8 Best Mascaras of 2026 That Defy Gravity to Lift and Lengthen
ulhmts on 21 November, 2025 | No Comments
Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave this storySave this story
Ask a beauty editor and they'll tell you: The best mascaras are an honorary member of the "phone, wallet, keys" mantra you mumble before heading out the door. Our must-have formulas extend our natural lashes to the heavens and boost volume while resisting clumping, flaking, rain, sweat, and tears. They also include a range of hues beyond your basic (yet essential) black—we're talking browns, blues, and even burgundies. To help you find your perfect match, we got the skinny from Allure editors and makeup artists on their absolute favorite mascaras (including Best of Beauty winners).
Our Top Mascaras
- Best Overall: Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara, $28
- Best Color Range: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara Makeup, $10
- Best Lengthening: Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara, $29
- Best Long-Wearing: YSL Lash Latex Sculpting & Lengthening Mascara, $34
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- How should I choose a mascara?
- How does waterproof mascara differ in formulation and wear?
- How can you prevent mascara from smudging and flaking?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Now, on to the good stuff: Keep scrolling to browse our favorite mascaras, plus get tips on how to best apply them straight from the pros.
Best Overall: Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara
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Tarte
Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Why it's worth it: While we adore the original Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara, the Tartelette XL takes the cake as a two-time Allure Best of Beauty Award winner. Both iterations are made with conditioning shea butter, moisturizing castor oil, and carnauba wax to lengthen and volumize each lash—but Tartelette XL adds biotin, niacinamide, and panthenol for extra conditioning and shine. Gone are the days of tubing mascaras falling short against regular mascaras: Our testers agree this one delivers a false-lash effect. Like all tubing formulas, the "tubes" (made of a temporary polymer coating instead of straight-up pigment) are less likely to smudge and slide off easily at the end of the day with warm water—no harsh tugging or rubbing necessary.
Allure contributor Annie Blackman applying Tarte’s Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara
Annie Blackman
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying Tarte’s Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara
Sarah Hoffmann
Blackman before applying Tarte’s Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara
Annie Blackman
Blackman after applying Tarte’s Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara
Annie Blackman
Tester feedback from contributor Annie Blackman
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"I usually steer clear of mascara because it always travels to my under eyes within hours, but the Tartelette Tubing Mascara has proven me wrong. This stuff stays put, and I love the mascara's chocolately brown hue that keeps things looking natural. I will say, though, on days where I’m looking for a doe-eyed look, I go for a more traditional formula." —Annie Blackman, contributor
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“I'm probably the only person on team Allure who isn't all-in on tubing mascaras (I love to goop it on and I'll never totally change, sorry) but this is by far the best tubing formula I've tried. I have the brown shade, and I'd pay big money for my natural lashes to look like this all the time. The lengthening effect is unreal, without sacrificing the volume I crave from a mascara." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
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- Shades: black, brown
- Waterproof: no
- Who it’s for: everyone
Best Color Range: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
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Maybelline New York
Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
Jailynn Taylor
Why it's worth it: A viral TikTok sensation, Best of Beauty Award winner, and Readers’ Choice Award winner, Maybelline New York’s Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara proves you don’t need to splurge to get lashes that are ready for their close-up. Besides classic black, it comes in subtle brown, bright burgundy, royal blue, deep green, and rich plum—one of the widest shade ranges we’ve found in a mascara. The smudge-proof formula is infused with bamboo fibers to add serious volume and length while staying featherlight. Plus, the ultra-flexible, tapered wand makes it easy to coat each lash evenly from corner to corner.
