Searching for the best mascara that ticks all the right boxes and delivers Bambi-like lashes can seem like an impossible task. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the best mascaras to satisfy all of your curling and volumising needs.
Still curious if your perfect match is still out there? Take a look at our full line-up here.
How we choose the best mascaras
All our best mascaras offer up something different, be it length, volume, definition, curl or the whole lot. So, whether you prefer a naturally defined look or a dramatic falsie effect, these mascaras deliver the goods. As there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all, it might take some trial and error before you find the right brush and formula that gives you total #lashgoals. Your glowing reviews play an important part too, when a mascara racks up a bunch of 5-star ratings, we can’t help but take notice.
High Impact Mascara
Best for: Contact lens wearers
The whole brand is hailed for effective products that do no harm - this mascara is no exception. Available in a black and brown option, the ophthalmologist and allergy-tested, mineral, oil, and fragrance-free formula makes it a great (and safe) option for those who wear contact lenses. Plus, it serves up some serious drama.
The hype: “This is perfect and exactly what I wanted. Gives me soft, long lashes and has a super black pigment. Doesn't smudge and is lovely to use. Will keep buying this!” - Rosie, customer review
Lash Brag Mascara
Best for: Brag-worthy volume
We’ll be honest, we were a little surprised that it took until 2020 for Anastasia Beverly Hills to launch its first ever mascara, but it was certainly worth the wait. With an hourglass-shaped wand, it delivers dramatic length and full-bodied lashes with intense, jet-black pigments. Water-resistant and ultra creamy, layer up for brag-worthy volume without clumps or flakes.
The hype: “This has become my go-to mascara! When I say I LOVE this one oh boy do I mean it. It makes my lashes so full and long! I am going to buy backups to keep close to hand in case anything happens to this. Definitely recommend.” - Leah, customer review
Legit Lashes
Best for: On-the-go
Five years in the making, Huda’s very first mascara is a total game-changer. Uniting two full-size formulas in dual-ended wand, Legit Lashes lives up to its name and then some. One end offers curl and length, with a slim, curved wand and graduated bristles for an elevated curl. The formula is loaded with fibre-infused wax to add an impressive 5mm of length to each and every lash. The other end offers maximum volume, with a flexible rubber wand that grips and coats lashes. Use each end solo or layer up for Twiggy-esque results.
The hype: "Creates some of the best natural-looking length I have ever seen. I use the two ends together for extra oomph, but the different formulas lend themselves to separate usage too, which is some major bang for your buck." - Get The Gloss
Bad Gal Bang Volumising Mascara
Best for: Featherlight volume
Layer after layer, hour after hour (up to 36 hours to be precise), Benefit’s top-rated mascara keeps lashes lifted and super full. It grants gravity-defying lashes thanks to aero-particles, one of the lightest known materials found in space technology. Sounds super science-y, but it gives the mascara the ability to lift and volumise without weighing your lashes down. The long, flexible brush coats lashes from root-to-tip, and gets into all of those baby hairs at the inner corners of your eyes.
The hype: “I think I have found THE ONE. I have long straight lashes and have always had a hard time trying to curl them. With this mascara I get exactly what I need. The formula is lightweight and gives you the time to work the mascara in. Don’t think I’ll change it for a long time” - Sara, customer review
Perversion Mascara
Best for: Short lashes
If you’re all about full, inky-black lashes, Urban Decay’s Perversion Mascara brings the drama in just one coat. With a fat, short-bristled wand, it grips, lifts and separates each individual lash for an effortless false lash effect. It even works wonders on short and stubby lashes. As for the formula, it’s brimming with a cocktail of nourishing proteins and amino acids to condition and boost growth for a strong and silky flutter.
