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The 23 Best Mascaras of All Time

These are the can't-live-without mascaras you've seen all over TikTok.

Headshot of Harper's Bazaar StaffBy Harper's Bazaar Staff
Brown, Red, Pink, Magenta, Style, Tints and shades, Colorfulness, Lipstick, Carmine, Maroon,
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There is no shortage of products that help your eyes come to life. From under-eye concealers, to eyeliners, lash curlers, and even eye creams, we devote a big chunk of time to our eyes every day to help them really pop. But there's one product that rises above the rest as MVP of our beauty routines: mascara. Just one coat of mascara can brighten your whole face and make you look alive. But the right mascara for you depends entirely on your lashes and goals—some of us want dramatic, spidery lashes and others just want a hint of tint. Or maybe you want to collect a whole mascara wardrobe, and choose a new one day to day. As beauty editors, we consider ourselves to be mascara snobs, so the 23 mascaras below are truly the best of the best across all categories: lengthening, volumizing, defining, and curling.

1
Viral on TikTok

L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Lift Washable Mascara

On Sale
Telescopic Lift Washable Mascara
1
Viral on TikTok

L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Lift Washable Mascara

Now 20% Off
$12 at Amazon
Credit: L'Oreal Paris
Pros
  • Lifts and Curls
Cons

    You've seen it all over TikTok—but this mascara really is one of the best lifting and defining formulas out there (no false lashes required!).

    Customer Review:

    "Great mascara. Makes lashes long and not clumpy. Can layer on top of other layers without flaking." -Jaclyn

    2
    Viral on TikTok

    MAC Cosmetics M·A·C Stack Mascara in Black Micro

    M·A·C Stack Mascara in Black Micro
    2
    Viral on TikTok

    MAC Cosmetics M·A·C Stack Mascara in Black Micro

    Now 15% Off
    Credit: MAC Cosmetics
    Pros
    • Buildable Volume
    Cons

      Not all mascaras can be layered and layered without turning clumpy. That's the magic of MAC Stack. Whether you want just one coat or 82, the formula can be customized to your exact preferences without flaking or weighing down lashes.

      3
      Glossy Finish

      ROSE INC Ultra-Black Lash Lifting & Lengthening Serum Mascara

      Ultra-Black Lash Lifting & Lengthening Serum Mascara
      3
      Glossy Finish

      ROSE INC Ultra-Black Lash Lifting & Lengthening Serum Mascara

      Now 25% Off
      Credit: ROSE INC
      Pros
      • Gentle on Lashes
      Cons

        "I am in love with this mascara, and I am very picky," says Jenna Rosenstein, BAZAAR's beauty director. "The lightweight, glossy finish feels like skincare for your lashes. It adds just the right amount of volume and length for days when I don't want to look like I'm wearing a lot of makeup, and it never flakes on me."

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        4
        Great for Oily Lids

        Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara

        Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara
        4
        Great for Oily Lids

        Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara

        Credit: Lancôme
        Pros
        • Lasts All Day
        Cons

          Not only does this formula wear all day, even on those of us with oily lids, the genius brush shape makes it easy to find every single tiny little hair on both ends of your lashes.

          Customer Reviews:

          "I've tried so many mascaras, and this is the only one that does not smudge at all for an entire day. I have oily lids and watery eyes so it can be a struggle. I can even wear this one on my lower lashline without smudging! The brush is incredibly easy to use as well." -FirenzeLove

          5
          Easy Volume

          Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara

          Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara
          5
          Easy Volume

          Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara

          Credit: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez
          Pros
          • Contains Castor Oil
          Cons

            This mascara wins at creating enviable, lightweight volume without flaking or smudging.

            Customer Review:

            "I’m obsessed!! Makes my lashes long and keeps them curled up all day!! Will be repurchasing for sure!" -Shayleigh1314

            6
            Lengthening

            Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

            Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
            6
            Lengthening

            Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

            Credit: Hourglass
            Pros
            • Vegan
            Cons

              Like lash extensions for commitment-phobes, Hourglass's new Unlocked mascara gives lashes instant lift, definition, and Instagram-worthy length in a vegan and cruelty-free formula. The formula lasts all day without smudging, and unlike other fiber mascaras, it won't irritate sensitive eyes or contacts.

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              7
              Great Daytime Mascara

              Maybelline Snapscara Washable Mascara

              Snapscara Washable Mascara
              7
              Great Daytime Mascara

              Maybelline Snapscara Washable Mascara

              Credit: Maybelline

              Maybelline's Snapscara is a wax-free formula, so it's easy to remove with just soap and water at night. But that doesn't mean it will flake on you. A few coats delivers serious length and volume with an inky black tint that's perfect for casual, day-to-day wear.

              8
              Great for Nighttime

              Giorgio Armani Beauty Giorgio Armani Beauty Eyes To Kill Mascara

              Giorgio Armani Beauty Eyes To Kill Mascara
              8
              Great for Nighttime

              Giorgio Armani Beauty Giorgio Armani Beauty Eyes To Kill Mascara

              Credit: Armani Beauty
              Pros
              • Super Dramatic
              Cons

                The sexiest mascara to pair with smoky eyes, it leaves our lashes looking patent-leather shiny and ultra-black.

                9
                CBD-Infused Mascara

                MILK MAKEUP KUSH High Volume Mascara

                KUSH High Volume Mascara
                9
                CBD-Infused Mascara

                MILK MAKEUP KUSH High Volume Mascara

                Credit: MILK MAKEUP
                Pros
                • Contains CBD Oil
                Cons

                  The name isn't just for kicks. This super-thickening yet non-clumpy mascara gets its lash-conditioning powers from CBD oil.