Taylor before applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
Jailynn Taylor
Taylor after applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
Jailynn Taylor
Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor
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“On days when I skip my usual lash clusters, this Sky High Mascara never lets me down. It gives my barely-there lashes a lifted, defined look without weighing them down. I’m constantly touching my face and eyes, yet this formula doesn’t flake into my contacts or smudge across my makeup. And while black is my everyday go-to (it’s a true pigmented inky shade), I keep the Burgundy Haze shade nearby for when I want a warmer finish that makes my brown eyes pop.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
More to know
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- Shades: black, brown, burgundy, blue, purple, green
- Waterproof: no
- Who it’s for: people with short lashes who want a colored, lengthening mascara
Best Lengthening: Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara
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Ilia
Limitless Lash Mascara
Ilia
Amazon
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying Ilia’s Limitless Lash Mascara
Sarah Felbin
Why it's worth it: Ilia's Limitless Lash Mascara is a three-time Allure Readers' Choice Award winner that treats your lashes to a volumizing, thickening formula fortified with strengthening keratin, conditioning shea butter, and long-wearing beeswax. While it isn’t waterproof, it won’t flake and resists smudging for up to 12 hours. We’re also big fans of the unique, double-sided wand—one has shorter, softer bristles to curl and create volume, and the other is longer to lengthen, separate, and brush out clumps. Bonus: Even though it’s not a tubing mascara, it still comes off easily with just water, no scrubbing required. Short lashes won’t know what hit them.
Felbin before applying Ilia’s Limitless Lash Mascara
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after applying Ilia’s Limitless Lash Mascara
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“The key to this mascara is the wand, in my opinion. The shorter-bristled side is excellent at applying an even coat of mascara from root to tip and even does a great job of reaching my inner corners without smudging mascara all over my nose. But my favorite part is using the longer-bristled side to comb through each lash, removing clumps in seconds. My lashes look way longer and lusher with just a few swipes. As someone with oily eyelids, I'm also impressed by its staying power—no smudging or flaking.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
Tester feedback from senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick
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"This elite and long-lasting mascara can extend the length and volume of my lashes so well. Application is a breeze; it doesn't clump, and it doesn't bleed. One of my all-time favorites." —Lexi Herrick, senior director of commerce audience & analytics
More to know
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- Shades: black, brown
- Waterproof: no
- Who it’s for: anyone with short lashes, especially if you have sensitive eyes
Best Long-Wearing: YSL Lash Latex Sculpting & Lengthening Mascara
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YSL
Lash Latex Sculpting & Lengthening Mascara
Nordstrom
Sephora
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying YSL’s Lash Latex Sculpting & Lengthening Mascara
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: For length and curl that won’t quit until you break out the micellar water, we turn to YSL’s Lash Latex Sculpting & Lengthening Mascara, which is the brand’s densest brush to date with 496 micro-bristles. The “latex” refers to the jet-black formula’s super-high-shine finish, created by polymers that cling to each individual lash as you draw the wand through them. It’s also made with not one, but two forms of hyaluronic acid to keep lashes wispy and flexible. YSL claims this mascara is sweat-resistant (so feel free to hit the gym!) and will last up to 24 hours—although we highly recommend washing your face before then.
Han before applying YSL’s Lash Latex Sculpting & Lengthening Mascara
Sarah Han
Han after applying YSL’s Lash Latex Sculpting & Lengthening Mascara
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I don't think I did the formula enough justice with my UGC but this really lengthens my lashes like few formulas do. It's as if the wand is a pen, literally drawing on more length in the air. I don't like a lot of drama for my lashes, so I really appreciate a dedicated lengthening mascara such as this one, with a slim, slightly-tapered wand that is easy to maneuver and won't transfer onto my lids. (Yes, this often still happens, especially when I'm trying to film on camera. Still, it's not as bad as it is with bulkier, hourglass-shaped brushes.) And because the wand is quite precise and nimble, application doesn't take more than 30 seconds. While again, I don't like dramatic lashes, this formula is buildable enough so I can go in with an additional layer to amp up my lashes—without them looking spidery. Now I just hope YSL comes out with a brown shade! But I'm starting to appreciate blacks a little more, thanks to formulas like this that don't look overdone.
