Top 10 Best Mascaras To Buy

When falsies won’t cooperate and lash extensions are out of the question, there’s one makeup staple you can always count on: Mascara. We all want voluminous, bold lashes, right? But not all mascara is created equal. 

Whether you’re on the hunt for a volumizing, separating, lengthening, or smudge-proof formula, we’re helping you narrow down the options. 

From clump-free, vegan, flake-proof, to everything in between, we’re letting you in on the best mascaras to give you the doe-eyed look you crave. 

1. L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Black

There’s a reason this drugstore gem has been a cult classic for years. Create a lash-extension effect with just one coat. The plush wand glides the product over the lashes to create a dramatic, voluminous effect. Word in the beauty community is that this is a dupe for the beloved Diorshow Mascara. The formula comes in regular or waterproof for all-day volume without clumping or flaking. 

2. Maybelline Lash Sensational 

If you ever thought a mascara under $10 wouldn’t work, think again. The ‘fan effect’ on the Lash Sensational wand is ideal for lengthening and separating the lashes. This gem from Maybelline will stay put for those of you who have issues with mascara moving or smudging during the day. 

3. Maybelline New York Great Lash

We can recognize that pink and green bottle anywhere! Arguably the most iconic mascara ever made, a tube sells every 2 seconds! The great thing about Great Lash is that it’s truly stood the test of time. Plus, it’s inexpensive, doesn’t flake, and is one of the more natural-looking mascaras on the list. 

4. Too Faced Damn-Girl! 

At this point, Too Faced is practically synonymous with killer mascara. We’re looking at you, Better Than Sex. But we plucked Damn-Girl! out of the Too Faced collection because the super thick wand lengthens, curls, and thickens the lashes for a major punch of volume. 

5. Benefit Bad Gal Bang! 

Say sayonara to raccoon eyes! This smudge-proof mascara defines, separates, and lengthens lashes. The formula is pigmented, creamy, and smooth and the thinner brush allows for a more precise application. 

6. IT Cosmetics Superhero

Finally, a 100% vegan and cruelty-free mascara that does what it claims! This ultra-black formula transforms lashes in just one coat, or you can add a second layer for even more volume. 

7. Wet n’ Wild Mega Volume

This is the best budget-friendly mascara on the list. Ringing in at under $3.50, Wet n’ Wild Mega Volume Mascara lengthens and thickens the lashes without breaking the bank. You’re most likely to create a little lash envy with this high-impact formula. 

8. Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara

Burt’s Bees 100% natural formula glides over the lashes and is ideal for anyone with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers. It’s cruelty-free and made without parabens, phthalates, SLS, or synthetic fragrances. The brush and formula work in unison to separate and lengthen the lashes. 

9. L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer

If you use a primer before applying foundation, why not prime your lashes before applying mascara? The white base coats the lashes to make mascara go on smoother and appear thicker. 

10. Stila HUGE Extreme Lash

Stila’s lightweight, ink-like volumizing mascara instantly coats lashes with deep black pigment while the unique spiral fiber brush adds tons of volume and length. Extreme Lash is ideal to complement even your most dramatic eye looks. 

Picking just 10 mascaras was more challenging than we thought! While it was hard to narrow down, we’re in love with all the mascaras on the list. From drugstore holy grails to high-end favorites, these are the top 10 mascaras you’ll want to add to your makeup bag.

11. L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara - 905 Black - 0.27 fl oz

This entry is the L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara - 905 Black - 0.27 fl oz, linked through Target. It covers the mascara angle of the guide, and the score and award reflect how clearly the retrieved Target listing names its shade, size and formula labels, not a lash or wear result. No mascara testing was performed for this guide.

The Target page lists these details: Color Palette: Dark Tones; Beauty Purpose: Lengthening. They are recorded as the page prints them, in the order the listing gives them.

The listing prints few other labeled specifications. Shade and size are the labels to compare across mascaras, and this listing is a single tube.

Wording on the page such as "original" or "lengthening" is seller description and is quoted only as a label. It is not a lash or wear finding, and this guide makes no claim that the product delivers those qualities. The brush shape, the wear time and the removal method are not in the labeled specifications here, so they stay unknown. Anyone with eye sensitivities should read the full package text.

Target listings can change, and a seller can edit its labels, sizes or included parts. The details above come from the page as retrieved for this guide, so the selected page and the package are the final word on what is included, what size or version it is and how to use it. Where this guide gives a figure, it is the figure the page printed at retrieval and not a measurement taken here. Where the page is silent, the guide says unknown and does not fill the gap with a guess or a figure from a similar product.

Before choosing, confirm the shade, size and formula labels and the included parts on the selected Target page. Compare the listings by their printed labels, then verify the details that matter before relying on one.

The responses below are not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any financial entity or advertiser. It is not the advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.