We Put 28 Mascaras to the Test, These 11 Best Mascaras Impressed Us the Most

Few beauty items are quite as personal as mascara. Why? Because several factors come into play when finding one you cant put down. Lash type, desired look, and formulation will play a role in dictating whether or not a mascara suits your wants and needs. However, all great mascaras should be buildable and resistant to flaking and smudging. With a massive number of mascaras available on the market, it can be challenging to find the very best options. These 11 Best Mascaras Impressed Us the Most.

Cyber Week Deals

• Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara $19 ( was $30), amazon.com
• Covergirl Exhibitionist Uncensored Mascara; $8 (was $13), amazon.com

So, we scoured the market to find the most popular and well-loved mascaras before selecting 33 to put to the test in our lab in NYC. We evaluated each one based on itsease of use, wear, performance, overall look, and ease of removal. Those that performed best across the attributes and impressed us the most appear on this list. Keep reading to discover which mascara is right for you.

 

Best Overall

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Ulta

Buy On Amazon Buy On Sephora Buy On Ulta

This mascara didn’t reach icon status by accident—it lives up to the hype. It promises to deliver intense black volume whilelengthening, curling, and separating the lashes—and it delivers.

It builds up easily to create clump-free volume, and we loved that the hourglass-shaped brush helps to achieve separated lashes. Itadds thickness without making them look overdone, and we were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to remove. While we took no issue with it, some online reviews complained that the formula is a bit too wet so if you struggle with messy mascara application due to wet formulas, we recommend wiping the excess product off of the wand before applying it. Because of itsimpressive buildability, we found it to be a great choice for everyday wearif you like a bold lash look, and it also makes for asolid option if you’re creating a glam or event makeup look.

• Benefits: Volumizing, Curling, Lengthening
• Shades: 1
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

This Too Faced Mascara Is My Secret to Curled, Defined Lashes

Best mascaras Drugstore

CoverGirl Exhibitionist Uncensored Mascara

Buy On Amazon Buy On Ulta Buy On Target

If you’re looking for a drugstore mascara that deliversdramatic volume, this one is worth picking up. It can be layered up to create intense fullness on the lashes, and we appreciate that it’sinfused with coconut and jojoba oils which can be helpful to prevent your lashes from drying out.

We used the Extreme Black shade and loved how jet-black it made the lashes look. The formula wore well without smudging, transferring, or clumping, making it an excellent drugstore buy. And while some online reviewers reported some flaking (we didnt experience this), we think the pros far outweigh the cons.

• Benefits: Volumizing
• Shades: 4
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Volumizing

CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara

Amazon

Buy On Amazon Buy On Ulta Buy On Target

Cruise the makeup aisle at any drugstore and you’re bound to see a display of this beloved mascara. For years, it’s been hailed a top-shelf volumizing mascara, and despite how many new formulations have hit the market since this one, it’s remained a fan favorite. It promises toadd definition and thickness to each lash without clumping or smudging.

We can confirm: it delivers on its clump-free claim. It made ourlashes look full and voluminous while maintaining a natural appearance, and because it isn’t an overly thick or goopy formula, it’sgreat for defining the lower lashes.

We wish it didnt have a strong paint-like smell, but if you’re not overly sensitive to fragrance, it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.

• Benefits:Volumizing
• Shades: 4
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Lengthening

Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara

Buy On Sephora Buy On Amazon Buy On Ulta

Tubing mascaras are excellent for creating elongated lashes—and this one delivers on that and more. The formula creates “tubes” that wrap around each lash toseparate, define, and lengthen. While it also provides a bit of volume and curling action, it’s the lengthening benefit that truly stands out.

We appreciate the thin, plastic wand because it makes it easy to coat the lashes in hard-to-reach areas, like the inner corners. We also love the length that this mascara created, that itlasted all day with no smearing, and how simple it was to remove.

• Benefits: Lengthening
• Shades: 1
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

The 11 Best Tubing Mascaras For a False-Lash Look—Tested & Makeup Artist-Approved

Best Splurge

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara

Buy On Sephora Buy On Nordstrom Buy On Charlottetilbury.com

Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk line is iconic, and this mascara is too. Created to provide length and volume, it features aunique double-sided paddle brush that works to load and comb product onto the lasheswhile giving them a lift. It’s also smudge-proof and humidity-proof, making it a fitting choice if you’re traveling or you live in a humid climate.

In addition to providing impressive length, it worked wonders in terms of giving the lashes a curled and lifted finish. If you struggle to coat your inner lashes as one of our testers does, this could be just the mascara you need. She explained that while she usually struggles to lengthen the small lashes at her inner corners, this product eliminates that problem. She did note that she wished the application was more even but admitted that the issue could be attributed to the shape of her eye, so everyone may not have the same experience.

