The best mascaras prove that not all mascaras are created equal. For truly thick lashes—whether they’re lengthening, false lashes, or both—it’s important to have a quality mascara (or three) in your collection. Remember: it’s okay to be choosy.
Askme’s Favorite Mascara
Best Featured: Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara, $38
Best Lengthening Mascara: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push-Up Lashes, $29
Best Cleansing Mascara: Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara, $28
Best drugstore: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, $13
Best Waterproof Mascara: CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara, $9
Best Dramatic Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $28
Best Volumizing Mascara: Yves Saint Laurent Radical Volumizing Mascara, $29
Best Classic: Dior Signature Overcurl Mascara, $33
Best Vegan Formula: Westman Atelier I Want You Mascara, $45
“Our eyelashes deserve the same care and attention as our hair,” says celebrity makeup artist Karina Milan, who has designed eyelashes for clients including Yara Shahidi, Ziwe, and Ice Spice. “With the right tips and tricks, we can all find a way to improve and showcase our eyelashes.”
First, if your lashes are long or not curled enough, Millan says to be sure to use a good eyelash curler and apply pressure to them a few times. “I like my lashes straight, so I usually only curl the roots. If your lashes are super curly, I recommend using a heated eyelash curler and using it to straighten them out. Next is to find a good mascara.
Shop Askme’s best mascaras, from waterproof drugstore gems to creamy, plant-powered formulas that are super easy to create — all tested and reviewed by our editors and experts to make sure they’re the one for you.
in this story
What to keep in mind while choosing mascara?
What’s the best way to remove mascara?
How to Apply Mascara
How to prevent mascara from clogging or staining
Best Drugstore: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Why we love it: Since appearing on TikTok in 2020, this recipe has maintained its status as a favorite. Its thin, flexible brush delivers intense volume and length from root to tip.
Benefits: Increases length and density of eyelashes without weighing them down.
Main Ingredients: Bamboo extract and fiber
Who it’s for: Ophthalmologist-tested, this formula is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Waterproof: none
Color: Black, Brown, Blue, Pink, Burgundy
Best Vegan Formula: Westman Atelier I Want You Mascara
Why we love it: The plant-powered formula has a creamy texture—it glides easily onto lids without clumping.
Pros: The hourglass-shaped brush design captures every lash. Plus, the buildable formula creates an easy, everyday look with just one coat, just add another layer for more drama.
Key ingredients: Carnauba wax and candelilla wax blend, botanical esters, organic shea butter
Applicable Group: Vegan formula is gentle on sensitive eyes.
Waterproof: none
Color: Black, Brown
Editor’s note: Senior shopping editor Talia Abbas uses this mascara every day: “The thick brush lifts and separates in the most natural way without piling a ton of mascara on my lashes, which then falls off throughout the day. I keep it on all day long. “I can’t stop myself from rubbing my eyes every day, but I can use this to make myself worry-free!
Best Featured: Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara
Why we love it: “I love it because it’s a deep black mascara that does it all!” explains Andrea Tiller, who stars as actress Ilfenesh Hadera, the professional behind some of Chanel’s most striking looks, creator of Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara.
Pros: “With just two coats, you get gorgeous false eyelashes,” Tiller praises.
Key ingredients: Natural wax to increase density, fast-drying gum arabic for curling, film former for softness
Who it’s for: This eye-opening formula will appeal to those who want longer, thicker hair and a deep black, brown, or blue hue.
Waterproof: none
Color: Black, Brown, Blue
Best for curling lashes: L’Oréal Paris Volumizing Lash Paradise Mascara
Why we love it: The appeal of L’Oréal Lash Paradise is its ability to volumize and curl straight lashes.
Pros: This mascara wand has over 200 wavy bristles that coat each lash with four rich shades, without flaking or clumping.
Main Ingredients: Flower Oil
Who it’s for: Looking for an alternative to going to the drugstore? It’s safe to say this is one of those mascaras you’ll want to buy again and again.
Waterproof: none
Color: Black, Ultra Black, Dark Brown
Best Classic: Dior Iconic Overcurl Mascara
Why we love it: “It gives lashes instant shine and I love how silky it feels and the thick bristle brush helps lift lashes,” says celebrity makeup artist James Molloy of the classic Diorshow mascara.
Pros: This formula strengthens lashes and doesn’t dry out over time.
Key Ingredients: Cornflower Extract
Who it’s for: If big lashes are on your wish list, this mascara is for you.
Waterproof: none
Color: Black, Brown, Dark Blue
Best Curved Mascara: Lancôme Lash Idole Lash-Lifting and Volumizing Mascara
Why we love it: Lancôme’s Lash Idole Mascara, a favorite of Askme editors, uses 360 micro-bristle bristles on a curved wand to cover and volumize each lash from root to tip.
