Finding the best mascara for short lashes is the key to achieving that lengthened, fluttery look that will last all day long. Whether you are looking for a product to totally transform your lashes, or want something that will give you a subtle but enhanced look, we've found the best mascaras for short lashes bar none.
The hunt for the best mascara is one that can last a lifetime. With so many products on the market, from the best volumizing mascaras to the best tubing mascaras, finding a product that will work perfectly for your lashes takes some experimenting. "If you want your lashes to look their best, choose the right mascara," says Zoe Taylor, Makeup Artist and Beauty Editor. Selecting a mascara at random is unlikely to end in success, so it is essential to consider your lash type when shopping.
"The most common complaint I hear is fine lashes, so choosing a lightweight but buildable mascara is important - rather than a heavy dense formula, which might clog and weigh down the hairs," Taylor says. Taking her advice on board, we tested the best mascaras on the market and here are the ones that genuinely curled, volumized and lengthened our short lashes.
The best mascara for short lashes, chosen by our beauty team
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.
RRP: £30 | Features: unique crown-tip brush, smudge-proof | Waterproof version: Yes
We're big fans of Shiseido at w&h, and this mascara is our latest obsession. Much like many of the best mascaras for short lases, ImperialLash also uses a curvy, hourglass brush, but it is much slimmer than your typical mascara wand. This is great for those working with very short lashes, as it allows slightly more precision and control. The main thing we noticed when testing this mascara is how beautifully it fanned our lashes, giving an even coat of pigment across the whole eye.
Buy if: You want lashes to look natural, defined, lengthened and volumised
Avoid if: You're on a budget
RRP: £9.99 | Features: Nourishing castor oil, vortex brush | Waterproof version: No
Revolution always strikes the right balance of quality and affordability. The brush's twisted 'vortex' shape impressively caught every lash to give a flawless lengthened look. We are quite particular about the consistency of mascaras, and we found this one to be just right. Not too wet or too dry, it applied smoothly to our lashes without being runny. We also loved that this mascara can be built up to make lashes look even thicker, thanks to the amount of volume it provides at the roots.
Buy if: You're looking for an affordable yet quality mascara
Avoid if: You want a synthetic brush
RRP: £24 | Features: Tubing formula, sweat and humidity resistant | Waterproof version: No
If you're looking for the best lengthening mascara to give that lash extension effect, we've found it. Thanks to this mascara's thin, curved wand, we found that our lashes were instantly curled and extremely lengthened with just a couple of swipes. The High Impact Zero Gravity formula is one of the drier consistencies we have tested with no clumpiness or smudging. We found that the formula spreads evenly on each lash, giving a fanned-out look. This provides a more natural, thinner finish that promotes length and curl above thickness or volume.
Buy if: You want the long, wispy effect
Avoid if: It's a dramatic look you're after
RRP: £26 | Features: Humidity resistant, smudge-proof | Waterproof version: No
If you're after a mascara that will instantly provide length and volume, this is the product for you. When testing, we found that only one swipe on each eye was needed to get that thick, full look we were hoping for, requiring hardly an effort to transform our short lashes. This is definitely a buildable formula that can become as thick and dark as you want it to be, ideal for glam eye looks.
Buy if: You want a bold, long-wearing mascara
Avoid if: Loud lashes aren't your style
RRP: £12 | Features: Ophthalmologist tested, curved brush | Waterproof version: No
Not only is this Morphe mascara affordable, but it also delivers on its promise of creating lush, voluminous lashes. What we loved most about Make It Big is that it gave a lash extension look, providing length and definition without looking overly makeup-y. Ideal for natural makeup looks or full glam, there's no going wrong. Plus, it is ophthalmologist tested, making it one of the best mascaras for sensitive eyes. For high-end performance with a budget price tag, Morphe has hit the nail on the head.
Buy if: You want an affordable mascara for sensitive eyes
Avoid if: You're looking for a waterproof option
RRP: £12.99 | Features: Two-sided wand, adds 5mm of length | Waterproof version: No
This is by far the most unique product in our best mascara for short lashes guide. What sets the L'Oreal Telescopic Lift apart from all other mascaras is the two-sided bristle brush that sits almost completely flat on one side, with spiked ridges on the other. A re-invention of the original L'Oreal Telescopic mascara, Telescopic Lift promises 5mm of visible added length. The even, fanned-out look it gave was also one of our favorite features, as it made lashes look healthy and full.
Buy if: You want good lift and a curl that lasts
Avoid if: The fiddly wand would put you off
RRP: £29 | Features: Paraben free, smudge proof | Waterproof version: No
From the best matte foundations to the best perfume for women, YSL makes some of our favorite beauty products. This is the first mascara we have tried from the brand, and it's safe to say we weren't disappointed. From the gorgeous, sleek packaging to the buildable volume it provides, this mascara checks all the right boxes for short lashes. When testing, we loved using the conical shaped wand that caught every lash, giving a thick and full finish.
Buy if: Your go-to is a smokey eye
Avoid if: You want to use on lower lashes too
RRP: £28 | Features: Tubing formula, Fatty acids and olive oil esters | Waterproof version: No
Merit is known for its easy-to-use beauty products that simplify your makeup routine, and the brand's clean lash mascara is a favourite of our editor, Millie Fender. "For lengthening while still keeping my lashes looking natural, I love the Merit Clean Lash. The tubing formula makes it super easy to remove, and I also love using this on my lower lashes for a separating, clump-free look," Fender says.
