So these mascaras are so. damn. good for adding volume and length
Trying to find the best mascara for your lashes can feel like a daunting task; so many launches, so many questions... what's the best high-street mascara? What's the best for short lashes? Is it worth paying more for extra volume and length? Which waterproof formulas really withstand a hot summer's day, or even a few lengths in the swimming pool, but still come off easily with eye make-up remover?
With so many people relying on expensive salon treatments, such as eyelash extensions, lash lifts and tints, it's worth remembering that mascara technology has come a long way over the last few years, promising plump, sky-high, defined lashes with just a few licks of a mascara wand.
Almost every beauty brand has a hero mascara they claim is the best on the market, and often it's easier just to stick with what you know. Benefit, Maybelline, Lancôme, Fenty, and Glossier are just some of the many beauty brands who have given us the iconic mascaras that are now a mainstay in our make-up bags.
But change is good, right? So, which new mascaras are worth turning your head for? Which clever new wands and lash-boosting formulas are worth the hype? We asked makeup artist Adeloa Gboyega (who has worked with some of the biggest brands in beauty, from Bobbi Brown to Pat McGrath), for her expert tips when it comes to A* mascara application...
Use enough mascara
It might seem obvious, but according to Gboyega, many of us aren’t using enough mascara formula to begin with. “One of my pet peeves is when I see people not applying their mascara properly,” she says. “They only get the tips of their lashes instead of fully coating their lashes with the mascara.” Looks like we’ve gotta layer that stuff on, guys.
Brush up on your technique
“To get the most from your mascara, it is so important to place your wand at the root of your lashes,” explains Gboyega. “I always recommend using the wand in a zig-zag motion, ensuring that you are working up from the root of your lashes all the way to the tip.” And yes, that open-mouth-mascara-face is basically inevitable.
Know your angles
Gboyega says that the angle of said mirror can make a huge difference to your mascara technique. “I would recommend having a compact mirror or any mirror in front of you so you can tilt your head slightly backwards and look down into your mirror as you apply your mascara,” she advises. “This way you can really see the root of your lashes and ensure you coat the lashes properly for maximum volume.”
Clever, huh?
With that, we've been testing the newest mascaras on the market, looking for the best long-lasting formulas that won't flake under the eyes, melt in the sun, or leave a clumpy, clogged finish. Whether you're looking for black or brown, or one containing waterproof technology or thickening fibres, we've found the top 20 mascaras on the market right now, to give you the happiest lashes you've ever had...
The best mascaras of all time...
Thrill Seeker Extreme Mascara
Rimmel's Thrill Seeker mascara has it all! The big, tapered wand separates each individual lash to lift and define, so in a couple of strokes you're really getting the best in length, volume and body.
Cleverly, it's formulated with lash-gripping waxes that cling onto your lashes to ensure volume is set throughout day. This will also prevent smudging and dreaded panda eyes.
Lash Sensational mascara
When we heard that one of Maybelline's Lash Sensational Mascaras sells every 21 seconds here in the UK, we knew it'd be good GREAT. I mean, those are the kinds of stats you just can't argue with...
Yup, Maybelline's Lash Sensational Mascara has officially been crowned Britain's no.1 and we couldn't agree with the reign more.
Not only is it under a tenner but the curved want makes for E Z application and the formula provides volume, length and separation all without clumping! A fail-safe option, if we've ever heard of one.
Telescopic Mascara
Remember the viral Mikayla Nogueira TikTok scandal surrounding this mascara? Yeah, well, dramz aside, the product, is, surprisingly A1!
Don't believe me? Watch my before and after video review to find out more...
MACStack Mascara
Not only is this mascara clump-resistant (aka, you can layer and layer and layer and the formula will not clump, crust or bulk) but it delivers mega volume, lift and length, too.
The brush may seem intimidatingly large but it's a great size for easy application. Plus, the tapered tip works perfectly in those hard-to-reach inner and outer corners.
Fan Fest Mascara
Benefit know how to make excellent mascara, we tried and loved both their RollarLash and They're Real formulas, however, it's the latest lash launch that has caught our eye (literally). The new Fan Fest Mascara is brilliant for lifting and lengthening, it gives smudge-free, clump-free volume that stays put for hours.
Lash Slick
Word of warning, once you use this mascara, it's hard to go back to anything else. Clumps? Lash Slick doesn't know them. Smudging? Not on Lash Slick's watch.
Glossier's founder Emily Weiss's aim was to create a mascara that gave "baby lash extensions" and it's safe to say she achieved it with this formula. If you hate clumps, love a natural look and don't want any smudging, or flaking, this is for you.