Benefits: A lightweight gel formula that plumps and lifts lashes, infused with conditioning ingredients for a soft, feathery feel.
Key Ingredients: White Tea Extract
Applicable group: Even for people with short eyelashes, their eyelashes will become significantly more fluffy and fuller after one use.
Waterproof: none
Color black
Best Cleansing Mascara: Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara
Why we love it: What sets Ilia’s Limitless Lash Mascara apart from other mascaras on the market is that it’s 99% naturally derived, just like the brand’s makeup products, which focus on sustainability and skin-friendly ingredients.
Benefits: This lightweight mascara is enriched with nourishing active ingredients and won’t stain.
Key Ingredients: Arginine, Shea Butter and Beeswax
Who it’s for: Anyone who’s constantly on the go will appreciate how this mascara stays put all day and easily washes off at night (just use water).
Waterproof: none
Shade: Soft black
Editor’s tip: I usually apply my lower lashes very carefully (and, frankly, with very little skill). The lash spikes on this brush make it easy to apply a base coat with smudge-proof precision. Overall, my eyes look cleaner.
Best Waterproof: CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara
Why we love it: CoverGirl’s Lash Blast formula is easily one of the best (and most affordable) waterproof mascaras on the market, and it’s worth keeping on hand year-round.
Benefits: Get dramatic volume in just one swipe – coats every eyelid without clumping or flaking.
Key Ingredients: Glyceryl Stearate, Acrylate Copolymer, Distearylammonium Hectorite
Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a solid waterproof formula, perhaps to take with them on a beach vacation.
Waterproof: Yes
Color black
Best Mascara: Surratt Noir Lash Tint
Why we love it: For Lauren Santo Domingo, Surratt’s mascara is perfect for everyday wear without looking too heavy. “It’s not cakey and provides the right amount of definition to the eyes without looking too obvious or makeup-y,” the co-founder and chief brand officer of Moda Operandi previously told Eskume. Plus, it’s won our editors’ hearts.
Benefits: The unique bristle-free brush wand ensures color is deposited on every eyelid.
Key Ingredients: Isododecane, Distearyldimethylammonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to lengthen their lashes or make them appear thicker.
Waterproof: none
Color black
Best Dramatic Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Why we love it: “I love Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara because it adds drama to the look!” says artist Mata Marielle, the mind behind the look, Melina Matsoukas, founder and director of Mata Labs.
Benefits: Use the best-selling hourglass-shaped brush to gently apply the peptide-infused formula to each eyelid.
Main ingredients: Curly film-forming polymer, Senegalese acacia tree extract, peptides
Who it’s for: Not for the shy mascara lover, this formula will win over anyone looking for maximum volume and undeniable drama.
Waterproof: none
Color black
Editor’s tip: If I want to feel like a doe, this is my go-to. It separates my lashes while giving them a luscious, soft curl. After wearing one coat, I’ll wear a second coat — you know, for that forest creature yet glamorous effect.
Best for Everyday Use: Victoria Beckham Vast Lash
Why we love it: The vitamin-rich, waterproof formula nourishes lashes and leaves them thicker and visibly longer.
Benefits: Microalgae strengthens eyelashes, making them look voluminous in just two weeks. Plus, panthenol has a moisturizing effect, tocopherol has a regulating effect, and niacinamide can promote the production of keratin and help eyelash growth.
Key Ingredients: Tahitian Marine Microalgae, Panthenol, Nicotinamide, Tocopherol
Who it’s for: For anyone looking to take a little more care of their lashes, this is the best place to start.
Waterproof: none
Color black
Editor’s tip: AskMen beauty writer Kiana Marden previously said, “[This is] the first and only mascara I’ve ever raved about on my lashes. I don’t take that lightly!” Senior shopping editor Talia Abbas raved about it. A waterproof formula: “You can safely watch ‘One Day’ in its entirety and no one will know you cried your eyes out.”
Best Fake – Look: Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening & Volume Enhancing Mascara
Why we love it: This Benefit Cosmetics mascara will have everyone asking about your lash secrets. Just swipe and get ready for the inevitable questions “Are you wearing fake lashes?”
Pros: The deep black color is formulated for long-lasting wear without tarnishing.
Key Ingredients: Paraffin, polybutylene, styrene/acrylate/ammonium methacrylate copolymer, wax
Who it’s for: Anyone wanting the effect of big eyes will be instantly captivated. The domed tip helps the corners of your eyelids pop out, creating storybook-style bangs.
Waterproof: none
Color black
Best mascara for adding length: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push-Up Lashes Mascara
Why we love it: For Lizzo’s go-to makeup artist Alex Mayo, you can’t go wrong with Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Push-Up Lashes. “The brush really grabs every lash and adds length in such a clean way,” explains Mayo.