Yes, $34 is steep for a mascara you have to toss out after three months, but if you reach for it every day (like I have been), I do think it's worth your coin. (I'd realistically switch between this and a drugstore formula throughout the year, though!)” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Shades: black
- Waterproof: no
- Who it’s for: anyone who wants dramatic volume and curl that lasts all day
Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Mascara
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L'Oréal Paris
Telescopic Original Waterproof Mascara
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Han applying the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Mascara
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: A drugstore classic that’s been around for ages, L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Mascara had us at first swipe, with a long, skinny, and flexible wand that hugs the inner and outer corners of your eyes for even application. One side is flat to easily spread the product across each hair, while the other combs through clumps with ease. Designed to lift and lengthen even the shortest lashes, the formula is smudge- and flake-resistant—plus, Telescopic supposedly lasts for up to 24 hours, making it a go-to for long, busy days or events. With a price point that makes it easy to stock up on, it’s become our favorite drugstore mascara by far.
Han before applying the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Mascara
Sarah Han
Han after applying the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Mascara
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“My short lashes and I adore how skinny and precise this mascara wand is—thicker wands often result in smudging, no matter how careful I am. This one separates as well as it lengthens—which is to say, very well—and it helps my lashes actually hold a curl (with an assist from a lash curler, of course). It’s my ideal lash look: not too dramatic (although you can certainly build it up), but just enough that you notice a ~fluttering~ effect. The waterproof claims are definitely true because I walked up and down Flushing in the middle of a light rainstorm and teared up multiple times watching a drama, and through it all, Telescopic stayed put.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Shades: black
- Waterproof: yes
- Who it’s for: anyone who wants length with no clumps
Best Lifting: Kulfi Beauty Badi Lash Mascara
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Kulfi Beauty
Badi Lash Mascara
Sephora
Kulfi Beauty
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying Kulfi Badi Lash Mascara
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: Kulfi's Badi Lash Mascara is a dream for the stubborn, straight-lashed among us. Thanks to its tubing formula, you won't have to worry about smudging, flaking, or running—just good old-fashioned length and lift with none of the clumpy crustiness. The flared-tip applicator (shaped a bit like your lashes themselves) makes it easy to reach inner corners, gently separating hairs for an elongated, fanned-out effect. Nourishing castor seed oil, rambutan extract, and a tripeptide complex help soften and strengthen lashes over time, so your flutter only gets better with every wear. And when the day's done? It comes off easily with just warm water—no harsh rubbing (and potential fallen lashes) involved.
Shipin before applying Kulfi Badi Lash Mascara
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying Kulfi Badi Lash Mascara
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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"Kulfi's mascara gives me jet-black lashes with the kind of curl and volume they absolutely do not have naturally. I hardly ever use an eyelash curler, and really don't feel the need to when I have this mascara on me. It has hours of hold and with just the teeniest bit of fallout since it is technically a tubing mascara. One of my favorite things is that it wards off smudges—crucial for me since I reapply moisturizer, SPF, and sometimes use a misting spray when I'm feeling extra dry. If you want the drama, this will bring it." —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Shades: black
- Waterproof: no
- Who it’s for: people with stubby and/or heavy lashes
Best for Definition: Covergirl Clump Crusher
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CoverGirl
Clump Crusher
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Felbin applying the Covergirl Clump Crusher
Sarah Felbin
Why it's worth it: True to its name, CoverGirl’s Clump Crusher lifts and separates each lash, for darker, defined fringe without any clumping or smudging. The curved wand has long, straight bristles that make application a breeze, boosting length and volume as you use it (no falsies needed). In the formula, vitamin E and soybean oil leave lashes feeling soft and wispy, instead of stiff or crunchy. Plus, this waterproof mascara refuses to flake or smudge—even in a thunderstorm, as our tester found out.
Felbin before applying the Covergirl Clump Crusher
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after applying the Covergirl Clump Crusher
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from Felbin
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“I'm very picky about mascara, but this one meets all of my high standards. It makes my lashes look so long and never smudges or flakes, even in high humidity or a thunderstorm. The curved wand fits my lashes exactly and makes it easy to coat every single one. My tip: Use it on the ends of your lashes after you've applied a different mascara for long, curled lashes that last all day (without the hassle of removing waterproof mascara).” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Shades: black, brown
- Waterproof: yes
- Who it’s for: anyone who wants volume and separation with no clumps
Best for Short Lashes: Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
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Hourglass
Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta beauty
Shipin applying the Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: Looking for longer, more dramatic fringe? The Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara delivers, with a tubing formula that forms a film around each lash in seconds. The wand features short, stout bristles that apply black or brown color evenly from root to tip, breaking up clumps as you go. In the formula, glycerin hydrates, while shea butter conditions lashes to keep them soft and fluttery. Apply one coat for some extra definition, or layer on a second for false lash-level volume. The tubing formula shouldn’t smudge or flake—and it comes off quickly with warm water (no more scrubbing!).
