The Ultimate Mascara List
Right, you asked for it so here it is, the ultimate mascara list.
In my opinion, these are the best mascaras out there right now. Just know that they have all been vigorously tried and tested by me over a long period of time. I don’t mess about when it comes to mascara which is why this has been so bloody hard to collate. Just as an FYI, none of these mascaras transfer, flake or smudge on me. And they are all contact lens friendly (I wear lenses every day).
So if you've got short lashes, thin lashes or long lashes, there's a mascara for you. If you want a dramatic mascara for going out out, I've got you covered.
I also just want to point out the obvious: mascaras work differently depending on your type of lash. Personally, I am lucky enough to have thick lashes. This makes volumising mascaras my fave which is why there are quite a few listed here. This also means that my lashes look good with the majority of mascaras but, at the same time, it makes it super obvious when a mascara is shit. This is also why I asked you lot for your faves; so we could see mascaras - some which are different to my picks, some which are the same - on different lash types.
In this ultimate mascaras list you'll find the answers to all your mascara questions:
The best mascaras out there right now - voted for by me (Lisa Potter-Dixon)
For each mascara I'll also explain what it's best used for and if it's suitable for vegans. Ok, here goes! In no particular order (kinda)...
Best Mascaras out there right now...
Voted for by me Lisa Potter-Dixon
At Lash’d by Marc Jacobs
At Lash'd the mascara need to know details:
Volumising
Bristle wand
Vegan
Ease to remove 5/10
I love it because...
An absolute fave of mine and one I always go back to. It gives the perfect feathered, super volumised, thick eyelash and adds a ton of lift at the roots. The bristle wand gives you an even coat from root to tip. The colour is super black, it’s never transferred or flaked on me and the black and gold packaging is dreamy.
Good for: Pretty much any lash type as it makes them look thicker.
Not good for: Someone who wants a natural looking lash.
Bad Gal Bang by Benefit
Bad Gal Bang the mascara need to know details:
Volumising
Plastic slim wand
Ease to remove 8/10
I love it because...
Damn this is good. Benefit do know how to make a great mascara. This is super jet black and adds a ton of volume. So much so that it looks like you’ve got liner on too, even when you haven’t. Great for making lashes look thicker. It is a very wet formula which some people may not like. I actually tend to keep the lid off over night when I get a fresh bottle, although don’t be up in my DM’s if you do that and it dries out too much! LOL! Although the formula is wet, it’s also very light, meaning it won’t drag down your lashes throughout the day. The slim wand gives an even coat from root to tip.
Good for: Anyone who wants to make an impact with their lashes
Not good for: Someone who wants a natural looking lash
Climax Extreme by NARS
Climax Extreme the mascara need to know details:
Volumising
Thick bristle brush
Ease to remove 6/10
I love it because...
This was one of those ‘yesss baby’ moments! Anyone else have them?!? Ha! The original NARS Climax just wasn’t enough for me. It’s great for a fluttery lash, but I always want the drama. And that’s what the Climax Extreme does. Firstly, the wand is fab. It’s thick and bristly and works beautifully through the lashes. You can layer this mascara until your hearts content… or until you fly off! The pigment is great; super black. I will say that I’m not sure this is the best mascara for someone with sparse lashes as it may very well clump them up. But if you’re blessed with a good set of lashes, then its mega!
Good for: Anyone who wants volumised, feathered lashes
Not good for: Anyone with sparse lashes
Kush mascara by MILK Makeup
Kush mascara the need to know details:
Volumising and lengthening
Thick bristle brush
Vegan
Ease to remove 5/10
I love it because...
Guys, if you want a volumising mascara, I’m not sure how you’re gonna pick-sorry! There are so many good ones, including this baby. It has heart shape fibres FFS! This is designed to give you extra fullness. It also just leaves you feeling a little extra loved from the product! It’s never flaked on me and the volume and length really lasts. I also LOVE that the packaging is heavier than your standard mascara. This is apparently so that it’s easier to find in the bottom of your makeup bag. Genius!!
Good for: Anyone who wants buildable, volume and longer looking lashes.
Not good for: Anyone who has straight lashes as it doesn’t add a huge amount of curl
Lancome Lash idole
Lash Idole the mascara need to know details:
Lengthening and curling
Plastic curved wand
Ease to remove: 3/10
I love it because...
This is what I call a ‘no fuss’ mascara: you don’t have to worry about it clumping, thanks to the gel formula. It's synthetic bristles glide through the lashes, curling and separating them. For me, yes, it adds a touch of volume. But the thing I love about it is the length and the lift you can achieve. The curved wand also really helps when doing the bottom lashes.
