When it comes to finding the best mascara, we're spoilt for choice. Some mascaras lengthen and lift, while others curl and volumize—which makes finding ‘the one’ a tricky task. There are other factors like short lashes and eye sensitivity to consider too.
To help, we've whittled down the best from the rest. And to ensure that our favorites really do go the distance, we tested each for at least 10 hours a day. We also gave them a little smudge here and there to distinguish real flake-free claims from the bogus ones and we might have even made it to the gym once or twice.
Whether you want the best volumizing mascara or the best mascara for sensitive eyes, chances are, you're looking for a formula to do a little bit of everything - and do it well. Too Faced Better Than Sex makes a great all-rounder, thanks to its multi-functional brush with the potential for layering. We also love the luxe look and feel of Chanel Le Volume Stretch, which comes with a fancy flexible 3D-printed brush. For a purse-friendly pick, Maybelline Lash Sensational does an amazing job at competing with the big guns, without breaking the bank.
How to choose the best mascara for you
The first thing to take into consideration is your lash type, as different formulas work better with certain types of lashes.
- Fine lashes: "If you have fine lashes, you want a volumizing, buildable formula that will give a fuller look that you can customize," says Bobbi Brown Senior Pro Artist, Warren Dowdall.
- Thick lashes: "If you have fuller, thicker lashes, go for a good all-rounder curling and lengthening mascara, as going for heavier, false-lash formulas can weigh down the lashes and make them droop."
- Short lashes: "When lashes are shorter, using two mascara types can be beneficial sometimes. Apply a lengthening mascara first, then build up the volume and thickness with a coat or two of the best volumizing mascara."
It can be beneficial to layer up your favorite formulas. If you find something that gives you the length you’ve spent years looking for, but that doesn’t pack on the volume (or vice versa), swipe on a coat of the best lengthening mascara you can find before loading them up with the more dramatic pick. Bonus points if the top layer is waterproof!
The best mascara formulas, chosen by our beauty team
When a product comes with endorsements like this attention-grabbing name—as well as its one-time position as the top-selling mascara in the world—you know Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara has something special (and worth a test drive) If the striking tube doesn’t convince you of the robust formula inside, perhaps the plump, curvy brush will give you an idea of just how remarkable this long-lasting, compliment-inducing formulation is.
On testing, its multi-functioning but uncomplicated brush let us create a lengthened, separated flutter with just one swipe, while each additional coat loaded on a mega dose of volume, so we could create diverse looks depending on how much product we applied. The long-lasting and non-budging formula also cares for lashes with its infusion of acacia gum extract, leaving lashes soft and nourished after use.
See our full Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara review
If there’s any premium brand sure to deliver the goods, it’s Chanel—and the Chanel Le Volume Stretch offering definitely doesn’t disappoint. With a super-luxe look and feel, thanks to the chic black matte tube with a silky thread-like woven texture, this mascara's packaging tells you that you’re using something special from the moment you pick it up.
Still, the proof of the mascara is in the testing, and we found that the unique hollow convex 3D-printed brush caught all of our lashes—even the tricky corner ones—and had a flexibility that allowed for seamless application without any mess. What’s more, this best mascara contender does what it says when it comes to the formula: with jojoba extracts to nourish, it stretches lashes to the max. The sky-high hold doesn’t last all day, though, and we found a quick midday touch-up definitely helped extend the results a little bit longer.
Considering the answer to how often should you replace your mascara is more often than you think, most of us are in the market for something new a few times a year. That means finding a great budget pick is worth its weight in gold.
With a lash-multiplying effect that hinges on its signature brush, this drugstore buy will give you lashes worthy of most high-end picks. We tried this on several occasions and found it gave us a feathery, lengthened, and defined fanned-out look with a delicate curl, which could almost pass for a natural flutter from the very first swipe. And with each further coat adding a micro-dose of volume, it was possible to achieve a more dramatic look with repeated layering.
