13 Best Fiber Mascaras For the Most Dramatic Lashes Ever

If you like the full, fluttery look of false eyelashes but arent thrilled about glue-on strips or the price of extensions, you might consider fiber mascara.Fiber mascara formulas contain natural or synthetic microfibers(almost like teeny-tiny shreds of thread) made of rayon, nylon, silk, cellulose, or sometimes collagen.

"These fibers attach to the lash hair for a bulked-up effectand a more lengthened look," explains Nicole Pigott, a brand manager for Rocasuba, Inc. a company that develops cosmetics.

Fiber mascara is similar to tubing mascara in that it coats the lashes with a plasticky material. However, it also typically contains the creamy waxes and silicones youd find in regular mascara, so you get the best of both worlds.

Deals of the Day

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara is 15% off at amazon.com
MAC Magic Extension 5mm Fibre Mascara is 30% off at maccosmetics.com
Plus: Get up to 30% off holiday kits, and bestsellers at fentybeauty.com

We did a deep dive into the best fiber mascaras out there, and took some of the top-rated formulas for a spin. During testing, we took note of how the mascara went on, how it held up throughout the day, and how easily it came off. We then combined these results with the rest of our research of fan favorites plus makeup artist-recommended picks to create this list of all-star fiber mascaras.

Best Overall

DHC Perfect Pro Double Protection Mascara

Amazon

View On Amazon | $18.97View On Dermstore | $19.00View On eCosmetics.com | $18.00

When it comes to fiber mascaras, DHC Double Protection isin a league of its own. This Japanese mascara calls on polymer fibers to create a strong, flexible coating around each lash all while adding length and fullness. A single sweep offers ahighly pigmented black color.

We love how the fine-bristled brush ensures smooth, clump-free application on even our smallest, finest hairs. And the moisture-resistant formulais unlikely to smudge, smear, or flake butstill washes off easily with warm water. The only thing we don’t love is that itcontains polyethylene glycol (PEGs. Although they are considered safe by the FDA, the process of producing PEGs can create carcinogenic byproducts, which makes some experts wary.1

Who It’s For

This lash-boosting formula is our top pick for virtually anyone and everyone. A great all-rounder for fluttery lashes that last.

• Size: 0.2 ounces
• Shades: Black
• Waterproof: No (water-resistant)
• Cruelty-Free:No

Best Budget

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara

Ulta

View On Amazon | $4.99View On Ulta | $4.99View On Target | $4.99

Promising a false-lash effect for only a few bucks, LashPrincess is a solid choice that performs similarly well to the more expensive varieties. Thiswaterproof mascaracoats lashes with tiny nylon fibers and a blend of waxes tobulk, sculpt, and lengthen. Just note that since it’s waterproof it can be hard to remove, so have specific eye makeup remover at the ready.

Who It’s For

This affordable fiber mascara proves you can get a false lash look on a tight budget.

• Size: 0.4 ounces
• Shades: Black
• Waterproof: Yes
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Drugstore

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara

Amazon

View On Amazon | $8.93View On CSV | $7.39View On Walmart | $12.00

LOréal X Fiber is available at drugstores everywhere for a reason—it works. Thedual-ended tube has an adhesive gel primer on one side (step one) and a nylon-infused black mascara on the other (step two) to deliver ultra-dramatic lashes with maximum volume. On the downside, the formula does contain PEGs and some reviewers say that it’s prone to flaking.

Who It’s For

This beauty stable is as effective as it is accessible at your local drugstore.

• Size:0.4 ounces
• Shades: Black
• Waterproof: Yes
• Cruelty-Free: No

Best Premium

Dior Diorshow 24h Buildable Volume Mascara

Amazon

View On Sephora | $32.00View On Ulta | $32.00View On Macy's | $32.00

Despite its higher price point, Diorshow has a devoted following because it creates show-stopping lashes. This iconic mascara nowcontains silk protein and nylon microfibers to strengthen and lengthen, while the jumbo brush encourages buildable volume. Not only is this mascara effective, but it’s also somehow made from 90% naturally derived ingredients, including cornflower extract to hydrate and condition lashes.2

Who It’s For

Diorshow is a beloved beauty favorite that’s worth the investment. It does contain a verysmall amount of synthetic fragrance though, which may irritate sensitive skin types.

