In every make-up bag up and down the country you will find mascara. It is arguably the most used make-up product in our collective beauty kit. In fact, as a beauty editor, there is not a day that goes by that I leave the house without it. But what actually makes the best mascara the best? Let's find out...
What makes the best mascara? Things to consider...
When it comes to mascara, everyone has their own preference in what they are searching for. Personally, I love a full, fluttery and voluminous lash look, combined with a formula that doesn't flake throughout the day and won't transfer onto my eyelid. A lot to ask for, I know. Long, lengthy lashes are usually a favourite. My go-to is Maybelline's Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara (which I will debate anyone who disagrees that it's the best Maybelline mascara), but I am always testing new releases to find the very best out there, because who doesn't want to find the best mascara?
If you're shopping for a new formula, there's plenty of things to consider. For starters, the look you're after: defined, natural-looking lashes, or big volume to add drama to your look? Once you've decided on your top lash-enhancing priority, this will help you choose the right wand and mascara for you. Plastic combs and brushes are better at defining and elongating lashes as they're often thinner and less chunky in size. Traditional bristles are key to adding volume and fullness, as they're plumper and apply more product to the lashes.
Colour is also important. Black has long been the most popular, but it can wash paler skin tones out, so it might be worth considering a really good brown mascara or a navy shade for your beauty arsenal if you fall into that category.
Brown and blue mascaras are certainly having a moment. If you really want your eye colour to stand out? Pick a colour that will accentuate it. Purple and blues make blue and green eyes pop, while browns highlight hazel.
And then of course, the next decision is do you need a long-wearing, hardy waterproof formula? If you have watery eyes or are prone to smudginess, you may want to opt to shop a waterproof (or at the very least water-resistant) buy.
Thom Walker, make-up artist and Creative Director of Givenchy make-up, gave me the best mascara tip I've ever heard. He admitted that finding the right mascara can be tricky and that it does involve a bit of trial and error, but once you find a mascara wand that you really like that does the job you want it to do, don't throw it away. "I clean it, wash it thoroughly and then use it almost like a spoolie with other mascara formulas."
The best mascaras: Quick links
- Best affordable mascara: L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara, £12.99 | Lookfantastic
- Best lengthening mascara and best shade range: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, £12.99 | Lookfantastic
- Best for volume and drama: Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara, £28 | Sephora
- Best for everyday glamour: Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara, £26 | Lookfantastic
- Best tubing mascara: Beauty Pie Wrap Star Tubing Mascara, £10 | Beauty Pie
- Best mascara for straight lashes: Maybelline Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara, £12.99 | Lookfantastic
- Best for natural-looking volume: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Volumizing Mascara, £21 | Sephora
- Best waterproof mascara: MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara, £20 | Lookfantastic
- Best mascara for a no-make-up-make-up look: Glossier Lash Slick, £20 | Glossier
- Best for bottom lashes: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara, £21.50 | Lookfantastic
- Best for sensitive eyes: Milk Makeup Kush Mascara, £26 | Sephora
- Best for sparse lashes: By Terry Terrybly Mascara, £37 | Space NK
- Best brown mascara: Eyeko Limitless Length Mascara, £19 | Lookfantastic
- Best for oily eyelids: Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara, £29.50 | John Lewis
- Best mascara for layering: NARS Climax Extreme Mascara, £27 | Sephora
- Best for high impact: Benefit They're Real Lengthening Mascara, £27 | Boots
- Best all-rounder mascara: Sculpted By Aimee MyMascara , £18 | Boots
- Best mascara for feathery lashes: Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara, £28 | Sephora
- Best coloured mascara: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes in Dream Pop, £28 | Cult Beauty
How we test the best mascara formulas
I've trialed and tested so many mascaras over the years that we've genuinely lost count. From Charlotte Tilbury's latest launch - her first ever volume mascara - to Ilia's bestseller that legthens in the most beautiful way (which is a bit of beauty insider's secret) I, as well as the extended Marie Claire team, have done our fieldwork. And what we can definitively say is that the best mascaras really do have transformative effects.
So how do we test? There are certain things that we look out for when testing any new mascara that lands in our laps. We're interested in things like the wand - bristle type and shape; the effect on lashes - whether it adds volume or length (or both?!); the formula - can you feel it on your lashes or does it nourish those tiny hairs? and finally the price. (Read more about how we test products.)
Keep on scrolling for the best mascaras the industry has to offer. You're sure to find your new favourite...
