With such an impressive back catalogue of game-changing mascaras, we can’t believe this brand has outdone itself again with this new offering. The next-level brush makes easy work of coating each and every lash thanks to the 250 different bristle sizes and 360 micro-bristles. Its curved shape fits perfectly into the upper lash line, allowing for root-to-tip coverage. In just one stroke your lashes look volumised and lifted, but the flexible jet black, gel emulsion allows you to add as many clump-free layers as you desire for a more full-on look.
This mascara is truly a lash-defining icon, thanks to its eye-opening formula accompanied by a uniquely curved, oversized brush designed to be held against lashes for an eye-lash curler effect – and it works! Not only that, it treats every lash no matter how tiny, so its thickening formula for clump-free definition and workable volume that stays smudge and flake-free throughout the day.
Merit Beauty has finally landed here in the UK, after watching a who’s who of fans stateside rave about the self-proclaimed minimalist, clean and vegan brand. A stand-out in the ten-product line-up is this mascara, much more than just chic packaging, it lengthens and lifts the lashes naturally without any clumping or weight.
The mascara that divided the opinions of TikTok, seems to be in the love-it-or-hate category. We are firmly in the former group, as once you get to grips with the unique double hook brush you can create eye-catching longer, lifted lashes with just one coat or add two or three lashings for a more full-on falsies effect.
Maybelline’s back catalogue of purse-friendly lash-definers truly has a great wand for every preference. Latest to launch into the collection is this tube made for those that are looking for drama. Our tester loved how full and thick it made her flutter – although we do think the name oversells its effect a little.
The second mascara to join Rihanna’s make-up line is made for those looking to thicken their lashes for a bold lash result. Described as a full-bodied formula, the first thing you notice is its creamy, fuller texture and how easily it loads on leaving enough intensity for our tester with just one layer.
Another beauty brand from across the Atlantic that keeps impressing us is ILIA, with a skin-centric philosophy: meaning all the make-up in the minimalist collection is infused with active skincare ingredients. This includes this volumising mascara packed with lash-strengthening and nourishing ingredients, so your lashes stay soft and weightless.
This vegan beauty and wellness brand has just arrived in the UK, and after trying a few products from the collection, we were seriously impressed with this volume and lengthening mascara. It uses tiny plant fibres that adhere to lashes for a more full-bodied effect. The big, hourglass brush makes it easy to layer on for a bolder look with a glossy finish, and the weighty glass tube with the pretty pastel gradient packaging adds to the luxe feel.
Our favourite mascara from Mac yet is built for layering volume, lift and length. Claiming to be “infinitely buildable”, we put it to the test and got to 40 layers (yes, we counted) before we felt it starting to clump or stick together – that’s some seriously impressive volume building. There’s two petal-shaped brush designs to choose from – this brush is designed for those with longer, fuller lashes but the Mac stack micro brush mascara (£26, Lookfantastic.com) is ideal for those with a naturally short or sparse lashes.
Finally, Victoria Beckham has turned her attention to lashes with this much anticipated and innovative formulation. A small, thin and slightly curved brush makes it easy to get to the tiniest lashes without any smudging, and its manoeuvrable formula makes it easy to create a naturally defined and well-separated look. This doesn’t budge once in place – not even at the gym, where we tested its sweat-proof claims – but it still washes off with water at the end of the day. It’s effortlessly elegant, just like VB herself!
Reach for this volume-boosting formula that thickens and curls lashes in just one coat, but layer on lashings of the clump-free ink and you can create next-level drama that looks like you’ve naturally grown thicker, fuller lashes. The luxe, Instagram-worthy rose-gold tube is also infused with lash conditioning ingredients, so no matter how many layers you add, your lashes stay soft and supple.
From legendary make-up artist Bobbi Brown’s new beauty brand, this wand sits on the more natural side of the mascara scale. The oversized, curved brush creates beautifully separated thicker lashes with lift after just one coat to create that ‘no make-up, make-up’ look – add a few more strokes to create natural clump-free thicker lashes. Plus, it’s enriched with lash- strengthening vitamin B and conditioning vitamin E to keep your flutter healthy.
Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk push up lashes mascara
Hyped on social media with a huge waiting list when it first launched, the third mascara from the make-up artist’s brand was well worth the wait. What sets it apart is that it promises and delivers on weightless volume, length and lift for the perfect all-rounder mascara. Use the flat side of the paddle-shaped brush to load and lift lashes, and the comb side for even distribution. Expect high-impact lashes with an intense black, glossy finish that holds all day.
From the brand created by possibly the most influential make-up artist on the planet, Pat McGrath knows what a brilliant mascara should look like. The large, contoured brush is built for speed, as it delivers slick body in just one stroke – perfect for mornings when you’re short on time. Build up a few more layers for extra intensity that’s perfect for when glamour is called for.
With such a well-loved collection of mascaras, Benefit is always ahead of the game and this new launch is no exception. The state-of-the-art brush has a magnetically charged core that pulls the magnetic mineral-enriched formula up and out to the tips of lashes, making them appear longer. We were wowed by how well this lifted and lengthened after just one stroke. And if you layer it, it builds volume with no dreaded clumping.
For those looking for full-on volume, you’ll love how effortlessly the over-sized brush creates a bigger, bolder finish. Wiggle this formula in – from the roots at the lash line to the tips – with two coats for a bold, wearable look. To really add some va va voom, keep layering on without smudging or clumping. Expect it to feel weightless and soft, with no stiff or crispy lashes in sight.
What was once a cult classic has become the US’s number-one-selling prestige mascara. This cheekily named formula has a reputation for creating drama that’s still hard to beat. Stay clear if you prefer a neat and natural finish, as this one is all about the false-lash effect. Its large, hourglass-shaped brush covers lashes effortlessly from root to tip: just one coat magnifies, but work through a few times for a fuller, bolder finish with a curl that lasts. Does it live up to its name? Don’t be so silly... but it does try.
This is our pick for those that like their make-up to look subtle. Think of this as a slight enhancement to your lashes – it darkens and creates cleanly separated lashes, giving a slight lengthening effect. The wand is thin with a fine tip, making it easy to highlight all lashes, and even a few coats will leave the most natural flutter. It also conditions hairs over time with vegan biotin, leaving them soft to the touch. Simply wash off in the evening with warm water.
One Maybelline mascara is sold every seven seconds in the UK, and with such an impressive collection of popular wands it can be difficult to know which to pick. For one that suits all lash needs, this bestseller will look transformative on all peepers. The long, thin and flexible brush head combines a formula of bamboo extract and fibres that builds volume and length with each stroke, but also separates lashes for a fanned-out look.
The lash gurus at Lancôme have just added this addition to the brand’s exceptional portfolio of mascaras. It fuses a lash conditioning serum with the properties of the brand’s bestselling hypnôse wand. Ideal for dry, brittle lashes needing some TLC, it not only leaves you with a softer, stronger flutter when used over time but makes light work of removal, so you don’t damage or lose lashes in the process. The hourglass brush, coupled with the lash-thickening formula, leaves you with a natural full-bodied effect similar to the original. And while it’s what’s inside that counts, the glass rectangular and curved design adds to its appeal – a break from traditional cylinder tubes.
One of Benefit’s fan-favourite mascaras, badgirl bang is now available in a summer-must-have waterproof version. Like the original, the ultralight formula adds buildable natural-looking volume with its streamline wand, all without weighing down your flutter. No matter what the unpredictable British weather brings, you can rely on it getting you through the warmer months or that beach holiday you’ve got planned.
For high-drama that stays in place all day, you’ll want this mascara as part of your make-up collection. Dior claims that this formula offers 24-hours of transfer-proof wear, and while our days aren’t quite so long, we can firmly say it didn’t budge after 14 hours – still super impressive. The intense ink finish is made up of 90 per cent naturally derived ingredients for a cleaner lash-thickening formula that also contains added lash care. The unique squeezable tube is also a genius mascara first.
You can always rely on Rimmel for affordable, effective and accessible wands – you can even pick one up at the supermarket shop. This is the brand’s latest – it went viral and we’re obsessed with it, too, for building intense fuller-looking lashes root-to-tip. The oversized hourglass-shaped brush grabs the lashes from the corners out along the lash line with ease, and the creamy, whipped formula makes it malleable and easy to layer, clump-free. We found one layer gives natural-looking length and volume, while three gives falsies competition. A new high-street hero.
