The all-time best mascaras, below, shine in a variety of situations, whether you want to look like you’re wearing faux lashes, look like you’re wearing lash extensions, look like you were born with long lashes, cry without looking like a Kardashian, ...
Features: unique crown-tip brush, smudge-proof | Waterproof version: Yes I'm big fan of Shiseido and this mascara is something of an obsession. Much like many of the best mascaras for short lashes, ImperialLash also uses a curvy, hourglass-shaped brush, but it's much slimmer than your typical mascara wand. This is great... Buy if: You want lashes to look natural, defined, lengthened, volumised Avoid if: You're on a budget
Features: Nourishing castor oil, vortex brush | Waterproof version: No Revolution always strikes the right balance between quality and affordability. The brush's twisted 'vortex' shape impressively caught every lash when I tested this mascara, giving them a flawless, lengthened look. I'm quite particular about a formu... Buy if: You're looking for an affordable yet quality mascara Avoid if: You prefer a synthetic brush
5D Whip Lift Mascara - Revolution Beauty
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, I've found it. Thanks to this mascara's thin, curved wand, I found that my lashes were instantly curled and extremely lengthened with just a couple of swipes. Th... Buy if: You want the long, wispy effect Avoid if: You prefer a dramatic look
High Impact Zero Gravity™ Tubing Mascara - Clinique
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, I found that only one swipe on each eye was needed to get that thick, full look I was hoping for, requiring hardly an effort to tran... Buy if: You want a bold, long-wearing mascara Avoid if: Loud lashes aren't your style
Legendary Lashes Vol 2 - Volumizing Mascara - Charlotte Tilbury
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 I loved most about Make It Big is that it gave a lash extension look, providing length and definition without looking overly m... Buy if: You want an affordable mascara for sensitive eyes Avoid if: You're looking for a waterproof option
Make It Big Volumizing Mascara | Morphe
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 o... Buy if: You want good lift and a curl that lasts Avoid if: The fiddly wand would put you off
Telescopic Instant Lift Washable Mascara - L'Oreal Paris
Features: Paraben free, smudge proof | Waterproof version: No From the best matte foundations to the best perfume for women, YSL makes some of my favourite beauty products. This is the first mascara I have tried from the brand and it's safe to say I wasn’t disappointed. From the gorgeous, sleek packaging to t... Buy if: Your go-to is a smokey eye Avoid if: You want to use on lower lashes, too
Features: Tubing formula, Fatty acids and olive oil esters | Waterproof version: No Merit is known for easy-to-use beauty products that simplify your makeup routine – and Clean Lash Mascara is a favourite of mine. For lengthening while still keeping my lashes looking natural, I love the Merit Clean Lash. The tubing formula makes i... Buy if: You're looking for the best tubing mascara Avoid if: You want lots of volume
MERIT Clean Lash Mascara
Features: Vegan, 12-hour wear | Waterproof version: No Another budget-friendly option, Lottie London's Superfake Mascara stands out from the crowd thanks to its thin and very flexible wand. When testing I loved this mascara's consistency, which made for quick and easy application with no tugging or mes... Buy if: You want a low-maintenance mascara Avoid if: You have hooded eyes (we got some on my lids)
Lottie London Superfake Mascara - Black
Features: Unique film-forming technology | Waterproof version: No If you're on the hunt for the best mascara for hooded eyes, look no further. This Hourglass mascara is smudge-proof and works wonders for lengthening. It's a tubing formula, so it works amazingly to add instant length that could rival falsies and w... Buy if: You have hooded eyelids and short lashes Avoid if: You want a thickening mascara
Features: Clump-resistant, non-flaking | Waterproof version: Yes The MACStack mascara very handily comes in two brush sizes, Mega and Micro, to cater to different volume preferences and promises infinite buildability, too. When testing, I loved that I could build up the volume and thickness of my lashes or keep ... Buy if: You want a lightweight, flake-free mascara Avoid if: You're looking for a cruelty-free option
M·A·CStack Mascara | MAC Cosmetics - Official Site - MAC Cosmetics
Features: Sensitive-eye friendly, nourishing ingredients | Waterproof version: No The ILIA Fullest mascara is known for its volumising and thickening lash effect, but 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... Buy if: You want a mascara that will keep lashes healthy Avoid if: You have shaky hands, as the wand could be a little messy
ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara - Classic Black
Promising to dramatically volumize, lengthen and lift the lashes this mascara is promising a lot! Elf is one of my absolute favourite drugstore brands, if you have never tried their concealer, I urge you to immediately! The hourglass brush helps to l...
Big Mood Volumizing Mascara | e.l.f. Cosmetics
I had never heard of this brand before, but if you’re looking for vegan and/or cruelty-free makeup I urge you to check out their website. With natural actives, this mascara promises to make your lashes look thick and full. I loved the size of this ma...
Infinite Eyelash Mascara | Freshly Cosmetics
Probably the most expensive mascara I have tried and I do hate to say it as we know I am a budget queen but I do think you get what you pay for with this one. Not only is it packaged beautifully I just love how this mascara applies to the lashes. Wit...
