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The 18 Best Mascaras ELLE Editors Will Never Stop Buying

Lash extensions in a bottle.

Headshot of Tatjana FreundBy Tatjana Freund
mascara
Peter White//Getty Images

The number one true sign of a good friend is one who doesn't gatekeep the product that keeps them looking their best. Here at ELLE, we're all about sharing. Along with perfumes, foundations, and favorite methods of hair removal, once you find the thing that works for you, odds are you'll become loyal and preachy about it. I love a beauty product that much, I gush so hard I'm in fear of somehow landing on the board of the company. Even if my friend has the exact opposite lash goals that I do, I won't stop until they acquiesce to my choices. After all, it takes years of testing to find the best mascara for length or volume, are smudge-free, and all those other minute details we focus on. My personal preference is a product that separates my lashes, will last all day, and come off easily with a cleansing balm. When I found that, I wasn't letting it go.

  • 1
    Telescopic Mascara

    Best Lengthening Mascara

    L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Mascara

    $16 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara

    Best for Fanned-Out Lashes

    Tower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara

    Read more
  • 3
    Inimitable Waterproof Mascara

    Best Waterproof Mascara

    CHANEL Inimitable Waterproof Mascara

    Read more
  • 4
    Magnificent Mascara in 01 Nero

    For Dramatic Lashes

    Valentino Magnificent Mascara in 01 Nero

    Read more
  • 5
    Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara

    For the Minimalist

    Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara

    Read more

But ELLE.com editors know that not all mascaras are created equally; some of us are on the hunt for lengthening formulas that rebuild damaged lashes from botched extensions, and some of us just want to give our little hairs the thiccc life they deserve. So in an effort to get more followers to our specific must-haves, we've banded together to try to win over some converts. Ahead, we share our 12 all-time favorite mascaras, from drugstore finds, Amazon bestsellers, vegan formulas, chicly packaged investments, and all-time cult favorites. And it's not just us–we've recruited Melinda Solares, a Sephora Beauty Director to give us the inside scoop on how to find your new favorite mascara. If your lashes are in desperate need of some T.L.C., maybe you'll find your new best friend on this list.

1
Best Lengthening Mascara

L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Mascara

Telescopic Mascara
1
Best Lengthening Mascara

L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Mascara

Now 37% Off
$16 at Amazon
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Adds length
Cons
  • Can flake

“A makeup artist friend recommended this lengthening mascara to me few years ago, and I’ve been using it ever since! I like having long dramatic lashes and this delivers. It stays on at the gym, but washes off easily at home, which is definitely a plus.” — Rose Minutaglio, Senior Writer

2
Best for Fanned-Out Lashes

Tower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara

MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara
2
Best for Fanned-Out Lashes

Tower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara

Pros
  • Clean
Cons
  • None

“I have a decent amount of lashes, but they all have different needs. Some are extra long, some are medium-length, others are babies. What they have in common is that they're all fine, point straight down, and prone to a little unruliness. Tower 28's Making Waves mascara is sort of like Julie Andrew in the Sound of Music and corrals my lashes, making them stand up straight and at attention. And much like Maria, the formula and wave-shaped brush ensure that each lash (even the itty bitty ones at the corner) get love, don't stick together, but work cohesively together to create a pretty, fanned-out look.” — Kathleen Hou, Beauty Director

3
Best Waterproof Mascara

CHANEL Inimitable Waterproof Mascara

Inimitable Waterproof Mascara
3
Best Waterproof Mascara

CHANEL Inimitable Waterproof Mascara

Pros
  • Defines lashes
Cons
  • Pricey

“Kim Kardashian and I have exactly one thing in common and it is that our lashes are most likely swaddled in Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara. This mascara isn't new, but both I and her makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic swear that this is our favorite waterproof mascara. Just one coat makes my lashes look so bright, perky, separated, lengthened, and voluminous. There are no clumps, not even if you zoom in (for Kim) or Zoom in (for me). When I curl my lashes after using this, they maintain their perfect swoopy wave all day and night–so much so that a makeup artist once asked me if my lashes were permed. Much like a bra, I don't love using this mascara all the time even though it looks great, as it does require a little more effort. You need a little time with a real makeup remover to take this off, because it won't come off with a regular face wash, but it's worth it.” — Kathleen Hou, Beauty Director

