Samantha Holender
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, black streaks run down my face, and I regret not reaching for waterproof mascara or a tubing mascara. But 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 and your desired look. 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 colored mascaras, which are currently rising in popularity—Charlotte Tilbury 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 to share their go-tos—ahead. Makeup artists Shadi Malek and Kelli Anne Sewell also weigh in with their best application tips.
The Best Mascaras
- The Best Mascara Overall: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
- The Best Waterproof Mascara: Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Waterproof Mascara
- The Best Tubing Mascara: Caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara
- The Best Drugstore Mascara: Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
So many mascaras claim not to smudge or flake, but few actually do what they promise. This Thrive Causemetics formula—which is also Meghan Markle's go-to—does and stays true to its name. If you like a false lash look, this tubing formula can be built up until your lashes are sky-high and still, it never looks clumpy or sticks to your lashes in an uncomfortable way. Every lash remains separated, lifted, and lengthened without leaving you with raccoon eyes, even after hours of wear. As a bonus, it also contains an orchid stem cell complex that encourages healthy lash growth.
Benefits: Volumizing; Defining; Promotes healthy lash growth
Shades: Black, Brown, Blue, Green, Pink
Key Ingredients: Orchid stem cell complex
Wand Type: Tapered
What I Love: Lifts and lengthens without clumping; Doesn't smudge all day; Looks natural
What I Don't Love: Hard to remove
Review for MC: "This mascara from Thrive has been a favorite of mine for years. It's one of the few formulas that truly doesn't flake or smudge throughout the day. It also provides a lot of lift and length without even having to use a lash curler. My only gripe is that it's a bit harder to get off at the end of the day." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writer
Finding a good waterproof mascara that lasts long and isn't impossible to remove at the end of the night can be a challenge. YSL's Lash Clash is your ticket if those are your concerns. It's one of the best volumizing mascaras in the game that makes a visible difference in your lashes without making them goopy or clumpy. And, not that it's ideal to wear your makeup for 48 hours straight, but if you do for whatever reason, you can rest easy knowing this mascara is designed to last for exactly that length of time.
Benefits: Volumizing; Defining; Conditioning; Can provide up to 48 hours of wear
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Iris Florentina extract
Wand Type: Chunky
What I Love: Offers great volume; Easy to get off
What I Don't Love: Can smudge after a while
Review for MC: "I'm a huge fan of both YSL's original Lash Clash formula and its waterproof one. While I don't wear the waterproof as often, when I do, I'm always impressed by how quickly it lengthens and volumizes. You only need a few swipes before you notice a visible difference in your lashes. The only con is that I've noticed a bit of smudging after four or so hours—even with a good lash primer. That being said, this comes off so easy with an oil cleanser." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writer
Tubing mascaras are superior in so many ways. For starters, they lengthen lashes by coating them in individual tubes, creating a false lash effect. Caliray offers one of the best. One of this formula's standout qualities is that it's extremely buildable. If you don't love the length after a swipe or two, you can keep building and—miraculously—it never starts to clump or become a mess around your eye area.
Benefits: Lengthening; Tubing; Water-resistant
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Argan oil; Triple wax mix
Wand Type: Tapered
What I Love: Extremely buildable; Conditions lashes; Lengthens well; Looks natural
What I Don't Love: Harder to remove
Review for MC: "As far as tubing mascaras go, I love Caliray's because it's a formula I can build up with a few coats and it never turns into a mess. This is huge for me because I've had plenty of bad experiences with other mascaras that leave a sloppy finish after just one or two coats. It also adds length and looks more natural than other formulas I've used. It's perfect for everyday wear." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writer
It's hard to believe that this mascara retails for only five dollars. The length and volume it provides for your lashes is simply unmatched. After just a coat or two, it boosts your lashes in a big way and pairs perfectly with the brand's Volume Booster Lash Primer.
Benefits: Lengthening; Affordable
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Rice bran wax
Wand Type: Tapered
What I Love: Offers great volume and length; Makes lashes appear thicker; Great on a budget
What I Don't Love: Smudges after a few hours
Review for MC: "The first time I tried this mascara, I remember being blown away because it was only $5 and a great drugstore mascara. It performs better than some of my more expensive formulas in the length department and even makes your lashes appear thicker. While it's an amazing formula, the only downside is that it tends to smudge more than some of my other favorites." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writer
Other Mascaras I Love
I best believe that celebrity makeup artist Jo Baker knows a thing or two about mascara. Baker's aptly named line, Bake Up Beauty, features one of her most viral hits, the Tarantulash Mascara. It's a favorite amongst beauty editors because it creates dramatic volume and gives you that spider-lash look often seen on the red carpet.
Benefits: Weightless formula; Volumizing; Lengthening
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Tilia Tomentosa Bud extract; Hyaluronic acid
Wand Type: Curved
What I Love: Creates a spider lash-effect; Buildable; Adds great volume and length
What I Don't Love: Can get clumpy if you aren't careful
Review for MC: "This mascara from Bake Up Beauty really lives up to its name. I love it when I'm doing a full face and want more of a dramatic lash look. It separates, lengthens, and volumizes so well. I know the spider lash look isn't for everyone so keep that in mind if you want something a little less loud. The only hangup is that it can get clumpy if you start adding too many coats, so tread lightly." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writer
For extra lift and curl, try Benefit's Roller Lash. This is another great mascara that separates and curls lashes nicely while remaining lightweight and clump-free. The secret is in the brand's patent-pending hook and roll brush, which features small custom-designed hooks that catch, lift, and curl even the shortest of lashes.
