The 20 best mascaras in existence according to the Marie Claire beauty editors

Whether you're after length, volume or definition

maybelline model with beautiful eye makeup and glowing skin
(Image credit: Maybelline)

In every make-up bag up and down the country you will find mascara. It is arguably the most used make-up product in our collective beauty kit. Think about it: you have tonnes of base choices—the very best foundation, five-star eye creams, the best eyeliners and plenty of blushers to add depth to your complexion. The only constant? Mascara. In fact, as a beauty editor, there is not a day that goes by that I leave the house without it. But what actually makes the best mascara the best?  Let's find out...

What makes the best mascara?

When it comes to mascara, everyone has their own preference in what they are searching for. Personally, I love a full, fluttery and voluminous lash look, combined with a formula that doesn't flake throughout the day and won't transfer onto my eyelid. A lot to ask for, I know. Long, lengthy lashes are usually a favourite. My go-to is Maybelline's Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara (which I will debate anyone who disagrees that it's the best Maybelline mascara), but I am always testing new releases to find the very best out there, because who doesn't want to find the best mascara?

If you're shopping for a new formula, there's plenty of things to consider. For starters, the look you're after: defined, natural-looking lashes, or big volume to add drama to your look? Once you've decided on your top lash-enhancing priority, this will help you choose the right wand and mascara for you. Plastic combs and brushes are better at defining and elongating lashes as they're often thinner and less chunky in size. Traditional bristles are key to adding volume and fullness, as they're plumper and apply more product to the lashes.

Colour is also important. Black has long been the most popular, but it can wash paler skin tones out, so it might be worth considering a really good brown mascara or a navy shade for your beauty arsenal if you fall into that category. 

Brown and blue mascaras are certainly having a moment. If you really want your eye colour to stand out? Pick a colour that will accentuate it. Purple and blues make blue and green eyes pop, while browns highlight hazel. 

And then of course, the next decision is do you need a long-wearing, hardy waterproof formula? If you have watery eyes or are prone to smudginess, you may want to opt to shop a waterproof (or at the very least water-resistant) buy.

Thom Walker, make-up artist and Creative Director of Givenchy make-up, gave me the best mascara tip I've ever heard. He admitted that finding the right mascara can be tricky and that it does involve a bit of trial and error, but once you find a mascara wand that you really like that does the job you want it to do, don't throw it away. "I clean it, wash it thoroughly and then use it almost like a spoolie with other mascara formulas."

The best tips for applying mascara

No matter which formula you eventually choose, here’s a tip from legendary make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury on the best application technique: "As you drag the brush up from the base of your lashes, zig-zag the wand from side to side. This creates more volume as you are depositing more product onto your eyelashes."

As for your bottom lashes, turn the brush vertically. "The thinner end will help you control your application with more precision," Charlotte adds.

And of course, to magnify the results, always go in with a second coat. But resist the urge to pump the wand up and down in the tube. "Your mascara will dry out quicker as you're pushing too much air inside. Slowly twist the brush around the tube instead," Tilbury explains. 

How we test the best mascara formulas

We've trialled and tested so many mascaras over the years that we've genuinely lost count. From Bobbi Brown's Smokey Eye Mascara – a cult classic – to Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes, which took the industry by storm, we've done our fieldwork. And what we can definitively say is that the best mascaras really do have transformative effects.

So how do we test? There are certain things that we look out for when testing any new mascara that lands in our laps. We're interested in things like the wand - bristle type and shape; the effect on lashes - whether it adds volume or length (or both?!); the formula - can you feel it on your lashes or does it nourish those tiny hairs? and finally the price. (Read more about how we test products.)

Keep on scrolling for the best mascaras the industry has to offer. You're sure to find your new favourite...

The best mascaras of 2024

1. Jones Road The Mascara

Jones Road The Mascara

(Image credit: Jones Road)

Jones Road The Mascara

Best buildable mascara

Specifications

Lash effect: Natural
Shade options: Black
Brush type: Bristle
Mini version availability: None
Waterproof version availability: None

Reasons to buy

+
Doesn't transfer 

Reasons to avoid

-
Natural looking - if you are looking for dramatic volume, keep scrolling

Beauty contributor, Grace Lindsay, swears by this mascara from Jones Road for buildable lashes. One coat creates the most natural look, that stays all day and doesn't transfer under the eyes. However, if you're looking for more impact, simply add one or two more coats and you've got some serious length and volume. The curved wand makes it easy to apply and separates the lashes nicely.

