Here’s a fun fact about mascara: One bottle expires in three months. While that statistic is occasionally irritating, it also means that I have had the opportunity to test well over 100 different formulas throughout my beauty editor career. Some days, mascara is smudged and running down my face. Other days, I hit the mascara jackpot and have lashes that are lengthened, lifted, and volumized. The best mascaras genuinely do it all.
Of course, you’ll want to find the best formula for you. Certain mascaras are light and natural-looking by design, with wands capable of separating every little lash. Other mascaras are developed to add density, thickness, and deep black pigment. You can opt for tubing mascaras, which are currently rising in popularity—Merit makes one of the best. Or, you can buy brown mascara and cosign the soft girl makeup trend (Westman Atelier, Tower 28, and Victoria Beckham recently dropped shade extensions).
Make note of your lash goals because I’ve rounded up my favorite mascaras—and asked the Marie Claire team, celebrity makeup artists, and industry experts to share their go-tos—ahead.
The Best Mascaras
- The Best Mascara Overall: Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara
- The Best Waterproof Mascara: Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Waterproof Mascara
- The Best Tubing Mascara: Tower28 Make Waves Tubing Mascara
- The Best Drugstore Mascara: L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Mascara
- The Best Volumizing Mascara: Westman Atelier Eye Want You Lengthening and Volumizing Clean Mascara
No matter how many mascaras I test, I always return to this tried and true Ilia product. It defines every lash, never looks clumpy, and comes off with incredible ease. Celebrity makeup artist Shadi Malek, who has worked with mega-influencers like Alix Earle and Arianna Madix, shares my sentiment. “The formula is incredible because it makes your lashes thicker and longer, but it’s a hypoallergenic product that won’t irritate your eyes,” she says. As a chronic dry eye sufferer, I can confirm it’s incredibly gentle.
Pros: Makeup artist-recommended; Gentle; Lengthens
Cons: Doesn’t add a ton of volume
Customer Review: “Hands down my favorite mascara for every day. I'm probably on my 20th tube. This formula can look natural or dramatic depending on how much you apply and lasts all day without any fallout.” — Sephora
Everyone needs at least one waterproof mascara in their collection. They’re a savior for watery eyes and the best defense against humidity-induced smudging—just take Beauty Director Deena Campbell’s word for it. “This mascara plays no games for those needing an intense formula that won’t smudge, fade, or clump,” she says. “One coat does the trick, but it’s very buildable, so apply two or three for extra drama.”
Pros: Great for volume; Deep black shade
Cons: Can smudge
Customer Review: “This is a great waterproof mascara, overall. I have to apply several coats but it lengthens and stays all day. The only issue I have with it is when I apply it on my lower lashes, I get a few smudges under my eyes within the first few minutes.” — Sephora
Tower 28 is sensitive skin-friendly, so a tubing mascara tolerant of easily irritated eyes made perfect sense for the brand. When this mascara launched, it unsurprisingly made waves (pun very much intended), going viral on TikTok and gaining celebrity fans like Quinta Brunson. The brush designs and patented Aquaflex technology allow lashes to hold an incredible curl throughout the day, while fighting against the effects of humidity.
Pros: Tubing mascara; Comes in brown
Cons: Some say it flakes off
Customer Review: “Not clumpy. Easy removal. Lengthening. The way that the wand is curved makes for a mess-free application, no mascara on your eyelids.” — Sephora
Don’t underestimate the power of a mascara’s shade. Telescopic black-brown is a game-changer for everyday wear. Makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell, who has worked with mega-influencers like Alix Earle and Leonie Hanne, names this one of her favorites thanks to the soft, natural finish it creates. It’s incredibly lengthening, too—just shimmy the wand from your lash line to tips on repeat.
Pros: Perfect for lower lashes; Makeup artist-recommended
Cons: Not great volume
Customer Review: “I am a big fan of this mascara and have bought it at least five times. I bought the regular (non-waterproof) version, and it holds all day without smudging. It is meant for length, so I like to pair it with a volumizing mascara and it's the perfect duo!” — Amazon
Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Aniston are Westman Atelier’s biggest fans, so you’ll be in good company while wearing this mascara. It’s incredibly high-performing, which is precisely why Marie Claire’s E-Commerce Analyst, Sophie Cookson, can’t get enough of it. “It lasts all day without clumping or flaking, and the hourglass shape of the brush catches every last one of my lashes,” she shares. It will provide some lengthening benefits, but volumizing is its strong suit.
Pros: Long lasting; No smudging
Cons: Has a strong scent
Customer Review: “This one does it all—flake-free, smudge-free, buildable, and clean formula for sensitive eyes. It gives me fanned-out, long, voluminous lashes! I haven’t reached for ANY other mascara since trying it!” — Sephora
Also Recommended
I have incredibly stick-straight lashes, so I require a mascara that gives some serious lift. Enter Victoria Beckham’s Future Lash Mascara. The wand is semi-circle-shaped, which is perfect for giving my lashes the curve they so desperately need. It’s a lighter finish—on the fluttery side more than the dramatic. That said, if I layer the formula, I can achieve a deeper, fluffier finish.
