10 Oct 12 of the Best Mascaras to Give You Long and Luscious Lashes

One of the toughest questions for a girl – which beauty product could you not live without?
Yes, we love a good lipstick to finish off the look, or concealer for extra coverage, but we can’t get past a good old mascara.
Not only are long and luscious lashes beautiful with a full face of makeup, but it’s also a product that you can put on by itself and within seconds, lifts and brightens your eyes completely. But, the tricky thing is finding a perfect mascara for your lashes. Don’t worry though, because we’ve got you covered with 12 of the best mascaras for all occasions!
What to look for in a mascara
Whether you are wanting intense eyes or going for a natural look, there’s a best mascara that’s suited for the desired look you’re after. When choosing a mascara, there’s not just the desired effect or the wand size that’s a consideration.
For us, there are some essentials that are a MUST to consider before purchasing a mascara.
Easy to apply
One of our biggest deal breakers with mascara is if it isn’t easy to apply. Because of this, we need to look for something that is buildable so that your makeup look can be versatile and easily change from a day to night look. This ultimately comes down to wand shape as well as the formula.
No smudging
Ever done a full face of makeup, only to accidentally touch your eye and the whole look is ruined because your mascara has smudged? Yep, we’ve been there before. Due to this struggle, we avoid any mascaras that transfer.
Clump free
Spider eyes – no thank you! We love long, volumized lashes, but if the mascara clumps, it’s going in the bin. Generally, lash wands that are thinner will help to avoid this, but the main trick is finding a formula that is moisturising. To give your lashes extra nourishment, you can apply products such as vaseline or castor oil each morning. As a result, your lashes will become much healthier.
Easy removal
There is nothing worse than removing your makeup after a night out, only to wake up the next day with smudges all down your face. So if you’re someone who loves to layer it up to get super long lashes, you’ll know the pain of trying a beautiful mascara that will not budge when trying to remove. Because of this pain, one of the most important things to consider is looking for a mascara that comes off easily.
Dries fast
By the time we’ve perfected that big winged eyeliner, there is honestly no time to wait for mascara to dry. Like smudge proof mascara, we need something that won’t ruin the look until you come home to take that makeup off. If a mascara isn’t fast drying, it’s going to leave those tiny eyelash marks on your eyelids and under eye. And that just isn’t a look!
Tips and tricks to get the best out of your mascara
Although choosing the right mascara is important. Half of the process actually comes down to the way you look after your lashes. Having healthy lashes makes a big difference to your final look, so here are our most helpful tips to make your eyelashes long and luscious.
Get a lash lift and tint
Treat yourself to an eyelash lift and tint once in a while to make those beauties look curlier than ever. Due to the lifting effect, this will save you from even applying mascara some days. But if you do choose to put on mascara, your eyelashes will extend the lift and extend the length out.
Prep your lashes with a Eyelash curler
If you don’t fancy an eyelash lift and tint, get yourself an eyelash curler that you can use each day before applying mascara to get those lashes standing up nice and tall before application.
Use a clean spoolie
Brushing your lashes through with a clean spoolie, and even adding a small dob of vaseline or castor oil will help those lashes stay nourished. Healthy lashes equals growth, so you’ve got nothing to lose with this one.
Always remove your makeup before sleeping
It can be a struggle getting home and taking off your makeup but this is crucial if you want healthy lashes (and healthy skin). When you go to put mascara on the next time, you’ll have a nice fresh base.
Grow your lashes with eyelash serum
Lastly, find an eyelash serum that will help to grow your lashes longer and keep them healthy. Eyelash serums can take a few weeks or months to work so are definitely a longer term solution you want to try integrate into your beauty routine.
Best Lengthening Mascaras
Telescopic Mascara
L’oreal Paris
Hands down one of the BEST lengthening mascaras we’ve tried. The Telescopic Mascara brings up to 60% longer lashes to give an intense look. The narrow brush helps to really comb and separate the lashes so there are ultimately no clumps or bumps. This is an absolute must in every girl’s makeup kit.
Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
Hourglass
The formula in this mascara is second to none. With microfibers attaching to the lashes, this Instant Extensions Mascara lives up to the name giving exceptional length and lift. On top of that, it is smudge proof and easy to remove.
Best Volumizing Mascaras
Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils
YSL
Known for its dramatic volume, this mascara gives the illusion of fake eyelashes due to the curling effect that it has. What’s even better is that it is infused with walnut extract and argan oil to give your lashes the nourishment that they deserve.
Maneater Voluptuous Mascara
Tarte
An all-time favourite of ours, this mascara provides instant volume and length for an intense look. With over 500 bristles on the wand, the product spreads evenly across the lashes from root to tip to give a beautiful curl. The Maneater also comes in a travel size, what a win!
Best Waterproof Mascaras
Great Lash Waterproof Mascara
Maybelline
Giving a full and thick look, this formula in the mascara allows the product to glide on easily. We love that it is buildable, so if you can achieve a softer look for the day, and add on a few more layers to finish off your night time look.
Wonderfull Mascara Black Waterproof
Rimmel London
Infused with argan oil, Rimmel has created the perfect formula that smooths and defines each individual lash. Not only is it waterproof, but also dries incredibly fast so no smudging will occur!
Best Natural Look Mascaras
Lash Slick Mascara
Glossier
Enhancing the natural beauty of your lashes, Glossier Lash Slick Mascara visibly lengthens and lifts lashes for a flirty look. It’s super lightweight and conditioning formula is made to stay on for 12+ hours, with water-resistant benefits.
Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara
Ilia
With a dual side brush to choose your desired look, this mascara can do wonders. On one side of the wand, comes thin bristles to give a natural look that separates and curls your lashes. On the other side, longer bristles to help lengthen and volumize your lashes. We love a good two-for-one product!
Best Travel Sized Mascaras
They’re Real! Mini Mascara
Benefit Cosmetics
This mascara helps to widen your eye appearance, creating beautiful length and curl to the lashed. It’s the perfect little essential to add to your travel bag, that will add so much to your overall makeup look.
Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara
Marc Jacobs
With a full size or travel size, this Marc Jacobs mascara intensifies your lashes to give extreme length and volume. The pigment in this mascara is so strong that your lashes will look like falsies in just three strokes or less. The travel size is a perfect for any on-the-go look that needs a little omphh.
Best Vegan & Cruelty-Free Mascaras
Lights Camera Lashes Vegan
Tarte
Tarte is out here delivering the goods with all things mascara! This product provides everything you need in a mascara, being a vegan, 24 hour wear mascara. With the 4-in-1 benefits, including volume, length, curl and condition, this mascara defines each and every lash due to the multiple lengths on the bristles.
Caution Extreme Lash Mascara
Hourglass
This cruelty free gem brings 400% more volume each stroke you apply. A double sided wand that helps to apply the product evenly without smudging, even on the bottom lashes. Not to mention, the Hourglass mascara has the cutest gold tubing that we love having in our purse!