Buy if: You're looking for the best tubing mascara
Avoid if: You want lots of volume
RRP: £7.95 | Features: Vegan, 12 hour wear | Waterproof version: No
Another budget-friendly option, the Lottie London Superfake mascara stands out from the crowd thanks to its thin and very flexible wand. When testing, we loved the consistency of this mascara which made for quick and easy application with no tugging or mess. Thanks to the smaller wand that bends, we were able to get right down to the lash line and work through every lash to stretch and lengthen. The smaller spikes on the wand also mean that no clumping occurs, which is always a bonus.
Buy if: You want a low-maintenance mascara
Avoid if: You have hooded eyes, as we got some on the lids
RRP: £31 | Features: Unique film-forming technology | Waterproof version: No
If you're on the hunt for the best mascara for hooded eyes, look no further. W&h senior writer Amelia Yeomans says this Hourglass mascara is smudge-proof and works wonders for lengthening. "It's my favourite mascara at the moment. It has a tubing formula, so it works amazingly to add instant length that can rival falsies and won't smudge at all - great for hooded eyes like mine. It is definitely for those who want length above all else, as it isn't hugely thickening.
Buy if: You have hooded eyelids and short lashes
Avoid if: You want a thickening mascara
RRP: £27 | Features: Clump-resistant, non-flaking | Waterproof version: No
The MACStack mascara very handily comes with two brush sizes - standard and micro. When testing, we loved that we could build up the volume and thickness of our lashes or keep them more natural. The thinner, light formula not only provides comfortable wear, but also means that you can add a lot of product to your short lashes without weighing them down or getting clumps. If you're torn between the regular or micro wand, the regular is better for your top lashes, whilst the micro is more suited to the bottom lashes and short eyelashes that may need some TLC.
Buy if: You're looking for a lightweight, flake-free mascara
Avoid if: You're looking for a cruelty-free option
RRP: £28 | Features: Sensitive-eye friendly, nourishing ingredients | Waterproof version: No
The ILIA Fullest mascara is known for its volumising and thickening lash effect, but according to our shopping writer Hannah Holway, it's also one of the best lengthening mascaras. Thanks to its clean formula, it defines and enhances your natural lashes while keeping them conditioned and healthy-looking.
Buy if: You want a mascara that will keep lashes healthy
Avoid if: The wand could be a little messy for shaky hands
How we tested the best mascara for short lashes
A selection of the mascaras we tested.
To gauge how well each mascara really performs, we tested all of them on our short lashes. We paid particular attention to mascara brush types, formula and the ease of application, as well as looking at how they wore after a few hours - keeping a particular eye on any flaking or smudging (how to apply mascara on short lashes is the same as most formulas - but can lead to smudging more often, so this was crucial) Then, main factor we looked for was lengthening ability, looking at whether each product could revive our short lashes and provide that much-desired fluttery look.
How can I make my short lashes look longer?
Taylor is very clear about this: "Always curl your lashes!"
As with almost all makeup, how you prep before application is key to getting the best results. "It doesn’t matter how long or short your lashes are, really take your time on getting them as curled and perfect as possible, as once mascara is on you mustn’t use eyelash curlers on the lashes as it can damage them," she says.
How do you apply mascara to short, sparse lashes?
"Once you have curled, apply mascara starting in the root, wiggling the wand deep into the base of the lashes," Taylor advises. "Then, draw out the wand through the lashes to the tips, spreading the lashes as you would like them to sit." Don't be afraid to take your time with this, as it is a technique worth perfecting.
"The second layer should be mostly into the roots, and the third starting again in the roots and drawing through to the tips. Moving onto the other eye, repeat. Once you are happy, apply a tiny extra bit onto the tips in an upwards and downwards motion," she says. And just like that, you will see lengthened, full lashes.
Can mascara damage short lashes?
If you are wondering is mascara bad for your eyelashes, you are not alone. There is a common belief that wearing mascara can harm your lashes, especially those that are already quite fine. However, with the right products and removal processes, there is no reason why mascara should harm your lashes.
"Choose your mascara carefully," says Taylor. "Yes, some are very expensive, but the reason is that they have nourishing serums in the formulations to help encourage lash growth." It is usually true that you get what you pay for, so it is worth investing in the right product if you are in need of some nourishment.
As well as using the best mascara for short lashes, you should also pay close attention to how you are removing your eye makeup. "Eye makeup removing is so important for the health of your lashes. I love to remove my mascara with a face balm," Taylor says. Using the best cleansing balms is a great habit to get into, as it "doesn’t require heavy rubbing with a cotton pad/re-usable pad," Taylor notes. This gentle removal process will make a huge difference in keeping your lashes healthy.
How to choose the best mascara for short lashes
When shopping for mascara, particularly if you have short, sparse or fine lashes, there are a few key factors to consider:
- 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. Think about what look you are going for and pay attention to different brushes.
- Formula - If you have hooded eyes, oily skin, or struggle with mascara smudging often, you will probably want to go for a tubing formula or a slightly drier consistency. If you suffer with dry skin or prefer all of your makeup products to be hydrating, opt for thinner, wetter consistencies that apply easily.
- Ingredients - Another important factor for those with sensitive eyes is ingredients. 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.
By assessing against these criteria, you can be almost certain that you will find a mascara that will work for you and your lashes.
-
Princess Charlotte's favourite joke proves she has a rather cheeky sense of humourPrince William shared his daughter's favourite joke during his latest royal outing - and it's a classic
-
Princess Beatrice's majorly bold frock is the epitome of spring sophistication - and follows her Granny's fashion rulePrincess Beatrice's floral dress is a fabulous way to wear the season's most popular pattern and the late Queen likely would've approved
