23 best mascaras for ultimate length, volume, curl and definition
Mascaras entered the makeup game in the 19th century, and ever since then, they've remained a staple in our daily routines, whether we're going for a natural look or an all-out glam moment.
That said, I've learned from first-hand experience that finding the best mascara is equivalent to spotting a needle in a haystack. Considering the amount of mascaras out there – all promising a boost of volume, length and definition – choosing a formula that will tick all the boxes may often seem like an impossible task.
Similar to 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.
Luckily, over the years, mascaras have evolved to feature curl-defining wands, sustainable packaging and even dual-ended applicators, helping us elevate our eye makeup that much further.
Enter: our comprehensive guide to the very best mascaras on the market, including formulas that come MUA-and-beauty-editor-approved. Below, you'll find options to fit every budget and preference that we've been rigorously testing over the past few years. So whether you're looking for the best lengthening mascara, the best high-street mascara or the best mascara for volume – we've got you covered.
Shop these eyelash serums if growth is your sole focus. After an extra curl? Check out our guide on the best eyelash curlers. And while you're at it, take a look at our edit of the best eyeshadow palettes.
Meet the expert:
- Vincent Ford, global artist at NARS Cosmetics.
Best mascaras at a glance – our top picks:
- Best mascara overall: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
- Best mascara for volume and length: L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara
- Best sculpting mascara: REFY Lash Sculpt
- Best curling mascara: Benefit Roller Lash Lifting and Curling Mascara
- Best long-lasting mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, £28, Boots
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."
How we tested:
The GLAMOUR beauty team has tried over 300 different mascaras, so rest assured, you'll find our go-to's and favourites at the very top of the list. From old classics (such as Lancome's iconic fluttery Hypnose Mascara) and Too Faced's Better Than Sex Mascara (which by the way, sells every 7.5 seconds), to exciting formulas like the Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara and the viral Maybelline Sky High Mascara (the latter which has already collected holy grail status and over millions of views on TikTok since it launched), we've road-tested the lot.
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The very best mascaras out there… You're on the way to your best flutter yet.
Best smudge-resistant mascara
L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara
- Effect: Volumising.
- Shades: Black and Brown.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: Made with multi-level bristle brush technology, this mascara formula provides dramatic volume that's bound to turn heads. It comes in a brown or black pigment that is both smudge- and clump-resistant and promises to leave your lash line looking as lush as possible.
Save when you shop for the best mascara with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best mascara overall
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
- Effect: Volumising.
- Shades: Black, Black Waterproof and Brownish Black.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: Launched last year, this mascara became a trending TikTok sensation within hours of landing on e-shelves. People were astounded at how much length it can add to lashes (note: LOADS!). Lengthening, volumising and defining (and clump-free) - this mascara does it all! Here's what our beauty editor thought when she tried it.
Save when you shop for the best mascara with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best sculpting mascara
- Effect: Sculpting, lifting and lengthening.
- Shades: Black.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: Looking to boost your lashes with a natural shine and a healthy-looking finish? Say no more. This vegan mascara is suitable for all skin types and is 100% worth all the hype – after all, what else could we expect from Jess Hunt? Definitely one for the makeup bag.
Best curl-defining mascara
Benefit Roller Lash Lifting and Curling Mascara
- Effect: Lifting.
- Shades: Black.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: This curl-defining mascara expertly grabs, separates and lifts your lashes, coating them in a formula that holds firm for up to 12 hours. It's also formulated with conditioning provitamin B5 and serin, which helps nurture and nourish your lashes at the same time.
Save when you shop for the best mascara with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best mascara for feathery lashes
Lisa Eldridge Beauty Kitten Lash Mascara
- Effect: Lifting and defining.
- Shades: Black.
- Waterproof? Yes.
Why we love it: This water-resistant mascara from Lisa Eldridge has a weightless formula that's smudge-proof and long-lasting. It also comes with a curved applicator that fits the contour of all eye shapes with no problem.
Best smudge-proof mascara
- Effect: Volumising, lengthening and defining.
- Shades: Midnight Black.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: We're not sure what we love more: this mascara's long-lasting formula or its intensely rich pigment that remains smudge-proof until the end of the day. Plus, it's also infused with vitamin C and vitamin E for an extra nourishing boost.
Best mascara with a slim applicator wand
L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Lift Mascara
- Effect: Lifting.
- Shades: Black.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: The slimline, dinky wand aids accuracy if you want superior separation and gives XXL length. Ideal for definition and great for anyone with short lashes – no lash primer needed either.
Best mascara for 24-hour wear
Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Lash Clash
- Effect: Volumising.
- Shades: Black and Blue.
- Waterproof? Yes.
Why we love it: This mascara features an innovative oil-in-water wax formula that's thick, creamy and offers extreme volume with up to 24-hour wear. It's also infused with iris florentina extract to help condition your lashes with every coat.
Save when you shop for the best mascara with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best mascara for a flexible hold
- Effect: Lifting.
- Shades: After Midnight.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: This clean mascara is designed to weightlessly lift and lengthen straight lashes. It provides a flexible hold that can be washed away with warm water (no need for makeup remover!). Ophthalmologist-tested, safe for sensitive eyes and safe for those who wear contact lenses.
Save when you shop for the best mascara with these Sephora discount codes.
Best mascara for that ‘extra’ look
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! Mascara
- Effect: Defining.
- Shades: Dream Pop and Super Black.
- Waterproof? Yes.
Why we love it: This award-winning mascara is a total champ; it builds tonnes of definition and volume for ultra full-looking lashes – all without clumping. Featuring a high-quality formula, this mascara is perfect for layering and is great for both an every day and a night-out look. A favourite among makeup artists.
