The 18 Best Lengthening Mascaras That’ll Define Even the Stubbiest Lashes, Tested & Reviewed
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Fun fact about me: I basically have no hair. And sadly, this problem isn’t confined to my head. My eyelashes are also non-existent. For a long time, I skipped wearing mascara because it never seemed to do anything for them. (Yeah, that bad.) However, I was recently introduced to the concept of lengthening mascara, and I have not looked back. I can see my eyelashes now. Below, I’ve compiled 18 of the best lengthening mascaras, vetted by PureWow editors and our testing team, that deliver longer, fuller-looking lashes. From Urban Decay to Ilia and Lancôme, there’s one for every budget and need, whether you have thick, dense hair or desperately need a volume boost. May you finally have those fluttering lashes you’ve always dreamed about.
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The 10 Best Lengthening Mascaras at a Glance
@lexmcfarlane
Meet the Expert
How I Chose the Best Lengthening Mascaras
To create this list of the 18 best lengthening mascaras, I spoke with Patinkin about her product recommendations and features she would consider when shopping. Then, I researched the most popular brands across the internet, including data from Google Trends. Ultimately, I considered nearly 30 brands before narrowing things down to 20 mascaras that I and a team of fellow editors and testers tried over the period of a month. We considered factors like ease of application, efficacy and longevity.
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1. Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
@lexmcfarlane
“I was shocked by the Urban Decay mascara,” says PureWow Associate Editor Chelsea Candelario. “I tried it for the first time thanks to a professional makeup artist, and the length was incredible. While he did use a lash curler, I’ve used it alone and it provides the same effect. I love how bold and bright it made my eyes look.” A bullet-shaped, bristly applicator will evenly disperse the mascara through your lashes while adding length for a fanned and feathery effect.
2. Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara
@lexmcfarlane
A problem I often have with mascara wands is that the bristle density causes my lashes to clump together. Because my lashes are so fine, I am then left with a cartoon-ish three giant lashes per eyelid. That’s why, after trying Ilia’s Limitless Lash Mascara, I realized the joy of a great applicator. This one features dual sides. One builds volume, while the other has long teeth to comb, lengthen and separate. It doesn’t hurt that the formula is packed with nourishing ingredients, either. (Think arginine, shea butter and beeswax.)
3. Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara
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If it’s Kate Middleton approved (or royal approved in general), we’re interested. When I heard that Lancôme’s Hypnôse Mascara was reportedly a favorite of the Princess of Wales, I had to try it. Results: Decent volume thanks to a buildable formula with conditioning ingredients like panthenol (vitamin B). This is probably better for those with naturally longer lashes, like Her Royal Highness. Because mine are short and don’t hold a curl, I found that the mascara would transfer to the skin under my eyes.
4. Sweed Cloud Mascara
@lexmcfarlane
Sweed makes some of my most-used beauty products, and their Cloud Mascara promises maximum length and volume. I like this formula because it’s not too thick or heavy, and the applicator has well-dispersed bristles that comb the mascara over each lash. Though not waterproof, it is water-resistant. The only caveat is that it has a thinner consistency, so I really need to layer it on. It won’t clump on you, which is great because clumps on fine lashes are the end of me. Though, I think those with more lash density will find it quickly provides that volume boost without as much effort.
5. Maybelline Lash Discovery
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I had sent a tester a sample of a fancy lengthening mascara, and her feedback: Maybelline’s is better—and a fraction of the price. One of the stellar features she noted after trying a bunch of different products for this article is the size of the applicator. The tester and I were talking about how, in our case, we find that many things aren’t designed to accommodate our Asian eye shapes. However, this mascara has a narrower-than-average wand, so it can really grasp those tiny eyelashes and not overwhelm the eyelid.
Fast Facts
6. Kjaer Weis Im-Possible Mascara
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“For summer, I like more of a natural look and am loving the new Im-Possible mascara from Kjaer Weis,” says PureWow Associate Editor Sydney Meister. “The brown shade is light enough to mimic my natural lash color while still offering a full, feathery look. I also love that it’s certified organic and has conditioning properties that leave my lashes feeling healthier post-application.” Indeed, the standout organic ingredients include beeswax (condition, hydrates), raspberry water (repairs) and marula oil (protects, nourish). The dual applicator has a curved side to build volume and a flat side to lengthen. Plus, the packaging is refillable.
7. Tower28 MakeWaves Mascara
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Patinkin and I both love Tower28’s MakeWaves Mascara because it builds volume and lengthens. I find that if I’m not careful, it can get clumpy on my fine lashes. Patinkin’s hack is to swap in a different applicator (which I’ll be trying ASAP). However, I do appreciate that the included wand has a gentle contour that follows the eye shape. If you like the center of your eyes to pop, the applicator most accentuates lashes in the middle of your lid. Tower28’s Aquaflex technology keeps your lashes humidity-proof, lifted and volumized. The mascara comes in three colors, jet black, black and espresso brown.
8. Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara
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“[I give Tarte’s tubing mascara perfect marks.] The application of this product was seamless. The silicone applicator is straight and cone-shaped, allowing for a more angled application. It was easy to coat all my eyelashes. The instructions call for two coats: [One after the other without drying time to accomplish the] lengthening effect. This method worked well and made for a fairly even application. The mascara truly lengthened my eyelashes and really defined their color. My lashes appeared defined and long. I think it added a bit of volume and texture, but less so than other mascaras that I’ve tried. [Even after a full day], I didn’t have any fallout or clumps. It was very easy to take off. I loved the color payoff of this formula. It darkened my eyelashes and [completely covered] the blonde tips. It was incredibly buildable.” - PureWow Assistant Editor Deila Curtis
9. Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara
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When I took this out of the box, I wasn’t sure whether XL was a bluff. My lashes are so fine that I usually can’t perceive an increase in length after using most mascaras. The Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara pleasantly surprised me. The silicone applicator has wide-set bristles that comb the formula through my lashes while separating them. I find the formula glides on effortlessly without clumping and comes off seamlessly when I wash my face. The mascara is loaded with ingredients, including biotin, castor oil and panthenol that condition your eyelashes while adding shiny volume. The only thing I would change is the wand. Because it tapers, the part of the brush that coats my outer lashes is quite thick, which is where my lashes are the sparsest so things can get messy. However, if you have longer lashes, it’ll do an amazing job of giving you mega extension.
10. L’Oréal Telescopic Mascara
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“I’ve used Telescopic for years and I’ve literally had people ask if I’m wearing lash extensions,” Meister raves. “It lengthens without the clump of a thicker formula and the price point can’t be beat compared to other options.” It’s available in four shades and the flexible wand will comb the product through your lashes for up to 60 percent increase in length.
11. Idun Minerals VATN 38°C Mascara
@lexmcfarlane
Curtis has raved to me on multiple occasions about the wonder that is Idun Minerals’ VATN 38°C Mascara. As the name suggests, it seamlessly washes away in 38°C water. (But is otherwise waterproof.) There are three colors available, including the year’s trendy blue, and it glides on, building volume and length without clumping thanks to a wide-toothed silicone applicator. While it’s billed as a volume-building mascara, I thought it did a better job at lengthening. I suspect that the density of your lashes affects this---you’ll build volume more easily if you have more lashes.
12. Jones Road The Mascara
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“I have thinner eyelashes that tend to fall out [when I apply] mascara. They are naturally dark, but because of sun exposure and swimming, they turn light brown and become sparse during the summer. [Jones Road The Mascara has a curved] applicator, which was new for me. It [had a dense silicone head]. Initially, I had to figure out which direction to use the curve, [and the formula was quite thick, so be aware that you’ll have to loosen it.] [The mascara glides on easily, though at the beginning, it may sit thickly on your lashes.] It really did lengthen my eyelashes [and] added volume. I live a pretty active lifestyle and have allergies in the spring, so I tend to rub my eyes, [but the mascara didn’t irritate them]. Other mascaras have made my eyes sting, but this one was good for sensitive skin.” - Hope Lundblad, tester
13. Merit Clean Lash Mascara
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“[My eyelashes are average length and thickness, relatively straight and dark. Merit’s mascara has been in my makeup bag for a long time.] The applicator is a straight, wire-style brush that I find easy to use. It gets all but the tiniest corner eyelashes. Because it’s a tubing mascara, this is especially good for length, and it’ll last a day with minimal to no transferring under the eyes. [I like that the result looks natural, but not so much that there isn’t any volume bump.] At the same time, the formula is smooth and won’t give a clumpy, spidery effect.” - PureWow Senior Food Editor Katherine Gillen
14. Glossier Lash Slick
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“Glossier’s Lash Slick has a straight bristle brush that’s easy to use. It coats my lashes and even reaches the itty-bitty ones, thanks to spikes on the tip,” Gillen says. “This mascara is very good at lengthening in a very natural, non-clumpy way. It doesn’t add much volume, but it looks like your lashes except better, and I prefer that over fake-looking, spidery mascara. After a full day of wear, there is minimal transfer. Just a tiny bit of flaking that no one else would notice. Note that even though the brand claims it can be washed off with just hot water, I don’t find that to be true. However, it comes off easily with just face wash.” The formula contains vitamin B and biotin for sleek and shiny results, using Japanese fiber technology on the gently tapered wand to provide maximum length.
15. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Mascara
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Catrina Yohay/Charlotte Tilbury
“My eyelashes are dark and dense, and they hold a curl well. [I regularly use Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Push Up Mascara.] The silicone wand has a unique shape and application process. There are two sides with diamond-shaped bristles and two sides that are flat. The directions say to first use the flat side to coat the lashes in product and then switch to the bristled side to lift and comb through the lashes from root to tip. This worked surprisingly well. I expected there to be way too much product with my eyelashes totally gooped up, but the mascara was evenly distributed. It was a bit messy for my preference (you definitely have to go in with a Q-Tip after for clean-up) [but overall, I’m] very impressed by how well it lifted and lengthened my naturally straight, stubby lashes (and only after a few coats). I have a few spots in the middle of my eyelashes that tend to clump with any mascara, but this formula was completely clump-free and went on so smoothly. It didn’t add a *ton* of volume, but if you want that wispy doe-eyed look, this is a great option. I found myself gravitating toward it for daytime use since it wasn’t too over-the-top voluminous. It’s a pretty wet formula, but once it’s dried there’s very little transfer/flakiness. That’s my biggest pet peeve with mascara, but I wore this one for an all-day event (travel, baby shower, more travel) and only found one small flake under my eye by the end of the day. I also felt like my eyelashes were still noticeably lifted after over eight hours of wear.” - PureWow Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay
16. IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara
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IT Cosmetics’ Superhero Mascara packs a punch with a trio of haircare ingredients. Hydrolyzed collagen supports elasticity, biotin nourishes and peptides condition. It’s thicker and less wet and slick than other formulas I tried, though I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it didn’t clump as easily as I feared it would. In fact, it didn’t clump at all, but did manage to add some volume in addition to the length. The bullet-shaped bristle brush isn’t too dense, so you can comb the mascara through your lashes without going overboard on volume. However, it builds easily, so if you wiggle the brush through your lashes, you can build a good amount of volume if desired.
17. Milk Makeup KUSH Mascara
@lexmcfarlane
While Milk Makeup does make another mascara that specifically lengthens, I find that I also need a bit of volume to compensate for the sparseness of my lashes and KUSH satisfies on both accounts. I sent it to Curtis, who tested it. Here’s what they said.
“I thought that this mascara was very easy to apply to the lashes. However, I did find that the more I layered on, the clumpier it got. I found that adding slowly, but surely helps to avoid too much build up. The applicator was quite thick and bushy and had a bullet shape. Because of the way it was shaped, it conveniently followed the curve of my eyelid. This formula added length to my lashes as well as volume and texture. I felt like it was heavier on volume than length but managed to do both [fairly well]. This mascara barely budged and lasted a full eight hours, maintaining a full, feathered look for the duration.”
18. Grande Cosmetics GrandeDrama Mascara
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Natalie LaBarbera/Grande Cosmetics
“My lashes are dark brown with average length and density. [I like Grande Cosmetic’s GrandeDrama Mascara] because it has a bushy applicator with an hourglass shape. Also, it’s incredibly easy to cover all my lashes with just two coats. The mascara does a great job lengthening them, and the effect is amplified when I pair it with the GrandePrimer ($25), which also gives my lashes a volume and texture boost. I’ve worn it for full days out and didn’t have any issues with it transferring under my eyes or fading. However, it does still come off super easily with just my normal face wash, which I love so I don’t have to add extra steps to my routine.” - PureWow Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera
What to Consider When Buying Lengthening Mascara
The two main features that will give you the long, fluttery lashes of your dreams are a tubing formula and a good applicator.
“Tubing mascara is amazing for length because it builds out that false tip on your lashes,” Patinkin says. “[As for the wand, you want a silicone applicator that has] a lot of space between the bristles. Those are intended to comb through and separate your lashes, [pulling the mascara] through to the tips.” While you can use a bushier applicator, their main function is to build volume and thickness.
If you’re like me and have fine, short lashes, Patinkin says curling is one of the best things you can do to amp their appearance. “When your lashes are straight, it casts a shadow under your eye, but when they’re curled up, the light reaches your eyes,” she explains. “If you have small eyelids, crepiness or other age-related changes, [eyelash curling is] like camouflage. It creates the illusion of height on your eyelid.” Then, when you apply mascara, wipe off excess product before blinking slowly into the wand, as opposed to wiggling it through your lashes. Also consider skipping volumizing formulas in favor of a lengthening mascara.
What’s the Best Overall Lengthening Mascara?
After testing many products, evaluating tester feedback and consulting with Patinkin and my fellow PureWow editors, I’ve determined that Urban Decay’s Perversion Mascara is the best overall lengthening mascara. This was Candelario’s pick, and she regularly covers the beauty beat at PureWow, meaning she’s tried *tons* of mascaras. So when she told me “the length was out of this world,” I knew that sealed the deal.
Need a Mascara That Doesn’t Flake? We Asked Editors and Experts to Share Their 18 Faves
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