This best mascara pick doesn’t have the most luxurious packaging (hence the low price) and you don’t get the biggest hit of volume but, if the latter is what you're aiming to achieve, you could always pair it with a volumizing lash primer—you’ll definitely have a winner on your hands then.
See our full Maybelline Lash Sensational review
We were expecting a lot from Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara, a high-end contender that claims to be a “raincoat for lashes”—and wow, did it deliver!
Not only did it define and lengthen our lashes but—thanks to the impenetrable waterproof barrier—it was also one of the best mascara picks when it came to holding a curl in place. We saw no smudging or flaking even after a long day of wear—in fact, it was almost too resilient when it came to bedtime, but a good oil remover dissolved it without too much scrubbing. This wasn’t the most volumizing pick we tested but would make a great top coat to layer over one of our more dramatic formulas if that's what you want. Just make sure you know how to remove waterproof mascara properly, and you're golden.
This best mascara budget buy has famously been compared to our favorite Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara, and we can see why. L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise not only looks the part but it also plays the part: easy application, staggering volume, and a fanned-out finish. This purse-friendly option will give you it all—length, definition, volume, and a little bit of curl thrown in for good measure. It lifted our lashes and held the curl relatively well, while giving us the kind of definition we would expect to achieve with a comb wand, without having to actually faff around using one.
We also love the thick, fanned-out look that we achieved without any clumping, no matter how many layers we slapped on. It's definitely one of the best mascaras for sensitive eyes we've come across, as it imparts volume, definition, and feathering all in a gentle, kind-to-lashes formula.
See our full L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise review
Not only does Benefit They’re Real! Magnet mascara boast fun packaging that stands out in any makeup bag, but it also has an almost excessively long-wearing formula that leaves lashes soft and springy without drying them out (and honestly, takes some serious elbow grease to remove).
This comes down to the ‘magnet’ formula, which Benefit says is enriched with magnetic minerals while the wand has a magnetically charged core to add volume and lengthen. We didn’t notice a huge difference in terms of application in comparison to the original They’re Real mascara, but if it’s length, definition, and flutter you’re after, this is a winner. It’s noticeably impactful, adding a good few millimeters to even the shortest and stubbiest of lashes—guaranteed to get friends asking you where you get your lashes done.
Despite lasting a long time, this is not the most budge-proof, even after applying a few layers. So it's probably not the one to choose if you find smears and smudging a problem after a few hours' wear. That's why we’d recommend either avoiding or certainly applying less formula to your lower lashes to reduce the risk.
If you’re after a mascara that works equally well on lower lashes as it does on upper lashes—this could be the wand for you. The skinny, petite brush expertly lifts, separates, and defines lashes for a natural-looking finish that’s perfect for everyday wear. As for lower lashes, it gives just the right amount of length to make eyes appear more defined.
As a tubing mascara, the intense black pigment coats each and every hair, from root to tip, for a fuller flutter. What’s more, because it’s a tubing formula, it’s easy to remove—we found that a little warm water was all it took to remove the tubes. And while it is on, it’s waterproof and resistant to sweat and humidity—claims that we can certainly attest to. If it’s a natural lash look you’re after, that isn’t overly dramatic, we highly recommend giving this wand a whirl.
Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk range has become a cult favorite, so we were expecting big things from Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes!. We have to say, we weren't disappointed—it ended up being one of our favorite inclusions in this best mascara edit.
It delivered length, definition, curl, and a big dose of clump-free volume in just a couple of coats, thanks to its stretch formula that uses natural waxes to create layers of lightweight volume. We also love how it nourishes lashes with strengthening keratin during wear, and how the intense black color leaves you with something of an eyeliner-like effect.
The brush was slightly tricky to use, however. After a couple of uses (and digging out the instructions), you'll get the hang of it. With its “push-up” claims, we did expect this mascara to give a little more lift, but a midday eyelash curler touch-up managed to fix this. Wear it with your best eyeliner for an extra impactful look.