Benefits: The volumizing formula magically lengthens lashes, keeping them in their vertical shape for up to 24 hours.
Key Ingredients: Microcrystalline wax, stearic acid, carnauba wax, acrylate copolymer
Who it’s best for: Fans of the brand’s Pillow Talk shade, a universally flattering nude pink, will find their perfect match in the berry brown “Dream Pop” Mascara.
Waterproof: none
Colour: Black, Berry Brown
Editor’s tip: With just one swipe, my lashes feel silky and about three miles long. I usually use a curling iron to lift my lashes, but with this mascara (just one), I’m confident the formula can handle the heavy lifting.
Best Glam: Pat McGrath Labs FetishEyes Mascara
Why we love it: Simply put, Pat McGrath Labs FetishEyes Mascara “brings supermodel drama and sex appeal,” say Marcelo Gutierrez, the experts behind Christopher John Rogers and Barragán’s stunning backstage look.
Benefits: Furthermore, a rich blend of peptides and panthenol ensures that your lashes are strengthened and conditioned, leaving them soft, flowing and full.
Key Ingredients: Synthetic Wax, Paraffin Wax, Senegal Acacia Gum, Butylene Glycol
Applicable group: This mascara is the secret weapon of professional makeup artists. It only needs to lengthen the eyelashes to bring exquisite makeup in daily life.
Waterproof: none
Color black
Best Volumizing Mascara: Yves Saint Laurent Radical Volumizing Mascara
Why we love it: This Yves Saint Laurent mascara is specially formulated to promote softer, thicker lashes.
Benefits: The formula thickens, fills, and lengthens lashes, while the hybrid fiber brush efficiently lifts lashes without clumping.
Key Ingredients: Walnut Leaves, Argan Oil, Vitamin B5
Who it’s for: This is a makeup kit with all the essentials for creating a soft, ethereal look that’s perfect for date night.
Waterproof: none
Color black
Best Lightweight Mascara: NARS Climax Mascara
Why we love it: NARS Climax Mascara is loved by pros and celebrities like Rachel Ziegler, and its attractive red tube isn’t its only coveted quality. This creamy, lightweight formula thickens lashes without clumping.
Pros: It’s lightweight and doesn’t stick or spread, yet creates a thick, rich black coating.
Key Ingredients: Senegal Acacia Gum, Paraffin Wax, Glyceryl Stearate, Synthetic Wax
Who it’s best for: For those who believe mascara is best applied in layers, the buildable formula is a makeup bag essential.
Waterproof: none
Color black
Best Precision Applicator: Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extension Mascara
Why we love it: Donnie Davy, the mastermind behind Euphoria Beauty, says she loves Hourglass’s Unlocked Instant Extension Mascara. “It’s a beautiful black shade that defines, lengthens, and separates lashes,” she says.
Pros: “It also rinses out easily so you don’t get raccoon eyes,” adds David. “The wand has little spikes instead of fluffy fibers, which makes for a more precise application, especially when applied to smaller, thinner lashes.”
Main ingredients: Film-forming technology wraps fibers around each eyelash to create a fan-shaped effect
Best for: Those wanting the look of eyelash extensions rather than the actual application will love the false-lash effect of this mascara.
Waterproof: none
Color black
Best for Lower Lashes: It Cosmetics Firming 3-in-1 Primer-Eyeliner-Mascara
Why we love it: Margot Robbie and Dakota Johnson “When you want a no-mascara look, It Cosmetics is my favorite choice for eyes and inner lashes,” says Patti Do, who works with Patti Dubroff.
Benefits: The peptide-infused formula is multi-functional, priming, defining, and lengthening lashes all in one go.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, Proteins, and Antioxidants
Best for: Multi-taskers will find their sweet spot in this 3-in-1 product that primes and lengthens lashes while tightening the eyes.
Waterproof: none
Color black
Choosing the best mascara requires some thought. Many celebrity makeup artists teach you how to choose the right one for you.
Wand shape: The first is the shape of the wand, which can be fluffy, long, curved, tapered, hourglass-shaped, etc. As celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatti is quick to confirm, the choice of shape largely depends on personal preference. “The wand shape is very unique!” she said. “I prefer using a large, soft brush to get maximum volume and curl.” Celebrity makeup artist Meg Boyce also likes to use larger brushes, “I like thicker wand-shaped brushes, which help push excess product between your lashes,” she says. “You can always brush off the disposable wand later to improve the look.” In contrast, professional makeup artist Carolina Dali prefers a thinner, tapered wand. “It starts out a little fuller at the top and tapers off as you get to the end of the wand,” she explains. “The shape of the wand really allows me to get inside each lash and define it, and the thinner tip comes in handy when applying mascara to the lower lash line.”
