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Our top picks for length, volume, and streak-free definition.
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In This Article
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TL;DR
Our favorite mascara is theBenefit Cosmetics Fan Fest Fanning Mascara.
If youre looking for a foolproof drugstore buy, we recommend theMaybelline Sky High Mascara.
It lengthens and separates the lashes beautifully and remains intact all day long.
PHOTO: Benefit
Lash throw in, desired look, and formulation all contribute to whether a mascara will suit your needs.
As an editor whos tested nearly 50 mascaras, I agree.
The final look is a matter of preference, but performance is a nonnegotiable.
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With so many options available, finding the very best ones has been no small feat.
We evaluated each one based on its system, wear, performance, overall look, andease of removal.
Those that impressed us the most appear on this list.
PHOTO: Ulta
Keep reading to discover our favorite mascaras for length, volume, separation, and more.
Once it sets down, it remains almost completely flake-free and smudge-resistant throughout the day.
We think its a great choice for a range of lash types and makeup preferences.
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Ally Hirschlag, associate editorial director:This mascara is a dream to use.
It imparts a beautiful fan effect that helps give that doe-eyed look.
It’s also super buildable, so its great for every day or a glam night out.
PHOTO: Sephora
The jumbo brush builds the formula onto the lashes to create bold volume that isntclumpyor spidery.
Even after applying several coats, it doesnt weigh the lashes down.
Alyssa Kaplan, associate editor:This mascara proves that you donthaveto spend high-end money to get high-end results.
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Its so good we wish it came in more than just the black shade.
Iris & Romeo, consider this our formal request for a chocolate brown color.
Caitlyn Martyn, associate editor:I’ve tested many volumizing mascaras, but this one is my favorite.
PHOTO: Sephora
you’ve got the option to even build it up without worrying about weighing your eyelashes down.
Our tester was impressed that it stayed put all day without smudging or flaking.
The brush is curved and holds a lot of product, and my lashes looked thicker instantly after applying.
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This standout from Mac offers length and volume for beautiful, defined lashes.
The brush combs and separates the lashes, ensuring you achieve a fanned-out finish.
It stayed completely intact, even lasting through a facial and a workout.
PHOTO: MAC
Victoria, tester:This mascara wore wonderfully.
To put it to the test, I decided to keep it on during a facial.
I specifically asked the facialist not to remove it, and she said she’d do her best.
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Just a few swipes gave her lashes considerable length, lift, and a bit of volume.
Our testers final results were super-defined lashes that stayed lifted and didnt smudge or flake.
Like all good tubing formulas, this mascara washes off with warm water.
PHOTO: Sephora
Its the same formula as the OG Better Than Sex Mascara but in a rich, chocolate brown shade.
The result is voluminous lashes that dont smudge or flake.
It creates a well-rounded lookvolume, lift, and a bit of lengthwithout clumping or smearing.
After two coats, your lashes will look full, long, and perfectly fanned out.
And once it dries, it doesnt smudge or flake.
Speaking of waterproof, this mascara in the waterproof version is our favoritewaterproof mascara at the drugstore.
PHOTO: Amazon
I can wear it on minimal makeup days or build it up to suit more dramatic looks.
It doesnt smudge or flake all day and night, yet its completely painless to remove with warm water.
It does it all.
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The curved brush grips all the lashes, evenly coating them in the buildable formula.
But if you’re not accident-prone, this buildable mascara is asmudge-proof star.
The short but well-dispersed bristles ensure your lashes dont stick together and that the formula doesnt clump.
PHOTO: Violet Grey
The curved brush gripped her lashes at the roots, lifting them and creating a fanned-out, wide-awake look.
She also raved about how long it made them, saying each coat added noticeable length.
Bonus: it never smudged or flaked.
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It is OK to wear mascara daily.
However, its extremely important toremove it before bed properly.
Not removing mascara may damage your lashes and interfere with their natural growth cycle.
PHOTO: Amazon
“One of my secrets is locking in the mascara with clearbrow gel,” she says.
“It will help keep the curl as well as set the mascara.
She has tested over 50 mascarasincluding more than 10 on this list.
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2013;5(3):144-147. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.125611
PHOTO: Sephora
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PHOTO: Ulta
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PHOTO: Sephora
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PHOTO: Sephora
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