If you ask someone what their number one must-have makeup item [1] is, they will often say mascara [2]. It has the ability to totally transform a look with just a few simple swipes. But considering how many people wear it on a daily basis, it can be a total maze in the quest to finding the perfect one.
Despite each mascara doing the same job as one another and essentially having the same components, there is still a lot to consider. Do you want a fat wand or a superthin wand? Do you want a wet or drier formula? Do you want it to lengthen or add volume? It can be pretty confusing — not to mention expensive — if you aren't exactly sure what you're looking for.
That's where we come in. We've called in the advice of the top global makeup artists — including Vincent Oquendo [3], Nikki Wolff [4], and Daniel Martin [5], plus seven others — to share which mascaras — including Chanel, Benefit, and Kevyn Aucoin, to name a few — last through their clients' busy lives, earning a spot in their coveted kit staples, as well as their personal favorites, too.
To save you the stress of trying mascaras that don't live up to the hype, read on to see the 16 best mascaras that do, according to the pros.
Maybelline New York Mascara Lash Sensational Very Black Mascara
Both Lucinda Worth [7] and Vincent Oquendo [8] recommend the superaffordable Maybelline New York Mascara Lash Sensational Very Black Mascara [9] ($10). "It's my number one choice for anyone with oily skin," Worth said. "It doesn't budge at all, so no panda eyes at the end of the day."
Not only that, but it also makes lashes look incredibly long, perfect if you're looking specifically for length in a mascara.
Wander Beauty Mile High Club Volume and Length Mascara
For Grace Ahn [10], the Wander Beauty Mile High Club Volume and Length Mascara [11] ($26) "does it all. It's lengthening, volumizing, and holds a curl without any flaking."
Nars Cosmetics Climax Mascara
Not one, not two, but three professional makeup artists sang the praises of the Nars Cosmetics Climax Mascara [12] ($24). "It's smudge-proof and creates a false lash effect with long, fluffy lashes," Worth said. Georgina Graham [13] added that it was responsible for giving BLE — big lash energy. We certainly can't argue with that.
Giorgio Armani Black Ecstasy Mascara
In Quinn Murphy [14]'s opinion (which is an important one to keep in mind, considering he works with Dakota Fanning, Kate Hudson, and Sophie Turner), the Giorgio Armani Black Ecstasy Mascara [15] ($32) "is a monster" and we don't know about you, but that's enough to sell it for us. "It gives incredible volume for a major lash," he added.
Chanel Le Volume de Chanel
The Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Mascara [16] ($32) gives you "megaplumped lashes," according to Graham. And Sandy Linter [17] agrees: "inimitable volume, length, and curl separation — you get it all, this one delivers."
Clarins Supra Volume Mascara
It can sometimes be difficult to work with a mascara that gives a dramatic effect as it can result in clumps, which we're guessing isn't the look you're going for on a Monday morning. But you're guaranteed not to get that with the Clarins Supra Volume Mascara [18] ($28), according to Murphy. "It's dramatic and buildable but isn't clumpy."
Hourglass Cosmetics Caution Extreme Lash Mascara
The Hourglass Cosmetics Caution Extreme Lash Mascara [19] ($29) gives you "lashes full of volume," said makeup artist Hannah Martin [20]. "The brush grabs every lash and feels like Velcro as you pull it through, and it has fantastic lash coverage in very few strokes."
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara
Sometimes classic mascaras are simply the best, like the Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara [21] ($28). "It doesn't smudge, flake, or drop, and you can remove it really easily with warm water," said makeup artist Lucy Wearing [22].
Lancome Grandiose Wide-Angle Fan Effect Mascara
The Lancome Grandiose Wide-Angle Fan Effect Mascara [23] ($32) "is one of my go-to mascaras," said makeup artist Neil Young [24]. "I love the brush size and its buildable formula. It dries quickly to keep a curl in the lashes without any flaking."
Make Up For Ever Stretch Mascara
Meghan Markle's makeup artist Daniel Martin [25] is a big fan of the Make Up For Ever Stretch Mascara [26] ($24), all thanks to the incredible brush. "It builds out the lashes while giving a bit of length, too. It's a kit staple of mine for sure," he said.
Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara
If you prefer a no-makeup makeup look when it comes to your eyelashes, Hannah Martin recommends Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara [27] ($8). "The comb separates lashes for an even, groomed finish. I'm able to fan the eyelashes with accuracy and precision for a neat finish."
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara
The Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara [28] ($25) needs no introduction. It's a fan favorite for adding length and curl to the lashes. This mascara "does it all," Ahn said.
Maybelline Lash Discovery
If you're already devoted to a mascara but want something a little extra to pump up the volume on occasion, Oquendo recommends Maybelline Lash Discovery [29] ($9) to "layer over other mascaras."
Pat McGrath Labs FetishEyes Mascara
For wispy lashes that take barely any effort, Nikki Wolff [30] loves the Pat McGrath Labs FetishEyes Mascara [31] ($30). "It really catches every eyelash and coats it evenly, making lashes look full and fluffy." Ahn is also a fan of this mascara. "It does everything you want in a mascara, just on steroids."
Givenchy Volume Disturbia Volume & Curve Mascara
A recent discovery — which has since become a kit staple — for Young is the Givenchy Volume Disturbia Mascara [32] ($27). "I love the moulded brush because it gives superb, buildable volume and separation to the lashes."
Shiseido Controlled Chaos Mascara Ink
Another of Oquendo's go-to mascaras is the Shiseido Controlled Chaos Mascara Ink [33] ($25). This mascara adds serious drama from root to tip thanks to its chunky and curved wand, which will both lift and curl lashes. And if you're looking for an easy way to spice up your routine, this mascara comes in a variety of shades, including purple, green, and blue.