Lampshades: For lampshades, Boyce recommends black for a “bold, elongated look” and brown for a “soft appeal.” Barty typically wears black mascara, especially when she’s going for a “sweet, sexy” look. (Armani Beauty Eyes to Kill is one of her go-to formulas.) Dali’s general rule: Black mascara is best “for most people,” though dark brown mascara is better for blondes and redheads.
Benefits: Mascara also has a variety of benefits, from lengthening to thickening. Barty prefers volumizing and curling mascaras to add volume to her lashes and open up her eyes, but she stresses that people don’t have to choose between one option and another. “If you want length and volume, mix up your formulas,” she advises. “Start with a curl formula, then finish with a lengthener.” Of course, some formulas, like “Benefit They’re Real!”, will add volume and length at the same time.
Waterproof: Finally, Barty says, “I like to use formulas that don’t budge.” For this reason, she prefers waterproof mascaras — ones that are made to resist smudging and flaking. Mascaras that come in tubes, like Victoria Beckham’s Vast Lash, also tend to be longer-lasting. (Traditional mascaras apply pigment to the lashes, while tube formulas wrap each lash in a small, waterproof tube.) Pro tip: “There are many tube mascaras on the market that you may not know are tube mascaras, because they’re actually tube mascaras. “Clear signs of a true tube mascara are ingredients like propylene glycol, dimethicone, glyceryl stearate, and beeswax.”
Daly recommends following a “simple two-step” process for removing mascara. Step one, she instructs: Soak a cotton pad in an oil-based makeup remover. “An oil-based formula is essential because it helps clean everything off faster and is more gentle on the skin than using a soapy face wash,” she says. “My top pick is Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover. Follow these steps to use your face cleanser of choice.
Bhatti typically double cleanses, first using Edem Cleansing Balm, followed by Joanna Vargas Vitamin C Face Wash. She also recommends using “beautiful skincare products” to nourish and protect your eyes after removing makeup. Her favorite combo is Wegamore Lash Serum and La Prairie Eye Cream.
“When you open a new mascara, be sure to wipe the brush. This helps freshen the bristles, giving the brush a cleaner grip inside the tube and a cleaner application on your lashes. Speaking of staying fresh, “if your mascara doesn’t make a pinging sound when you pull the brush out of the tube, that means it’s old and dry,” says Martin.
When it’s time to apply, Martin instructs, “Start at the root of the lashes and move back and forth to the ends.” “This helps pull the mascara through the lashes instead of just the ends.”
“Try combing your lashes before applying mascara,” says Martin. “This helps separate the lashes and also removes any dust or shadows that may be on the actual lashes that cause the mascara formula to clump (or smudge). After applying mascara, brush your lashes again — be sure to do this quickly, before it dries,” advises Martin.
“If wear is a concern, I usually apply a final coat of waterproof mascara to lock it in,” says Milan. “It stays put all day long and prevents smudging or smudging, but it also rubs off easily since it’s not a waterproof formula.”
Meet the experts
Amber Amos is a celebrity makeup artist who works with Lil Nas X and Law Roach
Donnie Davy is a celebrity makeup artist and the mind behind Euphoria Beauty
Alex Mayo is a celebrity makeup artist most recently known for her work with Lizzo
James Molloy is a go-to makeup artist for brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills and Danessa Myricks Beauty.
Karina Milan is a New York-based celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Yara Shahidi, Ziwe, and Venus Williams.
Keita Moore is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Yara Shahidi, Janelle Monae, Iman, and more
Anthony Nguyen is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Adele, Sydney Sweeney and Camila Cabello
Andrea Tiller is a celebrity makeup artist best known for her work with actress Ilfenesh Hadera
Vincent Oquendo is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Jenna Ortega, Lily Collins, and Hailey Bieber.
Tobi Henney is a makeup artist whose clients include models Poppy Delevingne and Barbara Palvin.
Daniel Martin is a celebrity makeup artist and Tatcha’s global director of art and education. His clients include Ali Wong, Dakota Johnson, and Michelle Yeoh.
Kirin Bhatti is an American coast-to-coast celebrity makeup artist. Her clients include Bel Powley, Kate Mara, and Jenny Slate.
Meg Boyce is a Nashville-based celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist. Her clients include Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, and Katherine Heigl.
Carolina Dali is a celebrity makeup artist and men’s beautician in New York. Her clients include Alexandra Daddario, Hunter Schafer, and
Kasha Lassien is a celebrity makeup artist and men’s beautician based in Los Angeles. His clients include Quinta Brunson, Michael B. Jordan, and Ayo Edebiri.
