The 6 best Korean mascaras for lengthy, curled and separated lashes that hold all day long
These tried-and-tested lightweight K-beauty mascaras are the key to fuller-looking, fluttery lashes in a swipe
With a reputation for being at the forefront of industry innovation, K-beauty has boomed in the UK over the past few years – and the best Korean mascaras are no different. We can now shop more K-beauty brands than ever before at beauty giants like Boots and Sephora, and that excitement doesn't look set to die down any time soon.
While the best Korean skincare products tend to dominate the conversation, some of the best mascaras are also made in South Korea, with clever formulas that get impressive results. Whether you're looking to lengthen, curl, volumise or separate out the lashes, there's a buy for you that will stand the test of time without succumbing to smudging.
If you've spotted K-beauty mascaras doing the rounds. on social media and want to invest, you've come to the right place. Our expert beauty contributor has tried an assortment of different Korean mascaras. In this guide of detailed reviews, she's whittled it down to the top six that will enhance your eyes and lashes in a matter of seconds.
The best Korean mascaras, reviewed by a beauty editor
RRP: £18 | Colours: Black, Choco Brown, Rose Brown | Waterproof version: Yes
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
By now, you’ve probably noticed a theme running through the best Korean mascaras. Most, if not all of them focus on curling and lifting lashes for a fanned-out effect. This mascara from CLIO is no exception. The skinny, curved brush grips onto lashes – yes, even those hard-to-reach corner ones – to tease them upwards for a lifted look. Available in three shades (two browns and one black), we'd recommend experimenting with brown for a slightly softer effect that doesn't lack on impact, especially if you're a fan of more natural-looking mascaras, or opting for black if you want classic intensity.
In terms of formula, this one is both water-resistant and smudge-proof, and stayed on our lashes for several hours without budging. As with many of the other mascaras listed here, it also has a gel coat that separates out the lashes and fixes them in place. Because the formula is water-resistant, it does take a little longer to remove than other non-water-resistant mascaras. Here, we suggest using a waterproof eye makeup remover or one of the best cleansing oils that's been specifically formulated for the delicate eye area, to take it off.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Smudge-proof
- Curls lashes
Cons
- Hard to remove
RRP: £9.72 | Colours: Black | Waterproof version: Yes
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
One of the best drugstore mascaras out there, Mizon's Collagen Curl Fix Mascara combines inky black pigment with kind-to-lash ingredients to condition and define – and all for just under £10. A true bargain, this purse-friendly pick is ideal for anyone who wants to support their lash health while adding drama. Blended with hydrating marine collagen, the formula strengthens and hydrates lashes to help prevent breakage.
It's also sweat, smudge and water-resistant, so it's ideal for both the summer months when temperatures are (usually) higher, plus the drizzly, damp spells of autumn and winter. The brush is small and slightly curved with flexible bristles that coat each lash with ease. Adding length and curl, we loved its softly-defined lash look, but if it’s full-on drama you’re after, we’d suggest checking out others in our guide instead.
Pros
- Affordable
- Includes conditioning ingredients
- Good curl hold
Cons
- Doesn't build much volume
RRP: £9.95 | Colours: Black | Waterproof version: Yes
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
For those after the best mascara for short lashes that adds lots and lots of length, we'd suggest the Ink Black Mascara from Peripera. Specifically formulated to boost short lashes, this formula added enough length to rival our favourite falsies. So, instead of learning how to apply false eyelashes – which, let's be honest, can be extremely fiddly – simply apply two coats of this mascara for instant added length. The gel formula, which is both waterproof and smudge-proof, seals your lashes for long-lasting hold.
As well as next-level length and great staying power, we also noticed this buy delivered decent volume, bolstering each lash for a fuller-looking finish. We found that one coat was enough for an everyday, natural look, while two-to-three gave us that voluminous, dramatic finish we reserve for going "out out". The downside? As with many waterproof mascaras, this one takes a little more effort to remove than a regular non-waterproof one (though our guide on how to remove waterproof mascara will help).
Pros
- Adds lots of length
- Waterproof
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Tricky to remove
RRP: £16.50 | Colours: Black | Waterproof version: No
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
It’s no secret that certain mascaras are more prone to transferring than others. If you’ve had an unlucky run with such a mascara (which left you with unwanted smudges, mimicking the appearance of dark circles), say hello to TONYMOLY Panda’s Dream Smudge Out Mascara. Specifically formulated to prevent those unwanted smudges, this mascara will stay put for hours.
