Comfortability of wear
- Longevity
- Effort of removal
Just a quick note to finish - a big thing I noticed was that not many of the Lancôme mascaras are available in brown, which is something to note if you prefer a natural-looking, best brown mascara. If you tend to stick to black tones, though, that shouldn't be too off-putting.
