Welcome to Deep Reviews—your one-stop destination to discover the absolute best products and brands the beauty industry has to offer. The Who What Wear staffers you already know and trust will research, test, and review the market's most sought-after and buzzed-about products to see which formulas (of the hundreds up for consideration) are truly worth your hard-earned money and attention. You can expect honest, completely uncensored feedback and no-BS recommendations our hard-to-please testers endorse without reservations.
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Truth be told, I don't know if I was the best—or worst—person to orchestrate a deeper-than-deep review of the industry's best mascaras. On one hand, I'm obsessed with lashes, and I'm a little nutty when it comes to my standards for mascaras. I expect practical magic, and because of that, there are only about five mascaras (in my nearly 20 years of makeup-wearing) I've ever truly loved. It doesn't matter if the mascara is prestigious or can be found at the drugstore—I hold them all to the same high standard. They need to curl! They need to lengthen! And they need to defy gravity when it comes to lift.
On the other hand, when our panel of mascara testers received upwards of 20 different tubes of mascara at their doorsteps, did they hate me just a little? (They're too polite to say it, but yes, they probably did.) But if I'm going to be the one in charge of pinpointing the absolute best mascaras your precious money can buy, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'm the last person to lead you astray. Ahead, you'll find our curated list of the 10 best mascaras the market has to offer right now. From the overall standout to the best waterproof option that will still look 10/10 post-swim, we have you covered. Keep scrolling!
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"I naturally have long, dark lashes that I further enhance with lash serums. However, they're very straight and prone to droopiness. Therefore, curling my lashes pre-mascara is nonnegotiable for me. My dream mascara gives me enough volume at the root to make my lash line look thicker without looking clumpy or too thick at the top. Overall, I want a mascara that keeps my lashes lifted and curled and provides lots of fluttery length and definition. I tend to prefer small, flexible rubber brushes, as opposed to big, bushy ones, since they give me more control and feel less heavy and wet on my lashes. Essentially, I want to look like Bambi! My mascara deal-breakers: a formula that is too heavy or wet (thus sabotaging curl and lift), transfers, or smudges." — Erin Jahns
"My lashes are long but pin-straight, so I'm always looking for a mascara that makes them look lifted and defined. My dream mascara would be something that offers length and volume. It would have an inky black formula, but it wouldn't deposit too much product on my lashes. It would look natural and be extremely buildable. Also, there would be no smudging—so many mascaras smudge! My mascara deal-breakers: smudging, flaking, or a formula that's too heavy and gives my lashes a spidery effect." — Kaitlyn McLintock
"My lashes are pretty average! Not too long, not too short, not super thick. I never feel like I need mascara when I go out. My eyelashes aren't nonexistent, but I always do wear it when I want to do a full makeup look. My dream mascara is a non-clumpy formula that makes my eyelashes look fluffy and long. My mascara deal-breakers: I absolutely hate when a mascara clumps my lashes together. Volume, to me, shouldn't mean clumpy! And don't get me started on smudging. When I end the day looking like a raccoon, I know it's bad." — Anneliese Dominguez
"My lashes are thin, blonde, and the type that stick straight out, so an eyelash curler is a must for me. They have no natural volume, so I rely heavily on a good mascara to enhance them. My dream mascara keeps my straight lashes lifted throughout the day. I want my mascara to make it look like I've had a lash lift and tint without paying for one! My mascara deal-breakers: I prefer a more natural makeup look, so any mascara that clumps immediately gets tossed. I'd rather go mascara-less than deal with one that deposits too much black goop onto my lashes." — Natalie Gray Herder
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Our average rating: 4.8/5 stars
Pros: Lots of lift; great curl; 24-hour wear; grabs every lash; conditioning ingredients; lightweight gel formula that doesn't weigh lashes down; no smudging, clumping, or flaking
Cons: Expensive, not as "natural" of a formula, only available in black
Our thoughts: "Technically speaking, I don't think I could create a better mascara in terms of lift, curl, length, volume, and wearability. (No flakes! No clumps! No smudges!) I'm honestly mad that, for some godforsaken reason, I'm only just trying it! Just do yourself a favor and make sure you heed the brand's advice in terms of application—hold the wand horizontally near your lashes with the curved side facing upward and apply in an upward swiping motion. I was on a press trip when I tested this, and I immediately ran to my laptop to message the group about how obsessed I was." — Jahns
"Immediately after Erin messaged in our group saying that this was the mascara she didn't know she needed, I went to try this on. My eyelashes doubled in length, and the curl was unbelievable." — Dominguez
Lancôme
Lash Idôle Volumizing Mascara