2. L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara

L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara

(Image credit: Amazon)

L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara

Best affordable mascara for everyday wear

Specifications

Lash effect: Natural volume
Shade options: Black, brown
Brush type: Bristle
Mini version availability: None
Waterproof version availability: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Delivers next-level length

Reasons to avoid

-
If you like a serious lash look for the evening, you might still want to reach for falsies

"There is no mascara on this planet that I love more than this. For just £12 this mascara delivers everything I could ever want. It fans out my lashes, delivers a volume that still looks natural and leaves lashes looking unbelievably long. It's also beautifully layer-able," says Executive Beauty Editor, Shannon Lawlor.

3. Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara

Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara

(Image credit: Lancome)

Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara

Best for everyday glamour

Specifications

Lash effect: Volume
Shade options: Black
Brush: Plastic
Mini version availability: Yes
Waterproof version availability: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Curved wand

Reasons to avoid

-
Have to layer up for a voluminous effect

Goodness, we are slightly obsessed with this mascara at MCHQ. The plastic bristles manage to separate lashes to create the perfect fanned look, whilst the curved wand lifts and coats them in the darkest black formula. It is our favourite everyday mascara that makes eye sings without the need for anything else. "This has become my new favourite mascara," says Senior Beauty Editor, Katie Thomas. "I love the way the curved wand coats each lash with jet black and fans them out beautifully."

4. Beauty Pie Wrap Star Tubing Mascara

Beauty Pie Wrap Star Tubing Mascara

(Image credit: Beauty Pie)

Beauty Pie Wrap Star Tubing Mascara

Best tubing mascara

Specifications

Lash effect: Lengthening
Shade options: Black
Brush type: Bristle
Mini version availability: None
Waterproof version availability: None (although smudgeproof)

Reasons to buy

+
Don't smudge or budge
+
Can be removed just with make-up

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't give particularly good volume

Price shown is members' price.

If you're yet to try a tubing mascara, let me explain them to you. Essentially, the formula coats each lash with a tube-like formula, meaning it doesn't smudge or run. In fact, it can just be removed with some warm water, and each of the tubes will slide off the lashes. This one, from Beauty Pie, is one of the best out there, particularly if you want natural-looking lashes with some extra length.

5. Maybelline Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara

Maybelline Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara

(Image credit: maybelline)

Maybelline Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara

Best curling mascara

Specifications

Lash effect: Curl
Shade options: Very black
Brush: Bristle
Mini version availability: None
Waterproof version availability: None

Reasons to buy

+
Memory curl technology

Reasons to avoid

-
Can start to transfer throughout the day 

Colossal Curl Bounce is so powerful you won't need to use a lash curler. Thanks to its curved brush and memory curl technology that holds for up to 24 hours, it lifts and separates for the ultimate curve with a volumising formula that creates stand-out lashes. If you have stubbornly straight lashes, this is the buy for you. "This is such a clever mascara and does exactly what it promises," Katie says. "As someone who doesn't leave the house without curling my eyelashes I was so impressed that I was able to skip that step with this."

6. Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Volumizing Mascara

Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Volumizing Mascara

(Image credit: rare beauty)

Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Volumizing Mascara

Best for natural volume

Specifications

Lash effect: Natural volume
Shade options: Black
Brush: Bristle
Mini version availability: None
Waterproof version availability: No (but it is water-resistant)

Reasons to buy

+
Buildable volume

Reasons to avoid

-
 Can transfer after wearing all day

Selena Gomez's brand Rare Beauty has finally touched down on UK soil and, take it from us, the mascara is one of the must-try buys. Not only does it lengthen and volumise, it also nourishes your lashes with castor oil for a soft, velvety finish. It's great for people who like volume, but not *too* much volume. And we all know how great Selena's lashes look... "You have full control over how you want your lashes to look with this mascara," Grace explains. "During the day, you only need one coat for that fluttery lash effect, however, I tend to layer it up at night for added volume. Considering how straight my natural lashes are, it also manages to hold a curl all day long."

7. MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara

MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara

(Image credit: Mac)

MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara

Best waterproof mascara

Specifications

Lash effect: Length, volume
Shade options: Black
Brush: Spiral
Mini version availability: None
Waterproof version availability: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Long-lasting

Reasons to avoid

-
Brush doesn't pick up a lot of product

MAC's Extended Play Lash Mascara is a waterproof, long-wearing formula that can last up to 16 hours thanks to its thermal-sensitive technology. It defines, lengthens and curls your lashes, with a rich black finish. "The wand of this is really interesting as it acts like a plastic comb would - coating every single lash, but adds just a subtle hint of volume as your traditional bristles would," says Katie. 

8. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

(Image credit: Too faced)

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Best all rounder

Specifications

Lash effect: Volume
Brush: Hourglass
Shade options: Black, Brown
Waterproof option availability: Yes
Mini option availability: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Does everything - lifts, lengthens and volumizes 

Reasons to avoid

-
One too many coats can look slightly clumpy

Mascara is only ever as good as the brush you apply it with. In this case, an hourglass shape is designed to coat every single lash. The formula is just as magnificent, film-forming polymers and collagen lift and beef up spindly lashes. Win-win. 