Benefits: Weightless formula; Volumizing; Curling
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Pro-vitamin B5
Wand Type: Curved
What I Love: Buildable and lightweight formula; Hooks and curls short lashes
What I Don't Love: Doesn't lengthen as well as other formulas
Review for MC: "Benefit's Roller Lash is another formula I love for everyday wear because it looks really natural and curls my super short lashes nicely. I like that you can build it up without it getting clumpy or flakey. I've worn it for hours and it still looks fresh later on. While it provides a great natural finish, I do think you have to add quite a few coats if you're looking for extra length." — Shawna Hudson, Contributing Beauty Writer
The Diorshow Icon Mascara is a top-rated formula amongst reviewers and editors for its unmatched ability to volumize, curl, and lengthen lashes without completely smudging off throughout the day. It also contains lash-nourishing ingredients that condition and add shine.
Benefits: Nourishes and conditions lashes; Adds volume and definition
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Jojoba esters
Wand Type: Curved
What I Love: Curved brush hugs every lash; Curls and lengthens well
What I Don't Love: Slightly sticky on lashes
Review for MC: “I have the wateriest, sensitive 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." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
This mascara is unique because it's totally customizable. You can swipe on a coat or two for a natural, everyday look, or build it up for more dramatic length and volume. The packaging is also to-die-for.
Benefits: Nourishes and conditions lashes; Adds volume and definition
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Synthetic beeswax
Wand Type: Chunky
What I Love: Doesn't flake; Separates lashes nicely; Grabs every lash and lengthens perfectly
What I Don't Love: Doesn't have a brown shade
Review for MC: “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. My only ask of the brand? To make the formula in a brown shade." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Victoria Beckham's mascara can completely transform even the shortest, straightest lashes. It's perfect for longer wear and is said to be smudge-proof and sweat-proof. Those with straight, short lashes will also love how much volume and length it adds while still remaining light on the lashes.
Benefits: Longwear; Smudge-proof; Sweat-proof
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Conditioning C2 Complex
Wand Type: Curved
What I Love: Lightweight formula; Great for straight lashes; Buildable
What I Don't Love: Tends to clump a bit
Review for MC: "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." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Drugstore mascara can perform just as well as its luxury counterparts. This L'Oréal formula is 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.
Benefits: Conditions lashes; Clump-resistant; Smudge-resistant
Shades: Black, Brown
Key Ingredients:
Wand Type: Hourglass
What I Love: Affordable; Extremely buildable
What I Don't Love: Tends to clump a bit
Review for MC: "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.” — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate E-Commerce Editor
Rare Beauty has many great products, but this volumizing mascara is one of its best. The eye-hugging brush lifts, separates, lengthens, and curls the lashes all at once. Additionally, castor oil in the formula strengthens and conditions them.
Benefits: Conditions lashes; Long-wearing
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Castor oil
Wand Type: Tapered
What I Love: Curls and lengthens; Lightweight formula; Eye-hugging brush
What I Don't Love: Tends to clump if you've had the tube for a while
Review for MC: "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." — Elise Sultan, Senior E-Marketing Manager
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 comes at an unbeatable drugstore price.
Benefits: Conditions lashes; Long-wearing
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E
Wand Type: Chunky
What I Love: Affordable; Good for lash health
What I Don't: A little hard to remove
Review for MC: "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." — Neha Prakash, Entertainment Director
Chantecaille offers this luxury formula, which features lash growth-promoting peptides. It blends a suite of natural waxes that help lashes appear fuller, thicker, and longer without adding any extra weight. Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender loves this natural-finish pick for a day at the office or to top off a no-makeup makeup look.
Benefits: Water-resistant; Volumizing
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Red seaweed extract; Lash growth-promoting peptides
Wand Type: Chunky
What I Love: Lightweight; Natural looking
What I Don't: Not great for volume
Review for MC: "This Chantecaille mascara gives the appearance of falsies, but without the hassle. There's zero clumping, and it's a breeze to take off after a day of wear." — Sara Hozman, Style Director
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.
Benefits: Volumizing; Lifts; Lengthens
Shades: Black
Key Ingredients: Vitamins C & E; Sunflower seed oil
Wand Type: Chunky
What I Love: Refillable; No smudging
What I Don't: Dries out easily
Customer Review: “ZERO flaking as the day goes on...MASSIVE length and fullness with individual lash definition (instead of that chunky mess from other brands) PERFECT with this caution: IF you are that person who touches/fiddles with eyes thru the day, then this might not be your formula. This mascara MAINTAINS softness so the lashes stay hydrated, and they look like the BEST ever version of your own lashes. Learning to work the brush's different sides for the effect you want might take a bit of practice, but I was stunned at how amazing this works. So rare to find a product that lives up to the hype. Like so many women, I've tried soooo many brands, and this is the best wand mascara I've ever used in my life!" — Nordstrom
Never 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.
Benefits: Volumizing; Lengthens
Shades: Black, Brown
Key Ingredients: Castor oil
Wand Type: Hourglass
What I Love: Black and colored option; No flaking
What I Don't: 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
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 to it. “I like to think that the wand mimics the type of lash that you want,” explains 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?
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. 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.
Why Trust Marie Claire
Samantha Holender is a Senior Beauty Editor with nearly a decade of experience in the space. She has sensitive eyes and, therefore, wears exclusively tubing mascaras. Shawna is a Contributing Beauty Writer with nearly a decade of experience in the beauty industry. She makes it a point to test every new innovation that hits the market. We also spoke with four celebrity makeup artists who keep tubing mascaras in their kits for this particular story.
Marie Claire is an expert in mascara, having covered topics ranging from the best mascaras for sensitive eyes, to the best mascaras overall, the best colored mascaras, and the best brown mascaras.
How We Tested
I personally tested 21 tubing mascaras, while the rest of the Marie Claire team tested an additional nine. We evaluated each product on wear, how much it flaked, how long it stayed on lashes, and how easy it was to remove with warm water.
Meet the Experts
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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