Save when you shop for the best mascara with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best mascara for a false lash effect
- Effect: Volumising.
- Shades: Black and Brown.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: If you want the effect of fake lashes without faffing around with glue, this Dior mascara creates mega long lashes made for fluttering. Just don't be surprised if someone asks you where you got your falsies.
Best mascara for length
MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara
- Effect: Lifting.
- Shades: Gigablack.
- Waterproof? Yes.
Why we love it: Mac's mascaras are the stuff of dreams, and Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara is one of our all-time favourites. Gripping to the lashes with ease, the thin wand provides layers of jet-black polymers that lengthen and add volume. One of the best tubing mascaras around.
Save when you shop for the best mascara with these Boots discount codes.
Best premium mascara
Givenchy L'Interdit Mascara Couture Volume
- Effect: Volumising.
- Shades: Black.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: A volumizing mascara offers a sophisticated formula that delivers comfortable 24-hour wear. The best part? At the end of the day, it comes off easily with just a bit of warm water. It's filled to the brim with its fair share of lash conditioning ingredients too.
Best natural-looking mascara
- Effect: Volumising.
- Shades: Black and Black/Brown.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: This does an incredible job of lengthening and separating lashes. One coat gives a pretty, natural-looking flutter that’s perfect for minimal makeup days, but it can be built up to a bolder finish with a couple of extra coats. Also available on Amazon.
Save when you shop for the best mascara with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best mascara for full-on flutter
- Effect: Volumising.
- Shades: 001 Black and 002 Brun Hypnotic.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: For beautifully voluminous, non-clumpy lashes, Lancome’s Hypnose mascara deserves its reputation as an icon. It gives pretty, full-looking fluttery lashes that don’t smudge until you remove it gently in the evening. In fact, it’s our Beauty Editor’s favourite ever mascara (and she’s tried a lot).
Save when you shop for the best mascara with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best long-lasting mascara
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
- Effect: Volumising.
- Shades: Black and Chocolate.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: While we can't promise that this long-wearing mascara is actually better than sex, as far as mascaras go, this Too Faced product is pretty damn good (and it has pretty good staying power too). Two coats of the stuff give you a proper lash lift and make you look like you're wearing false lashes - super long and dark ones, at that. And if you flutter them at anyone, you're guaranteed to set hearts racing.
Save when you shop for the best mascara with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best lifting mascara
- Effect: Lengthening.
- Shades: Black and Brown.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: Glossier's bestselling mascara is unmatched in its ability to lengthens and lift your lashes without any smudges or flakes. The best part? It's that this mascara has a weightless, flexible formula that works to enhance the look of your natural lashes.
Best mascara under £10
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
- Effect: Defining.
- Shades: Very Black, Intense Black, Waterproof Black and Black.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: This drugstore mascara is a dream for sultry, seductive eyes. The curved fanning brush features ten layers of plastic bristles that comb through each and every lash while magnifying them with a volumising glossy black formula. It gives volume, definition, curl and length without causing watery eyes. One of the best drugstore mascaras around and a guaranteed quadruple threat that gives you more bang for your buck. Also available in a waterproof formula.
Save when you shop for the best mascara with these Amazon discount codes.
Best mascara for intensity
Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara
- Effect: Defining and curling.
- Shades: 10 Noir and 20 Brun.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: Of course this blogger-favourite would make the list. Chanel Inimitable Intense is deal for super long and voluminous lashes without clumps. If you're on the market for an intense black mascara that will give your lashes a dramatic transformation and complete your makeup look, then you're in luck, because it doesn't get any better than this. So good, people will think you have lash extensions.
Best mascara for fanned-out lashes
L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Feline Mascara
- Effect: Volumising.
- Shades: Black, Excess Black, Feline Black, Black Waterproof, Brown, Extra Black and So Couture Black.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: This curved brush delivers perfectly fanned lashes. True to its name, Volume Million Lashes Feline Mascara is our favourite to complete a cat-eye look – just use the brush to extend the lashes of the outer corner of your eyes.
Save when you shop for the best mascara with these Boots discount codes.
Best weightless mascara
Pat McGrath Labs Dark Star Mascara
- Effect: Lengthening, lifting and volumising.
- Shades: Xtreme Black, Ultraviolet Blue and Aquamarine Dream.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: Transform your lashes with this instant-intensity mascara, designed to create explosive volume in just a single coat. This luxurious formula applies with a weightless coat of pitch-black colour. What more could you want?
Save when you shop for the best mascara with these Selfridges discount codes.
Best buildable mascara
- Effect: Volumising.
- Shades: Black.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: Thanks to a unique formula that's powered by the brand's own Lash Moisture Complex, this lightweight mascara is capable of coating your lashes without clumping or weighing them down. It also makes it incredibly easy to create buildable intensity and impact.
Save when you shop for the best mascara with these Amazon discount codes.
Best single-coat mascara
Huda Beauty 1 Coat Wow! Mascara
- Effect: Defining, lengthening and volumising.
- Shades: Black.
- Waterproof? No.
Why we love it: Enter: a clever mascara that comes with a double-sided wand with long and short bristles. It also cuts down on application time, since just one dip of mascara holds enough product to coat your lashes from root to tip. Plus, it's vegan and cruelty-free to boot.
Mascara tips and tricks you need to know about:
- Take extra 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 the next tube you try.
- Looking for the next level of lash drama? Layer your mascara with a lash-plumping primer. A few sweeps underneath and the maximising power of your mascara will be heightened.
- Don't forget to use an eyelash curler to really lengthen and open up the eyes; it's our best beauty secret.
- 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.
