Let’s face it, finding the best mascaras is no mean feat.
As with most makeup products, mascaras don’t fall into the “one size fits all” category – especially given just how different our natural lashes, eye shapes and individual preferences can be. Some of us have natural length and curl but lack in the volume department, while others have stubborn pin-straight lashes that could benefit from a lift. But one thing everyone can look for in their mascara? Strengthening, nourishing ingredients.
In fact, makeup artist Paige Williams, founder and CEO of P.Louise – TikTok’s No.1 Shop – advises shoppers to think of mascara as self-care for their lashes. “A good mascara doesn’t just give you flawless lashes today – it keeps them healthy for the future,” she says. “Look for castor oil to boost strength and growth, vitamin E to hydrate and protect, and natural waxes are great for conditioning and holding a curl.”
Emmy Clayton, expert lash and brow artist and founder of Emmy Creates, advises to look for biotin, or vitamin B7 as it’s also known. “This helps to strengthen lashes and promote healthy growth. And for those with brittle lashes, look for ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter,” she says.
Now you know the ingredients to keep your natural lashes looking as long as Bambi’s, you can discover the very best mascaras on the market below, including formulas that have been rigorously tried, tested and reviewed by our beauty editors. From the best tubing mascara to waterproof mascara and brown mascara, there are options to fit every budget and preference, so, whether you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.
Meet the experts:
How do I choose a good mascara?
“Picking the right mascara is all about knowing what you want to achieve and what type of formula works for you,” says Paige Williams, founder and CEO of TikTok’s No.1 Shop, P.Louise. “If you’re after that dreamy, fluttery look, choose a lengthening formula. Or if you want big, bold volume, go for a volumising mascara,” she says.
“I like long, defined lashes with zero clumps, so I created the P.Louise Tearproof Mascara to be just that,” she continues. “It has a dual-action brush that lifts and separates on one side, while the other side grabs those little lashes on the bottom lash line and inner corners.”
Emmy Clayton, expert lash and brow artist, adds that you also need to consider the mascara wand, as different shapes create different looks. “For example, if you have thin, straight lashes, opt for more of a curved wand to add lift and curl. For those with short lashes, a skinnier wand that delivers more of a precise coat to each lash is best! If you’re lucky to have long, fuller lashes then a classic cylindrical wand is perfect. Lastly, if you find your lashes are quite thin and sparse, try a thicker wand to add more fullness,” she advises.
It’s also important to consider what colour you are choosing. “If you’re after a natural look, brown mascaras are a great option, especially for fair skin tones,” says Emmy. “Black and blue mascaras are great for more of an impact! I really love a blue mascara on blondes at the moment. A friend of mine wore this in Ibiza and it made her eyes so mesmerising in the sun – I think this will be a great look for summer.”
What is the best mascara for achieving a natural look?
A strengthening serum like the Hairburst Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum can help your lashes to become naturally thicker, longer and healthier, thanks to its nourishing blend of castor oil, peptides and a derivative of hyaluronic acid.
Emmy loves the Glossier Lash Slick, which is her daily go-to for a natural look. “It separates the lashes perfectly, and wears really well without smudging, but it’s easy to remove. It really gives that no makeup makeup look,” she says.
Paige agrees, advising to choose a mascara that defines without adding too much drama. “A lightweight formula in a soft brown or rich brown shade is perfect for that natural, ‘your lashes but better’ effect. And opt for a wand that separates and lengthens, making every lash pop in a subtle, stunning way,” she comments.
What is the best mascara for sensitive eyes?
“If your eyes need a little extra love, go for a hypoallergenic mascara,” says Paige. “These have gentle formulas and are typically fragrance-free to avoid irritation.”
“The P.Louise Tiny Tears Mascara has been formulated with non-irritating, mild ingredients and is free from harsh chemicals, parabens and sulphates, making it perfect for anyone that struggles with sensitivity around the eye area, or contact lens wearers,” she adds.
What is tubing mascara?
The best tubing mascara works a bit differently to regular mascara. Instead of coating lashes with traditional pigment, it wraps each lash in tiny, water-resistant ‘tubes’. This means zero smudging, flaking or panda eyes, and when you’re ready to take it off, warm water is enough. The tubes slip right off without rubbing or remover which is ideal for sensitive eyes.
How can you prevent mascara from smudging and flaking?
There are a few tricks to keep panda eyes at bay. Make sure your lashes are clean and oil-free before you apply (leftover eye cream is a big smudge culprit). Go easy on your lower lashes – a light coat or skip them altogether if you have sensitive or watery eyes. Waterproof or tubing formulas are your best bet when it comes to staying power, and finally, don’t overload the brush – too much product can flake as it dries. Less is more for all-day lashes that don’t budge.
How to apply mascara:
Vincent Ford, Global Artist at NARS, believes that the best way to apply mascara depends on what “story” you want your eyes to tell. “For a natural look, focus on pulling the mascara wand through the lashes from root to tip as if you were combing the lashes for length. Then remove any excess with a lash comb or fingertips for a separated, born with it appearance,” he reveals.
“For a more dramatic look, I like to build the mascara up at the root of the lashes by moving the wand side to side at the base of the lashes, without applying any to the tips,” says Vincent. “This will give a feathery full lash look that looks great on everyone.” As for some more tips?
- Take care not to over-pump (it’ll dry the formula out – fast).
- If you find a wand you love, clean it and keep it to use on your next mascara.
- Layer your mascara with a lash-plumping primer. Sweep on a few layers before your mascara and you’ll reap bigger, thicker lashes.
- Don’t forget to use an eyelash curler to really lengthen and open up the eyes.
- Consider investing in an eyelash serum, or if you have sensitive eyes, a mascara for sensitive eyes.
- For lower lashes, we recommend trying the viral Selena Gomez hack, which includes pinching your lashes with a pair of tweezers to achieve that doll-like look.
How we tested mascara:
Between myself and the rest of the GLAMOUR beauty team, we’ve put more than 300 mascaras to the test – and trust me, not every wand makes the cut. Personally, I’m never loyal to just one tube at a time (perk of the job). I’ve worn mascara through sweaty gym classes, rainy commutes and nights out that end at 3am. If it flakes, smudges or leaves me looking like a panda, it won’t make the list.
From old classics (such as Lancome’s iconic fluttery Hypnose Mascara) and Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara (which sells every 7.5 seconds, BTW), to exciting formulas like the e.l.f. Lash XTNDR Mascara, Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara and the viral Maybelline Sky High Mascara, we’ve scored the lot based on staying power, volume offered, length and separation served, and how easy they are to remove.
“My own forever faves? L’Oréal Telescopic when I want natural, wispy lashes for daytime, and Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High when I’m after serious volume and don’t want to worry about smudging on a big night out. Long story short: we’ve done the legwork (and lash work) for you — these are the ones that actually deliver.” – Shani Cohen, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Commerce Writer.
Follow