Good for: Straight lashes, thin lashes, short lashes, anyone who wants a separated lengthened look
Not good for: Anyone who wants full-on drama. Click here to buy.
Victoria Beckham Future lash
Future Lash the mascara need to know details:
Natural feathery, lifted lashes
Micro bristle curved wand
Vegan
Ease to remove 1/10
I love it because...
This mascara is like having a great lash tint. It adds just the right amount of pigment to frame your eyes. The finish is very natural and feathery which I love for a no-makeup kinda day. It’s soooo easy to remove and it also includes a C2 complex which helps to condition the lashes. The wand is small and curved, meaning you rarely make a mess. This is my perfect Sunday mascara.
Good for: Anyone who wants a natural looking lash
Not good for: Anyone who wants drama
Urban Decay Lash Freak
Lash Freak the mascara need to know details:
Full on length and volume
Plastic crazy wand
Ease to remove 7/10
I love it because...
Now this is probs the weirdest mascara wand you’ll ever see. It looks like it wouldn’t add length to a tape measure, let alone your lashes. (Just made that saying up, well proud of myself, no idea if it makes any sense)!!! So I was shocked to find that it’s actually bloody great! Now don’t get me wrong, it takes a little getting used to, BUT once you’ve got it, you’ll get jet-black, long, thick lashes of joy. Yes, the wand picks up a little too much mascara so it can be a tad messy, but it’s worth it.
Good for: Anyone who is patient when it comes to applying mascara.
Not good for: Anyone who wants a natural lash Click here to buy.
Rimmel Scandal eyes reloaded
Scandal eyes the mascara need to know details:
Buildable volume and length
Graduated bristle wand
Ease to remove 5/10
I love it because...
Rimmel do some great mascaras but this is my fave of theirs. I love it because it’s buildable, meaning that you can actually go as natural or as dramatic as you like. Just work quickly because it dries super-fast. I also love the graduated bristle wand as you can turn it vertically to get all the tiny inner and outer lashes.
Good for: Anyone who likes a natural lash one day and a full-on one the next
Not good for: Anyone who likes to take their time with their mascara
Strength and length by BareMinerals
Strength and Length the mascara need to know details:
Natural separated lengthened lashes
Plastic wand
Ease to remove 2/10
Vegan
I love it because...
This mascara is great for day to day wear if you want a natural lifted looking lash. It adds length without clumping and is infused with a serum that apparently helps to condition and strengthen the lashes. It’s inspired by the classic eyelash serums so is a pretty smart idea.
Good for: anyone who wants a natural lash and who is concerned about the condition of their lashes. And for anyone who loves an LVL lash lift.
Not good: for anyone who loves a full on dramatic lash.
Hourglass Unlocked
Unlocked the mascara need to know details:
Long separated lashes
Plastic wand
Ease to remove 1/10
Vegan
I love it because...
My favourite thing about this mascara is the lightweight formula. It glides through the lashes lengthening them and separating them as it goes. You can visibly see it adding more length, almost like individual lash extensions. It also stays put comes off super easy. p.s.this is also my absolute favourite tubing mascara, you can see my other tubing mascara recommendations here.
Good for: well anyone really. It is a great every day mascara.
Not good for: anyone who loves a super clumpy lash.
Iconic London Triple threat
Triple Threat the mascara need to know details:
Long lifted lashes
Narrow plastic wand
Ease to remove 3/10
Vegan
I love it because...
I loveee the narrow wand on this mascara. It means you can get right into the inner and outer corners finding all the tiny lashes you didn’t even know existed. The formula is light and it runs evenly through the lashes resulting in a lovely fluttery lash.
Good for: anyone who thinks they don’t have good lashes. This wand lets you find them.
Not good for: anyone who loves a thick bristled wand.
Maybelline Lash Sensational
Triple Threat the mascara need to know details:
Full looking lashes
Curved plastic wand
Ease to remove 5/10
I love it because...
One of my favourite High street mascaras, this baby really elevates your lashes. The curved wand adds a lift and the root instantly. It def gives the illusion of fuller looking lashes although the formula does dry quite hard on the lashes. Not good if you really like to layer your mascara.
Good for: anyone who needs to add a lift to their lashes.
Not good for: anyone who likes to multiple layer their mascara.