• Size: 0.3 ounces
• Shades: Black, brown, blue
• Waterproof: No
• Cruelty-Free: No

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Best Wand

MAC Cosmetics Magic Extension 5MM Fibre Mascara

MAC Cosmetics

View On Ulta | $27.00View On Macy's | $27.00View On eCosmetics.com | $34.00

"When choosing a mascara, the wand is very important," says makeup artist Andreea Ali. It helps distribute the formula, shape, and volumize. One might even say without the wand the formula isnt worth much. In addition to theperfectly tapered brush that provides a curling effect from root to tip, this mascara leans on5-millimeter-long fibers to provide exaggerated length.

Who It’s For

If you’re particular about your mascara wands, MAC’s perfectly tapered brush won’t let you down. However, the productdoes contain small amounts of BHT, a preservative that poses a high risk for allergies and immunotoxicity and a moderate risk for cancer—we suggest avoiding it if that irks you.3

• Size: 0.4 ounces
• Shades: Black
• Waterproof: No
• Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Bottom Lashes

Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara

Amazon

View On Amazon | $32.00View On eCosmetics.com | $30.00View On NeimanMarcus.com | $30.00

This mascara from Kevyn Aucoin has a skinny brush thats perfect for coating your bottom lashes. And since the volume-building polymer fibers create a tubing effect, you wont have to worry about smears or smudges in the tricky under-eye area.

During testing, we were impressed by its lengthening and volumizing effects and all-day staying power. However, those of us with finer eyelashes found the formula a bit sticky and clumpy.

Who It’s For

If you have trouble coating your lower lashes with traditional brushes, this ultra-skinny one will get the job done effortlessly. It’sbetter suited to people with thicker lashes.

• Size: 0.2 ounces
• Shades: Black
• Waterproof: No
• Cruelty-Free:No

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Best Volumizing

Milk Makeup Kush High Volumizing Mascara

Sephora

View On Sephora | $22.40View On KOHL'S | $22.40

"Volumizing formulas are great for everyone," says makeup artist Tony Tulve. "Its the quickest way tobring instant attention to the eyes." We really like Milks Kush formula, which calls onhollow, heart-shaped fibers to bulk and thickeneach individual hair. Hemp-derived cannabis seed oil conditions, while vegan "beeswax"keeps fibers locked onto your lashes all day long.4All that volumizer can make it slightly clumpy upon application though.

Who It’s For

This popular vegan mascaraworks wonders for anyone who needs some extra lash volume.

• Size: 0.3 ounces
• Shades: Blackest black
• Waterproof: No
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

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Best Curling

Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara

Sephora

View On Sephora | $24.00View On Ulta | $24.00View On Fentybeauty.com | $24.00

We love a curled lash look—not only does it make lashes appear longer, but it helps your eyes look bigger (read more doe-eyed). Fentys Full Frontal mascara isinfused with nylon to pumpup the volume and add length whilekeeping your lashes flexible. The unique formula and “flat-to-fat” brush also help create a sculpted definition and sky-high curl. Our one criticism is that the formula contains BHT.

Who It’s For

If your lashes tend to grow pretty straight, this mascara will curl them upwards giving you that coveted Betty Boop wide open eye look.

• Size: 0.4 ounces
• Shades: Black, green, burgundy
• Waterproof:No (water-resistant)
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

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Best Lengthening

Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara

Amazon

View On Ulta | $11.99View On CSV | $12.49View On Walmart | $9.82

Let’s face it, most of us wish our lashes were longer, right? As its name suggests, Maybelline Illegal Lengthdelivers visibly longer lashes. The fiber-infused formula, together not only coats each hair but alsobuilds onto the tips to create the look of eyelash extensions. The brush helps secure the fibers to each lash thanks to itssix contact points. While it creates virtual lash armor, we love that it only takes a few passes with a remover-soaked pad to remove this formula.

Who It’s For

This lengthening mascara takes lashes from short and stubby to long and fluttery with a couple of swipes.

• Size: 0.2 ounces
• Shades: Black
• Waterproof: No
• Cruelty-Free: No

Best Waterproof

Smashbox Full Exposure Lash Volumizing Mascara

Sephora

View On Ulta | $28.00View On Macy's | $28.00

Waterproof formulas are useful for so many occasions—going straight from the gym to the office, weddings, or just the average stressful day. We love Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara’s fiber-rich formula. Itdelivers thicker, fuller, longer-looking lashes with each swipe, coating every hair with its perfectly tapered brush. Best of all, the waterproof formula promises to be sweat and humidity-resistant for up to 10 hours. On the downside, itcontains BHTand can be hard to remove, so stock up on eye makeup remover and cotton balls.

Who It’s For

If you prefer a waterproof formula, this one does the trick, come rain, tears, or sweat.