Im-Possible Mascara--Black - Kjaer Weis
If you haven’t tried or at least heard of this mascara then where have you been? The carbon black, gravity-defying mascara is one of the most searched for products online. If you like your lashes big and bold then this is the one for you. More expens...
I discovered this mascara when I was in middle school after my grandmother let me use it before a school dance. After putting on a few coats, I noticed how my lashes looked long and fluttery, but also natural and full. Since then, I have been using t... Not only does this mascara add wildly long length, but it also creates incredible volume. Lashes look naturally full and are free from clumps and flaking. This can be attributed to the brush’s “hedgehog” bristles, which dispense the perfect amount ... Benefits: Volumizes and lengthens | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No
Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara has a cult following for a reason: As the number one best-selling mascara in the U.S., this product is excellent for all kinds of lashes—especially short ones. The formula was created to enhance lashes, making them... Aside from the notable formula, this mascara also has a cheeky packaging that has added to the allure. With a luxe baby pink bottle and a fat, hourglass brush, this mascara is just as aesthetically pleasing as it is efficient. It can make lashes lo... Benefits: Lengthens and volumizes | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No
Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara - Too Faced
For a mascara that creates, sets, and holds a curl, you can’t go wrong with this Tower 28 best seller. It has a vegan formula that works to lift lashes, setting them in place for hours on end. The ‘Triple-Wave’ wand helps create the long-lasting curl... I love the Tower 28 mascara because it really gets to the root of my lashes and lifts them up. As someone with short lashes, I appreciate that it gives them length, but in doing so doesn't make them too long that they're rubbing (and then smearing)... Benefits: Lengthens and curls | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No
MakeWaves™ Mascara - Tower 28 Beauty
This fan-favorite mascara was inspired by hair rollers, which means it provides an impressive curl. While it does a remarkable job of curling lashes, it also has the ability to lift them to new heights—especially short lashes in particular. The wand,... On top of that, it’s made with provitamin B5 and serine, both of which are known for their lash-conditioning benefits. The silky, hydrating formula has a jet-black hue and leaves behind the prettiest satin finish. Even though this mascara is not wa... Benefits: Lengthens, curls, and lifts | Shades: Jet Black | Waterproof: No
Roller Lash Curling Mascara - Benefit Cosmetics
This high-definition mascara was made for makeup artists, by makeup artists. It has been tested both backstage and on set, ensuring every beauty look is bold and dramatic. Like lash extensions in a tube, this mascara is ultra-buildable, elongating ea... One particularly notable thing about this mascara is the brush. It has staggered bristles, which ensure that the formula reaches every lash, coating them from root to tip. Due to the sophisticated brush structure, lashes become fanned out and full.... Benefits: Lengthens, volumizes, and curls | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No
FetishEYES™ Mascara - PAT McGRATH LABS
This top-rated mascara from Dior is infused with microfibers that adhere to lashes, making them look noticeably longer and thicker. Not only does it come in three different colors (black, blue, and chestnut), but the product also boasts the brand's p... The XXL brush allows for easy buildability, which can help to create dramatic volume. To get the most out of this product, apply it in a zigzag pattern and add coats gradually to increase thickness. This product comes in both waterproof and non-wat... Benefits: Volumizes | Shades: Black, Chestnut, Blue | Waterproof: Yes
Diorshow Mascara: 24h Lash Volume. Definition | Dior US
This best-selling tubing mascara will keep lashes free from clumps, flakes, and smudges. The vegan, cruelty-free formula is made with lash-enhancing ingredients including shea butter and castor seed oil, which both condition lashes during wear. Addit... Another great callout: This product is water-resistant and smudge-proof, even in extreme humidity. While it has staying power and can cling to lashes for hours on end, it’s easy to take off with warm water and face wash. Make sure you tightly twist... Benefits: Volumizes and curls | Shades: Rich Black, Brown Black, Deep Blue | Waterproof: Yes
For a two-in-one product that goes the extra distance, this Honest Beauty best-selling mascara is a must. Complete with a lash primer on one side and mascara on the other, this top-rated product delivers length, lift, and natural volume. The clean fo... Since the primer and mascara come together, the two products work together to make lashes look their best. The primer creates a clump-free base for the mascara to glide onto, while the mascara grips to lashes, adding volume and length. For maximum ... Benefits: Lengthens, volumizes, and lifts | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No
Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer - The Honest Company
Want a smudge-proof, humidity-resistant mascara? A tubing formula is just what you need. Tubing mascaras are a type of mascara formulated to wrap around each individual eyelash to create length and lift. In terms of this Tarte cult-favorite, lashes w... This is a great everyday mascara for long, fluttery lashes since it doesn’t give them too much volume. (If you want more volume, try using a lash primer before so the formula can build on top of it.) It's also easy to take off, meaning all you need... Benefits: Lengthens and curls | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No