SHOP NOWPromising review: "I love this mascara. I have tried them all—from prestige to drugstore. I curl my lashes, use Lancome primer, and then Idôle mascara. No clumping no flaking, and my lashes stay curled all day. This mascara is a winner!!" — Nordstrom customer
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Our average rating: 4.1/5 stars
Pros: Affordable; delivers noticeable, fanned-out length that we loved; easy to remove; flexible brush; no clumping, smudging, or flaking; available in four different shades; waterproof and non-waterproof formulas
Cons: Lift and curl could be more dramatic and could last longer, not as "natural" of a formula
Our thoughts: "I loved the length this mascara gave my lashes. It made them so long they hit against my glasses every time I blinked. For the affordable price of this product, I was impressed by the fluttery effect it provided." — McLintock
"At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I love the length and lift this one gave my lashes. However, the curl didn't hold after an hour or so." — Gray Herder
Maybelline
Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
SHOP NOWPromising review: "This mascara is life changing. Some mascaras make makeup a chore. This one doesn't. It's easy to apply and has beautiful lash coverage. Couldn't recommend more!!!" — Ulta customer
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Our average rating: 4.3/5 stars
Pros: Natural formula; highly conditioning; patented dual-sided brush for curl, volume, and lift; safe for sensitive eyes; buildable; no smudging or clumping; flake-resistant; long wear
Cons: Expensive, only one shade option, no waterproof options
Our thoughts: "Yet again, this was another mascara I had been sleeping on. All I can say is wow. It's so hard for natural mascara formulas to impress me—they often smudge, feel too wet, or just don't give me quite the same level of oomph I crave from a mascara. I love that the dual-sided wand really lets you comb through your lashes to evenly disperse the formula, lending impeccable length, definition, and separation. (Use the shorter side to curl and create volume and the longer bristles to lift, lengthen, and separate.) I don't know if any other mascara has made my lashes look longer." — Jahns
"This mascara made my lashes super fluttery. Seriously, if you're someone who wants length, this mascara delivers it. I loved the doe-eyed effect it gave. The best part was that I didn't see any flaking or smudging, and I wore it for a full eight hours." — McLintock
Ilia
Limitless Lash Mascara
SHOP NOWPromising review: "I just love this mascara! It doesn't clump or flake, and the volume and length it gives my lashes are incredible." — Ilia customer
(Image credit: Who What Wear)
Our average rating: 4.6/5 stars
Pros: Refillable; supreme curl; nicely balanced lift, separation, volume, and length; long-lasting; no flakes, clumps, or smudges; waterproof option; five shades available
Cons: Expensive
Our thoughts: "I don't usually like non-rubber brushes, so I was already convinced I would dislike this mascara prior to even trying it. As someone who wants even the tiniest lash caught and coated, bushier brushes like this usually just can't get the job done. So you can imagine my gleeful dismay when I realized this new refillable version of the Dior's Iconic Overcurl might be the one and only exception out there. All it takes is one or two quick coats, and you will have the fluffiest, curliest lashes of your dreams. Unlike other curling mascaras we tested, this one doesn't deflate!" — Jahns
"No, you don't understand—I'm obsessed. My lashes were fluffy, full, and long as ever. No notes." — Dominguez
Dior
Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara
SHOP NOWPromising review: "I am a mascara snob. I am very picky when it comes to my mascara, and I freakin love this mascara! It goes on great, curls, separates, and it doesn't transfer or flake!" — Sephora customer
(Image credit: Who What Wear)
Our average rating: 4.7/5 stars
Pros: Maximum, albeit natural-looking, volume and thickness; no clumps; buildable; vegan; natural ingredients; highly conditioning for healthier lashes long-term; waterproof formula
Cons: Not as much length, expensive, no other shades available
Our thoughts: "I loved this mascara. I usually don't love big mascara brushes because they tend to deposit too much product on my lashes, but this one is different. It deposits the perfect amount of mascara in every swipe. The formula is so smooth and buildable, and my lashes were instantly lengthened and defined. It provided the most natural-looking result out of any mascara I tried. Like I said, I loved it." — McLintock
"I'm not usually a volume-mascara person, but wow. This gave me tons of volume without getting clumpy." — Dominguez
Milk Makeup
Kush High Volumizing Mascara
SHOP NOWPromising review: "This product is so good! I have been using it for a couple weeks, and it makes my lashes look so good! My favorite thing about this mascara is that it does not flake, and it lasts all day long on me!!!!" — Sephora customer
(Image credit: Who What Wear)
Our average rating: 3.7/5 stars
Pros: Lightweight, tubing, provides lots of length, easy removal, vegan, long-lasting, safe for sensitive eyes
Cons: Not super buildable or volumizing, may flake or smudge, expensive, no waterproof or alternative shade options