This mascara from Dior ticks all our beauty boxes and then some. It lifts, lengthens, and boosts volume in a single sweep for lashes that make an impact without any clumps in sight. A pleasure to apply, the flexible brush comes with a squeeze tube so you can deposit just the right amount of pigment onto the brush to avoid any smudges.
As for the formula, it contains 90% natural-origin ingredients (including cornflower extract) that care for your lashes. We found that one coat creates subtle definition and a good amount of drama for every day—while two to three coats gave us next-level volume to rival our best falsies. It does last all day, but the lift starts to diminish by the afternoon, so if you need more staying power it might be worth applying a lash primer first.
For those of us with short lashes, it can feel like a bit of a challenge to find a quality mascara that gets right into the root of our lashes and offer some drama as well as length. Enter: Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara. This volumizing marvel comes with the tiniest brush that will give those with shorter lashes more control over styling, while bestowing length and drama onto your peepers.
The glossy formula glides onto lashes right from the roots, without leaving any mess; just a couple of swipes gave all of our lashes a feathery, fanned-out look. We did notice a little bit of clumping between layers so we wouldn’t apply too many coats, but the formula is long-lasting and you won’t notice any smudging or flaking at the end of the day. A word of warning: don’t opt for any fancy cleansers when trying to remove this one, as it does fall off in clumps when you try to dissolve it (not ideal for those crisp white pillowcases). All you need is a little bit of warm water—it will wash away far more seamlessly.
Anything released by Glossier is generally immediately swept up and devoured by beauty fans—and that was no different when they launched Glossier Lash Slick. This product keeps the makeup experts going back again and again and no wonder. It's a sculpting mascara that comes with a tapered wand to reach even the most stubborn roots on the lash line without leaving any mess behind.
In just one swipe, it gave us a false-lash look with a stretched-out lash length, subtle curl, and gravity-defying lift that actually lasted all day. Rather than being waterproof, the formula is water-resistant, meaning that it can be easily washed off with a good cleanser, but still manages to make it through a full day without any flaking or smudging. It’s also infused with vegan biotin which helps strengthen lashes, making it like a serum and mascara in one.
This is probably not the best mascara for anyone who wants dramatic volume, but whatever your lash type, it will give a gorgeous, natural-looking flutter.
If you like to switch up your lash look, say hello to Huda Beauty’s first-ever mascara: Legit Lashes. The impressive tube boasts two brushes and two different formulas—both fully sized. This might sound confusing, but actually, it's super easy to use, simply pick a side and unscrew the lid before layering up your lashes.
If you’re after dramatic volume, go for the volume side. It has an hourglass brush and matte-black formula that thickens each hair for a fuller flutter. At the other end, curl & lift features a slim, curved brush with gripping waxes to elongate and curl even your tiniest lashes. We found that layering the two works well, too. Start with volume before applying curl & length. Oh and layer up in quick succession as otherwise the formula may dry out and run the risk of flaking.
The mother of mascaras, this inky black formula adds drama like no other. We were seriously blown away by the instant volume that appeared after just one coat. Even the shortest and finest lashes look thick. I mean, why are we surprised? It's to be expected from makeup legend Pat McGrath who’s renowned for her bold beauty looks backstage.
The formula, which contains peptide and panthenol, conditions lashes—making them appear naturally longer and stronger over time, too. It’s also easy to layer and the chunky brush boasts short and long bristles to catch onto every lash for a fanned-out finish. While it’s not for the faint-hearted, this mascara is suited to anyone who wants to go big on volume and really make an impact.
Like the best foundation, the mascara you love most of all comes down to personal preference. However, we reckon that this one will be a winner for most. Possibly not for those with smaller eyes, as the brush is relatively large, but if you can handle a bigger wand, expect fluttery and full results.
We particularly love the innovative brush, which is hourglass-shaped with petal-shaped bristles that separate and capture each hair. While we found there was a lot of product on the brush, with a little swish at the top of the tube, the excess is easily removed. Many mascaras claim that they increase volume, but this one actually does—lashes look instantly maximized. It also doesn't weigh down lashes thanks to its weightless formula that's enriched with arginine, panthenol and vitamin E.
