10 Best Mascara Of 2026
Mascara — Reviews, Recommendations & Updated Buying Guide September 2026
Maybelline Mascara
Why We Love It
Rimmel Extra 3D Lash Volumizing Mascara
Why We Love It
L'Oréal Paris Black Mascara Volume Million Lashes Volumising
Why We Love It
Maybelline New York Volumizing Mascara
Why We Love It
Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift Washable Mascara 01 Black
Why We Love It
L'Oréal Paris Intense Volume Eyelash Lash Paradise Mascara
Why We Love It
L'Oréal Paris False Lash Telescopic Extensionist Mascara
Why We Love It
MAYBELLINE New York Lash Sensational Sky High Washable
Why We Love It
Maybelline New York Sensational Volumizing Eyelash Mascara
Why We Love It
RIMMEL London Extra Super Lash Building Mascara
Why We Love It
Quick Pick
10 Best Mascara Of 2026
Quick Pick
Maybelline Mascara, Lash Sensational Sky High Volumizing Thickening, Black | With Bamboo Extract, Eyelash Lengthening, Flake-Free Formula, Washable Mascara, Full Volume
Rimmel Extra 3D Lash Volumizing Mascara, 8ml
L'Oréal Paris Black Mascara Volume Million Lashes Volumising Panorama | 1.4x Bigger Looking Eyes, Fanned Out Effect, Clump-free Formula, Suitable For Sensitive Eyes
Maybelline New York Volumizing Mascara, Modulating Volume No Lumps, Layering Formula with Comfortable Comb Brush, Colossal Bubble, 10 ml
Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift Washable Mascara 01 Black - volumizing and length adding mascara
L'Oréal Paris Intense Volume Eyelash Lash Paradise Mascara, Black | With Castor Oil, Gentle Ultra Soft Brush, Flake Free Formula, Lengthening Effect, Intense Black
L'Oréal Paris False Lash Telescopic Extensionist Mascara | Telescopic Extensionist Precision Brush, Lengthens and Separates Eyelashes, Extension Effect Up to +5 mm
MAYBELLINE New York Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara, Cosmic Black
Maybelline New York Sensational Volumizing Eyelash Mascara Fan Effect on Eyelashes, Very Black, 10 ml
RIMMEL London Extra Super Lash Building Mascara, Defines, Lengthens & Curls Lashes, with Hydrogel for Healthy Looking Finish, Enriched with Vitamin E, No Clumping, Shade 101 Black
Buying Guide: Mascara
📋 Table of Contents
1What's the difference between volumizing and lengthening mascara?
Volumizing mascaras have thicker, heavier formulas and chunkier brushes that add density to lashes, while lengthening mascaras use lighter formulas with thinner, more spaced-out bristles to coat each lash individually. Pick volumizing if you want dramatic, full lashes, and lengthening if your lashes are naturally thick but short.
2How do I choose between waterproof and regular mascara?
Waterproof mascaras last through humidity, swimming, and tears but are harder to remove and can dry out lashes over time with daily use. Regular mascara is easier to clean off and gentler on lashes, so save waterproof for events or humid days unless you're in the Gulf heat constantly.
3What brush shape should I look for?
Tapered brushes work well for defining and separating lashes, while curved or domed brushes are better for lifting and volumizing. Straight cylindrical brushes offer balanced coverage—test what works for your eye shape and natural lash texture if possible.
4Does mascara formula quality really matter, or is it all the same?
Quality formulas hold curl better, don't flake throughout the day, and are less likely to clump or smudge, especially important in hot climates. Cheaper mascaras often dry out faster and can irritate sensitive eyes, so it's worth investing if you wear it daily.
5How long does an open mascara tube stay good to use?
Mascara typically lasts 3-6 months after opening before it starts to dry out or harbor bacteria that can irritate eyes. Replace it sooner if you notice clumping, flaking, or any eye irritation, and never share mascara with others.
How we choose
Our editors are people who genuinely love testing and writing about products. We compare each product's real-world usability and strengths, then distill what matters most into our own "Why We Love It" points — so you get an honest, at-a-glance sense of what counts before you buy.