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4
For Dramatic Lashes

Valentino Magnificent Mascara in 01 Nero

Magnificent Mascara in 01 Nero
4
For Dramatic Lashes

Valentino Magnificent Mascara in 01 Nero

Pros
  • Lengthening
Cons
  • Pricey

“The first time I wore this mascara, friends of mine starting asking me what was on my lashes. My beauty-averse boyfriend asked, dismayed, if I was wearing falsies. Anything that generates that much attention is a win in my book.” — Tatjana Freund, Beauty Commerce Writer

5
For the Minimalist

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara

Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara
5
For the Minimalist

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Minimal
Cons
  • Can smudge

“Lately, I’ve been obsessed with all things Rare Beauty. As someone with big brown eyes, my go-to everyday look is minimal makeup and tons of mascara. Luckily this one builds quite nicely and stays on all day. After two coats I’m good to go!” — Leah Romero, Senior Digital Designer

6
Best Longwear Mascara

Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Lash Extension Mascara

Volume Stylist 18hr Lash Extension Mascara
6
Best Longwear Mascara

Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Lash Extension Mascara

Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Can be hard to remove

“I have been using the same drugstore mascara combo for years now, and it's still my go-to. I'm telling y'all—Essence is the hidden gem at Ulta. I get compliments all the time about my eyelashes; sometimes people even think I'm wearing falsies." — Meg Donahue, Associate Commerce Editor

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7
For A Drugstore Staple

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

On Sale
Voluminous Original Mascara
7
For A Drugstore Staple

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

Now 18% Off
Pros
  • Volumizing
Cons
  • Can flake

“I'm not above drugstore beauty products at all. Case in point is L'Oreal's Voluminous Original Mascara, aka the only mascara I'll ever need. It lengthens, separates, and adds volume sans clumping or irritation and it costs under 10 bucks. What more could you want?” — Claire Stern, Digital Deputy Editor

8
For Easy Removal

Thrive Cosmetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara™

On Sale
Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara™
8
For Easy Removal

Thrive Cosmetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara™

Now 23% Off
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Washes off in water
Cons
  • Can look clumpy

“This Thrive mascara makes my eyelashes so long that they're at risk of constantly touching my eyelid. It also comes off easily with water at the end of the day so I'm not standing there rubbing my eyes.” Madison Feller, Senior Staff Writer

9
Best for All Lash Types

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara

LashBlast Volume Mascara
9
Best for All Lash Types

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara

Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Can be hard to remove

“Many things have come and gone from my beauty routine over the years, but CoverGirl’s Lash Blast Volume mascara is not one of them. It gives me volume, length, and never smudges. What more could I ask for?” — Carine Lavache, Senior Social Media Editor

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10
Best Drugstore Mascara

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
10
Best Drugstore Mascara

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Pros
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Can be flaky

“I've experimented with high end and designer makeup brands intermittently when I run out of these tubes, but I always go back to my Essence roots. They can't be beat. Run, don't walk!” — Meg Donahue, Associate Commerce Editor

11
For the Lazy Beauty

Talika Lipocils Mascara

Lipocils Mascara
11
For the Lazy Beauty

Talika Lipocils Mascara

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Healthy ingredients
Cons
  • Pricey

“I’m very specific about mascaras, and this is the only one in recent years that I’ve actually run out of. It has a curved wand that makes separates my lashes, lengthens them till they touch my brows, all without looking clumpy. For me, the best part is that it’s super easy to take off at the end of the day, but still doesn’t smudge under my eyes.” — Tatjana Freund, Beauty Commerce Writer

12
Best For Volume

Milk Makeup Kush High Volume Mascara

Kush High Volume Mascara
12
Best For Volume

Milk Makeup Kush High Volume Mascara

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Volumizing
Cons

“I really didn’t care for any of the cannabis-infused beauty products being released at lightspeed but Milk Makeup’s Kush Mascara is THE TRUTH. One swipe of this gave my little eyelash hairs more volume than I could ever imagine. Plus, I can layer without clumping or smudging.” Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Commerce Editor

