Trying to find the best mascara for your lashes can feel like a daunting task; so many launches, so many questions... what's the best high-street mascara, what's the best for short lashes? Is it worth paying more for extra volume and length? Which waterproof formulas really withstand a hot summer's day, or even a few lengths in the swimming pool, but still come off easily with eye make-up remover? I love to coat both the top and bottom of the lashes by curling and combing the lash out from above before wiggling [the mascara wand] upward from the root,” says Whitfield. “This evenly distributes the product to keep the lash from looking heavy and less curled. You will also have less product transfering onto your under eye skin as the mascara is not solely underneath the lash.”

Lastly, while this mascara isn’t marketed as a tubing formula, that’s exactly the result it seems to deliver. As such, removing it was a bit more difficult—in fact, it was the most difficult formula to remove among those we tested. The results make it worth a few extra swipes of micellar water, though. 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? 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. Shade Smudge-proof formula: It goes without saying that you should seek out a mascara formula that won’t smudge, bleed, or run when an unexpected rain shower (or cry session) crops up. Each of the mascaras on this list has been rigorously tested to withstand showers of all kinds.Neil Scibelli is a makeup artist and beauty expert based in New York City. His clients include major supermodels, recording artists, and fashion houses. His work has been featured on national television, in print and online magazines, on the red carpet, and on runways during New York Fashion Week. With so many people relying on expensive salon treatments, such as eyelash extensions, perms and tints, it's worth remembering that mascara technology has come a long way over the last few years, promising plump, sky-high, defined lashes with just a few swipes of a mascara wand.

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.This is the best mascara for all of your lash needs. It does everything: lifts, lengthens, defines andadds volume. Transforming your lashes in every way, it's infused with vitamin B5 to condition and nourish lashes (plus, it makes it super easy to remove). Indeed, clumpy mascara can also be the result of your technique. With excess product on the mascara wand, too much pressure, numerous coats, and an expired formula, you, too, could end up with clumpy-looking lashes. Yet for the most part, there are some excellent options out there that make it extremely hard to mess up because of their wand design and formulation. In other words, they're mistake-proof, and you can swipe with abandon without fearing spider lashes. 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. It might seem obvious but, according to Gboyega, many of us aren’t using enough mascara formula to begin with. “One of my pet peeves is when I see people not applying their mascara properly,” she says. “They only get the tips of their lashes instead of fully coating their lashes with the mascara.” Looks like we’ve gotta layer that stuff on, guys. BRUSH UP YOUR TECHNIQUE Although clumping is possible, the fact that this volumizing mascara made lashes pop with a single coat makes it a worthwhile drugstore find in our book. Plus, even after 11 hours of wear, there was hardly any flaking or smudging, making it a great option for those looking for a long-lasting formula. One other slight deterrent to be mentioned is that this formula is sadly not Byrdie Clean, as it contains paraffin. Still, it remains a cult-favorite mascara for those looking for volume, length, and lift.

And then of course, the next decision is do you need a long-wearing, hardy waterproof formula? If you have watery eyes or are prone to smudginess, you may want to opt to shop a waterproof (or at the very least water-resistant) buy. The best tips for applying mascara A great choice for anyone looking to achieve a false eyelash effect without actually applying them, this mascara volumizes lashes without smudging or running.If you’re looking for a mascara that allows you to build waterproof volume with minimal effort, this is a great option. This is a great choice for anyone seeking natural-looking definition (ideal for everyday makeup), as the brush deposits the right amount of product every time. Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry. She has tested countless washable and waterproof mascaras, including several on this list. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty. While some waterproof formulas can be nearly impossible to remove without harsh rubbing with makeup remover, this one came off surprisingly well with just a few swipes of a cotton pad soaked in makeup remover.

Be advised that this mascara isn’t labeled as cruelty-free, nor is it Byrdie Clean, as it contains paraffin and PEGs. This isn't necessarily a deal-breaker but is more something to think about if you place a high value on those qualifications.When it comes to mascara, everyone has their own preference in what they are searching for. Personally, I love a full and voluminous lash look, combined with a formula that doesn't flake throughout the day and won't transfer onto my eyelid. A lot to ask for, I know. Long, lengthy lashes are usually a favourite. My go-to is Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara, but I am always testing new releases to find the very best out there, because who doesn't want to find the best mascara? According to Sewell, proper mascara application starts with a curl. “I always curl with a lash curler first before coating lashes evenly with one to two coats of waterproof mascara,” she explains. “My favorite way to apply waterproof mascara is to sandwich it in between a regular mascara for ultimate volume.”