The formula also feels impressively lightweight and doesn’t weigh lashes down – in fact, we’d go as far as saying that wearing it felt like we didn't have any mascara on at all. Super comfortable, it’s an ideal pick for everyday wear. As for ingredients, it's formulated with bamboo sap and other nourishing and strengthening ingredients, which were big ticks. However, we did find it tended to clump if we applied lots of layers, so would suggest no more than three.
Pros
- Doesn’t smudge
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Strengthens lashes
Cons
- Can clump
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
RRP: £16.99 | Colours: Black, brown, pink, burgundy | Waterproof version: Yes
If your lashes are naturally straight or short, we urge you to give this Curl Fix Mascara from Etude House a whirl. A bestseller in Asia, this award-winning mascara has something called a "C Curl" brush – essentially a curved, tapered brush – that expertly lifts and curls the lashes from the roots to create a fanned-out flutter. We were so impressed by the finished look that we'd say that this mascara is even more effective than using a lash curler. It's easily one of the best mascaras for straight lashes.
As for the formula, we found it delivered on its waterproof, smudge-proof and sweat-resistant claims, and lasted really well through the day without transferring or clumping (we’re talking eight hours or more). Understandably, that meant that we found it a bit tricky to remove – you'll need one of the best makeup removers designed to remove heavier-duty makeup to gently do so. But overall, we think it's a great pick for anyone after a good curl hold – and there’s a choice of four shades.
Pros
- Lifts and curls
- Long-lasting
- Water- and sweat-resistant
Cons
- A bit difficult to remove
RRP: £12 | Colours: Black | Waterproof version: No
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
Lash curling is the aim of the game with Heimish's Smudge Stop Mascara. The softly curved, C-shaped wand is designed to separate out your lashes while lifting them upwards for a pushed-up effect. While we were impressed with the resulting curl, we also appreciated how much volume this mascara built; expect a full fringe of sooty black lashes that adds instant drama to your look.
If you want to elongate the natural shape of your eyes, we recommend focusing this mascara on the outer corner lashes. Use the curved brush to really shape and pull the lashes outwards. Pair it with your best eyeliner to create the ultimate feline look. Curl aside, this formula is also water-resistant and smudge-proof – we also found it didn’t clump or flake throughout the day. Our only gripe is that it feels slightly heavier (and, therefore, more noticeable) to wear than many of the other mascaras we tried.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Great curl
Cons
- Can weigh lashes down
How we tested the best Korean mascaras
Three of the best Korean mascaras we tested for this guide
To whittle down an edit of the very best Korean mascaras, we tested several different formulas delivering various lash looks. Each one that made it into the final guide here created a fuller-looking, fluttery effect, with some adding enough length to rival even the best false eyelashes. Every single contender was assessed on the following factors.
- Performance: From lengthening to volumizing, we marked each mascara on how well it performed and if it lived up to its lash-boosting promises.
- Formulas: We also took note of the formulations, awarding marks for any added conditioning or strengthening ingredients.
- Lasting power: How well did the mascaras fare after a full day of wear? Were our lashes still long and fluttery at the end of the day?
- Additional features: We looked at the colourways and sizes on offer, as well as whether or not the mascaras came in a waterproof version.
How to choose the best Korean mascara for you
The criteria you’d use to choose the right Korean mascara are the same as any other mascara. Below are some things to consider when shopping for one.
- Wand: Think about the mascara brush type that suits your lash need. Looking for volumised lashes? You’ll want a fluffy brush. Meanwhile curved brushes are best for lift, and hourglass-shaped wands are designed to catch on to every lash.
- Formula: A mascara's consistency can make or break it, but just like choosing the right want, the formula you opt for will depend on your own needs. If you have hooded eyes or oily eyelids, you’ll want a drier formula, while dry eyelids will want something wetter and more movable.
- Wear time: There’s nothing worse than your mascara smudging or flaking away throughout the day. If you find this happens easily and regularly, consider opting for a tubing or waterproof formula.
- Natural lashes: Having both your own natural lashes and your desired end look in mind is important. Straighter lashes will get on well with a formula designed to enhance their curl, for example. Or, if you have especially short lashes, a formula and wand designed to lengthen will probably appeal.
Our expert panel
Emma Stoddart is a freelance beauty journalist who has worked for some of the UK’s top titles including NET-A-PORTER, Stylist and Grazia. Her experience covers both online and print, including producing editorial shoots with some of the industry’s biggest artists. Having tested dozens, if not hundreds of mascaras over the years, she was well-placed to put these Korean formulas through their paces.