People have long sought after the best mascara for longer lashes — even since ancient times. Mascara can trace its roots all the way back to ancient Egypt, where a substance called kohl was used to enhance the eyes of both men and women. In Victorian times, women would make their own type of lash enhancement with ash, lampblack, and elderberry juice. This mixture would then be heated and applied to their lashes.
In the 19th century, European chemist Eugene Rimmel (yep, that Rimmel!) developed a product with petroleum jelly that could be applied to lashes. At about the same time in America, Thomas Lyle Williams developed a similar product for his sister Mabel. He started selling it by mail order in 1917 under the name — you guessed it, Maybelline!
So, which mascaras are the best? It depends on the type of lashes you have (what I would also call your lash challenges), the look you are trying to achieve, and whether you want waterproof or not. It’s a bit of a learning curve (pun intended).
First, the Best Mascara Primers
Before we dive into the best mascaras, your first investment should be a mascara primer. It is one of those beauty products you don’t know you need—until you try it. Here’s why mascara primer is worth the extra step:
1. Boosts Lash Volume & Length
A primer coats your lashes and adds a bit of bulk before mascara goes on. Think of it as scaffolding; the primer gives your mascara something to grip, making lashes look longer and fuller.
2. Prevents Smudging & Flaking
Primer helps mascara adhere better, which means less chance of raccoon eyes halfway through the day. This is especially helpful if you have oily lids or watery eyes.
3. Conditions & Strengthens Lashes
Many mascara primers are packed with lash-loving ingredients like vitamin E, biotin, or panthenol to nourish and strengthen over time. Therefore, it’s great for those experiencing lash thinning with age.
4. Improves Mascara Performance
It basically levels up any mascara, making even a mediocre formula look luxe and dramatic. If you’re not into layering three different mascaras to get that “lash extension” look, primer can get you there faster.
5. Easier to Remove
Primer creates a barrier between your lashes and your mascara, so when it’s time to wash it off, there’s less tugging or scrubbing.
Pro Tip for Women 50+: Lashes often get sparser or lighter with age. A primer can help define and lift them—opening up the eyes without needing false lashes.
Lancome Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Primer, $30
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Serum-Infused Primer, $8.32
However, if you find that your eyelashes just won’t get as full as you’d like no matter what you do with mascara or primer, then you should consider fake lashes or lash extensions. The options are endless, and you might just love how you look once they’re applied!
Best Mascaras for Length and Volume
The main thing most of us want from our mascara is length and volume. Most do provide both, but some people may prefer one or the other. I’ve identified some of the best mascaras, which many consider their holy grail. These are tried and true, deliver what they say, and have a huge fan base.
Prime Prometics PrimeLash Mascara, $28
Prime Prometics PrimeLash Mascara is created for women over 50. PrimeLash is not just a cosmetic that you use to “look younger.” It’s healing in a bottle that will bring out the growth and glow of your natural lashes. Get thick, defined, lifted lashes that make You look like a million dollars in two clean coats – thanks to the effective magic wand and formula duo.
Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Volume Mascara, $33
The Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Volume mascara provides 200% more volume. It is composed of 90% natural-origin ingredients, and it delivers XXL volume for 24 hours.
Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions™ Mascara, $18.88
The Flake-Free Tubing Technology makes this one of the best mascaras. It dramatically helps lengthen each lash from root to tip. It also supports longer, healthier-looking lashes. This mascara is clinically proven to be gentle enough for sensitive eyes and safe for contact lens wearers. Additionally, this mascara is super easy to remove with soap and water.
Huda Beauty 1 Coat Wow! Extra Volumizing and Lifting Mascara, $23
This cruelty-free mascara comes with a double-sided brush that defines each lash with extreme volume, length and curl.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push-Up Lashes, $29
Pillow Talk Push-Up Lashes mascara gives instant length, volume, and a 24-hour effect. Your eyes will look bigger, brighter, and more awake. The Super Black is a classic jet-black shade to add definition and intensity for dark, thick, and full-looking lashes.
Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer, $17.99
Infused with Jojoba Esters, we’re not the only ones who think this is one of the best mascaras. Honest Beauty’s award-winning, bestselling Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer is a smooth black mascara that delivers extreme length. It lifts all day long for extravagant-looking lashes.
IT Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara, $28
IT Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara has a buildable formula that defines, curls, separates, lifts, and volumizes lashes.
bareMinerals Strength & Length® Serum-Infused Mascara, $22
This plant-based mascara contains peptides that help strengthen lashes, while mineral pigments provide a rich, ultra-black color. The patent-pending paddle brush instantly lengthens, lifts, and defines your longest lashes ever.
Read Next:
How to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger: 6 Makeup Tricks to Try
Brow Power!!! The Guide to Perfect Eyebrows
