- Go ahead and cry happy tears
- One coat and lashes are full
- Stretched to unbelievable lengths
- Two coats and lashes look even more luscious, curled, and dramatic.
- TURN UP THE VOLUME
- CLEAN, VEGAN FORMULA
- FSC CERTIFIED
- CRUELTY-FREE
- Color: Black
- Brand: Grande Cosmetics
- Item Form: Liquid
- Number of Items: 1
A high-quality mascara is the best way to enhance the look of your lashes, whether it’s for a special occasion or everyday use. But with so many different mascaras on the market (like volumizing, lengthening, and waterproof formulas), it can be hard to know what to look for.
To find the best mascaras, we researched dozens of options and compiled our recommendations based on type, formula, available shades, and more. We asked Kirin Bhatty, professional makeup artist and Catrice Cosmetics ambassador for expert advice, who says that when looking for mascara, it’s important to consider your brush and formula.
Our top pick Grande Cosmetics GrandeMascara Conditioning Peptide Mascara is an all-in-one mascara that won’t break the bank. We love that its nourishing formula still adds volume and length to lashes – it works even when you’re just swiping on one hand before running out the door.
1. Best Mascara Ever: Grande Cosmetics Grande MASCARA Conditioning
Who it’s for: People looking for a volumizing and lengthening mascara that also keeps lashes healthy.
Who it’s not for: People who want mascara available in multiple shades.
There are many reasons why we love GrandeMascara Conditioning Peptide Mascara, but to begin with, the formula is quite impressive. It is rich in peptides that strengthen eyelashes and improve their overall health. The mascara also contains vitamin B5, which increases moisture and makes the eyelashes shiny and protects them from breakage. Finally, it contains a blend of natural waxes consisting of soft beeswax (great for adding volume) and harder carnauba wax (for lengthening lashes).
Now on to the good stuff: how this mascara looks on the lashes. Since the formula contains many different ingredients, it manages to give volume and length to the eyelashes. It’s also a great mascara if you want to add extra layers for a bolder look as it doesn’t clump or look too thick. That said, it also impresses if you want a quick clean before you run out the door. This mascara is water resistant, which means it won’t smudge your cheeks when you sweat. (A fully waterproof version is also available.) Even though this mascara is only available in black, it’s still a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable mascara that keeps their lashes in shape.
Product Details:
- Type: Volumizing, lengthening, and conditioning
- Shades: Black
2. Best Drugstore Mascara: CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
Who it’s for: People looking for affordable mascara on a budget.
For those who aren’t: those looking for incredible volume with one hand.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, Covergirl’s Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara is less than half the price of our absolute best selection and is available at many drugstores. We especially like that the clean formula does not contain parabens and sulfates. It is also certified vegan and Leaping Bunny, meaning no animal testing. The composition is also enriched with argan and marula oils, which moisturize and care for the eyelashes so that they do not break.
The brush is soft but has lots of synthetic bristles so it’s easy to apply to any lash while brushing away any unwanted clumps or clumps. Once applied, the mascara stays in place and helps the lashes keep their shape for hours without smudging or flaking. It’s also nice that this selection is available in several colors, including several shades of black.
Product Details:
- Type: Volumizing
- Shades: Multiple shades of black and black-brown
3. Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes: Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Curl Bounce Washable Mascara
Who it’s for: People with sensitive eyes who want a long-lasting mascara that enhances curls.
For those who aren’t: For those who prefer straight brushes, not curved ones.
Maybelline’s The Colossal Curl Bounce Washable Washable Mascara is proof that a formula doesn’t have to be hard to produce results. It got a perfect score from SkinSafe, meaning it’s free from many common irritants like fragrances, parabens, gluten, and even lanolin, a common ingredient in moisture-blocking products. This is also great for removing – if a little mascara gets in your eyes, there’s less chance of irritation.
Plus, this mascara won a Real Simple Beauty Award for its ability to curl and shape lashes. It can last up to 24 hours, meaning it can handle long days and events after work. Although this mascara adds volume and length, it still looks weightless. It is available in two different versions: a long-lasting waterproof formula and a washable version that can be easily removed without rubbing the eyes too much. The brush is also worth mentioning, as it has a slight curve that makes it easier to get smaller lashes on the furthest edges of the lids. It also has small bristles that continue at the tip to help target individual lashes.
