For many, mascara is absolutely essential—nearly every makeup wearer uses it. Yet with so many formulas and types, finding the right one for your needs can sometimes be confusing. While long, voluminous lashes are usually the end goal when wearing mascara, each formula offers different benefits (and cons).
Volumizing
Lancôme Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara for up to 12x More Volume & 24H Wear – False Lash Effect – Black
- When to use it: If both thickness and volume are what you’re after, volumizing mascara should be your pick. “Volumizing mascara is a great option for people with thinner or sparse lashes,” Jarrell says. “The formulas are usually heavier and darker, and the wand will have many bristles to [pack on the product]. Volume mascara fills in the gaps to achieve a fuller, fluffier, more glamorous look.” Just make sure not to go overboard: “If you over-apply a volumizing mascara, it can clump quickly,” she adds.
- Product pick: For that false-like lash effect, apply a few coats of the Catrice Cosmetics Pure False Lash Beyond Black Mascara.
Lengthening
Ogee Beyond Clean Volumizing Mascara – Certified Organic Black Mascara for Volume and Length – Lengthening Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
- When to use it: Lengthening and separating are the two main benefits of lengthening mascara, so Jarrell says it’s an excellent product for those who want to get in on the trending “clean girl” aesthetic. “The consistency is airier than a volumizing formula and can sometimes even have fibers or polymers that attach to the end of your lashes to maximize length,” she explains. “A lengthening mascara wand typically has fewer bristles, creating a softer, more intentionally sculpted look.” Figueroa shares a pro tip she uses often: “I love to layer lengthening mascara to build, and I layer this type with a volume mascara for the ultimate lash effect. Just be sure to avoid using too much product, as this can weigh down the lashes.”
- Product pick: For a budget-friendly formula that offers both lengthening and volumizing benefits, try Essence Cosmetics’ Lash Without Limits Extreme Lengthening Volume Mascara.
Waterproof
MAC Stack Superstack Mega Brush Waterproof Mascara – Black Stack by MAC for Women – 0.41 oz Mascara
- When to use it: There is a lot of controversy around waterproof mascara and who is supposed to use it—so allow us to set the record straight. “Waterproof mascara has a bad reputation of being too harsh for your lashes and hard to remove,” says Jarrell. However, “Waterproof mascara has the best hold—especially for someone with stubbornly straight lashes. Sometimes, I like to layer a waterproof mascara over a regular mascara to ‘seal’ the lashes and hold the curl.” Figueroa says waterproof mascaras are ideal for “someone who has oily eyelids or wants their mascara to be bulletproof. This is a great option for special occasions like weddings.” She doesn’t recommend adopting a waterproof formula as your everyday go-to: “Use waterproof mascara sparingly, as it can be more difficult to remove,” she adds. “Use a gentle eye makeup remover like micellar water to prevent damage to the lashes.” Jarrell said the key to removing waterproof mascara is to “simply soak it in a cotton pad with remover and don’t rub or tug the lashes too hard.”
- Product Pick: Milani’s Highly Rated Anti-Gravity Waterproof Mascara has a fluffy brush to ensure every lash gets coated.
Tubing
KVD Beauty Full Sleeve Long + Defined Tubing Mascara Ink Black
- When to use it: A fan favorite known to create the illusion of lash extensions without the heavy price tag, tubing mascara has risen in popularity over recent years thanks to its guaranteed results and pain-free removal process. “Tubing mascara has moldable polymers that wrap around and coat each lash. The tiny cones stretch (creating dramatic length) as the wand combs through every lash,” explains Jarrell. “[It’s] very cool—and even more incredible to see the little tubes when removing it, which is so easy. You can use warm water and a cotton round and hold for about 30 seconds. The tubes will roll right off.” She adds that this one is great for folks who want length without smudging or flaking. (So most of us.) But there is one big caveat, says Figueroa: “I wouldn’t cocktail this with any other mascara and [would] use it on its own.”
- Product pick: Thrive Causemetics’ Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara is a tubing mascara that creates the look of extensions and can be easily removed with just water.
Fiber
Younique MOODSTRUCK EPIC 4D Fiber Lash Mascara | 7 ml | Long Lasting Mascara Black Volume and Length, Lengthening, Thickening, Fuller Lashes Amplify Smudge-Proof Eyelash Mascara, Makeup
- When to use it: “Fiber mascaras are very similar to tubing mascaras,” says Jarrell. “Teeny tiny fibers are infused into the formula to bulk the lash, adding length and volume. Some brands go as far as to have a two-step system where you first apply a coat of mascara, then a dry coat of fluffy fibers, and one more layer of mascara. Wiggle that wand in between the lashes to see the magic of how this innovative formula performs.” Figueroa recommends fiber mascaras to anyone with shorter lashes who wants to add length. “Take your time with this application and press and roll for the best result,” she instructs. “Do not over-apply this mascara as it will create a clumpy effect on the lashes.”
- Product pick: Maybelline’s Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Washable Mascara has tiny little fibers that attach to the lashes and aid in lengthening.
Clear
No Makeup Mascara
- When to use it: Clear mascara doesn’t deliver the same results as its pigmented counterparts but still has benefits. “Clear mascara works great for a clean and natural look,” says Figueroa. “It can be used to define lashes without adding color. It is also great as a brow gel to tame unruly brows.” Jarrell shares these sentiments: “Clear mascara is as ‘no-makeup makeup’ as it gets,” she adds. “Colorless mascara holds a curl and adds shine to the lashes for super subtle detail. [It’s] a great final touch for people who want to curl and go.”
- Product pick: Multi-task with Wet N’ Wild’s Mega Clear Lash and Brow Mascara.
