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Beauty review roundup

The best mascaras, in plain English

We read editor-tested mascara reviews and boiled them down: what testers liked, what smudged or clumped, and which lashes each one suits.

  • Last reviewed October 19, 2026
  • 5 mascaras
  • 5 expert reviews read

We didn't test these ourselves. We read reviews from experts who test products hands-on, then summed up where they agree and where they don't. Every source is linked. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Short on time? Start here

Our top pick in each group. Tap one to jump to the details.

Best overall Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara $20–$32 Long, lifted lashes with no clumps that last all day. See details Best under $10 Essence Lash Princess Mascara $4–$6 Big length and volume for about $5. See details Best waterproof CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara $8–$11 Comes in a waterproof version that holds up to tears and sweat. See details Most natural look Maybelline Full 'n Soft Mascara $7–$11 Soft, natural lashes, and it's gentle on them. See details

Before you buy: 3 quick checks

Pick by what the lashes need.

Length, volume or curl?

Lengthening mascara makes lashes look longer. Volumizing mascara makes them look thicker. Short or straight lashes do best with a curling formula or an eyelash curler first.

Washable or waterproof?

Washable mascara comes off with regular face wash. Waterproof mascara holds up to tears, sweat and swimming, but needs a makeup remover (like micellar water or an oil cleanser) to take off.

Keep it fresh

Eye doctors often suggest replacing mascara about every three months and never sharing it, to avoid eye infections. That also makes a few cheaper tubes a smart buy.

Compare at a glance

On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column.

MascaraBest forTypical priceBest forFormulas
1. Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara Best overall $20–$32Length and liftLong-wearing
2. Essence Lash Princess Mascara Best under $10 $4–$6Length and volumeRegular and waterproof
3. L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Best for building volume $9–$14Volume, length and curlWashable and waterproof
4. CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara Best waterproof $8–$11Volume and lengthWashable and waterproof
5. Maybelline Full 'n Soft Mascara Most natural look $7–$11Soft, natural lashesWashable and waterproof

The 5 best mascaras, explained

Best overall first. Prices are typical ranges, not live prices, so check Amazon for today's price.

#1Best overall

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara

  • Length and lift
  • Long-wearing

$20–$32typical price

Long, lifted lashes with no clumps. Marie Claire and Reviewed both name it the best mascara overall.

What testers liked

  • Lifts and lengthens without clumping.
  • Stays put all day.
  • Easy to put on.

Common complaints

  • Hard to take off at night.
  • Costs more than drugstore picks.

Testers disagree on: How bold it looks. Marie Claire's tester found the look natural. Reviewed's tester called it dramatic, like false lashes.

Skip it if: You want something cheap to try first. Essence Lash Princess (#2) costs about $5.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from Marie Claire, Reviewed.

#2Best under $10

Essence Lash Princess Mascara

  • Length and volume
  • Regular and waterproof

$4–$6typical price

Big lashes for about $5. Marie Claire names it the best drugstore mascara, and Reviewed and Essence both praise its volume.

What testers liked

  • Lots of length and volume for the price.
  • Makes lashes look thicker.
  • A brush that's easy to work with.

Common complaints

  • Can smudge after a few hours.
  • Clumps if you add too many coats.

Testers disagree on: How easy it is to apply. Essence liked the brush. Reviewed found it tricky to apply.

Skip it if: They want a very natural look. Maybelline Full 'n Soft (#5) is softer.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from Marie Claire, Reviewed, Essence.

#3Best for building volume

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

  • Volume, length and curl
  • Washable and waterproof

$9–$14typical price

Fluffy, full lashes you can build up coat by coat. Marie Claire names it the best buildable mascara, and Business Insider picked it as the best drugstore mascara.

What testers liked

  • Very buildable, so you control how bold it looks.
  • Volume, length and curl in one.
  • Affordable.

Common complaints

  • Tends to clump.
  • Some testers found it hard to apply.

Testers disagree on: Taking it off. Business Insider liked that it washes off. Reviewed found the washable version hard to remove.

Skip it if: They hate clumps and want a quick, neat coat. CoverGirl LashBlast (#4) separates lashes better.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from Marie Claire, Business Insider, Reviewed.

#4Best waterproof

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara

  • Volume and length
  • Washable and waterproof

$8–$11typical price

A drugstore classic. Reviewed made it an Editor's Choice, and Business Insider named the waterproof version the best waterproof mascara.

What testers liked

  • Length and separated lashes in one coat.
  • Goes on smoothly, without smudging or flaking.
  • The waterproof version holds up to tears and sweat.
  • Affordable and cruelty-free (not tested on animals).

Common complaints

  • The short, stubby brush takes some care.
  • The waterproof version is hard to take off.

Skip it if: They want the most dramatic, fluffy lashes. L'Oréal Lash Paradise (#3) builds more volume.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from Reviewed, Business Insider.

#5Most natural look

Maybelline Full 'n Soft Mascara

  • Soft, natural lashes
  • Washable and waterproof

$7–$11typical price

Soft, natural-looking lashes that are gentle on the lashes themselves. Marie Claire names it the best conditioning mascara, and Reviewed liked how it lasted all day.

What testers liked

  • Conditions lashes, so they stay soft.
  • Easy to put on, and lasts all day.
  • Very affordable.

Common complaints

  • Needs a few coats for more drama.
  • The waterproof version is harder to take off.

Skip it if: They want big, bold lashes. Try Essence Lash Princess (#2) or L'Oréal Lash Paradise (#3).

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from Marie Claire, Reviewed.

How we pick

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