Best mascaras 2024
1. L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara
"There is no mascara on this planet that I love more than this. For just £12 this mascara delivers everything I could ever want. It fans out my lashes, delivers a volume that still looks natural and leaves lashes looking unbelievably long. It's also beautifully layer-able." - Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor
2. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
"I've loved this mascara since the first day I tried it. I dabble with others, because that's the nature of the job, but I come back to this mascara time and time again. It gives the perfect amount of length, the perfect amount of lift and the perfect amount of volume. It's like LVL lashes in a tube. It's also the only mascara that I bought on my maternity leave when I didn't have access to the Marie Claire beauty cupboard. All hail Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara. If you're playful with your make-up too, its also has one of the best shade ranges around. The burgundy one was trending for much of 2024 on TikTok."
3. Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara
"Let me introduce you to the best plus one you will ever take to a party. This is va-va-voom voluminous lashes in a tube. With, and I'm being honest here, two swipes maximum you have dramatic, fanned out lashes. They perfectly compliment a smokey eye or a wash of metallic swiped across the lid. Does that mean you can't wear it during the day? Absolutely not." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
4. Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara
"Goodness, I am slightly obsessed with this mascara. The plastic bristles manage to separate my lashes to create the perfect fanned look, whilst the curved wand lifts and coats them in the darkest black formula. It is my favourite everyday mascara. And what I've realised recently, which is something of note, is that you can actually top up your mascara later in the day without any clumping. It has to be the plastic wands that allows for this." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
5. Beauty Pie Wrap Star Tubing Mascara
Price shown is members' price.
If you're yet to try a tubing mascara, let me explain them to you. Essentially, the formula coats each lash with a tube-like formula, meaning it doesn't smudge or run. In fact, it can just be removed with some warm water, and each of the tubes will slide off the lashes. This one, from Beauty Pie, is one of the best out there, particularly if you want natural-looking lashes with some extra length.
6. Maybelline Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara
"This is such a clever mascara and does exactly what it promises. It has a curved brush and memory curl technology that holds for up to 24 hours, which means that it lifts and separates with a volumising formula. Colossal Curl Bounce is so powerful the brand claims you won't need to use a lash curler. And guess what? As someone who doesn't leave the house without curling my eyelashes I was so impressed that I was able to skip that step with this. If you have stubbornly straight lashes, this is the buy for you." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
7. Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Volumizing Mascara
"This isn't typically my sort of mascara - give me a plastic comb any day. But this seems to do the same job as a plastic wand. Not only does it lengthen and volumise, it also nourishes your lashes with castor oil for a soft, velvety finish. It's great for people who like volume, but not *too* much volume. You have full control over how you want your lashes to look with this mascara - during the day, you only need one coat for that fluttery lash effect, however, I tend to layer it up at night for added volume." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
8. MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara
MAC's Extended Play Lash Mascara is a waterproof, long-wearing formula that can last up to 16 hours thanks to its thermal-sensitive technology. It defines, lengthens and curls your lashes, with a rich black finish. "The wand of this is really interesting as it acts like a plastic comb would - coating every single lash, but adds just a subtle hint of volume as your traditional bristles would," says Katie.
9. Glossier Lash Slick
"I was really surprised at how much I love this mascara from Glossier. The comb seperates the lashes in a really nice way and gives a subtle lift, which is buildable if you want a more defined look. It feels super lightweight to wear, you almost forget you've got it on and its got great staying power. It works really well as an everyday mascara, but if you like a dramatic eye look, you'll want something like the Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-eyes Mascara. It's a really subtle mascara formula, which is why I like it, but it might be too much for some people." - Sophie Cookson, E-Commerce Analyst
10. Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
Bottom lashes are incredibly tricky to do, but this mini brush makes even the teeniest tiniest hair on the lower lash come to life. It's nimble, so easy to use and small enough that you won't make any mistakes. "Not to be dramatic, but this mascara changed my whole make-up routine for the better," exclaims Grace. "I used to avoid putting mascara on my bottom lashes as I could never find a product that wouldn't leave me with that panda eye effect. However, after trying this out I was fully converted."