Our thoughts: "I love a great tubing mascara, and as I'm someone who has supremely sensitive eyes (even with many 'clean' or 'natural' formulas), Tarte is quite literally one of the only brands that don't send my eyes into red and runny madness. This mascara is kind of polarizing—it seems like people either love it or hate it—but it's one of my all-time faves. It's super easy to remove and ultra-lightweight, and you only need one or two coats for extension-like results." — Jahns
"Pop off, Tarte! My lashes looked so long after this mascara! It didn't give me that fluffy lash look that I like, but it definitely made my lashes stand out. I'm into it." — Dominguez
Tarte
Tartelette Tubing Mascara
SHOP NOWPromising review: "This is a mascara that does what it says it can. It lengthens and thickens lashes. Two liberal coats will have your lashes looking amazing. Stays put but oh so easy to remove. It's that good. I bought two, one for a friend to try." — Tarte customer
(Image credit: Who What Wear)
Our average rating: 4/5 stars
Pros: Your-lashes-but-better finish; natural ingredients; two shade options; strengthens, conditions, and provides lots of length and a pretty bump of lift
Cons: Expensive, not much curl or volume, may smudge and move by the end of the day depending on the other products you're wearing
Our thoughts: "This is another great 'clean' mascara option for natural, everyday wear. It wasn't the most volumizing but didn't flake, smudge, or transfer." — Gray Herder
"If you're someone who prioritizes clean ingredients and wants just a tap of depth, length, and lift, you'll absolutely love this mascara. I love that it also comes in brown, and it's my new standby for no-makeup-makeup days." — Jahns
Saie
Mascara 101
SHOP NOWPromising review: "I was referred to this product by my mom, and I am hooked. It doesn't clump up AT ALL, and I love the round part at the end of the brush....it is amazing in the eye corners. No lash gets left behind. Already received compliments." — Saie customer
(Image credit: Who What Wear)
Our average rating: 4/5 stars
Pros: Gives decent amount of length, lift, and natural-looking volume; no flakes; natural ingredients; buildable; conditioning
Cons: Expensive, may smudge, no waterproof or alternative shade options, might be better for those who already have some natural length
Our thoughts: "I had heard so many rave reviews about this mascara, so I couldn't wait to put it to the test and try it. I will say it gave me the most fluttery brow-grazing length, definition, and lift, but it *did* smudge for me, which you can see just below my brows. I don't know if this would have been an issue if I wasn't so intent on having the longest lashes physically possible by way of lash serums (ha!), but I did have to make a note. That said, the results were so freaking good I'll continue to wear it anyway!" — Jahns
"This mascara is a great option for flake-free everyday wear, especially if you already have long lashes." — Gray Herder
Ami Colé
Lash-Amplifying Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara
SHOP NOWPromising review: "I really love the length, volume, and thickness this mascara gives me without any clumping, flaking, or smudging. It's definitely a must-try!" — Sephora customer
(Image credit: Who What Wear)
Our average rating: 4/5 stars
Pros: Affordable, multiple shades, waterproof and clean versions, provides noticeable volume and thickness with minimal coats needed, hypoallergenic, bristles can easily catch and coat every last lash
Cons: May transfer or be slightly messy, won't get as much length or definition as other mascaras
Our thoughts: "Trying this mascara again was a blast from the past, as it was the only one I used all through high school. While I enjoy the formula (it didn't smudge or flake), I do tend to prefer thinner wands now." — Gray Herder
"Like practically everyone else on our panel, this was the mascara for me in high school and college, and even though I've started to gravitate toward other mascaras that give me more length and separation (versus thickness and volume), it's the only formula I dare apply on my lower lashes thanks to how smudge-proof it is. My lower lashes are freakishly long, so that's saying something!" — Jahns
CoverGirl
Lash Blast Volume Mascara
SHOP NOWPromising review: "This mascara is the best long-wearing mascara and really holds my lash curl." — Ulta customer
(Image credit: Who What Wear)
Our average rating: 4/5 stars
Pros: Two shade options, regular and non-waterproof formulas, lots of volume and thickness, moisturizes and conditions, ultra-black hue thanks to specialized peptides, buildable
Cons: Expensive, not the best for length and curl, some flaking
Our thoughts: "I liked the volume it gave my lashes and the fact that it didn't deposit too much product on my lashes, so they maintained a natural, albeit amplified, look." — McLintock
"I love the no-makeup makeup look of this mascara, but I wish it kept my lashes lifted throughout the day. It separated my lashes nicely but didn't hold a curl. I would use this mascara if you already have long, thick lashes!" — Gray Herder
Too Faced
Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
SHOP NOWPromising review: "If you want your lashes to look long, voluminous, and healthy, this is the one!! and it doesn't flake at allllll. It doesn't budge by sweat, and if it can hold up against the Miami heat, it's a great choice!" — Nordstrom customer
Each installment of Deep Reviews is weeks—and sometimes months—in the making. Once we land on a subject or category to test, we'll consult our very own staffers and editors (because we happen to think we have damn fine taste when it comes to all things beauty) to come up with our own "best" list.
