The Best Mascaras for Volume, Length and Lift (Tried and Tested)

I’m picky with mascara. It’s the one product people consistently ask me about, and I get complimented on my lashes pretty much every time I wear makeup.

After working in makeup retail and training as an MUA, I’ve tested a lot. High-end, drugstore, viral, underrated. Most don’t make the cut.

Every mascara in this list is cruelty free and properly tested on real clients, not just first impressions. These are the ones that actually hold a curl, build without clumping, and give you that lifted, defined lash that looks good in real life, not just on camera.

Finding the best mascara comes down to a few key things: brush shape, formula (wet vs dry), hold, and how it builds. If you’re fussy about your lashes, you’ll know not all mascaras hit the same. Some give length but no volume, others clump instantly, and some just don’t hold a curl.

These are the mascaras that consistently deliver. Proper length, lift, and that “what are you wearing?” effect.

The Best Mascara for Everyday

Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes

This is the one that just works.

• Fluffy brush grabs every lash

• Builds without clumping

• Holds a curl surprisingly well

• Gives that soft, full lash look rather than spiky definition

  
  

If you want lashes that look naturally full but still noticeable, this is it.

The Best Budget Mascaras  

Essence Lash Princess (Aff Link)

They’re viral for a reason and a favourite of mine! Specifically the purple and pink versions.

• Big volume, very quickly

• Slightly dramatic, almost falsie effect

• Never smudge

• Build up beautifully

Essence – I Heart Extreme (Aff Link) 

Best if you like bold lashes on a budget. More intense, less refined.

• Thick wand = instant volume

• Slightly clumpy

• Crazy results

• Not the most separated look

Perfect for nights out or when you want that heavy lash look.

Rimmel – Thrill Seeker (Aff Link)

Underrated but amazing for the price.

• Holds curl really well

• Doesn’t feel heavy on the lashes

• Good balance of volume and separation

• Great if your lashes drop easily.

The Best Tubing Mascara

Too Faced – Ribbon Wrapped Lash (Aff Link)

Different but worth it.

• Forms tubes around each lash

• No smudging or flaking

• Slides off with warm water

Less volume, more clean length. Ideal if you hate panda eyes.

The Best Mascara for Volume and Lift

Sephora Collection – Size Up

If you know, you know.

• Designed to layer without clumping

• Can go from natural to full glam

• Very buildable formula

This is the kind of mascara you’d recommend after working on a counter. Reliable, flexible, and easy to control.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Mascara

Even the best mascara won’t perform properly if your technique is off.

• Curl lashes properly before applying

• Wiggle at the root, then pull through

• Build in thin layers, not one thick coat

• Let it set slightly between coats

• Don’t overload the wand

The difference is in the application, not just the product.

Common Mascara Mistakes

• Applying too many coats too quickly

• Ignoring lash prep (curling matters more than you think)

• Using one mascara for every look

Different mascaras do different things. You don’t need one, you need the right one for the look.

If you want effortless, everyday lashes go for Rare Beauty. If you want bold on a budget, Essence has you covered. If you want control and flexibility, Sephora Size Up is the one.

Mascara is one of the few products where technique and formula matter equally. Get both right and your whole makeup look changes.