Mascara brush types: every type of mascara wand, explained

flatlay of mascaras and brushes showing several mascara brush types

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 27 February 2023

Mascara is a lash definer, enhancer, and drama-giver in one that’s available with a huge variety of mascara brush types. We’d argue no makeup look is complete without it.

And in 2023, your options for the best mascara are more plentiful than ever as Carly Utting (opens in new tab), national artist for MAC, tells us. "Over the last few years, the makeup industry has really excelled in the offering of varied mascara brushes," she says. "No longer do you have a one-size-fits-all lash wand."

"From the shape of the wand itself to the material they are made from, all of these slight differences mean that mascaras are now much more tailored to each makeup wearer’s eye, perfect to customize your mascara for your individual needs,” Utting continues.

But the fact that there are so many types of mascara wands in all different shapes and sizes can be a little overwhelming. How do you know which brush shape is going to suit you best? Which one will get the most out of your natural lashes? Our beauty editor and makeup artist-powered guide will help you work out which type of mascara wand is the perfect fit.

Every single mascara brush type, explained

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Broadly, most mascara wands fall into one of six categories: fluffy, plastic, tapered, small, curved, and hourglass. There are a couple of general starting points that’ll help you to pick from the different mascara brush types on the market. "Think of your mascara brush shape in the way you do a blow dry brush for your hair," says Rose Gallagher (opens in new tab), makeup artist and podcast host. “The bigger the brush, the bigger the volume is going to be."

"The main types of mascara wands on the market currently are either firm plastic brushes or softer, bristle-type wands," Utting adds. "In terms of the size of the brush itself, I tend to use a larger wand for either super long lashes or bigger eye shapes. The larger brushes can overwhelm an average-to-smaller eye and make the application tricky."

For volumizing: Fluffy

Fluffy mascara brushes can be of any size and, per Gallagher’s blow dry analogy, the bigger and fluffier a brush, the more volume it’ll be able to build. “If you want fresh, bright, soft, fluttery, long, lashes, you’re going to go for a big, traditional mascara brush to help you to achieve that,” she explains.