What to Look for in the Best Mascaras for Your Makeup Routine

Choosing the right mascara can elevate your makeup look and enhance your lashes with every swipe. Here are key factors to consider when shopping for mascara.

1. Desired Lash Effect

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Decide if you want lengthening, volumizing, curling, or defining effects. Some mascaras specialize in one feature, while others offer multi-benefit formulas for a dramatic or natural finish.

2. Brush Type

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The shape and size of the mascara wand impact application and results. Thick, fluffy brushes add volume, while thin, curved wands help separate and lengthen lashes.

3. Formula Type

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Consider whether you prefer waterproof or washable formulas. Waterproof mascaras resist smudging and are ideal for long wear or humid conditions, while washable formulas are easier to remove.

4. Ingredients and Sensitivity

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If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, look for hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested mascaras. Conditioning ingredients like vitamin E or panthenol can help nourish lashes during wear.

  1. 1
    High Impact Mascara

    Clinique

    3,950 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Lusher, plusher, bolder lashes for the most dramatic look.
  2. 2
    Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara

    Charlotte Tilbury

    3,872 REVIEWS
    A mascara that gives lashes instant and long-lasting volume, length, and lift with an exclusive "Load, Comb, and Lift" technology brush.
  3. 3
    Exagger Eyes Volume Mascara

    Charlotte Tilbury

    906 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A volumizing, long-wear mascara, with a smudge-proof formula that gives lashes nine times the volume and a double curl effect from root to tip.
  4. 4
    Straight Up Volumizing Peptide Mascara
    867 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A clean and smudge-free mascara that delivers 12 hours of full lift and volume.
  5. 5
    Lash Doubling Mascara

    Clinique

    734 REVIEWS
    Lash-thickening mascara magnifying lashes to twice their size.
  6. 6
    High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara
    598 REVIEWS
    Over-the-top brush wraps your lashes in instant, jaw-dropping drama.
  7. 7
    Smokey Eye Mascara

    Bobbi Brown

    554 REVIEWS
    Kohl-pigmented mascara delivers high-drama by instantly creating extremely black, stretched out lashes that are the perfect complement to a smokey eye look.
  8. 8
    Extreme Volumizing Mascara
    511 REVIEWS
    A luscious, deep black mascara that creates intense lashes for a dynamic effect. 
  9. 9
    Beyond Clean Volumizing Mascara
    470 REVIEWS
    Lash-enhancing lengthening formula.
  10. 10
    No Smudge Mascara

    Bobbi Brown

    399 REVIEWS
    A raincoat for lashes-this long-wearing, waterproof mascara defines, curls, and lengthens lashes without smudging, clumping, or flaking.

What to Look for in the Best Mascaras for Your Makeup Routine

Choosing the right mascara can elevate your makeup look and enhance your lashes with every swipe. Here are key factors to consider when shopping for mascara.

1. Desired Lash Effect

Citrus catapult arrow

Decide if you want lengthening, volumizing, curling, or defining effects. Some mascaras specialize in one feature, while others offer multi-benefit formulas for a dramatic or natural finish.

2. Brush Type

Citrus catapult arrow

The shape and size of the mascara wand impact application and results. Thick, fluffy brushes add volume, while thin, curved wands help separate and lengthen lashes.

3. Formula Type

Citrus catapult arrow

Consider whether you prefer waterproof or washable formulas. Waterproof mascaras resist smudging and are ideal for long wear or humid conditions, while washable formulas are easier to remove.

4. Ingredients and Sensitivity

Citrus catapult arrow

If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, look for hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested mascaras. Conditioning ingredients like vitamin E or panthenol can help nourish lashes during wear.