Shannon says, "I have loved this mascara for years. Whenever a new mascara is released, this is the standard I hold it to. It adds fanned-out length and volume like no other."

9. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

(Image credit: Maybelline)

Maybelline Falsies Very Black Mascara

Best drugstore mascara

Specifications

Lash effect: Length
Brush: Plastic
Shade options: Very black, Blackest black, Cosmic black, Brownish black, Blue Mist, Burgundy Haze, Pink Air
Waterproof option availability: Yes
Mini option availability: None

Reasons to buy

+
Creates length in one swipe

Reasons to avoid

-
Experienced a few flakes after a long day of wear

"I've loved this mascara since the first day I tried it," says Katie. "I dabble with others, because that's the nature of the job, but I come back to this mascara time and time again. It gives the perfect amount of length, the perfect amount of lift and the perfect amount of volume. It's like LVL lashes in a tube. It's also the only mascara that I bought on my maternity leave when I didn't have access to the Marie Claire beauty cupboard. All hail Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara."

10. Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara

(Image credit: Bobbi brown)

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara

Best for fanned-out lashes

Specifications

Lash effect: Length
Shade options:: Black
Brush: Traditional bristle
Mini option availability: None
Waterproof option availability: None

Reasons to buy

+
No flaking

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't build up to a volume if that the lashes you desire 

This is it. A mascara that creates oodles of length and volume, with a seriously black pigment to smoke out the eyes. However, it does all of that very subtly. This isn't one of those full-on mascaras, it does the job and does the job well. Never too little, never too much.

 11. Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

(Image credit: Clinique)

 Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Best for bottom lashes

Specifications

Lash effect: Definition
Shade options:: Black
Mini version availability: None
Waterproof version availability: None

Reasons to buy

+
Coats bottom lashes perfectly
+
Can also use for inner top lashes

Reasons to avoid

-
Two mascaras in your makeup bag

Bottom lashes are incredibly tricky to do, but this mini brush makes even the teeniest tiniest hair on the lower lash come to life. It's nimble, so easy to use and small enough that you won't make any mistakes. "Not to be dramatic, but this mascara changed my whole make-up routine for the better," exclaims Grace. "I used to avoid putting mascara on my bottom lashes as I could never find a product that wouldn't leave me with that panda eye effect. However, after trying this out I was fully converted."

12. Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

(Image credit: Hourglass)

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

Best for a false lash effect

Specifications

Lash effct: Length
Brush: Cone
Shade options: Black
Mini option availability: Nonw
Waterproof option availability: None

Reasons to buy

+
Instantly lengthens lashes

Reasons to avoid

-
Fanned out effect - not the best one for volume

Weightless fibres in this mascara attach to each baby lash for a fanned-out effect. This is an amazing mascara for short lashes; it does all the hard work for you by adding volume where you need it most. Consider this the equivalent of mini lash extensions, minus the glue or irritation. 

 13. Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

(Image credit: Urban decay)

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

Best for drama

Specifications

Lash effect: Length, volume
Brush: Slightly coned bristle
Shade options: Black
Mini version availability: Yes
Waterproof option availability: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Gives an incredible 'out-out' dramatic look

Reasons to avoid

-
Sometimes transfers onto bottom lash line

This is perfect for mascara maximalists who love a dramatic look. What’s more, it never makes lashes look spidery - just full-bodied and defined. The wand is designed so that you don't need to do anything but swipe - no need to wiggle it at the base or go in at strange angles. Plus the formula also contains growth-boosting proteins. Clever. 

14. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes

Best for va-va-voom

Specifications

Lash effect: Volume
Brush: Paddle
Shade options: Black, brown
Mini version availability: Yes
Waterproof option availability: None

Reasons to buy

+
Delivers extreme length

Reasons to avoid

-
Prone to smudging and running

The paddle brush features a flat area that you use to layer mascara onto the lashes. You then twist the wand so that the tiny plastic bristles comb it through each hair. There’s zero clumping, just beautifully separated, beefed up and lifted lashes from root to tip. Beware though, if you have oily skin, this formula is prone to smudging and running.

15. Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

(Image credit: Dior)

Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

Best for colour choice

Specifications

Lash effect: Curl
Brush: Curved
Shade options: Black, brown and blue
Mini option availability: None
Waterproof option availability: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Delivers a natural-looking curl 

Reasons to avoid

-
The non-waterproof version doesn't hold a curl for as long as the waterproof version

Designed for all types of lashes, the Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara has a curved mascara brush, to define, coat and fan out lashes and help to curve them upwards. It's also available in more shades than just your standard black, with a softer brown and more fun blue on offer too. 

16. Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara

Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara

(Image credit: Boots)

Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara

Best for definition

Specifications

Lash effect: Length, volume
Shade options: Black
Mini version availability: Yes
Waterproof version availability: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Long brush for easy application

Reasons to avoid

-
Won't be for you if you want mega drama

We call this a serious mascara. It knows what its role is in the make-up routine and it commands respect. It knows that you want every lash to stand to attention, so it does just that. It knows that you want to add a touch of drama to the eye (but not too much), so it does just that. It knows that you don't want to look at yourself in the mirror halfway through the day to see dark smudges on the tops of your cheeks, so it most certainly does not do that. It's serious about its responsibilities. "I have used this mascara for years," says Katie. "And most recently I recommended it to a friend who was struggling to find a formula that wouldn't transfer onto her oily under eyes. She has now become a convert too."

17. NARS Climax Extreme Mascara

NARS Climax Extreme Mascara

(Image credit: Nars)

NARS Climax Extreme Mascara

Best mascara for layering

Specifications

Lash effect: Length, volume
Brush: Traditional hourglass
Shade options: Extreme black
Mini version availability: Yes
Waterproof version availability: None

Reasons to buy

+
Intense volume

Reasons to avoid

-
Thick brush can make for messy application

The high-shine latex finish is especially pleasing for those who have stick straight or very stubby lashes. Said XXL finish is also highly pigmented, so with just a single swipe lashes appear longer, fuller and jet black. Divine.

18. benefit They're Real Lengthening Mascara 

Benefit They're Real Lengthening Mascara

(Image credit: Benefit)

benefit They're Real Lengthening Mascara

Best for high impact

Specifications

Lash effect: Curl, length
Brush: Pointed with ball
Shade options: Black
Mini version availability: Yes
Waterproof version availability: None

Reasons to buy

+
Very impressive lengthening abilities

Reasons to avoid

-
Formula can dry out quite quickly

We couldn't have a line-up of the best on the market and not include one from benefit. For years and years the brand has featured at the very top of the UK's bestselling mascara list, so it's not surprise they invest so much in coming up with the best wands. The Roller Lash brush features a 'hook and roll' effect that grabs and separates each lash, then curls them upwards for a lifted look.

19. Sculpted By Aimee MyMascara 

Product shot of Sculpted by Aimee Mymascara

(Image credit: Sculpted by Aimee)

Sculpted By Aimee MyMascara

Best lengthening mascara

Specifications

Lash effect: Lift, length and define
Brush: Curved wand
Shade options: Black and brown
Mini version availability: None
Waterproof version availability: None

Reasons to buy

+
Creates length and volume in just one coat
+
Quick drying
+
No transfer 
+
Infused with vitamin B5 to condition and nourish lashes 

Reasons to avoid

-
Too many coats can start to look clumpy

This is the best mascara for all of your lash needs. It does everything: lifts, lengthens, defines and adds volume. Transforming your lashes in every way, it's infused with vitamin B5 to condition and nourish lashes (plus, it makes it super easy to remove).

Beauty contributor Dionne Brighton says, "As soon as I used MyMascara for the first time, I was converted. Instantly lifting, you only need two or three coats for ultra-defined and lengthened lashes. Usually, when a mascara is this lengthening, I find it takes away any volume, but this only adds to it. I now recommend the MyMascara to all my friends, and from now on, it is the one I compare all other mascaras to." 

20. Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara 

Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

(Image credit: Ilia)

Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

Best mascara for feathery lashes

Specifications

Lash effect: Length and define
Brush: Plastic
Shade options: After midnight
Mini version availability: Yes
Waterproof version availability: No

Reasons to buy

+
Beautiful defined everyday lashes
+
Your lashes but better

Reasons to avoid

-
Not great if you're seeking drama

"I’m very picky when it comes to mascara - the formula has to be lengthening, volumising and separate my lashes," says Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor. "One mascara that ticks all three boxes is ILIA’s Limitless Lash. The lightweight formula doesn’t weigh my lashes down, ensuring they hold an impressive curl all day. It also has a double-sided brush which I use to pack on the product with one side and separate and curl with the other. In short: this mascara gives me the long, lifted and volumised lashes of my dreams."

Katie Thomas

Katie Thomas is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire UK. With over 10 years of experience on women's luxury lifestyle titles, she covers everything from the best beauty looks from the red carpet and stand out trends from the catwalk, to colonic irrigation and to the best mascaras on the market. She started her career on fashion desks across the industry - from The Telegraph to Brides - but found her calling in the Tatler beauty department. From there she moved to Instyle, before joining the Marie Claire digital team in 2018. She’s made it her own personal mission to find the best concealer in the world to cover her tenacious dark circles. She’s obsessed with skincare that makes her skin bouncy and glowy, low-maintenance hair that doesn’t require brushing and a cracking good manicure. Oh and she wears more jewellery than the Queen.

With contributions from