• Size: 0.4 ounces
• Shades: Black
• Waterproof: Yes
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Buildable

LORAC Pro + Fiber Mascara

Amazon

View On Amazon | $24.00View On Ulta | $24.00View On Macy's | $24.00

Though mascaras often get clumpy when you apply multiple coats, this is a non-issue with Lorac. The brands fiber formula offersflexible, buildable volume and noticeably fuller, false-look lashes. Although it stays remarkably clump-free, some reviewers found the formula a little flakey (and we don’t mean it doesnt show for dinner dates).

Who It’s For

Whether you want to take several passes over your lashes or like to reapply throughout the day, this buildable mascara promisesdramatic results without clumping.

• Size: 0.5 ounces
• Shades: Black
• Waterproof: No
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Hybrid

RapidGlam RapidLash Enhancing Mascserum

Amazon

View On Ulta | $34.95View On eCosmetics.com | $37.96View On BEAUTIFIEDYOU | $34.95

Pigott stands behind this serum-mascara hybrid. "The fibers in RapidGlam areextremely fine, non-irritating, and ideal for building alonger-looking, fuller appearance," she tells buuk.top. "They dont poke and protrude but blend beautifully into the formula andadhere smoothly onto the lashes."

This mascara is also infused with RapidLash enhancing serum, which is proven to help strengthen and grow eyelashes using ingredients likebiotin (AKA vitamin B7, a nutrient that supports hair strength and growth) and amino acids (proteins known to hydrate and protect against free radicals such as pollution).56

Who It’s For

This hybrid mascara and serum not only provides a false lash look but also works to strengthen and grow your lashes over time—great for those looking for more permanent longer lashes.

• Size: 0.15 ounces
• Shades: Black
• Waterproof: No
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Short Lashes

EM Cosmetics Pick Me Up Volume + Length Mascara

EM Cosmetics

View On Emcosmetics.com | $24.00

Shorter lashes can be a pain to lengthen since it’s harder for mascaras to adhere to them. But EM Cosmetics has a workaround thanks to its formula. True to its name, Pick Me Up Mascaralifts and lengthens with lightweight fibers and tubing technology, so it grabs short lashes without weighing them down. It also fortifies them with ingredients like hydrating pro-vitamin B and hyaluronic acid, and growth-stimulating rice extract.910While the formula does a great job of lengthening, reviewers noted it wasn’t the best for curling lashes.

Who It’s For

If your eyelashes are naturally short or growing back, this one will help them look longer while also growing them longer over time.

• Size: 0.2 ounces
• Shades: Black
• Waterproof: No
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Where We Stand

Overall, our favorite fiber mascara isDHC Perfect Pro Double Protection Mascara, a polymer-infused formula that creates strong, flexible fullness while adding noticeable length. We also loved our budget pick,Essence Lash Princess False Effect for its smudge-proof false lash look.

How We Tested & Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best fiber mascaras on the market in this category, evaluating their key features, such as how it applies versus stays on versus comes off. We delved into reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We also tested several options for days at a time and then collaborated with a makeup artist to ensure we made the best picks.

Attributes we evaluated each fiber mascara on:

How the mascara went onHow it held up throughout the dayHow easily it came offIngredients

What to Look for in a Fiber Mascara

Ingredients: When selecting a fiber mascara we suggest looking for a clean formula likeMilk Makeup Kush High Volumizing Mascarathat’s free of potentially harmful ingredients like phthalates (solvents linked to potential health issues) and formaldehyde (a known carcinogen).1112

Since fiber mascaras are more prone to flaking—and thus potentially entering your eye—it’s better if those substances are mostly natural and/or non-irritants.

Formula: Opt for a formula that is medium-weight so that your eyelashes don’t get weighed down throughout the day. Thicker mascaras are known to clump whereas thin mascaras don’t hold onto the lashes, especially when infused with fibers.

Brush: Everything goes back to the brush when choosing a mascara. You’re going to want a brush that separates the eyelashes and infuses them with volumizing fibers. A tapered brush, like the one thisMAC Cosmetics Magic Extension 5MM Fibre Mascara

has does a good job of grabbing lashes at the root to create volume and length.

FAQ

What does fiber mascara do?

Fiber mascaras are infused with tiny fibers (silk, rayon, or nylon) that attach to the lash tips when applied. These tiny synthetic fibers work to extend, build, and plump up the lashes.

Is fiber mascara safe?

Yes, but be mindful that the lash fibers are prone to flaking, and may invade the eye.

How do I apply mascara for the best results?

The key is to start at the base of your lashes and slowly wiggle the brush from the roots to the ends until fully coated. From there, you can add a few more coats for a dramatic finish.