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People stop me pretty regularly to ask about my lashes—usually assuming I’m wearing extensions and wanting the name of the salon. Plot twist: I’ve never had extensions. What they’re actually seeing is some makeup magic. Sure, lash serums have helped keep my lashes healthy and conditioned, which can make them look a little longer and fuller. But the real reason they look borderline fake? A standout mascara—especially one with the right brush. The wand makes a huge difference depending on what you’re after, whether that’s length, curl, or major volume.
That said, I didn’t magically know which formulas were worth it. Over the course of my career as a beauty editor, I’ve tested hundreds of mascaras to figure out which ones actually deliver. And I’ll say this upfront: mascara is deeply personal—right up there with foundation and nude lipstick. The best one for you depends entirely on what you want your lashes to do. Which is exactly why this list exists. Ahead, you’ll find the highest-rated mascaras I’ve personally tested, along with standout picks loved by other Cosmo editors. First, a quick-hit list before we dive into the full lineup:
Keep scrolling for the complete breakdown of the best mascaras—from brands like Ilia, Maybelline, L’Oréal, and Tower 28—plus the key tips to know before you add a new tube to your cart (or your makeup bag).
Maybelline New York Sky High Mascara
Why we love it:Maybelline's Sky High Mascara is kind of an overachiever. It uses tiny bamboo fibers to add a ton of length and volume to teeny-tiny lashes and it has a slim, flexible brush with a tapered tip that makes application quick, easy, and mess-free. Every time I use it, I'm shocked at how incredible my lashes look for such minimal effort. Did I mention it comes off easily with just warm water too? Obsessed.
One Cosmo editor says:"I've gone through so many tubes of this mascara, I can't even conjure up an appropriate number. It's just the simplest, most reliable mascara I've ever tried. It never lets me down in the length department, is easy to remove, holds a curl for hours, and doesn't make my lashes feel dry and clumpy. I always have at least one—if not five—in my stash at all times."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Sweed Cloud Mascara
Why we love it:Loved by Sabrina Carpenter, this lengthening mascara is a huge hit amongst our team for its long wear and sensitive-eye friendly formula.
One Cosmo editor says:"My first impression was the precision of the wand—it separates my lashes really nicely, which is one of my biggest qualms when judging a formula. There's nothing I hate more than clumps and chunks. It also adds tons of length and volume with just a few swipes, as you can see below, making it ideal for my everyday 10-minute makeup routine before work. And as a beauty editor with many events, from early breakfast meetings to late-night dinners (plus the office in between), the Cloud Mascara lasts until the very end of my long days without flaking."—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Panorama Chromatic Mascara
Why we love it:If you’re looking for a great brown mascara—especially one you can easily grab at the drugstore—L’Oréal Panorama is a standout. The rich brown shade gives lashes a softer, more natural-looking definition than classic black, making it perfect for everyday wear. The formula still brings the drama where it counts too, adding fluffy volume and a bit of length when you layer on a few coats.
One Cosmo editor says:“If you’re a brown mascara lover who wants to add both volume and length to your lashes (many formulas make you sacrifice one for the other), I cannot recommend this mascara enough. It doesn’t flake or smudge even when my eyes are tearing from NYC’s frigid winds. Plus, it separates my lashes so nicely and is a true brown that isn’t too harsh on my lighter color eyes.” —JH
Prada Beauty Pradascope Lash Lifting & Lengthening Mascara
Why we love it:While mascara doesn't necessarily seem like the most apt place to splurge, Prada's just makes sense. Of course, there's the stunning packaging, but most of all, the brand took an innovative route when developing the 180 degrees "lift and grip" wand. It was designed to grab each lash from root to tip, helping create clean separation, length, and lift in just a few swipes. The flexible micro-film formula coats lashes evenly without clumping and can be layered for more drama while still feeling lightweight.