Shipin before applying the Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying the Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from Shipin
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"I have the most stubborn lashes: They're short, straight, thick, and refuse to hold a curl. I also have super sensitive eyes and rarely find a mascara that doesn't make my eyeballs sting or get watery immediately after application. The Hourglass Unlocked mascara is absolutely heaven-sent for me—it, as the name suggests, makes it appear like I instantly have lash extensions, but even better for me is how it wears. It's weightless, comfortable, and does not budge—until you want it to. This is the easiest mascara I've ever taken off. It slips (truly slips, like silk!) off with water!" —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Shades: black, brown
- Waterproof: no
- Who it’s for: people with short, straight lashes and/or sensitive eyes
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I choose a mascara?
Everyone's lashes are different, and the best mascara for your best friend may not be right for you. For example, some Allure editors prefer volumizing mascaras for a more dramatic look, while others prefer a curling mascara to lift straight lashes sky-high. Either way, some key factors we kept in mind while making this list include the longevity and pigment of each formula. Our favorites offer length and definition that won’t budge, no matter what your day holds.
How does waterproof mascara differ in formulation and wear?
The difference between regular and waterproof formulas is whether or not they can withstand rain, tears, or sweat. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King told Allure that ingredients like isododecane (a solvent), paraffin (a type of mineral oil that resists water), and VP/eicosene copolymer (a film-forming agent) are the typical players in waterproof mascara.
Since waterproof mascaras are made to handle anything from a light splash to full-on submersion, they can be a little more difficult to wash off at the end of the day. It's best to use a cleansing oil or cleansing balm to dissolve the formula without rubbing or tugging on the skin around your delicate eye area. Still, if your eyes or lashes are particularly sensitive, a tubing mascara that comes off easily with just warm water may be a better option.
How can you prevent mascara from smudging and flaking?
It's always a bummer when a perfectly applied makeup look becomes a mess because of your mascara, but you don't have to suffer through smearing. Instead, follow these smudge-defying tips from New York City-based makeup artist Neil Scibelli.
- Less is more: According to Scibelli, one common reason for flaking and smudging is too much product applied. "I always suggest removing excess formula off of the wand before applying it to the lashes so that you get a smooth and even first coat," he says.
- When in doubt, go waterproof: Have naturally teary eyes? Scibelli suggests switching to a waterproof formula to ensure tears don't cause streaking throughout the day. But if you're loyal to a non-waterproof product, "You can seal your lashes with a second coat of mascara with a waterproof formula," he says.
- Dry-down time is key: If you just applied a coat of mascara, Scibelli recommends waiting until each coat is fully dry before applying another. "This ensures a clump-free, smoother finish," he says.
- Be thorough: "I always like to comb the back of the lashes with the wand as well with any leftover formula on the brush to really work through any clumps and separate the lashes more," Scibelli says. "This will also help smooth the formula out for less future flaking."
Meet the experts
- Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist
- Neil Scibelli, a New York City-based makeup artist
Additional reporting by Jennifer Hussein, Christa Joanna Lee, and Annie Blackman
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but mascaras are another story. While some can be used across different lash lengths, thicknesses, shape, colors, and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience. For instance, a new, innovative mascara may feature an industry-leading formula, but if the wand still needs some tweaking to prevent clumps and webbing, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
For our review of the best mascaras, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts you interviewed for the piece—who all have different lash concerns, desired outcome (i.e., want length over volume), and whether one product was tested across varying lash types. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, ease of use, and value. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we can fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Bless your lashes with more volumizing mascaras and curlers:
- We Test Tons of Tubing Mascaras—Here Are Our Favorites
- 8 Best Curling Mascaras for a Lash-Lift Effect Anytime, Anywhere
- 12 Best Volumizing Mascaras for All the Drama You Desire