Clean Lash Mascara
We're yet to try a Merit beauty product that we don't love, and of course, this mascara is no exception. The tubing formula gives a natural tint and lift to the lashes, with absolutely zero smudges. The smart formula contains fatty acids and olive oil esters, to condition lashes whilst vitamin B5 adds a healthy shine.
Magic Extension Mascara
MAC will forever hold a special place in my heart (and make-up bag), their epic formulas and artistry background always deliver – and of course, this lash- extending mascara is no exception. Tiny fibres give an incredible length boost, with zero clumping or fall out... It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
To call this a TikTok sensation would be an understatement. When it came out, it was the mascara everyone was talking about – and for good reason. It gives unreal length and if you’re looking for volume, you can layer this up without clumping.
They're Real Magnet Mascara
If you are an avid watcher of our Beauty Lab series on Snapchat you'll know how impressed we were with this mascara when we reviewed it.
While we're not entirely sure of the "magnet" element, it's undeniable that it both lifts, lengthens and volumises lashes. If you love a good lash moment this has your name all over it.
Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara
Controversial, but Maybelline thinks it’s time we all ditched our eyelash curlers, and as someone who is forever trying to simplify my life, I agree. Luckily, their newest mascara has been specifically designed to grab onto stubbornly straight lashes and lift them up, giving a beautiful, sky-high curl. No extra tools required.
Legit Lashes Mascara
Huda Kattan's debut mascara did not disappoint, with its double-ended brush that delivers maximum volume on one side and length and curl on the other. The formula is matte black, and contains "gripping waxes and fibres," which promise dramatic volume without any stiffness. If you're ready to go falsie-free for the first time in a long time, try this.
Kush High Volume Mascara
As the name suggests, the star ingredient in Milk's KUSH mascara is none other than cannabis seed oil. Swapping beeswax for plant oils means that this mascara is 100% vegan, plus it's paraben, talc and cruelty-free, too. The beefy brush administers heart shaped fibres that latch onto each lash, bolstering and boosting length and thickness. The result is clump free, blacker than black glossy lashes that last all day.
The Falsies Instant Lash Lift Mascara
If fluttery lashes are on your to-get list, give this clever double-curved brush a go. The formula is infused with volumising fibres, giving the illusion of thickness without the clumping. If also comes in a waterproof version, if you're looking for extra staying-power during the summer months.
The Mascara
Lengthening mascaras tend to sit on the more dramatic side of formulas, but if you’re looking for something slightly more natural-looking, consider this one instead. Created by legendary makeup artist Bobbi Brown, the curved wand grabs even the tiniest lashes and swoops them upwards into a subtle curl while keeping them fluttery and soft, meaning none of that uncomfortable crunchy finish.
Makeup Rise Mascara - 8g
As a long-time fan of Milk mascaras, I don’t think my expectations have been so high since I sat down in my local Cineworld for the final Harry Potter movie. Thankfully, this did not disappoint. Developed with four types of vegan waxes, it lengthened and lifted my straight lashes but, even better, as the formula is so lightweight, my lashes didn’t droop or lose their curl throughout the day – something I’ve always struggled with.
Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara
An oldie but most definitely a goldie. Lancôme's Hypnôse Doll Eyes is not only loved by us here at Cosmo, but it's also loved by Khloe Kardashian herself, who claimed it was her most repurchased makeup item when we interviewed her.
Proof that some formulas just can't be beat, this gives a beautiful fanned out effect to lashes, adding both volume and length without things getting clumpy.
Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara
RiRi has totally delivered with this 'flat-to-fat' brush design. The denser bristles load lashes with product, and the slimmer edge combs it all through for definition and curl. It plumps and lengthens, exposing every little lash with eye-opening definition.
On The Rise Liftscara Mascara
Great mascaras don't have to cost a bomb. This game changer from NYX comes in at a totally affordable £10 and is hands down one of the best all-rounders going. The dual sided wand lets you alternate between volumising and defining, while the super pigmented formula provides long lasting colour. If you're looking to boost your lashes without going OTT, this is the everyday wand for you.
FetishEyes Mascara
When you think of Pat McGrath's line, the first thing that comes to mind is eyeshadow palettes, but let us tell you, this mascara is actually top of our list.
Now, word of warning. This does smudge on the bottom lashes, BUT, the results are so good it's worth using a seperate mascara for that job.
This gives such impressive length and volume, but still somehow looks natural, like you were born with the kind of lashes a camel would be proud of.
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