After compiling our own list, we looked to other publications—Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Allure, InStyle, and Byrdie—and made a list of the mascaras each site recommended above all others. Next, we cross-examined the results from each publication while studying every last review and rating across major online beauty retailers to see which formulas showed up the most and seemed to be the most satisfactorily rated among beauty shoppers (like you) as well.
In the end, we whittled 77 potential "best" mascaras down to 20, then from 20 to 12, then to 11 to our final top 10 to fit every category—from the best overall that magically ticked every single box to more specific category winners like the best curling and lengthening formulas. Each of the above mascaras has been vetted, tested, and reviewed by our highly discerning panel of testers.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Hanna Flanagan
For more of the Cut’s favorite fashion, beauty, and home finds, sign up for the weekly Cut Shop Newsletter.
I know from personal experience that mascara can really make or break a makeup look — whether I’m going barefaced but still want my eyes to pop or I’m wearing full glam and don’t want my eyes to be totally washed out by heavy contour or cream blush. It’s the one product that completes my makeup routine and always makes me feel put together. And luckily, after testing (what feels like) hundreds of formulas over the years, I know which ones are worth the money.
The all-time best mascaras, below, shine in a variety of situations, whether you want to look like you’re wearing faux lashes, look like you’re wearing lash extensions, look like you were born with long lashes, cry without looking like a Kardashian, or simply look bright-eyed when having to interact with people in public. Don’t fall into the black hole of choices. Regardless of what kind of lashes you have, here are the 20 best mascaras for every preference and price point.
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The Overall Best Mascara
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara
$28
$28
Photo: Courtesy of the Vendor
Shades: One | Waterproof: No
Drumroll please. This mascara is the universally agreed-upon best of the bunch because it works the best on all types of eyelashes and for all types of people. If, after reading the whole list, you still aren’t sure which one to try, just buy this one. It resides in the center of that perfect-mascara Venn diagram of being smudgeproof (thanks to its tubular formula), volumizing, thickening, and lengthening.
$28
at Amazon$28
at Kevyn Aucoin BeautyThe Best Drugstore Mascara
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Tinted Primer
$10
now 23% off
$10
Shades: Nine | Waterproof: No
Even though this is technically a mascara primer (meant to be applied before the Maybelline Lash Sensational), I’ve been using it on its own for months and my lashes have never looked better. It strikes the perfect balance between lengthening and volumizing, and I can apply several layers without it ever looking clumpy. This drugstore find works so well, in fact, that people often assume I’m wearing false lashes when I have it on.
$10
at Amazon$10
at WalmartThe Best Sweat-Proof Mascara
Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara
$34
$34
Shades: One | Waterproof: No
Specifically designed to stand up against Miami heat, this brand-new mascara is smudgeproof, sweatproof, and flake-free for up to 12 hours. It yields thick, dramatic volume with just a single swipe, plus it’s easy to remove at the end of the day. I recently wore it to a summer wedding — where I was sweating and dancing all night long — and it didn’t budge. Sure, it’s expensive, but the sleek white tube has a nice weight to it that feels so luxurious.
$34
at Violet Grey$34
at Victoria Beckham BeautyThe Best Tubing Mascara
The Best Fuss-Free Mascara
Pat McGrath Dark Star Mascara
$34
$34
Shades: One | Waterproof: No
If I’m being honest, the dense bristles on this applicator scared me a bit when I first pulled it out of the tube. I was sure they would deposit too much product, leading to a messy and clumpy application. But I was wrong! This gel-hybrid mascara offers all the volumizing benefits of thick bristles with the separation capabilities of a flexible combing brush. It glides on effortlessly, provides structure and shape, and builds up like a dream.
$34
at Nordstrom$34
at SephoraThe Best Volumizing Mascara
Benefit Cosmetics Fan Fest Fanning & Volumizing Mascara
$29
$29
Shades: One | Waterproof: No
I love a curved mascara wand, and this one from Benefit is my new favorite. The applicator features a custom-engineered 40-degree angle that effectively coats and lifts lashes from left to right and root to tip. The weightless formula fans and separates my lashes, which creates the illusion of my eyes being wider than they actually are, much like when I apply individual false lashes to my outer corner. It’s also infused with nourishing ingredients like vitamin B5 and cranberry extract, so my eyes never feel dry or itchy, even after hours of wear.
