If there’s one question beauty editors get asked often (and I mean very often) when it comes to make-up, it’s about the best mascara. In particular, which mascara can add impressive length to lashes giving the appearance of falsies without the faff. So today, we’ve diving into exactly that: the best lengthening mascaras.
Out of all the make-up products out there, mascara is arguably the most widely used, meaning people have a lot of opinions about them. Just like most beauty products, mascara is a very personal thing so what works for one person doesn't work for someone else. That said, as a beauty editor, I’ve tried hundreds of mascaras across years of product testing so I know what makes a good product—even if it’s not a personal favourite of mine.
Out of the dozens and dozens of lengthening mascaras out there, there are a bunch that stand out above the rest. So, if you’re looking for a new lengthening mascara to give your lashes new height, try these 11 first.
Best lengthening mascara 2023
1. Hourglass Extensions Unlocked Mascara
This one is my favourite mascara of all because it really does exactly as it promises: gives you lashes that look just like extensions. It’s a tubing formula meaning it coats each individual lash, stretching it to lengths you probably didn’t know was possible. This means it doesn’t smudge or budge but unlike waterproof formulas, it takes just warm water and a reusable cotton pad to remove. It’s definitely on the pricey side so might be one you want to wear on occasions rather than daily wear, but it’s well worth it.
2. Victoria Beckham Future Lash Mascara
For those who like a really natural-looking lash, an almost barely-there look, this is the one. It delivers zero clumps like nothing I’ve never seen before, making lashes look lifted and lengthened. The brush is small and curved so you can catch every hair in a single swipe, coating each evenly. It also won’t smudge or flake off so that’s another bonus. If you like both length and lots of volume then you’ll like the brand’s newer Vast Lash formula a little better, which gives dramatic results. I'm a huge fan of both mascaras, which is why they're firmly on the list of the best Victoria Beckham Beauty products.
3. UKLash Lengthening Mascara
This UKLash mascara has it all, it does what it promises in lengthening and defining lashes and is a great price. It also contains conditioning ingredients to help increase natural length and the health of lashes. It emphasises and gives lashes a real oomph whilst still looking natural. Honestly? I really can’t fault it. Want a hard-working lash combo? Pair this daily mascara with the UKLash Serum.
4. Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High
A beauty editor favourite—and for good reason. Living up to its name, the wand grabs the lashes from root to tip stretching and lengthening. You’ll either love or hate the flexi wand (some find it hard to control) but to achieve length, it’s a great feature. The lightweight formula makes it ideal for sensitive eyes and it also doesn’t flake or smudge after a long day.
5. Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara
Hands down this is the best, most affordable mascara out there. It’ll give you a little more than just length, so if you want a subtle finish, this one won’t be for you. But if you love the lash drama, you won’t be able to get enough of it. The big tapered brush generously coats lashes in a single swipe. It won’t give you much curl, but it’ll add impressive length and definition. Oh and it's waterproof. Ideal.
6. Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara
The clue is in the name with this one, other people will think you’re wearing falsies when in fact: “They're real!” That’s because it gives defined lashes with its ultra black pigment and lots of added length without a ton of dramatic volume. This means they look naturally long with just a sprinkling of help. The domed-tip means that you can get right into those outer lashes to really give a fanned out effect.
7. Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Sculpt Mascara
I’m always surprised how much I like this mascara as the wand isn't one that I typically go for. The bristles aren’t too densely packed, which I like to separate lashes easily and evenly. The packaging feels luxe and the stopper top works well so that you only get as much formula as you need. It’s a little spenny but one coat is plenty, so you don’t need to pack on the layers, meaning it lasts a little longer than other formulas.
8. L'Oreal Paris Pro XXL Lift Mascara
Two mascaras for the price of one in this L'Oreal number. It'll add impressive volume and length for lashes. It's quite a wet formula so this is something to bear in mind when packing it on. Not one for those who want a natural, barely-there lash. It really lives up to the name giving you XXL lashes.
9. e.l.f. Lash 'N Roll Mascara
Leave it to e.l.f to create a mascara that matches up to its pricier counterparts. It adds length, looks natural, doesn't clump and doesn't smudge. It doesn't hold up as long as some other mascaras in the list but for the price, I think it does a really great job. It's a firm staple in my make-up bag as a reliable lengthening mascara.
10. Sensai Lash Lengthener 38 Mascara
As promised, this mascara adds length, in addition to a bit of curl and volume. The small tapered brush of this mascara makes it easy to grab each and every lash without over-loading it in product. The real magic of this mascara is how long-lasting it is. If you hate flaking and smudging but don't want a waterproof, difficult to remove formula, you'll love this. It really does last all day long but isn't a total pain to remove at the end of the day.
11. MAC Magic Extension Mascara
This formula is great for adding length with a little bit of volume too. It's buildable but make sure you wipe off a little excess before going in to avoid clumps. It's super pigmented which is great if you're after an ultra black finish. I do find this one a little more difficult to remove, so I make sure to press and hold with micellar water to avoid harsh scrubbing.