The hype: “Really fussy about my eyes as it's generally where I wear most of my makeup. This mascara has a great texture and never clumps or flakes after wearing all day. But the best thing is, I only need one coat to do the job, perfect when you're late for work” - Customer review
Mad Eyes Mascara
Best for: Fanned-out volume
Boosting lash volume by +112%, Guerlain Mad Eyes Mascara lifts and defines each individual lash thanks to its specially designed bristles. What’s more, the formula is spiked with Beeswax to prevent clumping and D-panthenol to hydrate and condition your lashes with every application. Plus points for the dreamy rose-gold tube, this is one you’ll be happy to whip out for your makeup on the move.
The hype: “Lengthening, separating and volumising, the formula applies creamy and dries soft, so that lashes are fluffy and thick as opposed to clumpy and brittle. Combined with jet-black pigment and a conical wand, it’s an ideal mascara to create a fan-like effect that makes lashes seem more plentiful than they actually are.” - VOGUE
Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara
Best for: Smudge-free finish
A long-wearing mascara that doesn’t give you panda eyes or involve vigorous tugging when you try to remove at the end of the day? Yes, it does exist. Estee Lauder’s budge-proof formula lifts, separates and curls your lashes and it will stay fresh for a solid 15 hours. Waterproof and oil-proof, it’ll even wear for hours on oily eyelids.
The hype: “I have oily eyelids and often have the problem of mascara smudging. I’ve tried so many different mascaras but this is the only one I’ve found that doesn’t smudge! Unlike other waterproof mascaras it doesn’t make your eyelashes clump together and doesn’t look spidery.” - Holly, customer review
Pillow Talk Super Black Push Up Lashes!
Best for: Everyday wear
When it comes to your lashes, if you’re all about dramatic lift and volume, you’ll be a big fan of Charlotte Tilbury’s newest mascara. With its stellar paddle brush, which boasts ‘load, comb and lift’ technology, the diamond-shaped bristles ensure that every last lash is surrounded with inky black pigments. As for the formula itself, it’s enriched with Keratin to thicken and condition as you wear, while Carnauba and Microcrystalline waxes add texture for next-level volume and body without weighing your hairs down. Genius.
The hype: “I’m a big fan of Charlotte’s mascaras but this is the best yet - a true game-changer. So easy to use, no clumps, just long, sweeping curled lashes that don’t smudge. Amazing! Hard to imagine using any other mascara from now on. Totally worth the hype.” - Emma, customer review
Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
Best for: False lash effect
For a lash extension effect with sky-high lift, look no further. Hourglass’ Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara grants realistic definition and fanned-out length, all without weighing down your delicate hairs. The key is in the lash-grabbing wand which is crafted with a gentle curve to help reach every last lash and take them to new heights. Another big tick? The formula uses film-forming technology to coat each lash in lightweight fibers that lock in place for stay-put, smudge-proof wear. Oh, and it’s vegan and cruelty-free too. Talk about dreamy...
The hype: “Incredible! The only tubing mascara I’ve found that you can build up. It literally doesn’t budge or flake all day and it’s easy to remove with warm water. So lengthening and keeps lashes curly all day too. LOVE LOVE LOVE.” - Customer review
They're Real Magnet Extreme Lengthening & Powerful Lifting Mascara
Best for: Longer than long lashes
When Benefit drops a new mascara, it’s always a big deal. New for 2021, the magic of the brand’s latest lash enhancer lies in its brush and formula, both of which are magnetically charged to deliver the longest lashes of your life. The zig-zag Extender Brush pulls the formula up and out beyond the tips of lashes for 36 hours of wear and non-stop lift while the magnetic formula attracts to the brush's magnetically charged core, drawing out hairs for *phenomenal* length. What does it all add up to? Lusciously long, clump-free lashes that look dramatically lifted all day long. We predict a new makeup icon.
The hype: "I was a little dubious on first impressions about how the brush would perform, but oh my goodness, it’s deceptive! I love this mascara - no clumping, and the brush performed way beyond my expectations. I didn’t get any smudging on my eyelids and my lashes barely moved all day! I’m a big fan” - Felicity, Buyer at Feelunique