The entire Eyeko mascara collection, including this new formula, is made up of tubing mascaras. This means, rather than coat the lashes in pigment, they wrap tiny micro-fibres around each hair, forming ‘tubes’ of mascara. This creates two major benefits, the first is there’s no chance of smudging but, best of all, they’re super easy to remove – no eye-rubbing required, just a little warm water.
Treat your lashes to a little bit of luxury with the chicest Chanel mascara to date. Promising all the tricks when it comes to lash enhancements, this is the wand for you if your flutter needs it all. The thin, flexible spoolie defines and separates for a fuller fan out that combs through natural-looking volume and length. The curl is created by the technique of pressing and holding the lashes before sweeping through.
This entry from the purse-friendly beauty brand is inspired by salon lash lifts and uses a double-ended mascara as a two-step process to create the volume, lift and curl of the popular treatment. Step one builds volume with a large, straight brush, while step two uses a curved brush to provide the lift and curl. We used it together to mimic the effect on days and nights that called for a little more drama on the lash line, but found we could also create more natural-looking lashes when using the steps on their own. A top choice for creating versatile looks.
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If there’s one product recommendation beauty editors get asked time and time again, it’s “what’s the best mascara?”. With a constant stream of new launches, promising to be more innovative than the next or offer the latest state-of-the-art brush, we get it, it can be confusing knowing where to start.
The truth is: there’s not a one size fits all formula. Whether you love or hate your lashes, we are all blessed with a different set. Thick or thin, curly or straight, short or long – our lash lines come in all shapes, sizes and even colours.
Therefore, the key to finding the best mascara that’s going to work for your unique flutter is working out what your needs are. Generally, big fluffy brushes are great for thickening and volume building, while at the other end of the scale skinny brushes can add definition, but there are a lot of uniquely-shaped wands in-between.
And don’t just automatically opt for a black mascara, brown mascara is having a real beauty moment with some of our favourite brands, such as Glossier, Too Faced and Maybelline, all launching new chocolate shades. While jet black has its place for making your peepers look bigger and brighter, brown still adds definition but in a softer, more subtle way for those of us that prefer a more natural look.
With so many mascaras now to choose from, we’ve done the mammoth task of putting the latest and bestselling formulations to the test so you can easily find your perfect match once you’ve worked out what your priorities from a wand are. You’ll find every need and budget catered for in our best of the best.
Our tester wiggles her way through the latest mascaras as they drop, so this round-up always stays up-to-date. Our winning wands may provide a variety of looks and finishes to cater for all, but they also have one thing in common: they’re flake-free and stay-in-place. Putting your best flutter forward awaits…
The best mascaras for 2023 are:
Best for fanned-out lift and volume – Lancôme lash idôle mascara: £25, Lookfantastic.com
Best for instant volume – Pat McGrath labs dark star mascara: £28, Sephora.co.uk
Best for lengthening – Benefit they're real! magnet extreme lengthening mascara: £25.50, Lookfantastic.com
With such an impressive back catalogue of game-changing mascaras, we can’t believe this brand has outdone itself again with this new offering. The next-level brush makes easy work of coating each and every lash thanks to the 250 different bristle sizes and 360 micro-bristles. Its curved shape fits perfectly into the upper lash line, allowing for root-to-tip coverage. In just one stroke your lashes look volumised and lifted, but the flexible jet black, gel emulsion allows you to add as many clump-free layers as you desire for a more full-on look.
This mascara is truly a lash-defining icon, thanks to its eye-opening formula accompanied by a uniquely curved, oversized brush designed to be held against lashes for an eye-lash curler effect – and it works! Not only that, it treats every lash no matter how tiny, so its thickening formula for clump-free definition and workable volume that stays smudge and flake-free throughout the day.
It’s available in a variety of shades, so why not banish boring black and opt for softening brown or if you’re more experimental try the limited edition brick red? Plus, refills are now available (from 17th May) so you can save a few pounds when you need to restock – which undoubtedly you will once you’ve tried it.
Merit Beauty has finally landed here in the UK, after watching a who’s who of fans stateside rave about the self-proclaimed minimalist, clean and vegan brand. A stand-out in the ten-product line-up is this mascara, much more than just chic packaging, it lengthens and lifts the lashes naturally without any clumping or weight.
