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
    Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara

    Charlotte Tilbury

    3,883 REVIEWS
    A mascara that gives lashes instant and long-lasting volume, length, and lift with an exclusive "Load, Comb, and Lift" technology brush.
  2. 2
    Straight Up Volumizing Peptide Mascara
    960 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A clean and smudge-free mascara that delivers 12 hours of full lift and volume.
  3. 3
    Exagger Eyes Volume Mascara

    Charlotte Tilbury

    933 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
    Smokey Eye Mascara

    Bobbi Brown

    556 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.
  5. 5
    Extreme Volumizing Mascara
    511 REVIEWS
    A luscious, deep black mascara that creates intense lashes for a dynamic effect. 
  6. 6
    Beyond Clean Volumizing Mascara
    491 REVIEWS
    Lash-enhancing lengthening formula.
  7. 7
    No Smudge Mascara

    Bobbi Brown

    399 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A raincoat for lashes-this long-wearing, waterproof mascara defines, curls, and lengthens lashes without smudging, clumping, or flaking.
  8. 8
    Bottom Lash Mascara

    Clinique

    354 REVIEWS
    Innovative mascara specially designed to define the bottom lashes only with a precisely engineered mini brush.
  9. 9
    Lash Fixation Length & Definition Tubing Mascara
    165 REVIEWS
    New
    An innovative tubing mascara.
  10. 10
    Eclipse Volumizing and Curling Mascara
    156 REVIEWS
    BestSeller Exclusive
    Volumizing and curling tubular mascara that won't smudge, yet removes easily with warm water.

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.