How to remove mascara
I get a lot of people asking me if a mascara is easy to remove. Firstly, a good mascara needs to stay put. I know I’d prefer an extra 2 mins of cleansing over panda eyes. Personally I also remove mascara with an oil based cleanser and a flannel. Something like the Elemis Pro collagen balm or the Pixi double cleanse work a treat. If you prefer a liquid over a balm, I can recommend the By Terry Baume de Rose Biphase remover. That baby would take permanent marker off of your lashes (Don’t be trying that please)! So my moral of the story is this: don’t worry about how hard it is to get off, there’s always a cleanser for that. Worry more about how long it lasts on your lashes.
Click here to shop the cleansers and removers:
How to apply mascara - some tips & tricks
In this video I'll show you some of my makeup artist tips & tricks for applying mascara including how to use eyelash curlers as well as my fave ones, how to prevent under eye smudging and some little tricks for doing those bottom lashes without getting mascara everywhere.
If you're going to use eyelash curlers, I recommend Kevyn Aucoin's these are the ones I used in my how to apply mascara tutorial. Click here to buy.
How long should you keep a mascara?
3 MONTHS. Yes, that's right once opened you're supposed to change your mascara every 3 months. If you're like me and have multiple mascaras on the go at once then I add a little sticker with the date on so you know when it was opened.
Waterproof or water resistant mascara?
I’m not a huge fan of waterproof mascara’s, I much prefer water resistant. WP formulas tend to dry your lashes out and that just makes me sad. And WR formulas are so popular now, (all of the ones I’ve mentioned are this), that they are made so that they do not smudge, transfer or flake. So unless you’re a Keen Snorkeler like Kiko, who adores the Eyeko Beach mascara which she is rocking in this pic... Read mine & Kiko's Eyeko mascara recommendation below.
The Best Tubing mascaras
I know a lot of you are fans of these. For those that don’t know, tubing mascaras basically have a formulation that, instead of the usual waxes, include polymer tubing which wraps around each lash. This dries quickly and tends to be waterproof. They are also always very easy to remove. A bit of warm water tends to do it. Unlike more traditional formulations, there aren’t 100’s of them out there which is probs why there is only 1 in my top 12. I’m also personally not a huge fan of how they come off. Although easy, it’s quite bitty. However, I do see why people love them so here’s my top 3.
Hourglass Unlocked mascara
I love it because...
Probs, in my opinion, the best tubing mascara on the market. The hype is real. It leaves the eyes looking wide awake, it doesn't transfer and comes off in seconds with warm water. Click here to buy.
Eyeko lash alert mascara
I love it because...
All Eyeko mascaras are tubing which is pretty cool. I’ve always been impressed with their formulations. They do not budge (see Nikola’s picture), but are easy to get off. It’s kinda like magic. Click here to buy.
In the words of Nikola. I love it because...
I have been through many a waterproof mascara and this does NOT budge. I holiday in Mexico or the Dominican Republic, it's hot, sweaty, humid, thunderstorms and spend the days snorkelling or lounging in the sea to cool down. This goes on the in morning, lasts all day and will see you through the night too. You have to use an oil-based eye makeup remover to get it off or you could just wear it for days! Best holiday mascara ever (and not bad for just wearing in the UK too). I have mid length curved eyelashes - they look great with mascara, boring with none. Mascara is my must have - no matter the situation or location it is on. Nikola x
No7 Perfect stay
I love it because..
This is a good affordable tubing mascara. It gives more of a natural lash and does tend to stay put. Which is obviously essential! Click here to buy.
So there you my It-List of mascaras. Because you know what they say: a little bit of mascara, a lotta bit of confidence. Below are your faves. And if they are not included, please comment below because I will continue to add to this list. The more lashes the better!
Love Lipstick & A LOT OF LASHES, Lis xx
Click here to shop the mascaras mentioned.
Best Mascaras in the UK voted for by you.
Benefit Bad Gal Bang
Benefit Bad Gal Bang is my fave mascara because it’s the blackest of blacks and you just have to do one swipe and yey, you look awake! Natasha Smith x
I’m glad you’ve gone and asked this as I’ve tried soooo many mascaras and the one I keep buying and have recommended to everyone is Benefits Bad Gal Bang. It’s just the best, the wand helps lift and lengthen lashes, it’s so black and always makes my eyes look great. Kat Perry x
Marc Jacobs At lash'd
Best Mascara for adding lift and curl to your lashes + staying power
You love it because...