It’s a tubing mascara, meaning it wraps around each lash “tubing” each hair. This means, unlike traditional wax, oil and tint formulas it’s smudge-proof, so ideal for eye-rubbers or those who find their mascara leaves them looking like a panda by lunch. What’s more, the formula is infused with lash-strengthening vitamin B5, and conditioners leaving our tester’s brittle lashes soft and glossy. And with all tubing mascaras, we love the ease of taking it off – warm water will do.
The mascara that divided the opinions of TikTok, seems to be in the love-it-or-hate category. We are firmly in the former group, as once you get to grips with the unique double hook brush you can create eye-catching longer, lifted lashes with just one coat or add two or three lashings for a more full-on falsies effect.
You get results from understanding how to use the brush correctly. The front hook bristles should be used to load the lashes from root to tip, while a twist of the wand creates separation and brushes out any clumps with the hook comb. Once the lash-strengthening ceramide-infused formula is dry, you’ll be as amazed as we were at how flake-free and lifted they stay all day.
Maybelline’s back catalogue of purse-friendly lash-definers truly has a great wand for every preference. Latest to launch into the collection is this tube made for those that are looking for drama. Our tester loved how full and thick it made her flutter – although we do think the name oversells its effect a little.
You’ll love the wand if you like a larger, fluffy brush. It’s a new design with long, twisted bristles that make it easy and speedy to create volume catching every hair from root to tip for fullness that you can build upon to create your desired look. What’s more, the formula contains different-sized, tiny fibres that add to the illusion of a fuller flutter. It’s proof once again that you don’t have to pay through the roof for a great mascara.
The second mascara to join Rihanna’s make-up line is made for those looking to thicken their lashes for a bold lash result. Described as a full-bodied formula, the first thing you notice is its creamy, fuller texture and how easily it loads on leaving enough intensity for our tester with just one layer.
But for those that like a more extreme look, we found you can layer it up to three times at the most – any more and it will start to clump. Its jet black shade and easy-access tapered brush adds to the drama, as it allows you to get to all lashes top and bottom. Plus, its transfer-resistant claim was upheld, getting us through a sweaty gym session.
Another beauty brand from across the Atlantic that keeps impressing us is ILIA, with a skin-centric philosophy: meaning all the make-up in the minimalist collection is infused with active skincare ingredients. This includes this volumising mascara packed with lash-strengthening and nourishing ingredients, so your lashes stay soft and weightless.
The brush is an oversized, hourglass shape so, as you would expect, it quickly coats on the thickening formula. We love the national-looking volume just one comb-through creates for day wear, but for evening wear you can turn up the volume with up to three layers before clumping occurs. And best of all, while it stays put throughout the day without flaking, it also removes easily for a volumising mascara without any tugging.
This vegan beauty and wellness brand has just arrived in the UK, and after trying a few products from the collection, we were seriously impressed with this volume and lengthening mascara. It uses tiny plant fibres that adhere to lashes for a more full-bodied effect. The big, hourglass brush makes it easy to layer on for a bolder look with a glossy finish, and the weighty glass tube with the pretty pastel gradient packaging adds to the luxe feel.
You can sign up to be notified once it is back in stock.
Our favourite mascara from Mac yet is built for layering volume, lift and length. Claiming to be “infinitely buildable”, we put it to the test and got to 40 layers (yes, we counted) before we felt it starting to clump or stick together – that’s some seriously impressive volume building. There’s two petal-shaped brush designs to choose from – this brush is designed for those with longer, fuller lashes but the Mac stack micro brush mascara (£26, Lookfantastic.com) is ideal for those with a naturally short or sparse lashes.
Finally, Victoria Beckham has turned her attention to lashes with this much anticipated and innovative formulation. A small, thin and slightly curved brush makes it easy to get to the tiniest lashes without any smudging, and its manoeuvrable formula makes it easy to create a naturally defined and well-separated look. This doesn’t budge once in place – not even at the gym, where we tested its sweat-proof claims – but it still washes off with water at the end of the day. It’s effortlessly elegant, just like VB herself!
