When it comes to finding the best mascara, we’re totally spoilt for choice. Some mascaras lengthen and lift, while others curl and add volume – and many claim to do it all. This can make narrowing down ‘the one’ a tricky task.
Working out whether you need the best volumizing mascara or the best lengthening mascara primarily comes down to lash type. "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. "If you have fuller, thicker lashes, go for a good curling and lengthening mascara that won’t weigh down the lashes and make them droop," he continues.
Don't be afraid to layer up. If you find something that offers the curl you’ve spent years looking for, but that doesn’t have the sooty black pigment you crave (or vice versa), swipe on both. “When lashes are shorter, using two mascara types can sometimes be beneficial. Apply a lengthening mascara first, then build up the volume and thickness with a coat or two of the best volumizing mascara," advises Dowdall. Whatever your lash type and desired look is, take your pick from our edit of the very best mascaras for every budget.
How we tested the best mascaras for this guide
Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
A selection of the mascaras we tested for this guide
To whittle down our list of the best mascara we tested dozens of formulas, wearing each for at least a 12-hour day and assessing them based on these criteria:
- Ingredients and packaging
- Mascara brush type and style
- Ease of application
- The finished look on the lashes
- Longevity and smudge-proof powers
- Ease of removal
Shade range was another consideration, as brown vs black mascara can offer pretty different results, while price and value for money were also important factors.
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 is something special.
The tube offers some clues to the formula inside, it's chunky and surprisingly heavy at 42g, with only the Gucci L'Obscura coming close to that weight at 36g (yes, we weighed the mascaras) This gives it a robust, premium feel that is replicated by the plump, curvy brush in an hourglass shape. On testing, said brush let us create a lengthened, separated flutter with just one swipe, while each additional coat loaded on a mega dose of volume. Considering how volumizing this formula is, we were surprised by how cleanly it applied, with no smudging or mess.
Due to its buildability, we found we could create a variety of looks depending on how much product we applied. It also didn't transfer, despite making our lashes so long and fluffy they were definitely rubbing against our upper lid. As an added bonus, this is also one of the best oil-free mascaras on the market, great for sensitive eyes and extension wearers. Instead of oil, the long-lasting formula cares for lashes with its infusion of acacia gum extract, leaving them soft and nourished after use. Top marks!
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 Chanel Le Volume Stretch 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, those little rubbery nibs on the wand grab hold of and stretch 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.
See our full Chanel Le Volume Stretch mascara review
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 that easily match up to 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. With this in mind, the lighter shade could make one of the best brown mascara options for anyone seeking noticeable length but a more natural shade. And with each further coat adding a micro-dose of volume, it was possible to achieve a more dramatic look with repeated layering.
This mascara 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 have a double threat 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 mostly, it delivers! We love the squat, chunky yet incredibly lightweight tube. It would be a dream to travel with or pop into a small makeup bag. Plus the well-designed neck of the tube seems to leave just the right amount of formula on the brush (and wipe just enough away) every time you pull it out. A nice touch.
As for the mascara formula, not only did it define and lengthen our lashes but – thanks to the impenetrable waterproof barrier – it was also one of the best mascaras we tested 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 your more dramatic formulas if that's what you want. Just make sure you know how to remove waterproof mascara properly, and you're golden.
See our full Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara review
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. Packaging wise this looks cute in its rose gold tube, and although the neck can get a little messy with residue after repeated use, it's nothing a little wipe-up can't fix.
In terms of the look of our lashes, this purse-friendly option will give you it all – length, definition, volume, and a little bit of curl thrown in for good measure. It's got a fluffy, gently hourglass-shaped brush that picks up lots of product and disperses it all over the lashes. This lifts them and holds a curl very well, and would certainly act as one of the best mascaras for straight lashes for anyone who wants the effect of 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. This lasted pretty well through a full day's wear although we did experience a little bit of flaking towards the end of the day. Overall this is an impressive buy at a great price, plus it boasts a rosehip oil infused kind-to-lashes formula.
