If you could choose only one makeup item to use for the rest of your life, what would it be? For many beauty enthusiasts, the answer is mascara. This transformative staple has the power to open up the eyes, making them appear bigger and brighter with just a few coats. As a beauty editor with over 16 years of experience, I have tested countless mascaras to find the very best options for every lash type and budget.
Why Trust This Guide?
My passion for mascara began long before it became my profession. With naturally short, straight, and blond lashes, I became obsessed with finding formulas that could enhance my eyes. I have tried nearly every mascara available in the UK, putting 40 different products through rigorous testing for this review. From high-street favorites to luxury launches, I have worn and rated each one to bring you an elite edit of the top 12 mascaras in 2026.
How I Tested the Mascaras
For this comprehensive guide, I retested 25 of my favorite high-street and high-end mascaras, along with 15 of the latest launches. The process involved applying up to 40 coats in some cases to assess buildability, longevity, and performance. Whittling down the selection to just 12 was a challenging task, especially since brands like Lancôme, L’Oréal, and Maybelline produce multiple outstanding formulas. After extensive evaluation, I have curated a list that caters to every need, whether you seek volume, length, curl, or a natural look.
The Best Mascaras in 2026
Best Mascara Overall: Lancôme Lash Idôle Curl Goddess Mascara
Lancôme has long been a leader in the mascara market, and the Lash Idôle Curl Goddess is no exception. Priced at £28, this mascara is designed for volumizing and curling, featuring a 40-degree twisted brush that lifts and hugs each lash. It provides a fuller effect without clumping, budging, or smudging, making it ideal for all-day wear. The formula dries quickly, allowing for buildable layers, though the rose gold packaging may appear cheap to some.
Best Budget Mascara: L’Oréal Paris Extensionist Telescopic Mascara
For those seeking affordability without compromising quality, the L’Oréal Paris Extensionist Telescopic Mascara is a standout at £10.99. Its thin, curved silicone wand with 300 bristles makes application effortless, lengthening and curling lashes with ease. While it excels in definition and lift, it is not the best choice for volume seekers and is only available in black.
Best Mascara for Length: Giorgio Armani Beauty Vertigo Lift Mascara
Priced at £29, the Giorgio Armani Beauty Vertigo Lift Mascara offers a multipurpose solution for lengthening, lifting, and natural volumizing. The curved silicone brush coats each lash from root to tip, creating an eye-awakening effect that perks up tired eyes. However, it dries quickly and comes with a higher price tag.
Best Mascara for Volume: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
If dramatic volume is your goal, the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, at £28, delivers a false-lash effect without clumping. Inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s curves, its hourglass bristle brush sculpts lashes beautifully. The vegan formula is available in black and brown, though the oversized brush can be messy for those with hooded eyes.
Best Brown Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, starting at £7.50, is a viral favorite for good reason. It lifts, lengthens, and volumizes lashes with a flexible, tapered silicone brush. Available in a wide range of shades, including a natural true brown, it is perfect for everyday wear, though it may transfer after a long day.
Best Mascara for Mature Lashes: Perricone MD No Makeup Mascara
For aging lashes that need extra care, the Perricone MD No Makeup Mascara, priced from £22.50, combines a nourishing treatment with a lash definer. Infused with skincare ingredients, it softens and strengthens lashes while providing natural length and volume. However, it can smudge easily due to its conditioning formula.
Additional Top Picks
- Mac MacStack Waterproof Mascara (£27): Best for waterproof needs, offering endless buildability without budging.
- Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara (from £31.45): Excellent for curling, with refills available to reduce cost.
- Ilia Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara (£29): Ideal for sensitive eyes, featuring a nourishing, ophthalmologist-tested formula.
- Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara (from £28): A tubing mascara that provides quick volume and is easy to remove.
- Refy Lash Sculpt Mascara (from £22): Great for short lashes, offering a natural lift and length with a unique comb wand.
- The Ordinary Lash Curl Finisher (£7.24): A clear mascara that lifts and curls, perfect for a minimal aesthetic.
How to Choose and Apply Mascara
Selecting the perfect mascara depends on your lash type and desired effect. Generally, large wands are best for volume, while skinny brushes excel at lengthening. Curved brushes enhance curl, and comb wands separate lashes for a natural look. For application, always remove the brush smoothly without pumping, as this can dry out the formula. Align the brush horizontally with your lash line, wiggling it from side to side to coat each lash thoroughly.
Mascara typically lasts up to six months, but it is advisable to replace it every three months to prevent eye infections. To avoid smudging, ensure even application and allow the formula to dry completely. If you have oily eyelids or use rich eye creams, consider switching to a tubing mascara, which wraps polymers around each lash to prevent flaking.
For removing waterproof mascara, use a cleansing oil to break down the formula gently. If you have lash lifts or extensions, opt for water-based mascaras to avoid damaging them.
This guide is based on extensive testing and is updated regularly to reflect new products and market changes. Whether you are a makeup novice or a beauty aficionado, these recommendations will help you achieve flawless, fluttery lashes every time.
