When it comes to finding the best mascara, it takes a lot to impress me. In my decade-plus as a women’s lifestyle editor, I’ve tried literally hundreds and, at this point in my life (I’m 51), I’ve become a bit high maintenance and rarely consider switching brands. However, after testing dozens of new — and frankly, quite old — mascaras, I’ve recently changed my tune. Mascaras have come a long way in the past decade or so, with innovations in wand design and formulas along with the addition of conditioning ingredients like castor seed oil and vitamin E. In fact, there are more options on the market today than ever before, ranging from $5 (the drugstore fave Essence Lash Princess) to around $105 (La Bouche Rouge in a leather case, ooh la la). Still, in my testing, I discovered one that I believe to be above and beyond the rest of the herd, and more affordable too.
Quick Overview
Mascaras we tested that didn’t make the cut
I cast a wide net, testing old-timey familiar items (hello, Great Lash!) along with newer, well-reviewed brands I’d heard of but hadn’t yet tried (Ilia). I also spent significant time applying usual mascara best-list suspects like Benefit’s They’re Real. Some formulations were clearly superior to others, but, even the better versions, had, for me, at least one disqualifying flaw. For example, the insanely popular Essence Lash Princess gave solid lengthening/thickening coverage, but left behind a dusting of serious, deal-breaking flakes. I’ve long loved the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara for its cool brush design and how it makes my lashes appear miles-long, but up against my top picks I found it far too difficult to remove, almost sticky and tar like, and, ultimately more hassle than it was worth. Last, when I tested Thrive’s social-media famous Liquid Lash Extensions, it shedded extensively, leaving tiny, worm-like black tubes all over my under eyes and eyelids — I truly couldn’t have hated it more.
What to look for when buying mascara
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Wand/applicator brush: Flexible, streamlined plastic wands (especially those that taper toward the end) with rubber bristles offer the most uniform application and tend to be easiest to use. Depending on the shape of your eyes, curved wands may be better for reaching fine corner lashes. Large wands with spindly bristles often work better for those with denser, longer lashes, rendering them fluffier overall.
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Formulation If you have sensitive eyes, look for non-irritating, ophthalmologist and allergy-tested products. If your lashes are sparse or dry, look for lighter, conditioning formulas with nourishing ingredients. A good rule of thumb is the thicker and wetter the product, the more it will weigh fine lashes down.
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Waterproof or not? Maybelline’s Lash Sensational is water resistant and I found it hit the sweet spot between holding up under a scattering of tears (I am a crier, with allergies!) and washing off with relative ease. However, if you’re a person who likes to wear mascara while, say, swimming laps or you’re heading to a funeral, I might invest in a fully waterproof product (for just $5, Essence’s Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof mascara is an excellent option).
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Pigment Unless you are going for a subtle look (in which case, choose a soft brown shade), I — and every makeup artist I’ve ever interviewed — recommend choosing the darkest, blackest tint you can find.
Mascara FAQs
What’s the best way to apply mascara?
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If you’re curling your lashes, do this first. Curling after application can lead to breakage. (For more, check out our guide to the best eyelash curlers.)
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If you are a person who has the time/patience for a lash primer (which will help keep most any formula from smudging), apply your favorite version now.
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Next, place the mascara wand at the base of your top lashes and — yes this is the technical term — wiggle it upwards until you’ve coated every strand from root to tip. Let dry for a second or two.
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Repeat on your bottom lashes. Note: these finer strands require less pigment, so apply with a lighter touch.
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Carefully wipe away any mistakes with a cotton swab that’s damp with either water or a gentle makeup remover.
How many coats of mascara should I use?
This is a personal preference! In the 70s, my aunt used to apply 10 coats to each eye, though I’ve found, depending on the product, two or three coats will usually suffice.
How often should I replace my mascara?
Most ophthalmologists and dermatologists recommend discarding and replacing your mascara every three months, though I’ve gone longer with certain formulas, like Merit’s.
Is it safe to wear mascara every day?
Yes! Though experts recommend removing it at night to minimize breakage and damage to your lashes.
We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
