Land on a mascara that works for you, and you’ll likely apply it every day. But alas, finding the best mascara is not always an easy feat. From the shape of the wand to the size of the bristles, there are myriad mascara options – all promising seriously impressive results. If Grazia's beauty team has learnt anything over years of testing, it’s that no two mascaras are the same.
Whether you're searching for a long-lasting product to see you through from day to night, or a blacker-than-black mascara to live out your best Twiggy dreams, finding your perfect product takes the stress out of looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
The Best Mascaras To Buy At A Glance
Best overall mascara: Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara, view on LOOKFANTASTIC
Best lengthening mascara: Benefit They're Real Lengthening Mascara, view on LOOKFANTASTIC
Best volumising mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, view on Cult Beauty
Best budget-friendly mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, view on LOOKFANTASTIC
Some make a play for fully loaded lashes, while others opt for a subtle ‘your lashes but better' approach. Whatever your mascara M.O., there's a buy out there for you.
Scroll down to read up on and shop Grazia's all-time favourite mascaras.
Shop: Grazia's All Time Best Mascaras 2023
on sale
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
This mascara is a brilliant all-rounder. The smooth gel texture means the mascara glides
Pros
- 24 hours of wear
- 360 micro-bristles that curl even the smallest of hairs
on sale
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
A best-selling formula, that combines lift, volume and curl.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Domed-tip brush is specially designed with staggered bristles
on sale
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
A volumising mascara enriched with film-forming polymers to lock lashes in place. This one is inky
Pros
- Peptides
- Boosted with acacia Senegal tree extract to enhance lift
on sale
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
Maybelline holds weight in the mascara arena. This a great lengthening mascara, enriched with
Pros
- Mascara brush bends to volumise and extend every last lash
on sale
www.boots.com
Description
All Clinique mascaras are hypoallergenic, this one is our top pick for sensitive eyes.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
victoriabeckhambeauty.com
Description
There is so much to love about this luxe mascara, from the small, curved wand that lifts and
Pros
- Safe for Contact Lens Wearers
- Hypoallergenic
On Sale
www.spacenk.com
Description
This ultra-black mascara works to curl, volumise and lengthen lashes minus the annoying clumping.
Pros
- Castor oil, to soften, nourish and condition lashes
- Waterproof
- Two bristle lengths
On Sale
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Description
The brush on this mascara from Charlotte Tilbury is a unique one: small, comb-like bristles, and a
Pros
- Keratin-boosted, lash-thickening formula
- Carnauba and microcrystalline waxes
www.sephora.co.uk
Description
Housed in a fiery red bottle, this mascara is built to create volume.
Pros
- Lash Moisture Complex to condition and care for lashes
On Sale
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Description
Not tried a tubing mascara? Let this be your first foray. They create - you guessed it - tiny
Pros
- Clump-free and infused with moisturising panthenol
On Sale
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
The large, chunky brush deposits just the right amount of pigment onto each lash to add volume and
Pros
- Ophthalmologist tested
- Safe for contact lens wearers
www.beautypie.com
Description
The Absolutube™ technology coats every lash in a smooth, glossy polymer tube for dramatic length
Pros
- No smudge
- No flakes
www.revitalash.co.uk
Description
A double-duty, double-ended product complete with primer made to prep lashes and enhance volume.
Pros
- Two-in-one lash primer and mascara
- Biotin & soft flex polymers
- Dermatologist reviewed
- Hypoallergenic
FAQs
What are the best mascaras for lengthening lashes?
If you know what you want from your mascara, make a beeline for this article, which offers a selection of the best lengthening mascaras. Finding a product that adds sufficient length and definition can prove tough, but fear not: these brands have stepped up to the long lash mark.
What are the best mascaras for sensitive eyes?
If you suffer from sensitive eyes, you might need a mascara that is gentle. Anyone who has hay fever, watery eyes, or simply wears contact lenses might benefit from using a mascara designed especially for eyes that are prone to irritation. Formulated with non-irritating ingredients, these mascaras are hypoallergenic.
What are the best waterproof mascaras?
Whether you’re hitting the swimming pool, sunbathing or working out, there are plenty of occasions that make waterproof mascara a must.
What are the best mascaras for volumising mascaras?
Fan of the doe-eyed look popularised by Twiggy in the 1960s? To achieve it, you'll need heavy-duty volumising mascaras, one that can extend and curl your lashes at the same time as plumping them. To avoid clumps or flakes you need to ensure that your mascara formula makes the grade.
What are the best drugstore mascaras?
Contrary to popular belief, the most expensive mascaras aren't necessarily the best ones. There are shelves of top-quality drugstore mascaras out there that tick the boxes and are likely to leave you with change from £10 note too.