One Mascara Does Not Fit All—Here’s the Type Your Lashes Are Begging For
Sure, we all love the drama of falsies and lash extensions that practically need their own zip code—but sometimes, a swipe (or three) of the perfect mascara is all it takes to level up your lash game. The trick? Finding the right formula for your beauty vibe. Whether you want length, curl, volume, or a little bit of everything, there’s a mascara out there that’ll do the heavy lifting (so your lash curler doesn’t have to).
That’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up the best types of mascaras for every lash goal—sky-high lifts, major definition, zero smudges, you name it. Even better, these formulas are long-lasting and actually stay put. Ready to meet your mascara soulmate? Keep scrolling, then head over to the IPSY Shop to snag fresh beauty finds starting at $6 (because who doesn’t love a deal?).
1. Waterproof Mascara
We love having waterproof mascara tucked in our makeup bags for nights cursed with pouring rain, wild summer days full of pool parties, and all the fancy events in between. Our favorite waterproof mascaras aren’t just weather-proof, they’re also crying proof, whether you’re sobbing your way through your tenth viewing of A Star Is Born or trying to keep it together at your BFF’s wedding.
At the top of our list is the SPF-packing, lash-emboldened EYEKO Beach Waterproof Mascara. You’ll want this mascara for sunny days that might end with a dip in the ocean or a sweat-filled volleyball session. Not only will this mascara protect your eyes, but it’ll also nourish your lashes with a formula that includes coconut oil as a top ingredient.
2. Lengthening Mascara
When you’re on the hunt for longer lashes, you can’t just reach for any old tube. You need an innovative mascara wand that evenly coats your lashes while also encouraging them to curl. The best lengthening mascaras will rival even the most dramatic of false eyelashes and eyelash extensions.
We love the C-shaped curved brush that VICTORIA BECKHAM BEAUTY packs in her Future Lash, Smudge-Free Lifting Mascara. The Micro-Bristle brush is made of tiny bristles, so even the tiniest lashes get coated without any clumping. Even better, the conditioning formula is full of good-for-your-lashes ingredients, like shea butter, niacinamide, and pro-vitamin B5.
3. Volumizing Mascara
Save the drama for your eyeballs with the best volumizing mascaras that darken and curl your lashes, giving the illusion of falsies without any glue. You’ll want to reach for a dark black mascara, or a formula that’s at least a few shades darker than your natural lashes.
Wield some major power with PAT McGRATH LABS Dark Star Mascara in Xtreme Black. It features a contoured brush with strategically-placed fibers of varying lengths that effortlessly coat each lash in pitch-black color. You’ll love the explosive volume you can achieve with this luxurious, weightless formula.
4. Curling Mascara
Curling mascara does just that: makes your eyelashes curl upward, making them appear longer and more volumized. Give your eyelash curler a helping hand with a curling mascara that helps you defy gravity. There’s no topping BENEFIT COSMETICS Roller Lash Curling Mascara in Black, thanks to the brilliant “Hook ‘n’ Roll” applicator brush. With each swipe of mascara, this wand curls your lashes as you apply a 12-hour lasting formula that can withstand even the most dramatic of thunderstorms.
5. Lash Defining Mascara
The key to lash defining mascara is in the applicator. You need bristles that have been engineered to lift and coat each strand individually. When it comes to flexibility and multitasking prowess, JUICE BEAUTY Phyto-Pigments Ultra Natural Mascara is hands down our favorite pick. Whether you’re going for a more natural look or you’re hoping for extra va-va-voom power, this buildable formula easily adjusts to any makeup look. Swipe one coat on your minimalist days, or add up to three or four layers for the glammest nights out.
6. Non-Clumping Mascara
Your clumpy mascara days are long behind you when you’ve got the freedom to swipe, flutter, and go. For days when you can’t be bothered with touchups, snag TOO FACED COSMETICS' Better Than Sex Mascara. The curvy hourglass-shaped brush brings an ingenious variety of bristle lengths to your mascara party, helping apply and define each of your lashes. Apply two or three layers of formula for faux-falsies, or stick to one coat for no-makeup makeup days.
7. Tubing Mascara
Think of tubing mascara as a way to give your lashes a super hug. The brilliant formula is designed to wrap around each individual lash hair like a “tube,” thickening your lashes and adding some extra length. While most tubing mascaras require some vigorous rubbing with your makeup remover, BLINC
UltraVolume TUBING™ Mascara in Black (from the brand that created tubing mascara) comes off effortlessly, leaving no residue behind.
8. Fiber Mascara
When fiber mascaras appeared on the makeup scene, nothing was ever the same. Suddenly you could take your regular formula and add extra length and volume with the help of synthetic fibers, some as tiny as a half-millimeter. Our favorite formula comes in a double punch, courtesy of MAC COSMETICS Magic Extension 5mm Fibre Mascara Extensive Black. A couple coats will leave lashes looking as good as faux.
9. Bottom Lash Mascara
Your lower lashes are shorter and less voluminous than your top lashes, so stop treating them the same! Trade your regular wand for an adorably tiny lash wand that adds maximum precision for the shortest of your lash hairs. We love that PIXI BY PETRA LashLift 188 in Beyond Black comes with two mascara wands, so you don’t have to pick favorites between your lashes. The oil-based formula nourishes your lashes and stays on long, so you won’t be stuck with any smudging.
10. Clear Mascara
Clear mascara is the ultimate hypeman product for every makeup look you’re trying to nail. Going for a minimalist look? The clear formula lets your natural lash color shine, while giving your brows and your lashes extra support and direction. Looking to wow with shimmer? Clear mascara provides the perfect base coat for your shimmery dreams. MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Great Lash® Clear Mascara is our go-to clear mascara, thanks to its lightweight formula that dries quickly.
11. Double-Ended Mascara
Like the classic soup and sandwich combo or your favorite crossbody bag that comes with a detachable shoulder strap, double-ended mascaras know that sometimes you need options. GIRLACTIK Lash Play Duo Mascara comes with a lengthening wand that’s key for elongating and defining your lashes, plus a detailing side that’s perfect for adding “oomph” to your look without any flaking or clumps.
12. Brown Mascara
If black mascara feels a little too bold for your everyday vibe, brown mascara might just be your new BFF. Softer than classic black but still adding plenty of definition, brown mascara gives your lashes a natural, effortless lift—perfect for no-makeup makeup days or when you want to play up a fresh, glowy look.
Our pick? WANDER BEAUTY Mile High Club™ Length and Define Mascara in Espresso. This deep brown shade delivers fluttery, lengthened lashes with a subtle richness that flatters every eye color. The precise brush grabs even the tiniest lashes, giving you that “I woke up like this” energy with zero clumps and all-day wear. Plus, the nourishing formula keeps your lashes feeling soft, never crunchy.