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13
Best for Defined Lashes

Ami Cole Lash Amplifying Mascara

Lash Amplifying Mascara
13
Best for Defined Lashes

Ami Cole Lash Amplifying Mascara

Pros
  • Small brush
Cons
  • Can smudge

“I'm team skinny brush when it comes to mascaras. This thin bristly brush catches just the right amount of the super-black mascara with each swipe so you can build your own eye look—one pass feels lengthening and natural, two is va va voom, and three (my favorite) gives you go-go dancer level of definition.” — Margaux Anbouba, Beauty Editor

14
Best Clean Mascara

Gen See Spectator Sport Mascara

Spectator Sport Mascara
14
Best Clean Mascara

Gen See Spectator Sport Mascara

Pros
  • Volumizing
Cons
  • Can flake

“I’m always on the hunt for a mascara that adds volume and length without excessive clumping. The Spectator Sport Mascara from Gen See does exactly that even after several layers, while also being water resistant…and trust me, it actually is.” — Emily Burns, Assistant Beauty Editor

15
Best For Weak Lashes

bareMinerals Strength & Length Serum Infused Mascara

Strength & Length Serum Infused Mascara
15
Best For Weak Lashes

bareMinerals Strength & Length Serum Infused Mascara

Now 11% Off
Pros
  • Healthy ingredients
Cons
  • Can flake

“I love a makeup product that multitasks, like this mascara that is infused with a red clover peptide serum to promote stronger and longer lashes. While the serum is doing its work, the mascara adds volume and length that lasts all day.” — Emily Burns, Assistant Beauty Editor

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16
For The Perfect Balance

SEPHORA COLLECTION LashCraft Big Volume Mascara

LashCraft Big Volume Mascara
16
For The Perfect Balance

SEPHORA COLLECTION LashCraft Big Volume Mascara

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Lengthening
Cons
  • Doesn't curl straight lashes

“When you want your eyelashes to tickle your eyebrows, Sephora Lashcraft is the one mascara that you grab from your make-up bag. The bristles on this brush are spaced out and tease each strand outward and upward. The mascara itself is thick enough to add volume but light enough that your eyelashes aren’t clumpy and weighed down.” Yousra Attia, Visuals Editor

17
For A Game-Changer

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Better Than Sex Mascara
17
For A Game-Changer

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Adds volume
Cons
  • Can look clumpy

“I've tried many mascaras, but I don't know if I've ever been this blown away by the way one transforms my lashes. It really adds so much volume and fullness to my natural lashes I don't even need to curl them to get compliments. This really is a game-changer.” Alyssa Bailey, Senior News and Strategy Editor

18
For Drama

UOMA BEAUTY Drama Bomb Extreme Volume Nourishing Mascara

Drama Bomb Extreme Volume Nourishing Mascara
18
For Drama

UOMA BEAUTY Drama Bomb Extreme Volume Nourishing Mascara

Credit: Courtesy
Pros
  • Lengthening
Cons
  • Can be hard to remove

“It's embarrassing how tiny (read: microscopic) my lashes are and I'm not quite yet the lash extension connoisseur I strive to be. But the Uoma Beauty Drama Bomb mascara is literally "fake it 'til you make it" in a bottle. A few coats of this mascara makes it look like I have way more lashes than I actually do. Plus, it doesn't clump together and it's not runny, so no Lauren Conrad mascara tear 'round here!” — Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Commerce Editor

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Meet the Expert

This is an image

Melinda Solares, Sephora Beauty Director

How do different mascara wands achieve different looks?

This is an image

“There are considerations when choosing a mascara, just like there are for curating your skincare routine or selecting a foundation,” says Solares. “A mascara wand with a comb can be best for defining/separating, one with an hourglass shape is best for volumizing, a fluffy wand is great for thickening, a cone shape can help with lengthening, and of course, a curved wand will help with curling.” It's also important to look at the ingredients in your mascara. “Mascara benefits do not just depend on the type of wand, they also depend on the formula. Conditioning your lashes with skincare-like ingredients—found within some mascara formulas— will ultimately give you the best lash look, as it helps to create the best canvas for your mascara. Finally, you also have considerations like Clean at Sephora, long-wearing/transfer-proof, and waterproof.”

Headshot of Tatjana Freund
Tatjana Freund
Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor

Tatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made. 

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