When it comes to makeup, I can skip foundation, ditch eyeshadow, even forget about blush. But I never walk out the door without mascara. That one product has the power to make me feel wide-awake, pulled-together, and just a bit more “me.” Over the years, I’ve tried dozens—maybe hundreds—of mascaras. Some clumped. Some flaked. Some made promises they couldn’t keep. But a few? A few truly transformed my lashes—lifting, lengthening, and curling like magic. These eight mascaras didn’t just perform, they became part of my daily ritual, and honestly, part of my confidence.
Let me walk you through the absolute best mascaras I’ve tried for long, fluttery, curled lashes—along with why they work, what makes them special, and where you can grab your own.
1. YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara – \$33
Let’s start with the one that blew me away. YSL’s Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara is that kind of bold, unapologetic mascara that doesn’t just enhance—it commands. First of all, the wand is massive. It looked almost comically oversized at first, but as soon as I swept it through my lashes, I got it. It coats every lash, especially the base, creating this lifted, thickened foundation that makes your lashes look instantly curled.
The formula is creamy and ultra-pigmented—jet black with a satin finish. It doesn’t smudge, even on humid NYC subway platforms. It holds the curl like a lash lift, and I can layer it without the formula breaking down. I find the sweet spot is two coats. Any more, and it starts to verge on editorial bold, which isn’t a bad thing if that’s the vibe you want.
Bonus: it’s infused with iris florentina root extract to condition your lashes. I’ve noticed less breakage since I started using it regularly.
Where to buy: Sephora, Nordstrom, YSL Beauty online
2. Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara – \$28
Tubing mascaras changed everything for me. No raccoon eyes. No tugging during removal. Just warm water and a gentle wipe. And Tarte’s Tartelette XL is the tubing mascara I always come back to.
It lengthens in a way that feels almost sci-fi. My lashes touch my brows when I use this, and the flexible polymer tubes wrap each lash in a thin, weightless coat. The wand is just tapered enough to get into the corners, and the formula is packed with good-for-lash ingredients like biotin, shea butter, niacinamide, and panthenol. It nourishes while it works.
It’s perfect for long days—commuting, meetings, dinner. At the end of it all, I can splash a little warm water, gently pinch, and the mascara slides off in little soft tubes. It’s not just effective—it’s satisfying.
Where to buy: Ulta Beauty, Amazon, Tarte.com
3. Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Mascara – \$40
This mascara is the luxury treat I never knew I needed—until I used it once and couldn’t go back. Chanel’s Le Volume De Chanel isn’t just pretty to look at—it delivers that plush, fanned-out volume you see in mascara ads but rarely experience in real life.
The formula is thick but not heavy, and it dries down quickly, which helps hold curl fast. The brush is stubby and packed with dense bristles that wiggle into your lash line and pump up your natural fringe. It’s almost like a lash comb and a volumizer in one. I use it when I want to look like I have twice the lashes I was born with—no falsies needed.
Also, let’s be real: pulling this sleek black tube out of your makeup bag just feels powerful.
Where to buy: Chanel.com, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus
4. Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara – \$29
Clean beauty has come a long way, and Ilia’s Limitless Lash Mascara is proof that you don’t need synthetic everything to get high performance. What struck me first was the wand: dual-sided, with a comb-like edge on one side and a fluffy row of bristles on the other.
This mascara is a dream for separating and defining. My lashes get that ultra-natural, long-and-lifted look. It’s not overly dramatic, but it gives a polished, fluttery finish that I absolutely love for daytime. Think: yoga teacher chic, but with a little edge.
It includes beeswax and shea butter to condition and keratin for strengthening. If you’ve got fragile lashes or just want something gentler, this one’s a standout.
Where to buy: Credo Beauty, IliaBeauty.com, Nordstrom
5. Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara – \$20
I didn’t expect much from a \$20 clean mascara—but Tower 28’s MakeWaves changed my mind. I have sensitive eyes, and most mascaras start irritating me after a few hours. But not this one. It’s ophthalmologist-tested, safe for contact lens wearers, and made without irritating ingredients.
Beyond that, it works. The curved wand has three “wave” segments that hug your lash line and build volume without clumps. It gives this defined, curled effect that looks like I used a lash curler—even when I didn’t. The castor oil blend in the formula leaves my lashes feeling flexible and soft, not crispy or stiff.
It wears beautifully through a workday, and it never leaves residue under my eyes.
Where to buy: Sephora, Credo Beauty, Tower28Beauty.com
6. Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara – \$30
If you want fluttery, waterproof lashes that don’t budge through tears, workouts, or summer sweat—Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara is your answer. This one has been in my rotation for years. The curved brush with 360 micro-bristles lifts each lash, and the outer curve builds volume while the inner curve curls.
The formula includes white tea extract, which keeps your lashes conditioned and soft. And it’s surprisingly lightweight for a waterproof product. No crunchy feeling, no brittle flakes.
I wore this to a wedding once—danced, cried, laughed—and my lashes looked the same at midnight as they did at 10 a.m.
Where to buy: Ulta, Nordstrom, Amazon
7. Kulfi Beauty Badi Lash Mascara – \$26
For short or sparse lashes, Kulfi’s Badi Lash Mascara is a revelation. The tubing formula ensures zero smudging, and the flared brush shape mimics the curve of natural lashes, so it lifts and defines perfectly.
What makes this mascara a standout is its nourishing formula—infused with castor seed oil, rambutan extract, and a tripeptide complex. After a month of use, I swear my lashes looked fuller and felt stronger.
It’s the kind of product that gives you both instant and long-term results. And the removal? So gentle. Just warm water and you’re done.
Where to buy: Sephora, KulfiBeauty.com
8. Too Faced Ribbon Wrapped Lash Tubing Mascara – \$29
Let me just say it: I hate clumps. Nothing ruins a lash look faster than that thick, spidery effect. That’s why I reach for Ribbon Wrapped Lash from Too Faced on days when I want clean, defined, lifted lashes.
It has this unique tubing formula that literally wraps each lash and sets it in place. The wand is precise and grippy, with a slightly flared tip that helps coat every little hair, even in the corners. It’s flake-resistant and stays fresh all day without fading.
Perfect for that office-to-dinner-day or when you just want your lashes to look exactly how you left them in the morning.
Where to buy: Ulta, Sephora, Amazon
Tips for Maximum Length and Curl
Using great mascara helps, but here are a few tips I swear by for the most impact:
- Always curl your lashes first with a good curler—Shu Uemura and Shiseido make excellent ones.
- Wipe excess off your wand to avoid heavy globs on first swipe.
- Start at the base, wiggle the wand side-to-side, then sweep upward.
- Layer different formulas: I’ll sometimes do a curling mascara first, then a tubing one to seal it all in.
- Don’t forget your bottom lashes—use a tiny brush or the tip of your main wand, very gently.
Where to Shop
Living in the U.S., I rely on a few go-to platforms for mascara shopping:
- Sephora – best for clean beauty and luxury brands.
- Ulta Beauty – great for drugstore and prestige options.
- Nordstrom – for high-end mascaras and occasional value sets.
- Amazon – convenient for quick delivery (just check for verified sellers).
- Brand websites – like IliaBeauty.com or KulfiBeauty.com often have exclusive shades or offers.
Mascara isn’t just makeup—it’s expression, confidence, even identity. When you find the right one, it doesn’t just change your lashes—it lifts your whole face. These eight mascaras? They’ve carried me through everything from first dates to job interviews to long travel days. Give them a try—and let your lashes speak for themselves.
