I Put 10 Mascaras to the Nap Test So That You Don't Have To

POPSUGAR Photography | Brinton Parker
POPSUGAR Photography | Brinton Parker
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Let's be frank: I love sleeping. I never pulled a true all-nighter during college because my bed always lured me to sweet slumber by around 1 a.m., even during finals week. On current weekends, you can usually find me enjoying a snooze in the sun — sometimes more than once in a day. But throughout my life, I've always encountered the same frustrating problem: I can never find a mascara that won't make a mess all over my pillow or leave me with limp lashes.

While it's important to remove your makeup before going to sleep at night, sometimes you just wanted to pass out between Sunday brunch and your Game of Thrones viewing party that evening. If you, too, are guilty of falling asleep with your lashes done, then you're in luck. I put 10 popular mascara formulas to the test in search of the ultimate nap-proof wand.

Based on the flakes and smudges left on my face, stains on my pillowcase, and overall postnap appearance, I've given each of these mascaras a rating out of five stars. A surprising number of my choices were ideal shut-eye material! Keep reading, and you just might find a product that will help you be a true sleeping beauty.

Here are my eyes without any makeup.
POPSUGAR Photography | Brinton Parker

Here are my eyes without any makeup.

To give each mascaras a fair shot during the nap experiment, I treated them equally:

  • No pretreatment, such as an eyelash curler or primer. I simply spritzed my face with Mario Badesco's rosewater facial spray before each application.
  • I used two coats of mascara on the top lashes, and one on the bottom.
  • I allowed each formula to dry for 10 minutes before beginning the nap.
  • I slept belly down, with one cheek against the pillow. This is my usual slumber position, and it really put the products to the test.
  • I nodded off for exactly 10 minutes every time, because let's be real . . . even the biggest enthusiast can only sleep so much!
  • I removed mascara completely with a gentle makeup remover and warm water in between each evaluation, ensuring that no residue remained from the previous one.
  • I allowed at least 20 minutes between every session to prevent any eye irritation.

And here were the results . . .

Covergirl The Supersizer Mascara
POPSUGAR Photography | Brinton Parker

Covergirl The Supersizer Mascara

This mascara's ($7) uniquely designed applicator made lower-lash application a breeze, but wasn't as friendly to my upper lashes. After a quick snooze, there was a bit of smudging on my pillow and a flake or two left under my eyes. My top lashes stuck together quite a bit, but my lower ones looked flawless before and after. Overall, I'd definitely use it again, but only on the bottom!

My nap-test rating:★★☆☆☆

Overall rating:★★★☆☆

MAC Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara
POPSUGAR Photography / Brinton Parker

MAC Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara

I rooted for this formula ($22) because I usually adore MAC's products and the packaging is super cute, but it didn't quite hold up to my study. My lashes looked clumpy and felt very stuck together after my rest. While I'd steer clear of passing out with it still on in the future, I look forward to using it during the day to achieve a lush-lash look.

My nap-test rating:★★☆☆

Overall rating:★★★☆☆

Julep Length Matters Mascara
POPSUGAR Photography / Brinton Parker

Julep Length Matters Mascara

I love the extreme lash-extending quality of this mascara ($24), but I probably wouldn't snooze in it again. While my flutter looked absolutely incredible before passing out, there were flakes left on my pillow and a bit of residue under my eyes after resting. My takeaway? Set this ultralengthening formula aside for a stunning Saturday night-out smoky eye!

My nap-test rating:★★☆☆

Overall rating:★★★★

Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash Mascara
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Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash Mascara

This waterproof mascara ($23) is a great buy for a beach vacation, but it's better used for snorkeling than naps in the sand. I adored the applicator and how the mascara evenly coated each lash, but there were some visibly stuck-together lashes and a few flakes left on my pillow after the nap test.

My nap-test rating:★★★☆☆

Overall rating:★★★★☆

Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious Mascara
POPSUGAR Photography / Brinton Parker

Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious Mascara

I'd have liked to add one more coat of this mascara ($6) before the test, but for fairness's sake, I stopped at two. With a few clumpy lashes postnap and a flake or two left on the pillow, it wasn't my favorite formula. However, it felt very natural and featherlight on the eyes.

My nap-test rating:★★★☆

Overall rating:★★★☆

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara
POPSUGAR Photography / Brinton Parker

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara

This mascara ($21) gave my lashes a definite lift and lots of individual definition; however, it clumped together when I caught some zzz's. I was going to give it a three-star rating, but when brushed my fingers over my lashes, they sprang right back into place! The mascara's awesome hold allowed for an easy postnap fix, so I added an extra half point to its rating.

My nap-test rating:★★★☆

Overall rating:★★★★

Almay One Coat Thickening Mascara
POPSUGAR Photography | Brinton Parker

Almay One Coat Thickening Mascara

As somebody who hasn't used Almay products much, I was pretty impressed with this mascara's ($7) naptime chops. It left no aftermath or residue and remained presentable when I woke up. Though my lashes got a bit clumped together, I'd still have no problem rocking this formula postsleep.

My nap-test rating:★★★☆

Overall rating:★★★☆

Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Mascara
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Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Mascara

I'll admit that I'm a huge fan of this mascara formula ($7). It's one of my favorite drugstore beauty buys, thanks to its large brush and consistently smooth application. And my nap investigation simply proved why it's a great drugstore pick — my flutter hardly changed at all! They felt a bit stuck together at first, but appeared perfectly defined and evenly coated.

My nap-test rating:★★★★☆

Overall rating:★★★★

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
POPSUGAR Photography / Brinton Parker

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

While it's no secret that we love this mascara here at POPSUGAR, I wasn't convinced that Roller Lash ($24) would perform during naptime. However, it ended up being one of my top picks! My lashes maintained the product's signature boost and curl after sleeping, only sticking together slightly after I arose.

My nap-test rating:★★★★

Overall rating:★★★★★

L'Oréal Voluminous Million Lashes Excess Mascara
POPSUGAR Photography / Brinton Parker

L'Oréal Voluminous Million Lashes Excess Mascara

This is it, people — the ultimate napping mascara! I preferred some of the other formulas more before napping, but this mascara ($8) stayed the most consistent to its preexperiment state, leaving behind zero residue while remaining boosted and defined. Sleep lovers, you'll adore this nap-proof buy!

My nap-test rating:★★★★★

Overall rating:★★★★☆

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POPSUGAR Photography | Brinton Parker

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