Regardless of your lash type, it seems like the hunt for the best mascaras can be never-ending. Like most individuals, I constantly strive to find the perfect formula — in this case, the best product for long lashes (#blessed) — but despite my lengthy fringe, it's not the easiest task. Mascaras can tend to make my lashes appear similar to spider legs, a look I do not strive for. Other times, some formulas weigh down my lashes, making them appear chunky and stuck together.
I asked my personal beauty expert (aka POPSUGAR Beauty Editor, Emily Orofino) for some help and she did not disappoint. With some research and professional recommendations, I tried on 10 different mascaras that are popular for the perfect for long lashes. Based on overall coverage, volume, and wow factor, I gave each mascara a rating out of five stars. Luckily, I didn't try on any that I wouldn't use again! Keep reading to find out which formula you should test on your own lashes.
This mascara ($21) is more brown than I would normally be willing to try, but I wasn't disappointed. It gave my lashes natural volume with just one coat and lasted all day! If you're normally a black mascara girl like me, consider giving this one a shot.
Overall rating:★★★☆
I loved the natural curl this mascara ($67) gave me in just one coat! The brush is full of fibers to give you that falsies look, and the formula is enriched with ingredients like pro-vitamin B5, rice phytoceramides, castor oil, and passion flower extract to strengthen lashes (so it's actually good for you!). If you're used to being a little more conservative with your mascara purchases like I am, you might want to save up for this one.
Overall rating:★★★★☆
As a relative newcomer to Clinique products, I was pleased with the results of of this formula ($21). Although the formula didn't last the entire day, I would recommend it as the perfect mascara for a "no-makeup makeup" look. It definitely gives you a subtle curl and darkens the lashes so they are slightly more prominent.
Overall rating:★★☆☆
As a first-time user of Borghese, this mascara ($21) was an awesome introduction to the brand. It was super-lightweight on and lasted all day. The formula is a bit thinner than most mascaras I've tried, so I applied two coats to my lashes. Even after two coats, there were no flakes (which is a huge plus for me!). If you're looking for a natural-looking mascara and don't mind the additional coat, you'll have a soft spot for this mascara.
Overall rating:★★☆☆
I love Benefit, so I wanted this mascara ($24) to be the clear winner! It instantly lifted and lengthened my eyelashes after one coat. However, towards the end of the day, I found my eyelashes to be a little dry and flaky. I still love it, though, so I'd use it again with a primer to smooth out my lashes.
Overall rating:★★★☆☆
Naturally, I was hoping this formula ($32) would be as fabulous on my lashes as it is in the tube, and it was. I loved the instant feathery look it provided after just one coat. The formula lasted all day and didn't cause any clumping, which is one of my main concerns. I would definitely keep this mascara in my makeup drawer as a staple.
Overall rating:★★★★
As a sucker for pretty packaging, I fell in love with this mascara ($32) before even using it. Upon opening it, however, I found that the brush was significantly smaller than those of mascaras I've used before, so I was a bit skeptical to try it. I find smaller brushes work better for shorter/thinner lashes. This formula lifted my lashes but didn't give me the volume I hoped for. I prefer mascaras to give my lashes a fuller look, the same way I look for shampoos that give extra oomph to hair.
Overall rating:★★★☆☆
After a strong recommendation, I opted to try this neuEnvy mascara ($32). I really loved the long wand and the eyelash brush. I'm a huge fan of a lightweight, feathery look for my lashes and that's exactly what this product provided. In addition to lasting all day, this was actually a very easy formula to remove. This is now one of my favorites.
Overall rating:★★★★☆
I was a little wary of using this product after a prior version of it left my lashes feeling a bit dry, but luckily for me,
this new formula ($22) left my fringe feeling soft. You also don't need much of this mascara to get the job done, which is always a plus.
Overall rating:★★★★☆
You guys, this mascara ($24) is the one! First of all, the packaging alone is ridiculously cute. Additionally, the wand itself is amazing. I loved that I could easily adjust the angle of the brush to lift and curl my lashes easily (see GIF below). I'd never used a formula like this and it gave my lashes life like they have never received before . . . all with just one coat! This is the mascara my lashes deserve.
Overall rating:★★★★★