Reach for this volume-boosting formula that thickens and curls lashes in just one coat, but layer on lashings of the clump-free ink and you can create next-level drama that looks like you’ve naturally grown thicker, fuller lashes. The luxe, Instagram-worthy rose-gold tube is also infused with lash conditioning ingredients, so no matter how many layers you add, your lashes stay soft and supple.
From legendary make-up artist Bobbi Brown’s new beauty brand, this wand sits on the more natural side of the mascara scale. The oversized, curved brush creates beautifully separated thicker lashes with lift after just one coat to create that ‘no make-up, make-up’ look – add a few more strokes to create natural clump-free thicker lashes. Plus, it’s enriched with lash- strengthening vitamin B and conditioning vitamin E to keep your flutter healthy.
Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk push up lashes mascara
Best: For doing it all
Lash effect: Lengthening, lifting and volumising
Vegan friendly: No
Shades: Black and brown
Is a waterproof version available: No
Hyped on social media with a huge waiting list when it first launched, the third mascara from the make-up artist’s brand was well worth the wait. What sets it apart is that it promises and delivers on weightless volume, length and lift for the perfect all-rounder mascara. Use the flat side of the paddle-shaped brush to load and lift lashes, and the comb side for even distribution. Expect high-impact lashes with an intense black, glossy finish that holds all day.
From the brand created by possibly the most influential make-up artist on the planet, Pat McGrath knows what a brilliant mascara should look like. The large, contoured brush is built for speed, as it delivers slick body in just one stroke – perfect for mornings when you’re short on time. Build up a few more layers for extra intensity that’s perfect for when glamour is called for.
With such a well-loved collection of mascaras, Benefit is always ahead of the game and this new launch is no exception. The state-of-the-art brush has a magnetically charged core that pulls the magnetic mineral-enriched formula up and out to the tips of lashes, making them appear longer. We were wowed by how well this lifted and lengthened after just one stroke. And if you layer it, it builds volume with no dreaded clumping.
For those looking for full-on volume, you’ll love how effortlessly the over-sized brush creates a bigger, bolder finish. Wiggle this formula in – from the roots at the lash line to the tips – with two coats for a bold, wearable look. To really add some va va voom, keep layering on without smudging or clumping. Expect it to feel weightless and soft, with no stiff or crispy lashes in sight.
What was once a cult classic has become the US’s number-one-selling prestige mascara. This cheekily named formula has a reputation for creating drama that’s still hard to beat. Stay clear if you prefer a neat and natural finish, as this one is all about the false-lash effect. Its large, hourglass-shaped brush covers lashes effortlessly from root to tip: just one coat magnifies, but work through a few times for a fuller, bolder finish with a curl that lasts. Does it live up to its name? Don’t be so silly... but it does try.
This is our pick for those that like their make-up to look subtle. Think of this as a slight enhancement to your lashes – it darkens and creates cleanly separated lashes, giving a slight lengthening effect. The wand is thin with a fine tip, making it easy to highlight all lashes, and even a few coats will leave the most natural flutter. It also conditions hairs over time with vegan biotin, leaving them soft to the touch. Simply wash off in the evening with warm water.
One Maybelline mascara is sold every seven seconds in the UK, and with such an impressive collection of popular wands it can be difficult to know which to pick. For one that suits all lash needs, this bestseller will look transformative on all peepers. The long, thin and flexible brush head combines a formula of bamboo extract and fibres that builds volume and length with each stroke, but also separates lashes for a fanned-out look.
The lash gurus at Lancôme have just added this addition to the brand’s exceptional portfolio of mascaras. It fuses a lash conditioning serum with the properties of the brand’s bestselling hypnôse wand. Ideal for dry, brittle lashes needing some TLC, it not only leaves you with a softer, stronger flutter when used over time but makes light work of removal, so you don’t damage or lose lashes in the process. The hourglass brush, coupled with the lash-thickening formula, leaves you with a natural full-bodied effect similar to the original. And while it’s what’s inside that counts, the glass rectangular and curved design adds to its appeal – a break from traditional cylinder tubes.
One of Benefit’s fan-favourite mascaras, badgirl bang is now available in a summer-must-have waterproof version. Like the original, the ultralight formula adds buildable natural-looking volume with its streamline wand, all without weighing down your flutter. No matter what the unpredictable British weather brings, you can rely on it getting you through the warmer months or that beach holiday you’ve got planned.
