Best Mascara for Volume, Length, and Luscious Lashes

Buying Guide for Finding the Best Mascara

Buying mascara is not quite as simple as choosing the cutest tube off the shelf that fits your budget. Different types of mascara vary in the way they shape your lashes, how densely they apply, their staying power, and the way they feel on your eyes. Choosing the right mascara for your lashes can transform your look and allow you to get the effect you’re after. In this guide, you’ll find out everything you need to consider when choosing the best mascara to pucker up your peepers.

What to consider when choosing mascara

Type of mascara

Mascara is formulated to create different effects. Here are the most common types and purpose of each.

Volumizing and thickening

Volumizing mascara formulas create bolder lashes which can be paired with smokey eye makeup for a seductive look or with neutral makeup for daytime casual. Although labeled differently, thickening and volumizing mascara have the same features, so don’t worry too much about the terminology. The bold lash feature is a little less natural-looking but creates a beautiful luscious outline for your eyes.  

Lengthening

Long lashes offer a stylish sultry look without too much drama. Lengthening mascara formulas are ideal if you already have thick lashes and just want a little more emphasis. Lengthening mascara pairs well with neutral eyeshadow colors for a natural look.  

Primer and mascara combo

Some products come in a 2-in-1 primer and mascara combination. A primer on one end of the tube is applied before the mascara on the other end. This offers a great night-time look since it accentuates dramatic eyes and won't smudge on a long, late night out. Thickening mascara will give you the same effect as primer combos but they are better suited for everyday wear.

Waterproof mascara

The choice between waterproof and water-soluble mascara will depend on your daily environment and activities. If you live in a very humid climate, your eyes water a lot or you are doing sweaty exercises, opt for a waterproof formula that won’t smudge.

Removing waterproof makeup can be laborious so you might also want to keep one of each in your makeup bag and swap them as you need for the day's activities ahead. 

The mascara wand

The mascara brush will have an effect on the final look of your lashes. A straight, plastic bristled wand gives full coverage. It reaches baby lashes towards the sides, making them look sleek and separated. Curved and fluffy mascara brushes give lashes a curl and thicker look. 

Choose mascara according to your lash type

Thin eyelashes 

If you have thin lashes, opt for a thicker volumizing mascara with a big mascara wand.

Short eyelashes 

Lengthening mascara with a long and thin brush is best to elongate short eyelashes.

Small eyes

Ideally, you want your mascara to open up and define your eyes. A fat, curved wand will help shape your lashes to frame your eyes with an open and lifting effect.

Straight eyelashes 

Use an eyelash curler in addition to a curved mascara wand to lift your lashes. Avoid heavy formulas that will weigh your lashes down. Long-lasting mascara will help keep your lashes in place all day.

Mascara for sensitive eyes

Some mascaras cause red, itchy, and watery eyes, especially if you wear contact lenses or have sensitive eyes. Check the ingredients for anything you may be allergic to and opt for a gentler formula.

Color

Black is the general go-to color for mascara since it matches all kinds of makeup and styles. Mascara does, however, also come in more muted colors like navy, deep emerald green, blackened amethyst, and burgundy. Colored mascaras are best chosen according to your eye color or makeup shades. If you like to experiment, try navy blue or burgundy for blue eyes, burgundy and deep amethyst for green eyes, or emerald for green, brown, and hazel eyes.

Black might look harsh if you have fair skin, light eyes, and blonde hair. Using a brown or black-brown mascara will give you a softer look. Light-eyed, fair-skinned brunettes can adapt black, brown-black, or brown color mascara according to their makeup while darker eyes and skin tones pair best with black mascara. 

Keep a few mascaras on hand

Having a few different mascaras on hand is an easy way to change up your look. Alternating waterproof and washable options is a great idea to prevent lash breakage. Colors are fun for evenings and neutrals like black or brown are more suitable for work. Mascara is only good for around three months once opened, so don't stock up on too many to prevent having to toss them before you have a chance to use them up.

Quality

When purchasing mascara in-store, give it a whiff and check the consistency. Mascara that has a strong or strange smell may be bad quality or expired. Also, avoid mascara that is too thick and clumpy. Opting for a well-known, trusted brand is a good idea when it comes to make-up, especially something you are applying so close to your eyes to ensure safety and quality.

Mascara tips

• To enhance a fuller look for your lashes, dot and lightly smudge black eyeliner between your top lashes. This method is often used to make false lashes look more natural, but also works to create a false-lash look naturally.
• Remove mascara with makeup remover daily to prevent your lashes from falling out.