One Cosmo editor says:"I’ve really been enjoying this mascara. I love how it looks when applied with a lighter hand—it just gives me super glossy, long lashes. I also like how the buildable, unclumpy formula can create a more dramatic look if desired. However, if you need something built for the elements or a subtler shade for your lash color, this might not be the fit for you. Overall, I think of it a lot like the Prada nylon re-edition shoulder bag . It’s sleek, classic, versatile, but still a luxury— and it looks most iconic in black."—SAM NEIBERT, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY WRITER
Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Why we love it:My broke college self could really only afford this mascara, but it wasn't a prob because it's legit so good. Even now, when I have a drawer filled with expensive mascaras, I often reach for this formula, because it's so reliable. It makes my lashes look long and thick, but the best part is that it legit does not smudge or flake. I mean, just read through the 245,000+ five-star reviews and try not to be influenced.
One Cosmo editor says:"Out of all the affordable mascaras I've tried, Essence’s def take the cake. Whether I want length, volume, a tint of brown, or literally anything else, I can snag an Essence mascara that gets the job done for less than $5."—JH
Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara
Why we love it:If you're looking for a mascara that lifts, lengthens, holds a curl, and separates your lashes, this is your MVP. The dual-sided wand has staggered bristles on one side to help you really load up your lashes, along with long, comb-like teeth on the other side so you can brush out any clumps while defining each lash. Oh, and the formula—like all Ilia products—is clean, eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and made without potentially sketch ingredients.
Glowing customer review:"Holy grail mascara! Incredible volume and length—no need to worry about clumping or flaking . "
One Cosmo editor says:"On my brown mascara journey I’ve tested a ton of formulas, and Ilia’s is a total standout. It’s the same buildable, non-clumpy, and long-lasting Limitless Lash formula I’ve used and loved for years, but now in a chocolatey brown hue that’s ultra flattering. This is definitely a soft-lash mascara, so don’t expect anyone to think you’re wearing extensions or falsies after applying it…but that’s exactly why I like it. It’s fairly effortless as far as eye makeup goes, and gives your lashes a little extra something without being too in your face, which is in line with my personal makeup style these days."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Benefit Cosmetics Fan Fest Fanning & Volumizing Mascara
Why we love it:I truly cannot stop raving about this mascara to every single person I meet. If you compliment my lashes, odds are, I'm gonna go on a whole diatribe about how this is the reason and why everyone needs it. So, it's no wonder it's totally blown up on TikTok . This mascara gives my lashes a fanned out, voluminous look without causing any clumps. Instead, it leaves my lashes defined and separated, making my eyes look wide and awake.
One Cosmo editor says: "Hands down, this is the best Benefit mascara, and dare I say, my favorite mascara ever. I feel so confident whenever I wear this one because it makes my eyes look so awake and bright."—BG
L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lengthening 2-Step Mascara
Why we love it:Try this if you want a formula that also softens and strengthens your lashes (along with makes 'em look hella long). This viral mascara uses a two-step system for major length: Just brush on the included primer, then go over it with the black tubing mascara formula.
One Cosmo editor says : "I thought I'd hate having to layer on two steps just to get long lashes, but I actually look forward to swiping this on. The primer is loaded with conditioning panthenol and ceramides to help moisturize my lashes and keep 'em strong and healthy. Then, I layer on the mascara, which is filled with tubes to add length and volume. Plus, because it's a tubing mascara, it's so damn easy to remove."—BG
Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara
Why we love it:This mascara is so good at curling lashes that you can actually ditch your eyelash curler altogether. In fact, the formula uses a polymer that's often used in curly hair products that helps define your lashes and add hold for an all-day curl, plus it's loaded with nourishing castor oil and panthenol to keep your lashes silky soft.
One Cosmo editor says: "My lashes are extremely fine and thin, meaning they've gotta be curled to look even remotely good generally. But turns out, with this mascara, I can skip a lash curler altogether."—BG
E.l.f. Lash 'N Roll Mascara
Why we love it:I love a bougie beauty product as much as the next editor, but drugstore mascaras are where it's at, y'all. And I'd never guess this formula from E.l.f. was less than $10. It curls and defines my lashes for a soft, natural look, but it legit doesn't flake, smear, or smudge throughout the day at all.
One shopper says:"I finally found a mascara that doesn't flake, smudge, or transfer! E.l.f. is yet to disappoint, and their ingredients are very clean. The price is amazing."
Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara
Why we love it:FYI: Tubing mascaras wrap each lash in tube-like polymers to create extra thickness and length that still looks super natural. It sounds strange, but trust me when I say it works so well and honestly holds up better than my traditional mascaras. Wriggle the wand through your curled lashes, and work quickly, since it dries fast to prevent flaking.
One Cosmo editor says:"Formulated with polymers that give a super long-lasting and lengthening effect, this tubing mascara is one of my all-time favorites for extra-long lashes that don't smear or run."—LB
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
Why we love it:This mascara went viral years ago for how long it made people's lashes, and I somehow evaded the hype... until recently when I finally gave in. Truly, I get why it's called lash extensions in a tube. When I layer this on my lashes, it's like they double in length with every coat. Plus, it's also made with sensitive eyes in mind (AKA without synthetic fragrance)— Cosmo staffers who wear contact lenses swear by this stuff.
However, be aware this doesn't create a ton of volume. So if you prefer thick, voluminous, heavy-looking lashes, you prob won't like this. Instead, this makes my lashes practically touch my eyebrows, separating and defining each one.
One shopper says:"This is hands down the best mascara I have ever used. My lashes have never looked longer. It goes on cleanly and comes off easily. I’m telling all my friends about it."
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
Why we love it:Struggle with sparse lashes? This cult-favorite formula has an hourglass-shaped wand that separates and curls each lash, giving even the sparsest of lashes extra volume and length. The result? An intense finish for a doe-eyed look. But the best part is that the waterproof formula is going to last you all day, yet is gentle and easy to remove—in other words, you won't be stuck scrubbing your lashes with soap in the PM.
One shopper says:"If you are like me—a contact lens-wearing, allergy-sufferer with runny eyes—then you know that most mascaras don't stay in place, but this one really does. It's totally waterproof!"
How to choose the best mascara for you:
Look at the formula type.
First, choose whether you want volumizing, thickening, curling, or lengthening benefits. While some offer multiple benefits, most mascaras fall into one of those categories. According to makeup artist Jenna Nicole , the main difference between the formulas is how much pigment or wax it contains, but the main factor contributing to the end results of your lashes is the brush. This leads us to the next important step to do:
Consider the brush size and shape.
Sometimes, a formula can be excellent, but the brush is worthless, so you won't ever get the look you want. “It really comes down to the wand applicator to give you the difference of a lengthened, curled, or voluminous look,” Nicole says. Like unique little snowflakes, mascara brushes come in every size, shape, bristle length, and material, and each design helps you achieve different end results.
Here's a helpful tip from Nicole to keep in mind when basing your decision on the applicator: The size of the brush will mirror the effect it has on your lashes. "A fat and fluffy applicator will give you voluminous, fat, and fluffy lashes," Nicole explains. "A long, skinny, precise wand will give you defined, clump-free lashes."
Think about its wearability.
Waterproof, tubing, regular—the formula you choose will determine how long your mascara lasts and how well it wears throughout the day. Waterproof is the best option if you know you'll be doing one of the three S-words: sweating, swimming, or shedding tears. These formulas can be stubborn to remove, so when you need budge-proof or smudge-proof mascara but not necessarily the lasting power of a waterproof formula, go with a tubing mascara.
Tubing mascaras coat your lashes in polymers and come off like little tubes with your fingers and water. And lastly, regular mascara. These are the most likely to flake, run, and smear, but they're also very flexible on your lashes, comfortable to wear, and easy to remove, so they all have pros and cons.
Figure out your ideal color.
Black is always a classic choice, but it's not the only choice, so don't waste an opportunity to really amplify and enhance your eye makeup look with a colored mascara instead. Nicole suggests, "playing with a midnight blue or deep plum mascara next time you do a smokey eye " to elevate your look and make your eyes pop. Opting for brown instead of blackest black will give your eyes a softer, less dramatic look that's perfect for low-key days.
Meet the expert:
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Jenna Nicoleis a Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Selena Gomez and Cassie Randolph .
Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?
Beth Gilletteis the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing makeup stories.
Siena Gaglianowas the associate editor at Cosmopolitan. She’s an expert at researching and writing beauty stories.
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