Pros: Lifting and lengthening; Washes off easily; Good for everyday
Cons: Not great for volume
Customer Review “I'm in love with the brush. It's so delicate and easily maneuverable around my eye. I didn't get any makeup on my lid and that NEVER happens. It deposits the mascara slowly, if that makes sense, leaving it possible for me to have a lot or a little, depending on how I feel that day. It also does not smudge or flake which is another miracle.” —Victoria Beckham
I have the wateriest eyes known to man and can’t get on board with waterproof mascara. Finding a formula that stays put throughout the day and doesn’t leave me with a black, smudged shadow by noon has been a struggle. That’s where this Dior mascara has been a game changer. It doesn’t run or smudge and simultaneously lifts, volumizes, and lengthens. I’m not shy about applying multiple coats either—I promise, it won’t flake off.
Pros: Multi-benefit; Never clumpy
Cons: Not great for bottom lashes
Customer Review: “ I have fairly thick and long lashes naturally and the brush is very easy to maneuver through and separate them. It provides just the right amount of darkness and curl. Lasts all day.” — Sephora
Marie Claire’s Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky won’t leave the house without mascara. Despite trying dozens of formulas, she always goes back to Gucci. “The skinny, almond-shaped, flexible brush lets me grab every hair while the formula softens and lengthens my lashes, providing the perfect sweep of jet black color.” Her only ask of the brand? To make the formula in a brown shade.
Pros: Lengthens; Sleek packaging
Cons: Difficult to remove
Customer Review: “My lashes have always been very prone to clumping. This is, by far, the best mascara I have ever used. It separates the lashes nicely and is very buildable, which gives long, thick lashes without the spidery look. It has a very smooth formula and glides on well.” — Sephora
Drugstore mascara can perform just as well as its luxury counterparts—just take Associate E-Commerce Editor Brooke Knappenberger’s word for it. "This gives my lashes a fluttery, fanned-out look, and I love how you can easily build up the volume for more drama. It also doesn't rub off on my eyelids, which is typically the biggest issue I have with mascara.” It’s a great go-to for everyday wear, and thanks to the price point, you can keep a spare in every bag for on-the-go touch-ups.
Pros: Affordable; Doesn’t flake with added layers
Cons: Dries out quickly
Customer Review: “It lengthens, separates, adds volume, doesn't clump, and holds the curl of my natural lashes!” — Ulta
Marie Claire’s Senior E-Marketing Manager, Elise Sultan typically isn’t one to get on board with celebrity beauty brands. Still, Selena Gomez’s signature look was enough to convince her to give Rare a try. “I randomly did a Sephora haul in January and begrudgingly bought the Rare Beauty mascara, not knowing it’d become my new staple product. Now, I repurchase this mascara every time it runs out. This mascara will look the same at the end of the day, even with the most hectic schedule,” she shares.
Pros: Volumizing; Stays on all day; No Smudging
Cons: Brush is a little think for lower lashes
Customer Review: “This mascara gives your lashes a new life who has short lashes like me. I love to wear this mascara. It feels really natural.” — Sephora
Finding a mascara that strengthens lashes is key for those with short or brittle lashes. Enter: Maybelline New York’s Full ‘N Soft Washable Mascara, which just so happens to be Entertainment Director Neha Prakash’s favorite. "I discovered this mascara sometime in high school and have never looked back. Just like the name promises, it delivers major volume and length but conditions in the process—doing away with brittle, spider-leg-like lashes and leaving you with a 'my lashes but better' look.” And, it comes at an unbeatable drugstore price.
Pros: Affordable; Good for lash health
Cons: A little hard to remove waterproof mascara
Customer Review: “I LOVE this mascara! The brush is the perfect shape and the bristles are the perfect width and shape for making my lashes look fuller without clumping.” — Ulta
According to MC's Style Director, Sara Hozman, "This Chantecaille mascara gives the appearance of falsies, but without the hassle." She adds, "There's zero clumping, and it's a breeze to take off after a day of wear." Along with the sought-after Faux Cils formula, this mascara features lash-growth peptide technology, meaning your lashes will reach new heights even when you're not wearing makeup.
Pros: Lightweight; Natural looking
Cons: Not great for volume
Customer Review: “I have sensitive eyes and have trouble with mascara, but this one is the best! Never irritates me! Lasts all day and doesn’t flake. Worth every penny!” — Bluemercury
Clumping is one of the biggest pain points with mascara. If you’re hunting for a mascara that defines every individual lash, take Beauty Writer Gabrielle Ulubay’s advice and get this Fenty wand. "It gives me sky-high lashes while keeping each lash delightfully distinct. Plus, it's waterproof. All in all, 10/10.”