Product Details:
- Type: Curling, lengthening, and volumizing
- Shades: Multiple shades of black and black-brown
4. Best Waterproof Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
Who it’s for: People looking for a waterproof mascara that stays put.
For whom it is not: people who want to wash their eye makeup easily.
Unlike waterproof makeup, this volumizing mascara from Too Faced is completely waterproof. Like the brand’s original better than Sex formula, this waterproof version offers the same holding effect as curls, but lasts much longer. While some waterproof mascaras tend to skimp on the volumizing and lengthening effects, this one contains Senegalese acacia tree extract, an ingredient that boosts and maintains volume.
The formula also contains collagen, which has a plumping effect on the eyelashes, and peptides, which are excellent for the treatment. With the soft hourglass-shaped toothbrush, you can easily cover all your lashes at once and also target short lashes in the corners of your eyes to make your lids look lifted. One downside is that it can be difficult to remove (like most waterproof mascaras), so make sure you have an oil or cream-based makeup remover handy.
Product Details:
- Type: Waterproof and volumizing
- Shade: Black
5. Best Splurge Mascara: Sisley Paris Mascara So Stretch
Who it’s for: People who want a high-end mascara with tons of benefits.
For whom it’s not: people who prefer to show off more than makeup.
Sisley’s So Stretch Mascara is the more expensive option on our list, but it might be worth the splurge for those looking for a high-end option. In addition to adding length and volume to the lashes, this formula helps improve the overall health of each hair. It does this thanks to ingredients such as castor oil, vitamin peptides and ceramides that increase and retain moisture. This makes the lashes look and feel much softer over time.
The best part is that a little bit of this mascara really goes a long way. If you just have the time (and patience) to put on a coat and run out the door, then this mascara will do the trick. However, it doesn’t pile up if you want to combine it for a bolder look. It’s hardwearing and smudge-free, which is great for people who sweat a lot or accidentally rub their eyes during the day. The brush is wide at the base and narrower at the tip, making it easier to apply lashes to the lower lid or corner of the eye. Moreover, this mascara comes in three deep shades: black, brown and navy blue.
Product Details:
- Type: Volumizing and lengthening
- Shades: Black, brown, and blue
6. Best Lengthening Mascara: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara
Who it’s for: People looking for super soft and long lashes.
For who’s not For: People who want a discreet look with a thin coat.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! The mascara contains a lash lifting polymer that helps to maintain a long, curled shape. Contains carnauba wax and microcrystalline waxes, both of which accumulate on each lash. It also contains Kerestore Keratin, which makes lashes look thicker and feel healthier over time. The composition also does not contain sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde and other often irritating ingredients.
In addition to the lengthening formula, this mascara also stands out with its unique brush. It has a rounded top and edges, but the sides are actually flat. The brush is also surrounded by small silicone bristles. Unlike softer brushes, this makes the application process much more controlled so you can target specific lashes. The brush also gives a lot of product at once, which is perfect for those who want a noticeable effect with a quick hand.
Product Details:
- Type: Volumizing and lengthening
- Shade: Black and berry-black
7. Best Volumizing Mascara: Benefit Bad Gal Bang Volumizing Mascara
Who it’s for: People looking for bold, eye-catching lashes.
Who it’s not for: People who like to wear very natural makeup.
This mascara from Benefit Cosmetics has significant volume and lasts up to 36 hours. The mascara can be enhanced depending on the look you are going for. In one stroke, it provides more lengthening effect while defining each lash to add volume. Layering several layers gives you an even bolder and more spacious look. While some mascaras can look clunky or heavy with multiple coats, this formula contains streamlined particles that help maintain a super lightweight feel.
TikTok viral mascara also contains wax, which covers the eyelashes and prolongs the curl effect. The brush is one of the biggest factors contributing to the success of this mascara, as it has a 360-degree reach that allows it to cover all the lashes, even in hard-to-reach corners.
Product Details:
- Type: Volumizing
- Shade: Black and blue
8. Best Clean Mascara: ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara
Who it’s for: People who prioritize makeup with a clean formula.
Who it’s not for: People looking for more color options.
