It can be difficult to find the perfect mascara. Where do you begin with so many formulas that promise volume, length and drama? You want a mascara that will deliver on its promises, without clumping or smudging. The right mascara can make all the difference, whether you want a natural look for daytime or a dramatic full-glam look. This guide will cut through the clutter to give you the definitive list of top 10 mascaras. We have analyzed reviews, tried formulas and taken into account every type of lash to find the perfect match. Discover your new beauty secret.
How to Choose the Perfect Mascara
Let’s take a look at what you need to consider before we get into our top choices. Understanding your specific needs is important because not all mascaras are suitable for everyone.
What Are Your goals for your lashes?
- Are you looking for thicker, longer lashes? You should look for formulas that contain building polymers, and brushes with dense, thick bristles.
- Want to lengthen your lashes or make them longer? Look for mascaras with fibers or wands so thin that they can cover each lash root to tip.
- Curl: Are your lashes prone to drooping? Curling mascaras with curved brushes and stiff formulas will hold the lift throughout the day.
- Definition: Do you dislike clumps in mascara? A defining or separate mascara has a precision bristle to fan each lash out beautifully.
- Take a Look at Your Lifestyle
Washable vs. Waterproof: A waterproof mascara is a must for humid days, weddings or workouts. Washable formulas are gentler for daily use.
Formula Type: There are now more options for those who want to use vegan, cruelty-free and natural ingredients.
The shape of the brush is as important as formula! A large, fluffy, brush will add volume. A small, thin brush will help with precision and lower lashes. And a curved, angled brush can be used to curl.
The definitive list: Top 10 Mascaras in 2025
Let’s move on to the main event. These ten mascaras have been selected for their outstanding performance and positive reviews.
1. Maybelline Lash Screaming Sky High Mascara
This product is best for: Long, fiber-infused hair that doesn’t clump.
This drugstore star has been sweeping the beauty industry for years. The lightweight formula and flexible brush coat each lash to create a soft, fanning effect. The formula is smudge proof, but can be easily removed with warm water. It’s a perennial favorite because it is so affordable.
Features: Low price, fiber-infused, machine washable and available in waterproof.
2. Too Faced Mascara is Better Than Sex Mascara
This mascara is best for: Dramatic, dramatic hourglass shaped lashes and ultimate volume.
This mascara is a cult classic for those who want to add volume. It lives up its bold name. The hourglass-shaped mascara brush lifts, curls, and volumizes, giving you dramatic fullness and intense black pigment. The formula can be built up to create a range of looks, from bold for the day to full-on glamour.
The key features: of this iconic luxury mascara are its volumizing brush and hourglass.
3. Benefit Cosmetics are Real! Lengthening Mascara
What’s best for: Long, defined lashes with a real look!
This mascara has won many awards for its ability both to separate and lengthen lashes. The brush is designed with stiff bristles to reach even the smallest lashes and define them, giving a wide-awake appearance. The long-lasting formula delivers a jet-black finish.
Key Features: Lengthening, defining, long-wearing.
4. L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
This is the best for: a soft, feathery and voluminous look.
Lash Paradise is often hailed as an affordable dupe of high-end favorites. It delivers intense volume with a soft and wispy texture. The brush and velvety formula work together to coat the lashes deeply. This gives a plush effect, like a paradise, without flaking.
Key Features: Drugstore, volumizing, soft brush.
5. Mascara Tartelette ™ Tubing
The Best For: Easy removal, smudge proof, flake proof, and a smudgeproof experience.
A tubing mascara, like this one by Tarte, is the solution to raccoon eye. It does not paint your lashes but instead forms tubes that seal in the color. It will not smudge in any conditions, but it can be easily removed with warm water and a little pressure. It’s vegan, and it is cruelty-free.
Features: Easy removal, smudge proof, tubing technology.
6. Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara(tm)
Best for: An easy-to-remove, buildable lash extension effect.
Thrive is another incredible tube mascara. It’s formula will change your life. It instantly volumizes and lengthens lashes, giving the appearance of extensions without the cost or hassle. The product is infused with biotinyl GHK and orchid stem cells to condition the lashes.
Key Features: Tube technology, lash-enhancing formula, and clean formula.
7. Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara
One coat of bold, dramatic volume with a big and bold look.
Monsieur Big is true to its name. It delivers bold, big lashes in an instant. The large brush and the collagen-rich formula give a dramatic false-lash look. This is the luxury mascara of choice for those who want to make a statement.
Features: Volumenizing, large brush, and luxury.
8. CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
What to Buy: Clean, vegan and volumizing options at the drugstore.
The mascara is vegan and made with clean ingredients. It is made from clean, vegan ingredients and part of CoverGirl’s Clean line. The iconic blast brush provides volume and defined lashes with no irritation. It is perfect for sensitive eye.
Key Features: Clean beauty mascara, vegan, drugstore, volumizing.
9. Glossier Lash Slick
The Best For: A natural, enhanced, “your-lashes-but-better” look.
Lash Slick will be a perfect choice for those who want a subtler, more defined look. It uses tiny fibres to separate and tint each lash. It is smudge proof and has a natural, polished finish. Perfect for days when you want to wear minimal makeup.
Key Features: Natural look, defining, fiber-infused.
10. Mascara Heroine Curl & Make Mascara Long
The Best For: A mascara that will curl straight lashes.
The Japanese import is renowned in the beauty world for its amazing holding power. This is the answer if you have stubbornly straight eyelashes that don’t hold a curl. The advanced film formulation and curved brush lifts and locks lashes into a dramatic, perfect curl that lasts through rain, sweat and tears.
Key Features: Extremely curl-hold, waterproof and long-lasting.
Does it Matter if You Spend More on Mascara?
The great debate: The debate between high-end and drugstore mascaras is one that many women face. There are some amazing options available in both categories.
The quality: of drugstore mascaras has improved dramatically and they are often comparable to their high-end counterparts. These mascaras are great for everyday use, and to experiment with different styles. Maybelline and L’Oreal have always been excellent brands.
Luxury mascaras: invest in exclusive brush designs, proprietary formulations and pigments. From the packaging to wearing it, the experience can feel more special. These products may also contain more nourishing ingredients.
Verdict: There are amazing mascaras available at all price points. It all comes down to your personal preferences, your lash needs and budget.
Last Thoughts on Your Perfect Match
This list of top 10 mascaras will help you start your search for the best mascara. There’s a mascara for everyone, whether you want a budget-friendly option, a smudge proof tubing formula or a luxurious purchase.
The best mascara will make you feel beautiful and confident. Do not be afraid to experiment with different mascaras to find the one that works best for you and your unique lash types.
What is your favorite mascara? Was it included on our list of best mascaras? Comment below to share your favorites and your lash goals!