$29
at Nordstrom$29
at SephoraThe Best Flake-Free Mascara
Photo: Hanna Flanagan
Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Lash Clash Mascara
$32
$32
Shades: Three | Waterproof: No
The YSL Beauty Lash Clash mascara has the seal of approval of our beauty writer, Asia Milia Ware. She points out that not only is the packaging extremely sleek and chic (as you would expect from the French brand) but the formula is just as good. It provides all the length you want without flaking throughout the day.
$32
at Nordstrom$32
at SephoraThe Best Mascara for Curl and Lift
Photo: Hanna Flanagan
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The One That’s Like Lash Extensions
The Best Luxury Mascara
Dior Diorshow Mascara
$33
$33
Shades: Three | Waterproof: No
We’ve invested in multiple tubes of this mascara that brings stubby lashes to life. This is the one you want to grab if you want to add length and volume without flaking or smudging. The XXL brush with a slightly tapered end helps you coat and volumize your lashes without the extra effort. The only caveat: It dries out fast, so keep the top on this closed tight.
$33
at Nordstrom$33
at SephoraThe Best Lengthening Mascara
L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara - Blackest Black
$10
now 23% off
$10
Shades: Three | Waterproof: No
Justice for extra-long, spidery lashes! Sure, there’s a time and place for volumizing mascaras, but when I’m going to the office or running errands, I don’t want thick, heavy-looking lashes. I prefer a more natural, wispy look instead, and my beloved Maybelline Telescopic always delivers. It’s a drugstore classic I’ve been repurchasing for years. When I want long-lasting length, separation, and clump-free application, this is what I reach for.
$10
at Amazon$13
at Ulta BeautyThe Best Viral Mascara
The Most Lightweight Mascara
ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara
$28
$28
Shades: One | Waterproof: No
When it comes to makeup, using a clean formula doesn’t have to mean comprising on quality — and no beauty brand proves that quite like Ilia. The cult-favorite brand’s Limitless Lash Mascara is natural, weightless, buildable, and smudge- and flake-resistant. It adds lift and volume without irritating the eye area or making you feel like you’re wearing loads of makeup. If you need a comfortable mascara for long days at the office, this is it.
$28
at Sephora$28
at ILIA Beauty
The Best Budget Waterproof Mascara
L’ORÉAL Voluminous Volume Building Waterproof Mascara
$9
now 18% off
$9
Shades: Two | Waterproof: Yes
Zoe Hay, the makeup head for This Is Us, the show that seems to require at least one actor to cry per episode, told us that this is her favorite waterproof mascara. She praised it for its abilities to hold up during emotional scenes and its soft texture that beautifully separates and elongates lashes without clumping. Plus it’s at a great price point.
$9
at Amazon$11
at Ulta BeautyThe All-Around Crowd Pleaser
The Best for Fluttery, Natural Lashes
Ami Colé Lash-Amplifying Mascara
$28
$28
Shades: One | Waterproof: No
Let this do for your lashes what the cult-favorite lip oil does for your lips. It’s your lashes but better, lengthy, and volumized without clumping even after adding a few extra layers. The dense tapered brush helps reach every lash (even the tiny ones) to add volume. The results are fluttery lashes you can pair with fresh, glowing skin like their models.
$28
at Amazon$19
at Sephora
The Best Mascara for Dramatic Length
The Best Mascara for Asian Lashes
The Best Mascara for People With Allergies
saie Mascara 101
$26
$26
Shades: Two | Waterproof: No
If you hate compromise and want it all, Goldilocks style, this is for you. From a new clean beauty brand, it checks the very many boxes that we’ve come to expect from high-performance mascara. It’s ecofriendly, won’t smudge, lengthens, thickens, defines, softens, doesn’t flake, and adds volume. And it works great with sensitive eyes, whether you’re a contact-lens wearer, a cold sufferer, or someone with regular allergies.
$26
at Sephora$26
at SaieThe Best Clean Mascara
Westman Atelier Eye Love You Mascara
$58
$58
Shades: One | Waterproof: No
This is for anyone who wants lashes that are long but not fake looking. It colors and extends lashes to a reasonable length without looking like serious makeup — and it’s made without ingredients such as silicones, parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances. It also doesn’t test on animals.
$58
at Nordstrom$58
at Credo BeautyOur Experts:
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