If you’re looking for a clean mascara that still adds shine to your lashes, Ilia’s Fullest Volumizing Mascara is worth checking out. First, it adds clump-free volume and length thanks to a weightless wax blend that coats lashes and locks in the good ingredients. The formula also contains vitamin B5, which helps to improve the health of the eyelashes so that they look good as they are. The formula is pure, so it’s completely free of sulfates, parabens and dozens of other common irritants.
The brush on this mascara is what the brand calls violin-shaped, meaning it’s wide at both ends and thin in the middle. It’s covered in bristles all over and at the tip, so it’s easy to coat every lash. Overall, this is a sheer mascara that makes it easy to achieve full, soft-looking lashes that last all day.
Product Details:
- Type: Lengthening and volumizing
- Shade: Black
9. Best Curling Mascara: Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Waterproof Mascara
Who it’s for: People who are worried about clumps and want to skip the curling iron.
For those who aren’t: For those who prefer a traditional brush shape.
This Lancôme curling mascara lasts up to 24 hours, so it’s really long-lasting. The brush is very unique due to its curved shape, which is covered with 360 small silicone bristles. It’s quite subtle and eventually thins out, making it easier to target specific areas. As for the formula, it goes on smoothly and is easy to layer if you want a bolder look. No matter how many coats you apply, this mascara can prevent clumping or flaking even after hours of use. It’s also light and gives lashes an airy, fan-like look.
The composition contains white tea extract, an antioxidant that treats eyelashes so that they feel moisturized and nourished even after using mascara. In addition, it can be removed quite easily with a face wash, especially an oil-based one. Overall, it’s a great mascara for people who want curled and defined lashes without a curler.
Product Details:
- Type: Lengthening and curling
- Shade: Black
Final judgment
Mascara Conditioning Peptide Mascara Grande Cosmetics Grande Mascara is definitely our top pick because it does so much in one stroke. The composition contains peptides and vitamins that keep the eyelashes healthy and make them look long and voluminous. If you want something a little cheaper, we recommend Covergirl’s Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara. We love that this drugstore mascara has a clean formula and comes in a variety of black and brown shades.
How to buy mascara?
Type
Mascaras are often marketed as volumizing, lengthening, curly, etc., so you should think about what features of your natural lashes you want to emphasize and what results you are looking for. For example, if you already have super long lashes, opt for a voluminous mascara to make them appear fuller. People with thick, full lashes may prefer a lengthening or curly mascara. If you plan on being outside all day, consider using a waterproof mascara that lasts even when you sweat.
Formula
This is important to everyone, but is often overlooked. Avoid harmful ingredients like sulfates and parabens, which can damage lashes, thin them and irritate sensitive eyes. This is also an important point if you want your makeup to slide off easily, as some formulas are very thick and may require some exfoliation.
Regardless of the type of mascara you choose, make sure it contains some nourishing ingredients like shea butter or niacinamide – this way you can improve the look and health of your lashes.
Shadow
Since most people choose a different black, it’s easy to forget that there are other natural shades as well. If you’re blonde or have red hair and want to match your natural lashes, there are brown and clear mascaras that might be just what you’re looking for. There are also plenty of brands that make colorful mascaras (think: dark blue and purple), which would be a fun way to mix them up.
Questions you could ask
What is the best way to remove mascara?
To remove mascara at the end of the day, apply a generous amount of makeup remover to a cotton ball, cotton ball, or reusable makeup remover pad. Keep it on for a few seconds to absorb and soften the mascara. Then gently rub the mascara by swiping in the direction of the lashes. If you don’t want to use makeup remover, an oil-based cleanser or micellar water will also work. Don’t forget to rub the cleanser into your lashes while washing your face.
How long does the mascara last before it wears off?
Mascara needs to be replaced every three months, so make sure you know how long the tube has been hanging in your makeup bag.
How do you prevent mascara from bleeding?
If you find that your mascara is constantly smudged, a little powder can prevent it. Apply a very thin layer of powder to the brush and center it under the eye. The dust will absorb any oil or moisture, which is usually the culprit behind the stains.
Believe me
This article was written by Brittany Loggins, a Real Simple writer with years of experience writing beauty products. To arrive at this list, he has thoroughly researched the different mascaras on the market and narrowed down the options based on factors such as formula, type, and shade available. Brittany spoke to professional makeup artist and Catrice Cosmetics ambassador Kirin Bhatty for expert advice.