See our full L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise review
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 looked almost comically small when we took it out of the tube. But that just makes it all the better to expertly lift, separate, and define 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 one of the best tubing mascaras on the market, the intense black pigment coats each and every hair, from root to tip, for impressive length and flutter, although it won't create huge amounts of volume. What’s more, 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 – with a few little caveats.
It's hard not to be dazzled by the glam packaging here, but it's what's inside that counts. The brush has an unusual design, with one flat side and one chunkier one, and the application involves 'pushing' the lashes with the flat edge and brushing it through with the more bristly side. This definitely had a bit of a knack to it. But, in return for the effort delivered length, definition, curl, and a big dose of clump-free volume, 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. 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.
See our full Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push up Lashes Review
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. The curved, chunky brush, that catches each and every lash, pushes the hairs upwards for longer-looking lashes and a wide-eye effect. Our advice? If you're ever feeling tired and bleary-eyed, reach for this mascara as it will make you feel instantly fresher and more put together.
As for the formula, it contains cotton nectar that protects and cares for your lashes while adding shine. We found that one coat creates subtle definition and a good amount of curl 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 high-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 all you need is a little bit of warm water and it will wash away far more seamlessly. It also falls off in clumps when you dissolve it so make sure it's fully gone before bed, to save your crisp white pillowcases.
See our full Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara Review
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 loyal fans coming 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.
The tube is incredibly light and the wand is skinny and very flexible. This makes application easy, in terms of reaching everywhere without smudges but don't expect to load up your lashes with tonnes of pigment. Instead, in just one swipe, it gave us a false-lash look with a stretched-out 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 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.
See our full Glossier Lash Slick review
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 that make this one of the best mascaras for short lashes. We found that layering the two works well. Start with volume before applying curl & length. It is a fairly dry formula, so we'd advise layering up in quick succession. Otherwise, the formula may start to set and run the risk of flaking as you load it up.
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.
Packaging wise we'd call this simple but effective. A glossy black tube with cool, minimal branding and a narrow neck to gently clean off that incredibly fat, fluffy brush as it emerges. 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.
Our lashes definitely said 'notice me' after applying this, which we loved for evening wear and parties but had the potential to be a bit much for every day. 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 large 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 – our lashes looked instantly maximized. It also doesn't pull 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 before going out and our lashes were effortlessly transformed from day to night. To be honest, there’s not much we can fault with this mascara and it is priced so everyone can afford it, which has definitely secured a top spot with us. Bravo, Max Factor!
When it comes to hard-working, multi-purpose products, in NudeStix we trust. The brand, that was founded by a chemical engineer and mother-of-two, is home to some of our favorite makeup formulas including the best cream bronzer and one of the best highlighters. And now, as we recently discovered, it’s behind one of the best mascaras. Waterproof and sweat proof, this must-try wand cloaks lashes in a creamy formula that lengthens, lifts and boosts volume.
It delivers a fuller (yet natural-looking) flutter thanks to its separating credentials. Simply wiggle the spiky brush, from roots to ends, for a fanned-out effect. If previous experiences with mascara have left your lashes stuck together and clumpy, give this pick a whirl. We were seriously impressed with how well it separates lashes. As for the formula, it’s loaded with argan oil, mango seed oil and panthenol to nourish and condition the hairs, too. Double tick!
This volumizing mascara from Fenty is the perfect pick for anyone with fine lashes in need of a boost. The inky black formula, that’s designed to have a weightless feel, adds next-level volume in a single swipe. The tapered brush also curls and lifts lashes too, pulling them upwards for extension-like length. So, if you fancy a break from the best false eyelashes, give this mascara a go.
When we tested this mascara, we found that one coat was enough to achieve thick, voluminous lashes while three coats was a little too much (and resulted in clumping). If you do decide to layer, we’d recommend waiting a few seconds between each coat to avoid smudging and clumping. Once dry, this formula feels super lightweight and comfortable – and we found that it stays put all day long without transferring. As for removal, a cleansing balm or oil will take this off with ease.