11. Milk Makeup Kush Mascara
"After trialling plenty of mascaras throughout the years, I always come back to Milk’s Kush Mascara. It has the perfect creamy formula that evenly coats all lashes for extreme volume that lasts all day and doesn’t smudge. As a contact lens wearer, I have found this mascara to be a safe option for my sensitive eyes as it has a non-irritating formula. The wand includes Milk’s Puff Puff brush, which features crisscrossed firm bristles that aim to avoid clumps. However, as I have unruly lashes, it’s easy for me to get clumps here and there, so on the rare occasion I do, I simply glide on a clean brush, and I’m good to go." - Sofia Piza, Fashion Writer
12. By Terry Terrybly Mascara
"I bought this mascara as a result of a very long search for something to help my sparse lashes. I have incredibly sensitive eyes and lashes, and have found some formulas cause my lashes to fall out. After reading about this one, I decided to give it a go. It's a bit like an eyelash serum and mascara hybrid - it has a growth-boosting formula, enriched with moisturising hyaluronic acid. After using it for about six months, I have definitely noticed a difference to the length and strength of my lashes - they look healthier and fuller." - Ana Ospina, Designer
13. Eyeko Limitless Length Mascara
"This mascara ticks the volumising, lengthening and separating boxes - with the added bonus of having a squeezy tube design, so you can get every drop of mascara out when it’s nearing the end (trust me you’ll want to - the formula is that good). I’m a fan of brown mascara, but some shades can look a bit ashy and lacklustre - not so when it comes to Eyeko’s Limitless Lengthening brown mascara. The colour is rich and deep, yet subtler than pure black - perfect for pairing with a brown smokey eye. Also, if you have blue eyes, this shade will really make the colour pop." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor
14. Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara
"I recently recommended this to a friend who was struggling to find a formula that wouldn't transfer onto her oily under eyes. She has now become a convert just like me. I don't have oily lids, I just consider this to be one heck of a cracking mascara. It knows what its role is in the make-up routine and it commands respect. It knows that you want every lash to stand to attention, so it does just that. It knows that you want to add a touch of drama to the eye (but not too much), so it does just that. It knows that you don't want to look at yourself in the mirror halfway through the day to see dark smudges on the tops of your cheeks, so it most certainly does not do that. It's serious about its responsibilities." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
15. NARS Climax Extreme Mascara
The high-shine latex finish is especially pleasing for those who have stick straight or very stubby lashes. Said XXL finish is also highly pigmented, so with just a single swipe lashes appear longer, fuller and jet black. Divine.
16. Benefit They're Real Lengthening Mascara
We couldn't have a line-up of the best on the market and not include one from benefit. For years and years the brand has featured at the very top of the UK's bestselling mascara list, so it's not surprise they invest so much in coming up with the best wands. The Roller Lash brush features a 'hook and roll' effect that grabs and separates each lash, then curls them upwards for a lifted look.
17. Sculpted By Aimee MyMascara
"As soon as I used MyMascara for the first time, I was converted. Instantly lifting, you only need two or three coats for ultra-defined and lengthened lashes. Usually, when a mascara is this lengthening, I find it takes away any volume, but this only adds to it. I now recommend the MyMascara to all my friends, and from now on, it is the one I compare all other mascaras to." - Dionne Brighton, Social Media Editor
18. Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara
"I’m very picky when it comes to mascara - the formula has to be lengthening, volumising and separate my lashes. One mascara that ticks all three boxes is ILIA’s Limitless Lash. The lightweight formula doesn’t weigh my lashes down, ensuring they hold an impressive curl all day. It also has a double-sided brush which I use to pack on the product with one side and separate and curl with the other. In short: this mascara gives me the long, lifted and volumised lashes of my dreams." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor
19. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes in Dream Pop
"When most of us think of coloured mascara it tends to be '80s-inspired electric blue shades or more out-there colours like green and pink that spring to mind. However, this one from Charlotte Tilbury has convinced me of the joys of ditching black mascara and embracing a more subtle hue for daily wear as this berry-brown colour is just so beautiful. Not only is burgundy mascara set to be a big trend this winter, the colour has been specially created to enhance your eye colour—whether it's green, blue or brown. And while it will look more dramatic on lighter lashes, on dark ones like my own I love the way that it provides a more natural-looking lash look without compromising on definition and fullness."
The best tips for applying mascara
No matter which formula you eventually choose, here’s a tip from legendary make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury on the best application technique: "As you drag the brush up from the base of your lashes, zig-zag the wand from side to side. This creates more volume as you are depositing more product onto your eyelashes."
As for your bottom lashes, turn the brush vertically. "The thinner end will help you control your application with more precision," Charlotte adds.
And of course, to magnify the results, always go in with a second coat. But resist the urge to pump the wand up and down in the tube. "Your mascara will dry out quicker as you're pushing too much air inside. Slowly twist the brush around the tube instead," Tilbury explains.
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