Mascara is the magic wand of the makeup world. But with so many tubes promising longer, fuller, flutterier lashes, finding the best mascara that’s right for you can feel like an impossible task. Whether you’re after extreme volume, sky-high length, or something that won’t budge through a rom-com cry session, we’ve shortlisted the best mascaras for every lash goal.
From the best waterproof mascaras to the best mascaras for sensitive eyes, top tubing formulas, and smudge-proof picks, this list has you (and your lashes) covered. Scroll on to find your perfect match.
Scroll on to find...
1. The best waterproof mascara
2. The best mascara for sensitive eyes
3. The best mascara for mature eyes
4. The best brown mascara
5. The bust tubing mascara
6. The best mascara for length
7. The best mascara for volume
8. The best mascara for short lashes
9. The best smudge-proof mascara
10. The best coloured mascara
The best mascaras for every lash need
Lashes feeling a little lacklustre? We’ve tested the tubes, swiped the wands, and blinked through every formula to bring you the ultimate lineup of the best mascaras for every lash look and need.
Best waterproof mascara
Whether you’re braving a sweaty workout, surviving an emotional wedding, or caught in a surprise downpour, a good waterproof mascara is a must if you want your look to stay put. Smudge-proof, long-lasting, and built to withstand tears, humidity, and rain, these formulas lock in your lashes all day (and night).
Searching for a budget-friendly option? Meet Makeup Revolution’s Big Lash Waterproof Volume Mascara, which brings bold volume and intense pigment without budging. For a more natural effect, the Nudestix Vegan Splashproof Mascara boosts volume and length while being gentle enough for sensitive eyes. Craving drama? Nabla’s VICIOUS Mascara Waterproof delivers intense volume and curl with a staying power you’ll keep coming back for.
Best mascara for sensitive eyes
If your eyes tend to water, itch, or react to makeup, finding a gentle mascara is key. The best mascara for sensitive eyes delivers definition without irritation – no stinging, flaking, or redness here.
Clinique’s Limited Edition High Impact Mascara is ophthalmologist-tested, fragrance and allergy free, and perfect for creating bold, fluttery lashes without the fuss. For a nourishing option, The Beauty Crop’s Avocuddle Volumizing Mascara is packed with conditioning ingredients like avocado and castor oil, giving you fuller lashes while keeping things kind to delicate eyes.
Best mascara for mature eyes
Lashes can become thinner, straighter, or more delicate with age, so the best mascara for mature eyes should lift, define, and add volume without clumping or weighing lashes down.
Kevyn Aucoin’s The Curling Mascara is a standout for its tubing formula that gently wraps each lash, creating long-lasting curl and definition without smudging. Clinique’s High Impact Zero Gravity Mascara offers a lightweight, lifting effect with a curved wand that opens up the eyes, making it ideal for drooping or hooded lids. And for volume without heaviness, UKLASH Volume Boost Mascara delivers full, fluttery lashes while nourishing with lash-loving ingredients.
Best brown mascara
For a softer, more natural lash look, brown mascara is a need. It enhances your lashes without the intensity of black, making it the perfect choice for no-makeup makeup days or lighter complexions.
By BEAUTY BAY’s High-Key Volume Mascara in Cocoa delivers buildable volume with a warm, rich brown tone that subtly defines the eyes. If you’re after a luxe, indulgent formula, Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara in Chocolate brings the iconic volumising formula you know and love, now in a deep cocoa shade for a sultry, fluttery finish.
Best tubing mascara
If you’re tired of smudges, flakes, and stubborn makeup removal, tubing mascaras might be your holy grail. The best tubing mascara forms tiny water-resistant “tubes” around each lash, making removal a breeze with just warm water, no rubbing required.
Makeup Revolution’s Wrap Lash Tubing Mascara gives you defined, lifted lashes that stay put all day, keeping your lashes looking fresh until you’re ready to remove. For major length and a flexible, weightless feel, HALF MAGIC’s Eyelectric Extreme Lengthening Mascara adds dramatic extension while staying clean and flake-free from morning to night.
Best mascara for length
If you’re chasing that fluttery, just-added-extensions look, a lengthening formula is your new BFF. The best mascara for length stretches each lash for a faux-lash effect without clumps or crunch.
Huda Beauty’s 1 COAT WOW! Mascara does exactly that, delivering dramatic length in just one swipe for an ultra-volumised, intense finish. Makeup Revolution’s 5D Lash Mascara is another top contender, combining a jet-black formula with lash-lengthening ingredients that work to rebuild and strengthen weak lashes. Want something softer and wispy? Makeup Revolution’s Wispify False Lash Mascara gives a feathery, fanned-out finish that mimics natural lash extensions.
Best mascara for volume
When you want big, bold lashes that make a statement, it’s all about the volume. The best mascara for volume thickens and builds each lash for that full, fluttery effect.
Makeup Revolution’s Big Lash Volume Mascara lives up to its name, delivering intense fullness and drama in just a few swipes. The Up a Notch Volumizing Mascara from florence by mills is great for everyday glam, adding a multi-dimensional finish that effortlessly takes your lashes to the next level. For an ultra-black, high-impact finish, By BEAUTY BAY’s High-Key Volume Mascara in Midnight adds serious volume and definition to each and every lash without clumping.
Best mascara for short lashes
Short lashes? No problem. The right mascara can lift, define, and lengthen even the tiniest hairs without weighing them down.
The MAC Cosmetics MACStack Mascara is a standout with its buildable, weightless formula and precision brush that adds gravity-defying volume to every lash – even the ones you didn’t know you had. The about-face Volumizing Mascara is also great for giving short lashes a major boost thanks to its multi-tasking formula and elongated brush which primes, volumises, and lengthens lashes. And for definition that still looks soft and natural, the Melt Cosmetics Supernatural Lash Mascara uses plant-based fibres to stick to each lash for an instantly thicker, fuller, and longer appearance.
Best smudge-proof mascara
Whether you’re dealing with oily lids, long days, or just want your lashes to stay flawless from AM to after-hours, smudge-proof mascaras will keep your look fresh no matter the occasion.
Jeffree Star’s F*ck Proof Mascara offers intense pigment and a water-and-smduge-resistant formula that truly doesn’t budge, come rain, sweat, or tears. For 24-hour smudge-proof, clump-free wear, the Maybelline Lash Sensational Firework Mascara is a must, featuring unique bristles arranged in a spiral firework pattern for effortless application. For something sleek and reliable, Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara gives you defined, flake-free lashes that stay put all day without a single smudge in sight.
Best coloured mascara
Ready to break away from basic black? Adding a playful pop of colour to your lashes is the perfect way to switch up your look with zero effort.
Viral and for good reason, Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in Burgundy Haze gives a subtle twist with a rich, wine-toned hue that enhances every eye colour. Glisten Cosmetics’ Spectra Lash Mascara is another trending top pick, bringing bold, vibrant colour with a buildable formula that effortlessly enhances lashes. Want to go all out? Made By Mitchell’s Lash Lacquer delivers instant impact with bold pigment and lift (we recommend Cobalt, an electric blue shade, for a striking finish we know you’ll be obsessed with).