Since launching back in 2022, Selena Gomez's beauty brand Rare Beauty has garnered quite the fanfare. And after testing this mascara, we can understand 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. 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 in order to leave out certain ingredients. 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. It doesn't offer a dramatic look and doesn’t add heaps of volume, but we found that if we kept wiggling the curved brush at the root we could gradually build it up. It survived all day wear without budging and even stayed resolutely smudge-free when we forgot we had mascara on and gave our eye a good old rub. Impressive.
Finally, what impressed us even more about this 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 without the need for scrubbing or stingy eye makeup removers. While we've rated this one as the best smudge-proof mascara, it also makes our list of the best natural looking mascaras.
Lancome has made some of the best-loved and most iconic mascara products of all time, but how does the latest launch stand up? Pretty well actually. 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.
See our full Lancome Lash Idole review
Unable to find a non-synthetic mascara that doesn’t flake or crumble, Gucci Westman, makeup artist and founder of Westman Atelier, created her own. Enter Eye Love You Mascara. Powered by plants, this gentle formula is crafted from 96% natural ingredients, including tree-derived polysaccharides to hydrate hairs along with sunflower seed, carnauba and beeswaxes to boost volume. There’s also chicory root extract to thickens lashes, too.
In terms of results, we found that this mascara adds a lot of curl, lifting our naturally straight lashes for a fluttery finish. We also noticed that are lashes looked glossy too – which is something we haven’t seen with other formulas. And while this mascara is expensive, it’s extremely comfortable and doesn’t clump or smudge throughout the day (a big tick). If, however, you’re after va-va-volume and intense drama, look elsewhere as this mascara delivers a soft, natural lash look.
Expensive, yes. But worth it? Absolutely. From the chic pastel-pink packaging to the inky black smudge-proof formula, there’s so much to love about this voluminous mascara. For starters, the plastic brush is bursting with short, spiky bristles, which means it manages to cling onto every lash – adding lift, length, and volume. Next, there’s the formula. It claims to be smudge-and flake-proof, lasting up to 12 hours, which sounds like a tall order but after testing it during a particularly long workday, involving a warm and sticky commute, we can safely say it delivers on all three.
The best part? You can really build it up, coating lashes from root to tip until you reach your desired volume, without a clump in sight. This is very unusual, as normally we have to choose between mega volume and definition, but here you really do get what you pay for. Add it to your wish list immediately.
How to choose the best mascara
When shopping for the best mascara, there are a few things you should look out for:
- Wand type: The results you get from a mascara depend largely on the type of wand that the product has. Whilst volumizing mascaras tend to have thicker, more hourglass-shaped wands, lengthening products typically have thinner, tapered wands. Silicone wands are great for separation and definition; nylon ones are great for volume and length and plastic wands are easy to hold and great for building upon. Think about what look you are going for and pay attention to different brushes.
- Formula: If you have hooded eyes or oily eyelids or struggle with smudging, you’ll want to opt for a drier formula to avoid smudging. If you have drier eyes, you may want something wetter and more moveable. Some formulas are light and buildable - like tubing mascara - which is ideal for straight or sparse lashes, while others will be heavier, for a more impactful look. Finally, if you’re in a warm (or wet) climate, you might want a waterproof formula.
- Ingredients: Particularly if you have sensitive eyes, pay close attention to the ingredients list. For example, if you are prone to irritation or want to improve your lash health, you may want to go for a mascara that contains nourishing oils. Do some research to find out the best ingredients to target your concerns.
- Budget: Many of the best mascaras on this list are drugstore mascaras, so it’s possible to get a brilliant mascara without digging too deep in your pockets. However, if you are seeking a specific formula, color or ingredient, you’ll most likely have to pay a little bit extra. The packaging for higher-end picks tends to look and feel more luxurious too.