The best Maybelline mascaras that lengthen, volumize, and curl lashes—at affordable prices

Maybelline mascaras have a stellar reputation and it is well deserved. Ask any beauty industry insider and they'll tell you that this brand is your best bet for impressive lash results at extremely budget-friendly prices. 

Thanks to this popularity with those in the know and reputation for making some of the best mascaras in the business, Maybelline has the research budget to constantly push the envelope when it comes to mascara technology. From high-tech formulas to brush innovation, this brand has something to suit any lash line, desired look, and weather forecast.

Much like their equally impressive offering of some of the best foundations on the market, Maybelline's range of mascaras is vast and can feel overwhelming. There are a staggering 40 Maybelline mascaras to choose from offering a variety of specific results—be it adding volume and length, or working well for sensitive eyes— and we’ve tested them all to create our essential edit.

Best Maybelline Mascaras, chosen by our beauty team

Known as the ‘mascara that does it all,’ this continues to wow the beauty industry. Its hourglass-shaped, double-curved brush adds length, lift, and volume, while its fiber-infused formula adds depth and intensity in one fell swoop. No wonder it became the fastest-selling mascara when it launched in 2020 and remains a makeup bestseller on Amazon, with customer reviews singing its praises. 

You can't really go wrong with this formula, but in terms of application, we recommend wiggling the brush from root to tip to separate lashes as you lengthen them. It offers a seriously impressive amount of lift and volume in just one or two coats, which we found lasted the day easily—for even better and more dramatic results,  learn how to apply mascara like a pro. 

Maybelline's newest mascara launch is here to join its ever-growing catalog. Focused on curling lashes, this mascara is ideal for anyone who loves that lifted, fluttery finish — and seriously, who doesn’t love that? The supersized brush is slightly curved and bursting with bristles to catch onto each hair, pulling them upwards. As for the results, expect lots of volume and full-on drama without lashes feeling weighed down. 

For everyday wear, we’d recommend opting for one or two coats to create a natural curl. Come evening, try dialing it up in with several more coats. One of the great things about this mascara is that it doesn’t clump or drop—you can keep building it up without having to worry about it smudging. The downside? The brush is big, so catching those smaller inner corner lashes can be tricky, but once you’ve got the angle right, you’re good to go. 

This is the famous mascara that took TikTok by storm after influencer Jessica Eid showcased the incredible results, inspiring so many others to try it. Proving you don’t have to splurge to get extension-like length this mascara proves just how long your lashes can be naturally, after applying just a few coats. 

We were totally wowed by its fluttery definition and length, but also how little it smudges for such a soft and flexible formula. We wore it all day from morning to night and had zero transfer, which is quite the achievement on our tester's oily skin. For added curl, try using an eyelash curler before going in with the flexible wand. 

This mascara’s curved brush boasts six different lengths of bristles and has been lauded for its ability to instantly make eyes look more awake. For the dramatic false lash effect, Lash Sensational leverages a unique brush design, which adds layers and dimension. You could even wear it with your best eyeliner for an extra impactful look.

Unsurprisingly, it’s the number-one mascara in the United States and Britain. We're putting this down to the fact it adds impressive volume with minimal effort (one or two coats does the trick) and boasts a low-wax formula that prevents clumping or smudging. woman&home Beauty Channel Editor Fiona McKim is a huge fan of this mascara, saying, "One of my top three all-time favorite mascaras thanks to its fluttery, non-spidery look. The curved brush picks up every tiny little hair right into the corners, fans them out, and gently coats them in a glossy formula that won’t clump or go all dry or chalky." With this formulation, you can also pick between brown vs black mascara, for a daytime or evening look. 

See our full Maybelline Lash Sensational review

Trying to find the best mascaras for sensitive eyes can be particularly tricky if you’re not sure what causes your irritation. If, however, you know that your particular trigger is harsh eye makeup removers or excessive scrubbing, this mascara might offer the solution you’ve been looking for. 

Its wax-free formula means that it can be taken off using only warm water and a cotton pad or muslin cloth. Plus, it's highly pigmented, meaning your lashes will look pitch black and not go dusty grey with time as some other black mascaras can. It doesn't offer huge amounts of volume but does give nice curl and length, making it a great choice for everyday wear. 

Thanks to this mascara’s comb-like brush, you needn’t worry about pesky clumps affecting your handiwork. The skinny, flexible wand gets right into the roots of lashes and separates as it goes, so gets top marks for precision, especially along the lower lash line, and also makes light work of short lashes. 

With all this support and push-up action (and inspired by the product's cheeky name), our tester likened this to the best bra, but for your lashes. The results are fluttery and natural-looking, perfect for days when you want your eye makeup to look more understated or are going for a low-key chic natural makeup look.

This mascara’s arch-shaped brush makes it adept at coating corner lashes for a more even and fanned-out finish. Simply swipe through, and then turn it around to take the volume up a notch and fine-tune your work.

What’s more, it’s enriched with a blend of oils (rose, safflower, and Argan) for an extra boost in treatment.  Another addition to the Lash Sensational range, and another glowing review from w&h Beauty Channel Editor Fiona McKim, who says, "I didn't think it was possible to improve on my favorite Maybelline mascara, but I was so wrong. This caring version offers all of the flutter or the original with bags of extra glossiness and only a tiny bit less smudge-proof action in return. Great for daytime."

