If you ask someone what their number one must-have makeup item is, they will often say mascara [1]. It has the ability to totally transform a look with just a few simple swipes. But considering how many people wear it on a daily basis (and for some makeup artists I've spoken to on a nightly basis, too, although we don't recommend that!), it can be a total maze in the quest to finding the perfect one.
Despite each mascara doing the same job as one another and essentially having the same components, there is still a lot to consider. Do you want a fat wand or a superthin wand? Do you want a wet or drier formula? Do you want it to lengthen or add volume? It can be pretty confusing — not to mention expensive — if you aren't exactly sure what you're looking for.
That's where we come in. We've called in the advice of the top global makeup artists including Vincent Oquendo, Nikki Wolff, and Neil Young, plus nine others, to share which mascaras — including Chanel, Benefit, and Kevyn Aucoin, to name a few — last through their client's busy lives, earning a spot in their coveted kit staples, as well as their personal favourites, too.
To save you the stress of trying mascaras that don't live up to the hype, read on to see the 18 best mascaras that do live up to the hype, according to the pros.
Maybelline New York Mascara Lash Sensational Very Black Mascara
Both Lucinda Worth [3] and Vincent Oquendo [4] recommend the superaffordable Maybelline New York Mascara Lash Sensational Very Black Mascara [5] (£9). "It's my number one choice for anyone with oily skin. It doesn't budge at all, so no panda eyes at the end of the day!" says Worth. But not only that, it also makes lashes look incredibly long, perfect if you're looking specifically for length in a mascara.
Wander Beauty Mile High Club Volume and Length Mascara
For Grace Ahn [6] the Wander Beauty Mile High Club Volume and Length Mascara [7] (£24) "does it all. It's lengthening, volumising, and holds a curl without any flaking."
Nars Cosmetics Climax Mascara
Not one, not two, but three professional makeup artists sang the praises of the Nars Cosmetics Climax Mascara [8] (£21). "It's smudge-proof and creates a false lash effect with long, fluffy lashes," says Worth. Georgina Graham [9] said it was responsible for giving BLE — big lash energy. We certainly can't argue with that.
IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara
The IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara [10] (£21) is a favourite of London-based makeup artist Pauline Briscoe [11] thanks to its long wand and wet, jet-black consistency, which is "perfect for a dramatic effect."
Giorgio Armani Black Ecstasy Mascara
In Quinn Murphy [12]'s opinion (he works with Dakota Fanning [13], Kate Hudson [14], and Sophie Turner), the Giorgio Armani Black Ecstasy Mascara [15] (£30) "is a monster", and I don't know about you, but that's enough to sell it for me. "It gives incredible volume for a major lash," he adds.
Chanel Le Volume de Chanel
The Chanel Le Volume De Mascara [16] (£28) gives you "mega plumped lashes," according to Graham. And Sandy Linter [17] agrees: "inimitable volume, length, and curl separation — you get it all, this one delivers."
Clarins Supra Volume Mascara
It can sometimes be difficult to work with a mascara that gives a dramatic effect as it can result in clumps, which we're guessing isn't the look you're going for on a Monday morning. But you're guaranteed not to get that with the Clarins Supra Volume Mascara [18] (£19, originally £22) according to Murphy. "It's dramatic and buildable but isn't clumpy."
Hourglass Cosmetics Caution Extreme Lash Mascara
The Hourglass Cosmetics Caution Extreme Lash Mascara [19] (£25) gives you "lashes full of volume," says makeup artist Hannah Martin [20]. "The brush grabs every lash and feels like Velcro as you pull it through, and it has fantastic lash coverage in very few strokes."
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara
Sometimes the classic mascaras are simply the best, like the Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara [21] (£22.50). "It doesn't smudge, flake, or drop, and you can remove it really easily with warm water," says makeup artist Lucy Wearing [22].
Lancôme Grandiôse Wide-Angle Fan Effect Mascara
The Lancôme Grandiôse Wide-Angle Fan Effect Mascara [23] (£23) "is one of my go-to mascaras," says makeup artist Neil Young [24]. "I love the brush size and its buildable formula. It dries quickly to keep a curl in the lashes without any flaking."
Sensai 38°C Volumising Mascara
Want a mascara to actually last the entire day? Nikki Wolff [25]'s favourite is the Sensai 38°C Volumising Mascara [26] (£26). "It creates superlong lashes and adds volume with incredibly black definition. It does not budge throughout the day; it's true to its name and can only be removed with warm water at 38 degrees or above."
L'Oréal Paris Paradise Castor Oil-Enriched Volumising Mascara
For volume without a clump or crumble in sight, Martin always turns to L'Oréal Paris Paradise Castor Oil-Enriched Volumising Mascara [27] (£12). "It's the perfect brush size. I use one coat for an extremely subtle look, or three to four for full volume with zero clumping," she explains.
Make Up For Ever Stretch Mascara
Daniel Martin [28] is a big fan of the Make Up For Ever Stretch Mascara [29] (£25.50), all thanks to the incredible brush. "It builds out the lashes while giving a bit of length, too. It's a kit staple of mine for sure," he says.
Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara
If you prefer a no makeup-makeup look when it comes to your eyelashes, Hannah Martin recommends Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara [30] (£11). "The comb separates lashes for an even, groomed finish. I'm able to fan the eyelashes with accuracy and precision for a neat finish."
Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
Benefit Roller Lash Mascara [31] (£19) needs no introduction. It's a fan favourite for adding length and curl to the lashes. This mascara "does it all," says Ahn.
Maybelline Lash Discovery
If you're already devoted to a mascara but want something a little extra to pump up the volume on occasion, Oquendo recommends Maybelline Lash Discovery [32] (£5) to "layer over other mascaras."
Pat McGrath Labs FetishEyes Mascara
For wispy lashes that take barely any effort, Wolff loved the Pat McGrath Labs FetishEyes Mascara [33] (£26). "It really catches every eyelash and coats it evenly, making lashes look full and fluffy." Ahn is also a fan of this mascara. "It does everything you want in a mascara, just on steroids."
L'Oreal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara
L'Oreal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara [33] (£11) is a great affordable option for people with sparse lashes. Briscoe recommends it to help separate, lengthen, and thicken lashes, plus it really holds them in place.
Givenchy Volume Disturbia Volume & Curve Mascara
A recent discovery — which has since become a kit staple — for Young is the Givenchy Volume Disturbia Volume & Curve Mascara [34] (£23.50). "I love the moulded brush because it gives superb, buildable volume and separation to the lashes."
Shiseido Controlled Chaos Mascara Ink
Another of Oquendo's go-to mascaras is the Shiseido Controlled Chaos Mascara Ink [35] (£25). This mascara adds serious drama from root to tip thanks to its chunky and curved wand, which will both lift and curl lashes. And if you're looking for an easy way to spice up your routine, this mascara comes in a variety of shades, including purple, green, and blue.