• Benefits: Volumizing, Lengthening
• Shades: 2
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best 2-in-1

Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer

Amazon

Buy On Amazon Buy On Ulta Buy On Target

Mascara primers can be great for separating and thickening the lashes prior to applying mascara, but having to keep a separate tube in your makeup bag can feel a bit excessive. This2-in-1 product works to condition and prep the lashes, and create length and volume—without adding excess weight or clutter to your collection.

The brush is narrow with short plastic bristles, making it easy to reach each lash, and the formula delivers natural-looking length and volume. It’sformulated with jojoba esters to nourish the lashes, and the primer formula helps to prolong the wear of the mascara in addition to conditioning.

We loved the lash look it created, but the one downside was that the grip on the primer side is very short, making it difficult to maneuver without smearing the formula on the skin near the eyes.

• Benefits: Priming, Lengthening, Volumizing
• Shades: 1
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Smudge-Free

IT Cosmetics Lash Blowout Volumizing Mascara

Amazon

Buy On Sephora Buy On Amazon Buy On Ulta

A mascara that can give the lashes volume and lift that resembles a salon blowout? Count us in. The brand nailed it with the name of this mascara—it trulycreates gorgeous volume and a lifting effect on the lashes.

Unlike many formulas that are too wet or thick or all too dry when you crack open the tube, we appreciated that this one had theperfect consistency right from the start. We loved that we were able to build up the intensity quickly—so much so that we could achieve a false-lash effect. But the best part is that despite how much we built it up, we experienced absolutelyno smudging or flaking.

One thing we would change about this one is the size of the packaging. While it adorably mimics a round brush, it’s a bit bulky and cumbersome to hold.

• Benefits: Volumizing
• Shades: 1
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Clean

ILIA Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara

Sephora

Buy On Sephora Buy On Amazon Buy On Iliabeauty.com

If you keep up with what’s popular in the clean beauty space, then chances are you’re familiar with this ultra-popular clean mascara. According to our test results, it deserves the high praise it receives. Formulated with ablend of conditioning waxes,it works to nourish the lashes while lengthening and lifting them. It has a unique dual-sided wandthat contains short bristles to curl and add subtle volume to the lashes, and long bristles to lift, lengthen, and separate them.

We loved the defined look it gave the lashes and we were also incredibly impressed that the ultra-black pigment remained easy to remove. We did notice just a bit of smudging near the upper eyelid, so if you’re prone to smudging, keep that in mind.

• Benefits: Lengthening, Lifting
• Shades: 1
• Cruelty-Free:Yes

A Makeup Artist Reviews ILIA Beautys Limitless Lash Mascara

Best False Lash Dupe

Milk Makeup Kush High Volume Mascara

Milk Makeup

Buy On Sephora Buy On Amazon Buy On Milkmakeup.com

Applying false lashes can be tricky and time-consuming, so finding a mascara that provides a false lash effect is a great alternative. Thisvolumizing formula packed with hemp-derived cannabis seed oil works to coat the lashes in dramatic volume while conditioning them and maintaining a soft feel.

If you have straight eyelashes, this mascara could be the perfect pick for you.One of our testers with extremely straight eyelashes explained that it added so much drama to her lashes that they almost looked fake. And although she was able to achieve a bold look, the formula didn’t weigh them down.

Our one con with this mascara is that it can get slightly clumpy. But if you’re looking for a falsies effect, this might not bother you. To remove clumps, we suggest taking an eyelash comb and gently combing your lashes after applying the mascara to remove excess product.

• Benefits: Volumizing
• Shades: 1
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Wand

Benefit Cosmetics Theyre Real! Lengthening Mascara

Ulta

Buy On Sephora Buy On Amazon Buy On Ulta

The shape and size of a mascara wand can make or break the outcome of your look, not to mention significantly impact your experience using the product. While there are tons of different types of wands, and varying opinions on which kind is best, the truth is that it’s very personal. However, tons of consumer reviews and our tester agree that the wand on this mascara is fantastic.

The formula and brush work together to lengthen and volumize the lashes while giving them a lifted effect. The wand contains staggered bristles to effectively grip each lash, and we found that the bristles did a great job of separating lashes for a more wide-eyed look. Thebristles on the tip of the brush also helped to coat the lashes in hard-to-reach areas, making for a full, even application.

If we could change one thing about this mascara, it wouldn’t be anything having to do with the brush. Rather, we wish it was a bit easier to remove.

