The Best Mascara I Have Ever Tried (and I Have Tried a Lot)
I have tried a lot of mascaras. A lot. There was a period where I was testing a new one almost every month trying to find something that lengthened, did not clump, did not flake, and held up through a full day without ending up under my eyes by noon. After years of searching I found the ones that actually do all of that, and I want to save you the time and the smudgy eyelids I went through to get here.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
This is my number one. It is the mascara I reach for when I want my lashes to look genuinely impressive. The hourglass wand coats every lash, builds volume without clumping, and the staying power is excellent. I have switched away from it multiple times trying new things and I always come back. Find it at Sephora or on Amazon.
Benefit They’re Real Mascara
This one is a close second and actually beats the Too Faced for length specifically. The precision tip brush grabs even the tiniest lashes and the formula does not smudge. It is also available in a waterproof version that holds up through sweat and humidity, which is important in a Kansas City summer. Grab it at Sephora or Amazon.
L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara
My drugstore hero. For under $15 this mascara separates and lengthens better than most high-end options I have tried. The brush is small and precise which is perfect for lower lashes and hard-to-reach corners. Makeup artists have raved about this one for years and they are right. Available on Amazon.
Maybelline Sky High Mascara
This one blew up on social media and for once the hype was real. It lifts and lengthens in a way that genuinely looks like you have extensions. Lightweight formula so it does not weigh lashes down. For under $10 it is remarkable. Find it at drugstores or on Amazon.
The Ones That Did Not Work for Me
I have tried mascaras that promised length and delivered spidery clumps. I have tried waterproof formulas that required industrial-strength remover and still left residue for three days. I tried a very hyped tubing mascara that flaked all over my face by lunchtime. Not every formula works for every person. The ones above have consistently performed for me personally.
My Application Tips
Wiggle the wand at the roots before pulling through, that is where the volume comes from. Let the first coat dry for 30 seconds before adding a second. And replace your mascara every three months, old mascara is why your mascara is probably underperforming.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links here are affiliate links. I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What mascara are you loyal to? Tell me in the comments, I genuinely love hearing what works for people.
So glad you are here. xo, Pam
