But how did it fare during testing? We loved its strong pigment that coated each lash easily, adding length and boldness in one swipe. It also didn’t clump and came off easily with a cotton pad and micellar water. Performance-wise, we also enjoyed the dual-side applicator that comes with a shorter side to add curl and volume while the longer bristles help to lift, lengthen, and separate each lash. One UOMA Beauty review read, “ I have never had such a perfect match! It applies and blends perfectly, and it has a truly comfortable wear and finish.” Known for its natural-looking, buildable coverage, users found that’s exactly what they got when applying. Depending on how often you use it, you should replace your mascara every three to six months. A good rule of thumb is that if you notice a change in the consistency or smell of the product, it’s time to toss it out. Though waterproof mascara usually doesn’t smudge or flake, it does make it harder to remove. For easier removal, use an oil-based cleanser, like one of these best eye makeup removersfrom our lab test. He goes on to explain that not only are they perfect for the days you want to skip out on the eyeliner, but they can also be a good base for false lashes for when you’re looking to go all out. “A good volumizing formula will also enhance a natural smokiness to the eye; the fuller lashes add a natural shadowing and definition to the eye,” he adds. The best part of all? Many volumizing mascaras have built-in lengthening and curling benefits too.

Of the Afro.Dis.Iac Cleopatra Ink Liquid Eyeliner, the review revealed just “ how easy this stuff is to use,” showing a precise cat eye drawn with the pen’s precision tip. The gentle formula contains shea butter, keratin, and beeswax to naturally nourish and lift your lashes. Another standout feature is the two-sided brush — the short bristles curl while the longer ones do the lifting. “I love how full and dark my lashes looked,” says our tester. “It has great pigment.” Flake-free and easy to remove, it gives you all the drama — it’s no wonder Melanie Simon, Jennifer Aniston's facialist, once said this mascara is " almost as good as lash extensions." This is an old standby for me,” Vanderwoude says, “I use it on almost every bridal client of mine, and not a single one has complained about irritation. The formula is so creamy, and it doesn’t dry out or flake at all.” As for volume, she stands by CoverGirl’s 10x more volume claim. Red, watery eyes are the last thing you want after applying makeup, right? Well, this clean formula is ophthalmologist-tested and won’t irritate even the most sensitive eyes. “My eyes tend to get irritated easily, so I am very cautious about what I use on and around them,” writes senior commerce writer Eva Thomas. “Other mascaras have caused my eyes to burn and water, but Ilia's almost feels like I'm not wearing anything on my lashes at all.” In this section of our UOMA Beauty review, we’ll take a look at the other side of our featured brand to see what it is exactly that sets it apart.We’ll go ahead and say that you really can’t go wrong with any of the above, but our overall favorite is COVERGIRL Lash Blast Mascara. Not only is it an affordable price but it also adds incredible volume and length, earning five out of five for its performance during testing. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara also came a close second due to the dramatic, multi-dimensional effect it creates. On the luxury end, Yves Saint Laurent’s Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara is a firm favorite. A mascara so fancy you can get it engraved, it creates the ultimate false lash effect with no glue or steady hand required. Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara is an excellent choice if you're looking for a creamier, buildable formula.

Selecting a formula comes down to what’s important to you. Besides benefits like volume or length, you can choose between clean and vegan formulas (like Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara), those with nourishing oils (our favorite is UOMA Drama Bomb Extreme Volume Nourishing Mascara), and/or tubing technology that offers more water-resistance (like Tarte Tartelette™ Tubing Mascara). Your Questions, Answered What’s the best way to apply mascara? UOMA Beauty is 100% cruelty-free and vegetarian, not vegan, although it does offer 4 vegan products: For Curling: This is always debatable, but I've found that curved wands are helpful with curling. I also love the rounded mascaras tips, (like the one on Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Lengthening Mascara) — they are excellent with curling since the wand lets you easily get all the angles. ShadeNo one wants to spend minutes rubbing their eyes, fighting to remove mascara. With Whitfield’s method you can remove even the most stubborn formula. “I like to take a cotton round and drench it in warm/hot water, pressing the access in the palms of my hands, and then place it over one eyelid at a time for about 15 seconds before wiping it away,” says Whitfield. “This softens and weakens the formula before removing it with makeup remover.” So we decided to find the best mascaras out there by recruiting 21 volunteers to test 34 popular formulas. Every product received a score on the ease of use, wear, performance, overall look, and removal process. CoverGirl Exhibitionist Uncensored Mascara impressed our testers with its ability to add lift, curl, and volume at an incredible price, earning a perfect score and the spot for Best Overall. One comment read, “ It just has good coverage, doesn’t look cakey or dry and has a great wear time. This foundation has lasted long hours and kept my face looking great.” That sounds like it’s a quality foundation. If I could only use one makeup product for the rest of my life, it would be mascara. I can have no other makeup on, but a simple swipe instantly opens my eyes, making me look more youthful and awake. With how often I — and pretty much every other makeup wearing person uses it — it makes sense to invest in a tube that truly delivers in length, volume, and staying power. Everyday there seems to be a new mascara on the market, though, giving me FOMO over whether I’m truly using the best one. For Lengthening: Thin wands that have lots of rubberized bristles (like Honest Beauty Extreme Length 2-in-1 Mascara and Lash Primer) help with combing each individual hair without clumping. This is ideal for people that already have a lot of volume at the base.