• Benefits: Lengthening, Volumizing
• Shades: 2
• Cruelty-Free: No

Best Flake-Free

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara

Sephora

Buy On Sephora Buy On Rarebeauty.com Buy On Kohls.com

Selena Gomez and the Rare Beauty team have created some incredible products, and this is one of them. It promises tovolumize, lengthen, and curl the lasheswhile maintaining its condition throughout the day—and it does.

With this formula, less is more as it builds up very quicklyand can create some minor clumping. However, after cleaning it up a bit, we love that itmakes the lashes look defined and curled. And best of all, it remains totally flake-free as you wear it.

While this formula is a great option if you experience flaking or smudging on your lower lash line, the brush is a bit big for the area which can make application tricky.

• Benefits: Volumizing, Curling, and Lengthening
• Shades: 1
• Cruelty-Free:Yes

Where We Stand

Our pick for the best mascara is theToo Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, thanks to the buildable formula, clump-free volume, and easy removal. Its great for everyday wear as well as using for more glamorous makeup looks. But if you’re seeking something that will deliver incredible lengthening benefits, we recommend the Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara.

How We Tested

Our editors did extensive research on popular mascaras, taking expert recommendations and consumer reviews into account before choosing 33 to test out first-hand. Our testers assessed each one based on ease of use, wear, performance, overall look, and ease of removal before deciding on a rating from one to five. Those with the highest scores made the list. All tests were performed in The Lab, our Manhattan product testing facility.

 

Other Options We Tested

Kosas The Big Clean Longwear Volumizing + Lash Care Mascara

While we enjoyed the packaging and final look of this clean formula, we didnt like how heavy it felt on our lashes. We also experienced pretty significant smudging on our upper and lower lashes.

e.l.f. Big Mood Mega Volume & Lifting Mascara

While this drugstore mascara delivered rich pigmentation and remained smudge-free, we felt that it didn’t provide the dramatic length or volume it promised.

 

MAC Macstack Mascara Superstack

Despite this popular pick being easily buildable and painless to remove, we found that it made our lashes look clumpy.

 

What to Look for When Buying Mascara

Benefits:

Finding the best mascara for you will depend on the natural state of your lashes as well as what you’re looking for. If you already have long, curled lashes, then perhaps reaching for a volumizing mascara, like the COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume Mascara, makes the most sense for you. If you’re looking to fake the appearance of longer lashes, seek out formulas that focus primarily on lengthening benefits. If you want a bit of everything—length, curl, volume—while still maintaining a natural appearance, a pick like the ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara is a great choice. For those with straight lashes, makeup artist Dominique Della Maggiore suggests opting for a tubing mascara, like the Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara, since they help to add length and hold a curl. Bueno adds that mascaras with dryer formulas are ideal, since wet formulas can weigh the lashes down.

Wand:

The formula and the wand are the most important aspects of a mascara. A formula might be lightweight, silky, and nourishing, but if the wand can’t apply it to your lashes effectively then it won’t matter. Some wands feature spoolie-like bristles that tend to be long and densely packed, while others have plastic or rubber bristles that make for a more uniform application. For example, if you have long, curled lashes, a big mascara wand will give you dramatic, fluttery lashes. But if you’re working with short lashes, a long, skinny rubber wand will allow you to easily grip and coat your lashes. It may take some trial and error to figure out which type of wand is right for you, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Shade:

Black mascara is classic, but there are other options. If you’re looking to create a no-makeup, makeup look, opting for brown mascara will give your look a more subtle finish. And if you like to get creative with your looks or enhance your eye color, try reaching for a colored mascara to change things up.

FAQ

What is the best mascara?

Based on our test results and personal experience, the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is the best mascara. The hourglass-shaped brush helps to grip the lashes, provides buildable volume, lengthens the lashes, and it’s easy to remove. We also appreciate how versatile it is—it’s great for everyday use as well as for dramatic makeup looks.

What is the best affordable mascara?

Out of all the budget-friendly mascaras we tested, the CoverGirl Exhibitionist Uncensored Mascara was our favorite thanks to the buildable and smudge-free formula.

Is it okay to wear mascara everyday?

It is ok to wear mascara daily, however, it’s extremely important to properly remove it before bed. Not removing mascara may damage your lashes and interfere with their natural growth cycle.1

How can you prevent mascara from smudging and flaking?

Tubing mascaras are great if youre looking for a smudge-free option, but Maggiore has tips if youre going to be wearing a standard formula. "One of my secrets is locking in the mascara with clear brown gel," she says. "It will help keep the curl as well as set the mascara. I also use clear brow gel as mascara if I’m going for a more natural look—it’s like a mini lash lift."

 

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