There was no clumping, flaking, or smudging. We even applied another layer later in the day, and our lashes were effortlessly transformed from day to night. To be honest, there’s not much we can fault with this mascara—which has definitely secured a top spot with us. Bravo, Max Factor!
Want to achieve a false lash effect without stepping anywhere near a tube of fiddly glue? Then this mascara is for you.
Pe found this one to be perfect for evenings out, as the rich pigment instantly adds drama to your lash line. Even with one coat, eyes are immediately defined and lashes appear thicker, darker, and fuller. A second application is all we needed for a full fringe of thick black lashes. However, the brush isn’t the most user-friendly and there’s a lot of excess product that requires removal before application. But if you’re saving it for dinner dates or parties, then we’d say the payoff is worth the time you need to put in for a clear-up.
This is a powerful product, so go steady when applying and be careful with your coatings, as too many can cause the lashes to look spidery and start to stick together. We’d also recommend applying this mascara before your foundation—as this way, you can easily remove any smudges without disturbing the rest of your makeup.
This ‘clean’ mascara is the perfect pick for those of us who have lots of lashes but are lacking in length. The formula, which is free from fragrance, mineral oils, and animal-derived ingredients, clings onto lashes lifting them upwards and outwards for extension-like length. So if you want a break from the best false eyelashes, give this mascara a go.
hen we tested this, we found that while one coat delivers a natural-looking flutter, two to three adds lots of volume and drama. Our top tip? Wait a few seconds between each layer—otherwise, the lashes will be too wet which can lead to smudging. It’s also worth noting that the formula, which feels ultra-lightweight, is blended with organic certified shea butter and biotin to condition and care for lashes.
Selena Gomez’s hotly anticipated beauty brand Rare Beauty launched earlier this year and the products, including this mascara, have already garnered quite the fanfare. We can see why—Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara provides that perfect amount of fluffy separation and flirty flutter that made us rethink any pending lash extension appointments.
The chunky brush features both short and long bristles to hug the lashes—adding length, volume, and curl. As for the ultra-black formula, it’s loaded with lash-loving, vegan ingredients like castor oil to condition and nourish lashes, too. We found that this formula didn't flake or clump together at all. With that said, we do recommend leaving a bit of dry time in between coats to avoid smudging.
For a clean mascara, this is one of our favorites on the market as it doesn't compromise results. And by results, we mean longer, thicker, fuller-looking lashes that live up to the hype.
After reading countless rave reviews, we were a little (ok, a lot) excited to give this mascara a whirl. Leaving out ingredients that damage lashes including animal derivatives, alcohol, fragrance, palm oil, parabens, and more, the ‘clean’ formula opts for nourishing ingredients instead. We’re talking shea butter for conditioning, niacinamide to reduce breakage and panthenol to hydrate. After a week’s use, our lashes felt softer and looked healthier.
Asides from impressive ingredients, the formula lengthens, lifts, and separates lashes for a fluttery, full finish that’s perfect for everyday wear. And while it doesn’t add heaps of volume, we found that if we kept wiggling the curved brush at the root we could gradually build it up. Finally, what impressed us most was the fact it’s so easy to remove thanks to it being a tubing mascara with water-activated instant removal technology. You simply use warm water to wash your face and the tubes of mascara gently slip off. Genius!
If you’re after extension-like length and incredible volume, this is the wand for you. Featuring an arch-curved brush with a whopping 125 different bristle sizes, this magical mascara catches every single lash (including those hard-to-reach corner ones) pulling them upwards and outwards for lifted, fanned-out volume.
As for the formula, it’s a gel emulsion mascara that has a feather-light feel. Seriously, it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing mascara and all of our testers agreed that it’s one of the lightest mascaras we’ve ever tried. You can also build it up from soft and subtle to mega volume without having to worry about clumps or smudges. The only downside? It can be tricky to remove—we recommend using one of the best micellar waters first before cleansing.