For high-drama that stays in place all day, you’ll want this mascara as part of your make-up collection. Dior claims that this formula offers 24-hours of transfer-proof wear, and while our days aren’t quite so long, we can firmly say it didn’t budge after 14 hours – still super impressive. The intense ink finish is made up of 90 per cent naturally derived ingredients for a cleaner lash-thickening formula that also contains added lash care. The unique squeezable tube is also a genius mascara first.
You can always rely on Rimmel for affordable, effective and accessible wands – you can even pick one up at the supermarket shop. This is the brand’s latest – it went viral and we’re obsessed with it, too, for building intense fuller-looking lashes root-to-tip. The oversized hourglass-shaped brush grabs the lashes from the corners out along the lash line with ease, and the creamy, whipped formula makes it malleable and easy to layer, clump-free. We found one layer gives natural-looking length and volume, while three gives falsies competition. A new high-street hero.
The entire Eyeko mascara collection, including this new formula, is made up of tubing mascaras. This means, rather than coat the lashes in pigment, they wrap tiny micro-fibres around each hair, forming ‘tubes’ of mascara. This creates two major benefits, the first is there’s no chance of smudging but, best of all, they’re super easy to remove – no eye-rubbing required, just a little warm water.
This one is the perfect pick for contact-wearers or those with sensitive eyes, as it’s been ophthalmologically tested, so there’s no chance of it causing any irritation. Speedy to use, the silicone conical-shaped brush made light work of defining and separating the entire lash line for us, leaving a beautiful natural-looking length.
Treat your lashes to a little bit of luxury with the chicest Chanel mascara to date. Promising all the tricks when it comes to lash enhancements, this is the wand for you if your flutter needs it all. The thin, flexible spoolie defines and separates for a fuller fan out that combs through natural-looking volume and length. The curl is created by the technique of pressing and holding the lashes before sweeping through.
What really makes this mascara extra special is in the detail. Its elegant rectangular tube puts it in a league of its own when it comes to design. With a push-down click, a gold handle pops up, so you can pull out the wand – similar to the label’s lipsticks, if you’re familiar with them. The pigment is unique too – intensely black, thanks to a touch of unnoticeable red in the formula that adds a level of depth we love. Plus, it’s infused with provitamin B5, so lashes stay strong and protected.
This entry from the purse-friendly beauty brand is inspired by salon lash lifts and uses a double-ended mascara as a two-step process to create the volume, lift and curl of the popular treatment. Step one builds volume with a large, straight brush, while step two uses a curved brush to provide the lift and curl. We used it together to mimic the effect on days and nights that called for a little more drama on the lash line, but found we could also create more natural-looking lashes when using the steps on their own. A top choice for creating versatile looks.
When buying a mascara, you want it to be long-lasting and easily buildable so you can customise your flutter. Avoid flakey or drying formulas and look for nourishing and conditioning mascaras that won’t transfer or irritate the eye area.
If you’re a maximalist, opt for a colourful formula that injects some dopamine into your make-up look. Minimalists or those who prefer a more natural and subtle look should look to classic black or brown mascaras.
Those with sparse or fine lashes should go for a rounder brush and a formula with lash-thickening fibres to lengthen and plump. Likewise, buy a mascara with a rounded brush if you have lashes that are hard to curl.
Top tips for making the absolute most out of your mascara
The shelf life of an average mascara is two to four months, so to get the most out of it, follow these tips:
To avoid dry clumps of mascara, keep your brush clean. The best way to do this is by submerging it in warm water for five minutes. Similarly, if you find a wand you love, clean it and save it
Do not pump your mascara – pumping adds more air to the tube, which causes it to dry out
If you want your lashes to have full-on drama, we’d advise applying a primer, which helps to really get your mascara working
The verdict: Mascaras
Our best buy is still the Lancôme lash idôle mascara because it effortlessly creates natural-looking volume and lift ideal for daywear while being easily buildable for when you want a more intense look. If it’s more eye-opening curl you’re after, you can throw away the lash curlers with the Dior Diorshow iconic overcurl mascara in your beauty arsenal.
