Best Mascara 2023 For The Longest, Lush, Shiny Lashes

Finding the best mascara can seriously elevate our make-up game – and it’s no secret that just one coat can work wonders when it comes to perking up even the most tired of peepers. But whether you’re looking for voluminous lashes that scream drama or a subtle, everyday look, the world of mascara can be somewhat confusing. With so many brands and formulas out there, it can be overwhelming trying to find one that ticks all your boxes – but luckily, we’ve done the legwork for you and have put together an up-to-date guide on the best mascaras to use in 2023. 

What makes the best mascara? 

The mascara world can seem like a minefield – so what makes a good one stand out from the rest? Ultimately, the answer lies in its formulation and ingredients. Look for mascaras that contain nourishing and conditioning ingredients like panthenol, vitamin E and keratin to keep your lashes healthy and strong. It’s also important to consider the mascara brush itself – the best ones will have a wand specifically designed to distribute the product while separating and defining each lash evenly.  

Read next: What is Mascara Made Of: The Most Common Ingredients 

The best tips for applying mascara 

Always start with clean lashes 

Before applying mascara, make sure that your lashes are clean and dry. This will help the mascara adhere better to your lashes and prevent clumping. Some make-up artists also recommend adding a light dusting of powder to lashes before applying mascara, which can help with grip and longevity. However, this will depend on your natural lashes so it’s best to experiment first to figure out what works best for you.   

Use an eyelash curler 

Use an eyelash curler before applying your mascara for maximum length and curl. Curl your lashes in sections, starting at the root and working up to the tips.  

Apply in thin layers 

Instead of applying one thick coat of mascara, apply several thin layers. This will help to build volume and length without causing clumps. 

Wiggle the wand 

When applying mascara, wiggle the wand back and forth at the base of the lashes to help distribute the product evenly. 

Focus on the outer corners 

To make your lashes look longer and more dramatic, focus on applying more mascara to the outer corners of your lashes. 

Separate your lashes 

Want to prevent clumping? Use a clean spoolie or lash comb to separate your lashes after each coat of mascara.  

How to protect my eyelids from getting mascara on them? 

Nothing is more frustrating than perfecting your eye make-up only to have your mascara transfer onto your eyelids throughout the day. Luckily, there are a few easy tips to prevent this from happening.  

– Take your time and choose a smaller brush for more control. Also, rest your elbow on a sturdy surface to keep your hand steady.  

– Try waterproof mascara, which is less likely to smudge or transfer.  

– Next, apply your mascara in thin, even layers, using a zig-zag motion to ensure that each lash is evenly coated without excess product.  

You can also place a spoon behind your lashes as you apply mascara to prevent smudging onto your eyelids.  

If you have oily eyelids, use a primer specifically designed for eyelids before applying your make-up to help control excess oil and prevent transfer. If you notice any smudging throughout the day, use a cotton swab dipped in make-up remover to quickly touch up any mishaps. 

Finding the best waterproof mascara 

We’ve all been there – caught in the rain or amid a tear-jerking movie, and our mascara has smeared all over our face. Not cute. When choosing a waterproof mascara, you’ll want to look out for ingredients such as beeswax, which works to create a waterproof barrier around the lashes. Other similar ingredients are carnauba wax, candelilla wax, dimethicone and film-forming polymers such as acrylates or polyurethane.  

Add a top coat if you have a favourite mascara that lacks longevity, smears, smudges or flakes – or it’s sensitive to humid or wet weather. Clarins Lash and Brow Double Fix Mascara, £25, is an ideal option if you want to transform your regular mascara into a waterproof formula. Simply slick it on as a top coat and leave to dry. 

Try: Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara 4D Waterproof, £25

Smudge-proof and designed to add curl, definition, volume and length, this formula is enriched with plant extracts and blue lotus wax to protect lashes from damage. 

Best lengthening mascara 

When it comes to finding the best lengthening mascara, it’s all about the brush. Look for a thin, tapered brush that will help separate and elongate each lash. It’s also best to look for a lightweight and buildable formula that allows layering without risking any clumpiness.  

Try: ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara, £30.

A weightless, clean formula with a dual-sided brush to catch and separate each lash is packed with shea butter and beeswax to condition and strengthen.  

Best mascara for sensitive eyes 

If you have sensitive eyes, finding the right mascara can be a challenge. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind when choosing a mascara that’s gentle on your eyes. First, look for mascaras labelled explicitly as ‘hypoallergenic’ or ‘safe for sensitive eyes’. These mascaras are formulated without harsh ingredients that can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Next, avoid mascaras that contain fragrance or alcohol, as these can irritate sensitive eyes. Instead, look for mascaras with natural, nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E, panthenol and chamomile extract, which can help soothe and protect lashes.  

Try: Rare Beauty Universal Volumising Mascara, £21

A paraben-free and ophthalmologist tested and contains castor oil to strengthen and condition lashes.  

Best thickening mascara 

If you’re looking for a mascara that will add volume and thickness to your lashes, look for a mascara with a thick, creamy consistency, which will help coat your lashes and create a fuller look. You’ll also want to choose a mascara with a large, densely packed brush, which will help to distribute the product evenly and prevent clumping. Finally, consider looking for a mascara that contains fibres or other volumising ingredients, such as collagen or keratin, which can help to strengthen and thicken your lashes over time. 

Try: Clarins Supra Volume Mascara, £25

Brimming with cassia flower wax and a Volume Boost complex, this formula is proven to increase lash volume by 17.6% and ensure lashes are glossy and thick.  

Best curling mascara 

The key to creating a curled, lifted lash look? A curved or angled brush will help to lift lashes from the root. Reach for a formula that is also lightweight and buildable, as this will help to maintain the curl without weighing down lashes.  

Try: Clarins Supra Lift & Curl Mascara, £25

This formula contains bitter orange blossom wax coasts that protect and curl the lashes and a deep black pigment for definition and drama. 

What is microfibre mascara? 

Unlike traditional mascara, which uses a liquid or cream-based formula, microfiber mascara contains tiny fibres that attach to your lashes, creating the illusion of longer and thicker lashes. These fibres are usually made from materials such as nylon or silk and are designed to adhere to your lashes to create a fuller look. When applying microfiber mascara, it’s important to use a light hand and gradually build up the product, as too much can cause clumping or flaking. Also, because microfiber mascara is typically more difficult to remove than traditional mascara, be sure to use a powerful and high-quality eye make-up remover to avoid any damage to your natural lashes.  

Try: Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara, £27

A mascara packed with volume-building fibres that attach to each lash to add maximum volume and length. 

What is tubing mascara? 

Tubing mascara creates tube-like structures around the lashes. Unlike traditional mascaras, tubing mascaras use a polymer-based formula to coat and wrap each lash, providing length, volume, and definition. The tubes formed by the mascara are also resistant to smudging, flaking, and water, making it long-lasting and smudge-proof. One of the advantages of tubing mascara is its easy removal with warm water, as the tubes slide off without leaving residue.  

Try: Beauty Pie Wrap Star Tubing Mascara, £25, coats every lash with glossy polymers offering increased length and volume.   

Next read: Find the best mascara for older, thinning lashes