Miriam Herst-Stein
The best fiber mascara could be the key to achieving thicker, fuller lashes without the need for falsies or extensions. Formulated to improve the appearance of your natural eyelashes without irritating or weighing them down, these nifty mascaras will transform your everyday makeup look.
Finding the best mascara for your lashes is an essential part of any foolproof makeup routine as they're the key to opening up the eyes and giving the impression of a brighter and more awake complexion. From the best volumizing mascara to the best lengthening mascara, there is no shortage of options to play around with - however, no two products will give your lashes exactly the same look. The best fiber mascaras, in particular, have the power to totally transform natural lashes.
"A fiber mascara is infused with tiny pieces of rayon, silk or nylon fibers within the mascara," explains Dr Elizabeth Hawkes, Oculoplastic Surgeon and Eye Expert. "The wand will then deposit tiny fibers that stick to the end and sides of your eyelashes to give an impression of longer, thicker lashes. The fibers help lengthen and thicken the lashes." If you're looking for a new mascara to improve the appearance of your lashes, look no further than these top picks.
How we tested the best fiber mascara
A selection of mascaras included in this guide.
We used a number of testers, with our team trying out the most popular and iconic fiber mascaras on the market to determine the very best of the best. Our testing process included:
- Checking the formula and ingredients
- Examining each product's stand-out features
- Wearing the mascara throughout the day to determine its lasting power
- Considering the sizes and shades available
- Experimenting with building up each product to see how it felt on the lashes
After some trial and error, we have rounded up our beauty team's pick of the best fiber mascaras on the market that will help to lengthen and stretch lashes for long-lasting flutter.
The best fiber mascaras, according to our beauty team
This high-volume mascara is one of our favorites, as it's infused with heart-shaped fibers that lock onto your lashes to create extra fullness. But don’t let the gimmicky shape of these fibers fool you - this mascara has quickly become a cult favorite product for a reason. Designed to give fuller and thicker-looking lashes, Kush delivers on volume without making lashes clumpy or stiff.
The brush does a spectacular job of separating lashes and infusing them with volumizing fibers that yield fuller lashes in minutes. One coat will have a big impact, while two will give you the impression of false lashes. Plus, the conditioning hemp-derived cannabis seed oil in the formula works to keep lashes soft and healthy whilst also looking their best. Oh, and did we mention it's vegan?
Charlotte Tilbury mascaras never disappoint, and Pillow Talk is no exception. Formulated with a lash-lifting polymer that creates a push-up effect, lashes look curled and lengthened without clumping or stiffness. When we tested this mascara, we loved how quick it was to get a dark black and built-up look without the need for multiple layers. We also noticed that it stayed put throughout the day, without smudging on our oily eyelids.
This mascara also contains conditioning Keratin that gives a super soft finish, meaning lashes don't get at all crusty or dry throughout the day. The best fiber mascara that will enhance all lash lengths and types without causing discomfort or smudging, this is one of our favorites. Plus, mascaras make brilliant beauty gift ideas, and this is a product we would always be grateful to receive.
This Too Face mascara was a must-have product in every beauty obsessive's collection a few years ago, and it still lives up to its stellar reputation. The best fiber mascara in terms of volume and curl, the large hourglass wand gives the lashes body and fullness, ideal for enhancing short eyelashes. When using this mascara, we loved how easy it was to add significant length without needing to do numerous coats - always a sign of a great mascara.
We are also big fans of the waterproof version, which is one of the best waterproof mascaras out there. With all the payoff of the regular mascara, plus the added layer of protection, it will see you through anything. If you prefer bold, thick lashes, this is the mascara for you. However, those who like something a little more natural may not fall in love straight away. But to transform any lashes, including fine and short, you can't get much better.
Read our full Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara review
When we used this mascara, we found that we only needed one coat to get fanned, long lashes that stayed put throughout the day. The contoured brush is said to feature strategically-placed fibers of varying lengths that capture every lash at the root, meaning that all lashes look extra full and volumized. Despite our worry that the larger wand may not reach our most inner lashes, it didn't disappoint.
If you're wondering is mascara bad for your eyelashes and feel hesitant to try new products, this one is Ophthalmologist-tested, meaning that it you can be certain it won't disturb the eyes. What's more, the drier formula means that there is low risk of this smudging or causing mess whilst applying, so there is no risk of irritation there, either.
We have been fans of They're Real for years, and the lengthening powers of Benefit mascaras is no joke. This newer launch of the cult product promises a magnetic force that draws out lashes, making for extra long and fluttery lashes that last all day long. When we used this mascara, we certainly found this to be true. With a formula that contains polymers, lashes are left flexible and soft, making this a comfortable everyday product.
The only downfall we found is that it did cause some under-eye smudging, which we often find with mascaras. However, this was easy to wipe away with no mess left. To avoid any fallout throughout the day, we recommend using a loose setting powder under the eyes and spritz with a setting spray before leaving the house.
If you are sensitive to heavy formulas and worry about a fiber-infused mascara weighing your lashes down, this is the product for you. This offering uses a tubing, film-forming technology to wrap around each and every lash with lightweight fibers for a high-impact finish that isn’t too heavy. Known for adding extra length to your lashes, reviewers also rave about the smudge-free formula.
We love this Hourglass mascara, and it now has a permanent place in our makeup collection. One of the best mascaras with fibers in terms of lengthening, it only takes a couple of coats to add significant definition to each lash, without any clumping or unnecessary build-up. Plus, as one of the best tubing mascaras, it removes quickly and easily with just warm water.
Why settle for lashes that are just either extra long or extra full when you can have both? This double-ended fiber mascara delivers volume and curl plus length and uses low-gravity fibers for lashes that boast major volume without weighing themselves down. Every beauty expert knows that some days call for volume, others call for fullness - and most all call for both!
