If there’s one beauty product I can’t live without, it’s mascara. Most of my days I barely even wear makeup, but I do wear mascara. I’ve tested a lot of mascaras, and after much trial and error, I’ve narrowed it down to my top 5 picks. From luxury brands to drugstore gems, these mascaras have won me over for many different reasons.
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1. Chanel Inimitable Multi-Dimensional Mascara
Talk about sophisticated! Chanel’s Inimitable Multi-Dimensional Mascara offers everything: volume, length, curl, and separation. The brush is designed with soft bristles that ensure an even coat on each lash, creating a defined, clean look. It’s perfect for both daytime wear and layering for a more dramatic evening look. The formula doesn’t flake or smudge, staying in place all day. I tend to only use it when I go out with friends or when I need to dress up.
Best For: Those who want a refined, natural yet enhanced dark lash look.
Formula Highlights: It contains pro-vitamin B5 to condition lashes and has a lightweight texture that builds effortlessly.
Pros: No clumping gives a multi-dimensional look, long-lasting, and feels luxurious.
Cons: The high price point, and while it delivers definition, it may not provide the ultra-dramatic volume that some people prefer.
2. Wander Beauty Mile High Club Mascara
This mascara is all about length and lift, giving your lashes a sky-high appearance. The formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients like peach leaf extract and castor oil to condition lashes, making it ideal for everyday use without drying out your lashes. The wand is slim and easy to maneuver, coating even the tiniest inner lashes. What I love most is how it doesn’t flake or smudge throughout the day, even on long flights or during busy workdays.
Best For: Those who love long, fluttery lashes with a natural look.
Formula Highlights: It’s infused with castor oil for conditioning and peach leaf extract for hydration.
Pros: Buildable, doesn’t flake, travel-friendly packaging, nourishes lashes.
Cons: It may not be enough volume for those seeking a bolder look; you might need multiple coats for dramatic effects.
3. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
A fan favorite for a reason, Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara delivers drama in spades. The hourglass-shaped brush is designed to hug every lash, giving them a full, thick appearance. If you’re going for a bold, false-lash effect, this mascara delivers with its collagen-infused formula, which adds impressive volume. However, I’ve noticed that it can clump if you’re too heavy-handed with layering, so I recommend a light touch for best results. I used this mascara a lot in high school, and it was very affordable as well!
Best For: Those who crave voluminous, intense lashes that make a statement.
Formula Highlights: Contains film-forming polymers to lock in curl and peptides for lash conditioning.
Pros: Extreme volume, bold black pigment, long-lasting curl.
Cons: Can clump if over-applied, and prone to smudging in humid conditions or oily skin.
4. Florence by mills | Up a Notch Volumizing Mascara
This mascara from Millie Bobby Brown’s line is perfect for those looking for a clean beauty option that doesn’t sacrifice performance. It’s lightweight and adds a decent amount of volume and lift. The wand has flexible bristles that grab onto each lash, giving a nice lift while keeping lashes feeling soft and natural. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, which is a bonus for those looking for more eco-conscious beauty products. I love how smooth it is, and it lasts a few months compared to my other drugstore mascaras,
Best For: Fans of clean beauty or those with sensitive eyes looking for natural-looking volume.
Formula Highlights: Vegan and cruelty-free, it contains nourishing ingredients for lash health.
Pros: Vegan, cruelty-free, adds a natural lift and curl, lightweight formula that won’t weigh lashes down.
Cons: Not as long-lasting as some higher-end mascaras, and may require touch-ups throughout the day, especially for volume lovers.
5. L’Oreal Paris Original Voluminous Mascara
A drugstore hero! L’Oreal’s Original Voluminous Mascara has been a staple in my makeup bag for years. The formula is rich and creamy, giving you full, voluminous lashes without breaking the bank. The brush is dense and designed to fan out your lashes, making them look full and thick in just a couple of swipes. Despite being budget-friendly, it rivals many high-end mascaras when it comes to creating a voluminous lash look. I got this one year for Christmas and was OBSESSED for YEARS!
Best For: Anyone seeking volume at a budget-friendly price point.
Formula Highlights: The formula is designed to resist clumping while boosting volume.
Pros: Affordable, adds dramatic volume, easy to apply, widely available.
Cons: Can get clumpy if too many layers are applied and may smudge in hot or humid conditions.
Whether you’re looking for a high-end luxury mascara or a budget-friendly staple, these five mascaras have something for everyone. From the refined elegance of Chanel’s Inimitable to the dramatic, voluminous look from Too Faced’s Better Than Sex, each one brings its own magic to your lashes. What’s your go-to mascara?