After watching your stories and you recommending Marc Jacobs At Lash'd mascara, I thought I would treat myself. Wow I was absolutely amazed with the results of it!! I don't need to curl my lashes, they give them a great lift and curl. It does not clump the lashes together and is buildable without clumping and t still looks great hours later without the lashes dropping loads. Jo x
My go to mascara has to be Marc Jacobs At Lash'd. My eye lashes are short and very straight even when curled (inserts sigh). This mascara gives me length, it curls my stubborn lashes and it picks out each lash and really defines my eyes. I love it. Kelly x
Hourglass Caution Lash
Great Mascara for those wear glasses thanks to its staying power
You love it because...
Nothing beats...Hourglass Caution. I have medium/long lashes with a slight natural curl and love it because of its staying power !! No smudges / crumbly bits. As a glasses wearer and someone who has a habit of rubbing eyes this is a winner. Melanie Louise Potter x
Top reasons as to why I love the Hourglass Caution Lash mascara:it doesn’t take lots of coats to build it up, instant volume and length, no flaking!! (My number one pet peeve and will make me instantly throw any mascara away) & holds a curl effortlessly and gives the right amount of flutter. Taylor x
Benefit They're Real Magnet
Great Mascara for when exercising.
You love it because...
Favourite has to be Benefit's They’re Real Magnet mascara. The LENGTH it gives my lashes, the depth of the black colour & it doesn’t flake!! Even when I exercise it doesn’t flake under my eyes. Harriet x
L'oreal Lash Paradise
You love it because...
Amazing lashes every time at a fraction of the cost. Charlotte Gilks
Victoria Beckham Beauty Future Lash
You love it because...
Victoria Beckham Future Lash, is just beautiful! It coats every lash beautifully and is a breeze to get off! It feels like you are costing your lashes in goodness! I have had lash extensions on for about 9 years! So wanted to get a mascara that could do everything!! My lashes were pretty short and lacking in everything really, hoping the Future lash does great things to them. Tori Allison x
Rimmel 100% Waterproof Mascara
You love it because...
I have been using Rimmel 100% Waterproof for at least 10 years and for £6.99 you cannot go wrong!! Doesn’t budge and gives length and it’s super black! Louise x
Nars Climax Mascara
Great mascara for volume lashes
You love it because...
Nars Climax Mascara is my favourite because it really separates your lashes and gives volume without looking clumpy! Morven x
Deffo fave right now is NARS climax extreme. Gives me MEGA volume, people often tell me it’s the first thing they notice! Kate Fletcher x
Ilia Beauty Limitless Lash mascara
You love it because...
My favourite mascara at the moment is Ilia Beauty Limitless Lash mascara. It’s a great everyday one but can be built up to really great length and volume. Leia Stango x
Hourglass Unlocked Mascara
You love it because...
My favourite mascara is the Hourglass Unlocked Mascara (totally influenced by Lisa Potter-Dixon) - here's what I like about it - 'The formula offers great length, and buildable (but not clumpy) volume. My favourite thing about it is that it’s a tubing mascara - so removes with warm water and doesn’t transfer or flake throughout the day. As I have really hooded eyes, it’s a lifesaver!'' @hannahwingsit x Click here to buy.
Clinique Lash Power
You love it because...
I’ve used Clinique Lash Power for years and I absolutely love it. The brush lengthens and separates your lashes and the formula never leaves panda eyes or flakes at the end of the day. Lauren x
Zelens Flirt Mascara in Black
Great mascara for those that want staying power (& for gardening!)
You love it because...
So I recently discovered the Zelens Flirt mascara and I am completely in love with it. It’s a great shade of black and easy to apply. It lasts all day without smudging or flaking but comes off easily with a cleanser. And it has a special peptide in it that supposedly encourages growth. My lashes feel conditioned when I wear it and look thicker. The picture of my lashes with the mascara are after a full day of work and at least an hour of hard graft mowing my lawn. Bizzy x
p.s Bizzy also took part in our Skinfluencers blog - read more about Bizzy's skincare journey.
Chantecaille Faux Cils
Great Mascara for creating feathered lashes
You love it because...
I naturally have long lashes however they are literally invisible and eyelash tints don’t seem to work for me, so mascara is always a must! My current fave is the Chantecaille Faux Cils which is perfect for everyday, separates & coats well and just gives a lovely feathered look - and in my photo this is just with a single pump to use on both eyes top & bottom! I just love it. Ruth x
Tarte lights camera lashes
You love it because...
Consistently reliable and never flakes on me and I love the wand as it’s easy to apply.Danielle x
Click here to shop the best mascaras
p.s. Links are affiliated. This doesn’t change the price for you, it just means I get a few pence from each sale.