As the name suggests, this fully loaded mascara packs a punch in the volume department. Its super-sized brush offers lashes a mega coating from root to tip, and despite its thickening formula, we found that it's refreshingly panda-eye proof—meaning it holds well and doesn’t smudge too easily. 

Colossal Big Shot is one of those cult Maybelline mascaras that flies a little under the radar but its fans are completely dedicated as their go-to formula for mega volume. If your natural lashes are short or straight, this mascara is the perfect pick—catching onto each and every hair (even those difficult to reach corner ones) lifting and separating them for a super volumized look.   

While Maybelline offers a wide range of waterproof mascaras, many of them have mixed reviews from testers. This particular one has the most consistent track record in terms of testimonials on Boots, Superdrug, and from our in-house experts who found it the most reliable waterproof version of a Maybelline mascara they tried. 

Big on volume, length, and longevity, we use this as a vacation staple, thanks to its impressive staying power. In the words of happy shopper, Lauren2904, "This is the best waterproof mascara. I have been through over ten bottles and have not used any other since. I have stick-straight Asian eyelashes, so this is the only product that actually keeps a curl. The mascara stays on in water so you don’t get panda eyes." We can't argue with that!

A best-seller in the US, this iconic mascara is a great choice for everyday wear, delivering ‘your lashes but better’ results. If you’re after the big guns and lots of drama, this one probably isn’t for you. But if you prefer a soft, natural-looking flutter, say hello to your new go-to. 

Thanks to the waterproof formula, this mascara also doesn't smudge and will stick around all day long. This is a brilliant choice for those with naturally long lashes or for anyone after a subtle finish—it's also great for adding a little length to the lower lashes without overloading them. 

The benefit of waterproof mascara is that they’re designed to stay put, which is exactly what this wand does. Lifting and curling lashes, the formula does not budge and thanks to coconut extract it leaves lashes soft and fluffy as opposed to dry and crunchy. When it comes to removal, waterproof mascara can take a little more elbow grease—learn how to remove waterproof mascara gently before you start rubbing and scrubbing the delicate eye area.

If you’re after lots of length, this mascara may not be the one for you. We found that it’s better at volumizing and curling lashes for a natural flutter that’s great for everyday wear. What we did find, however, is that you can use this mascara to top up another mascara throughout the day without running the risk of clumping. Very handy if you like to redo your makeup of an evening without taking everything off and starting again. 

If it’s lift and length that you’re after, turn your attention to Lash Stiletto from Maybelline. A cult classic (and a US best-seller), the mascara features a ‘grip & extend brush’ that’s super skinny with densely packed fluffy bristles to catch onto each hair, pulling them upwards for next-level length. No matter how many coats you apply, this formula does not clump or create those spider leg lashes—instead, it separates as it lifts for a fluttery, full finish. 

The only downside? We noticed that by the end of the day, the mascara dropped slightly under our eyes. To avoid this, we recommend opting for two-three coats max and keeping one of the best makeup removers nearby.    

Which key features should I look out for in a mascara?

When searching for mascaras, it's imperative to consider your eye shape, wand preferences and overall design, your eye sensitivities, and specific call-outs such as whether the mascara lengthens, volumizes, curls, or achieves all of the above. 

You'll also want to factor in your lash type, as different formulas work better with certain types of lashes. Fine lashes, for example, need buildable formulas that create volume and fullness.

And while not usually common practice, it's also important to examine a mascara's ingredients. Some ingredients work better than others at eliminating flakes and clumps, all while lasting throughout the day and night. This consideration is especially crucial for those with eye sensitivity, as certain ingredients are more irritating.

Are Maybelline mascaras waterproof, gluten-free, oil-free, vegan, and hypoallergenic?

Waterproof: Some iterations feature waterproof formulas, while others do not. Waterproof formulations generally prevent mascara from running down; however, they may be difficult to remove, even with a makeup cleansing balm and/or oil.

Gluten-free: This company does not have a statement about gluten-containing ingredients in its products; so if you're particularly sensitive to gluten, you may want to opt for an option that doesn't include gluten grain ingredients. Gluten-free mascaras are formulated to prevent itchy and watery eyes and general discomfort throughout the day.

Oil-free: Many Maybelline mascara formulas do not feature added oils, which often erode volume, color, and hold especially if you have lash extensions. Oil-free, water-based mascaras are typically a great alternative to those with sensitive eyes.

Vegan and cruelty-free: At the time of publishing, Maybelline is not cruelty-free and vegan. The brand is owned by L'Oréal, which is not 100% cruelty-free in every territory.

Hypoallergenic: Many Maybelline mascara formulas are hypoallergenic, containing nourishing ingredients that do not irritate eyes and skin.

Do Maybelline mascaras feature parabens and propylene glycol?

For context, parabens and propylene glycol are commonly used by most major cosmetics brands. 

Parabens: Maybelline mascaras are formulated with parabens. According to Medical Daily, parabens are "preservatives in cosmetics that prevent bacteria from growing in mascara." And while the prevention of bacteria growth is great for extending shelf life, certain parabens have been been found in some studies to disrupt estrogen in the body. 

Propylene Glycol: Maybelline mascaras are formulated with propylene glycol, a chemical compound deemed safe by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) . Propylene glycol may cause skin irritation and itching.

How often should I replace my mascara?

Compared to other beauty products, mascaras have the shortest shelf life, so it's important to replace them two to three months after opening. Over time, your mascara brush will collect bacteria and germs, which may cause irritation, discomfort, and even infection if not properly discarded.