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                  10
                  Makeup Artist's Favorite

                  L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

                  On Sale
                  Voluminous Original Mascara
                  10
                  Makeup Artist's Favorite

                  L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

                  Now 43% Off
                  Credit: L'Oreal Paris
                  Pros
                  • Celeb-Loved
                  Cons

                    It's not the sexiest or flashiest mascara out there, but it's in every makeup artist's kit for a reason: there's nothing better for red-carpet-ready lashes.

                    11
                    Dramatic Volume

                    Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara

                    On Sale
                    Monsieur Big Mascara
                    11
                    Dramatic Volume

                    Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara

                    Now 15% Off
                    Credit: Lancôme
                    Pros
                    • Big Brush
                    Cons

                      The name is genius, but the formula inside is even more so. The ultra-plush brush is the perfect vehicle for making lashes look full and feathery, not coated and heavy.

                      12
                      Intense Volume

                      Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara

                      Caution Extreme Lash Mascara
                      12
                      Intense Volume

                      Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara

                      Credit: Hourglass
                      Pros
                      • Wet Formula
                      Cons

                        This vegan mascara comes with a warning—and rightfully so. It's called Caution Extreme Lash because just one dip in the tube is enough to get both sets of lashes coated in the wet, patent-black formula. If you're looking for more definition, wipe the excess formula off the brush before applying.

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                        13
                        Fan-Favorite

                        Lancôme Hypnôse Buildable Volume Mascara

                        Hypnôse Buildable Volume Mascara
                        13
                        Fan-Favorite

                        Lancôme Hypnôse Buildable Volume Mascara

                        Now 14% Off
                        Credit: Lancôme
                        Pros
                        • Buildable
                        Cons

                          One coat gives the perfect daytime volume. Two coats is enough for a night out. Three or more coats and your lashes will look so thick yet defined everyone will ask you if they're fake.

                          14
                          Great for Fluttery Lashes

                          Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

                          Perversion Mascara
                          14
                          Great for Fluttery Lashes

                          Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

                          Credit: Urban Decay
                          Pros
                          • Defines
                          Cons

                            Though the name suggests something dramatic, the effect this mascara leaves is more soft and fluttery than all-out bombshell. But you can layer on more than one coat to reach perversion-level volume.

                            15
                            Popular on Amazon

                            L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara

                            On Sale
                            Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara
                            15
                            Popular on Amazon

                            L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara

                            Now 34% Off
                            Credit: L'Oréal Paris
                            Pros
                            • Comes in several shades
                            Cons

                              There are dozens of incredible drugstore mascara dupes, but it's rare to find out that might actually be better than its designer counterpart. This mascara from L'Oréal Paris looks just like one that also comes in an all-pink tube, right down to the hourglass bristles. But this thickening formula doesn't flake or fall-out—in fact, you'll need a heavy duty makeup remover to get it all off at the end of the day.

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                              16
                              Great for Curling Lashes

                              Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash

                              Roller Lash
                              16
                              Great for Curling Lashes

                              Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash

                              Credit: Benefit
                              Pros
                              • Curls Straight Lashes
                              Cons

                                There are curling mascara, and then there is this—basically a lash lift in a tube. The formula curls and sets even the straightest lashes for all-day hold and definition.

                                17
                                Great for Definiton

                                Lancôme DÉFINICILS High Definition Mascara

                                On Sale
                                DÉFINICILS High Definition Mascara
                                17
                                Great for Definiton

                                Lancôme DÉFINICILS High Definition Mascara

                                Now 15% Off
                                Credit: Lancôme
                                Pros
                                • Easy to use on bottom lashes
                                Cons

                                  Classics are classics for a reason. Devotees to DÉFINICILS swear by it for its natural lash-lengthening effect and impressive long-wear. But at the end of the day, it washes off at the first sight of soap.

                                  18
                                  Fan-Favorite

                                  Too Faced Better Than Sex

                                  Better Than Sex
                                  18
                                  Fan-Favorite

                                  Too Faced Better Than Sex

                                  Credit: Too Faced
                                  Pros
                                  • Top-Rated
                                  Cons

                                    It's one of few mascaras that doesn't sacrifice long length at the expense of full, thick volume at the base. Is it better than sex? No. Is it on par with a pair of your highest, sexiest heels in terms of making you feel like the hottest woman in the room? Yes.

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                                    19
                                    Defines

                                    Benefit Cosmetics They're Real!

                                    They're Real!
                                    19
                                    Defines

                                    Benefit Cosmetics They're Real!

                                    Credit: Benefit Cosmetics
                                    Pros
                                    • Top-Rated
                                    Cons

                                      This mascara boosts a custom-domed tip to lift, define, and curl even the tiniest of fringe for a sculpted look that's shockingly similar to false lashes.

                                      20
                                      Thickening

                                      Dior Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Volume HD Mascara

                                      Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Volume HD Mascara
                                      20
                                      Thickening

                                      Dior Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Volume HD Mascara

                                      Credit: Dior
                                      Pros
                                      • Squeeze to Warm and Activate
                                      Cons

                                        For as long as mascara has been around, it's had the same fate: eventually, the formula would get so thick and dry that you'd have to toss the whole tube prematurely. Not anymore. This new formula from Dior is super-thick, but it has a squeezable tube that allows you to warm-up and revive the formula before ever swiping it on. Just one coat on each eye delivers intense, inky black volume.

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