Legit Lashes allows you to customize your look any way you like it, and we're all about the fluttery finished look that can rival your falsies any day. The only downside is that it means there are two steps involved if you want to get the most out of this product, but it also means that you essentially get two products in one. If you're wondering how often should you replace your mascara and want a product to last you a little longer than normal, this 2-for-1 fiber mascara does the job.
Smashbox Full Exposure Lash Volumizing Mascara adds natural-looking length and volume and a buildable kind of thickness. We love this fiber mascara for travel or on-the-go as it pretty much checks all the boxes for a natural-looking everyday glam. Mascaras like these are ideal for those who want the change to their lashes to be noticeable without looking too extreme.
For best results, we recommend starting at the base of your lashes and carefully wiggling the tapered brush from roots to the ends for a full coverage look. Continue building and adding more coats for a super dramatic finish and you could even top up with your best eyeliner for extra impact.
If you want to take the “try before you buy” approach to the best fiber mascara, Covergirl The Super Sizer Fibers Mascara may be the best fit for you. This drugstore fiber-infused formula will extend your lashes with a mascara wand designed to catch every last lash. The results are high-impact, wide-eyed lashes that everyone will envy - at a very affordable cost. Best yet? It also has a waterproof version.
Though the regular mascara boasts a formula that won't smudge or smear, we always recommend waterproof versions for those with particularly oily skin, or who are in warmer climates. This means you won't need to worry about any potential fallout throughout the day, eliminating that worry. It can be tricky to take off at the end of the day, but luckily we've prepared a guide on how to remove waterproof mascara to ensure that your lashes stay strong and healthy when washing it off.
Another cult favorite product, Dior Diorshow Mascara is super popular for good reason. Enriched with microfibers and silk proteins, this formula truly recreates the effect of lash extensions without the fuss. This mascara is also infused with rose essence to condition lashes as you thicken and lengthen, meaning it does good as well as looks good.
The best false eyelashes, though beautiful, can be hard to get the hang of. We also find that there are some days when we want something a little more natural, which is where this mascara comes in. Available in a soft brown shade, this is a fiber mascara that gives a your-lashes-but-better look. Despite the slightly higher price tag, we think it is well worth the investment, especially as it will look so good on display with your makeup collection.
How to choose the right fiber mascara for you
When shopping for fiber mascara, there are a few things you'll want to look out for:
- Consistency: The consistency of any mascara can make or break the product, so it is very important that you know what sort of consistency you're after. If you have hooded eyes or oily eyelids, 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.
- Ingredients: If you are unsure if a mascara contains fibers, always check the ingredients first. If a product includes fibers, it will be clearly listed.
- Lasting power: Nothing is worse than checking your mascara in the middle of the day to see that it has all fallen out under your eyes and smudged off. If this happens to you a lot, you may want to opt for a tubing or waterproof formula to improve wear time or try out a couple of different products to find out which one works best on your eyes.
- Price point: Although we all love a bargain, good quality fiber mascaras will usually sit at a mid-high price point - but they really are worth it. Consider how much you are willing to spend on fiber mascara and shop within your budget, but be prepared to spend a little bit more to get a product that you will love and will give stellar results.
What are mascaras with fibers made of?
A fiber mascara is a mascara infused with tiny pieces of rayon, silk, or nylon fibers in the actual formula (yup, in the black stuff itself!), and they can help you achieve the lashes you dream about for a fraction of the price you might pay for a professional service that yields similar results.
Just like regular mascaras, fiber mascara is applied just like standard mascara, but it differs because it deposits tiny fibers that stick to the ends and sides of your natural lashes with every swipe. This gives the impression of thicker and longer lashes. Another benefit of these formulas is that they tend to smudge less too, making them an ideal pick for those with oily skin as it doesn't smudge off on the lower lash line as easily.
How does a fiber mascara differ from regular mascara?
“Your traditional mascara is made up of pigments and wakes, while fiber mascaras have tiny fibers within them," explains Dr Hawkes. "They tend to be lighter than a normal mascara, which actually means they are easier to apply without clumping up. Fiber mascara works by attaching the fibers to your lash tips."
This is why you will often find that mascaras with fibers feel softer on the lashes and provide more curl and flexibility than typical formulas. “They also tend to be more water-resistant than a normal mascara due to the lack of oils and waxes that would break down in wet conditions," Dr Hawkes says. "People with fine or short lashes can really benefit from using fiber mascara as it helps give a more dense/full and longer effect than regular mascara."
Are fiber mascaras better or worse for your lashes than regular mascara?
Fiber mascaras are completely safe to use on all eyes, and do not differ hugely from typical mascaras except in terms of performance. "The fibers are natural and won’t damage or annoy your eyes," says Dr Hawkes. "They can be easily removed from the lashes too. They are safe as well for people who wear contact lenses or who have sensitive eyes," meaning that there is no one that fiber mascaras can't work for.
“They are a very good alternative to false lashes or extensions," Dr Hawkes explains. "You don’t have to worry about the cost or the time it takes to apply lash extensions or the fact that people are often allergic to the glue used.”
How can I ensure that my lashes stay healthy when using fiber mascaras?
"While you can use a fiber mascara as often as you want to, you must make sure you remove it properly to keep your eyes and lashes staying healthy," says Dr Hawkes. “You will need to use an oil-based makeup remover or cleansing oil before you go to bed." We love to use the best cleansing balms to remove eye makeup, as the oily formula means that mascara can be removed easily and gently with no tugging.
“Always make sure you are cleaning your lid," stresses Dr Hawkes. “Use a cotton pad soaked in cooled boiled water. Swipe down for the upper lids and swipe up for the lower lids. This is called lid hygiene and ensures the Meibomian glands remain clean."