Pros: Defines each lash; Great for length; Available in waterproof version
Cons: Some report smudging
Customer Review: “I like to use the fat side for my bottom lashes and the flat side for the upper lash. The formula is not as thick as most mascaras, which makes it perfect for everyday use and you can easily build it for more volume.” — Sephora
Marie Claire’s Digital Director Jenny Hollander was a Lancôme Hypoôse devotee for years. Recently, she switched to Définicils, a more natural-looking option from the brand. “I love this mascara: You can layer it depending on how bold you want your look to be; it separates your eyelashes carefully while coating it; and this mascara never smudges.” Consider this her holy grail.
Pros: Available in two shades; Lengthening
Cons: Doesn’t come off easily
Customer Review: “My holy grail mascara. Lengthens, voluminous, separates each lash but creates volume at the root of lashes. Almost as impressive as fake eyelashes. No flakes and wears forever. You’ll need remover to get it off.” — Sephora
This long-lasting, waterproof formula from Kjaer Weis doesn't budge, smudge, or slide but still comes off easily at the end of the day. As for the formula? I've found that I can add layer upon layer without getting annoying clumps or clusters of lashes. The best feature, though, is the packaging. This mascara is refillable, and the red case (which, trust me, you'll use on repeat) is made from 50 percent recycled plastic and infinitely recyclable aluminum.
Pros: Refillable; No smudging
Cons: Dries out easily
Customer Review: “The formula is just the right amount of wetness where I am able to build without it getting sticky or too dry. I have naturally long but very thin lashes and I am able to get a good thickness from this mascara. I’ve bought and repurchased multiple times.” — Credo
Never did I ever in a million years think I would be on board with the colored mascara trend—I'm loyal to my blackest black formulas. But as a devout Charlotte Tilbury fan, I felt I owed this berry-brown shade the benefit of the doubt. And take it from the ultimate skeptic, it did not disappoint. The shade isn't in your face at all. Instead, it's a subtle tone perfect for minimal makeup days or complementing a pink eyeshadow situation."
Pros: Black and colored option; No flaking
Cons: Dries out quickly
Customer Review: “Dream pop is perfect for redheads! It doesn’t look like a crazy color when you put it on. It looks great because it’s less harsh of color than black against my fair complexion. Will def be repurchasing!” — Sephora
Marie Claire’s Art Director Brittany Holloway-Brown’s rave review of Maybelline’s Lash Sensation will have you running to the drugstore. “I’ve been growing my eyelashes with serums and oils at night, but adding this mascara into the mix has given me perfect doll lashes,” she says. “I just put a few coats of this on and a lip, and I feel put together and ready for the day."
Pros: Affordable; Lengthening
Cons: Flimsy wand
Customer Review: “I’ve tried so many mascaras, and this is my favorite. The price is great, and it lengthens my lashes so well. It doesn’t clump my lashes, and it can hold my naturally straight lashes. I will always purchase this product again.” — Target
What Type of Mascara Wand Should I Look For?
The shape of the mascara wand heavily impacts your end result, so it’s worthwhile to pay attention. “I like to think that the wand mimics the type of lash that you want,” explains celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell, who has worked with mega-influencers like Alix Earle and Leonie Hanne. If you want a long, defined lash, the bristles on the wand should be long and defined. A densely packed, chunkier brush is the goal if you're after thick, voluminous lashes.
What Is a Tubing Mascara?
If you’ve been on BeautyTok recently, you’ve noticed the industry’s increasing fascination with tubing mascaras. Tubing mascaras are nothing new, but with recent launches from Merit and Tower28, they’re having a little resurgence. “Tubing mascara is unique because the formula creates a literal tube around your lash,” explains Sewell. “When you wash your eyes at the end of the night, you’ll see tubes being removed—not smudgy, watery particles.” It creates a mess-free, straightforward removal process that doesn’t irritate sensitive eyes.
How to Apply Mascara
Every artist has their tip or hack for getting the best result. Makeup artist Shadi Malek, who works with Arianna Maddix, Tracy Tudor, and Nikki Hilton, starts with the mascara wand at the base of the lashes. “Wiggle the wand back and forth towards the tip of your lashes and then repeat the motion until you like the thickness.” If you’re struggling to hold a curl, makeup artist Billie Gene, whose clients include Winnie Harlow and Kerry Washington, recommends “tapping the lash with the brush to add volume and lift.”
Occasionally, you may find that one mascara isn’t meeting your lash goals. Should that be the base, don’t shy away from layering. “I typically start with a lengthening mascara to separate the lashes, and then I’ll layer a voluminous formula on top for desired volume,” advises Sewell.
Meet the Expert
Shadi Malek’s career of nearly a decade in the make-up industry is a testament to her passionate practice, one that has resulted in an extensive list of life-long clients. She first began honing her unmistakable style from her home city of Vancouver, Canada. Today she works in one of the world’s major make-up industry hubs, Los Angeles, transforming models, influencers, and brides with her signature artistic method.
Today, Malek infuses every make-up look she creates with her mastery of aesthetic principles and her passion for an individualized approach to every client.
Kelli Anne Sewell is a makeup artist and content creator based in NYC.
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