The brush makes or breaks a mascara. Formula matters, pigment matters, but the applicator shape determines whether you get separated, defined lashes or a clumpy mess you spend ten minutes fixing. That single detail gets overlooked more than any other.
Finding the best mascaras 2018 had to offer means cutting through a crowded field where every tube promises the same thing. The differences hide in the details: fiber bristles versus plastic combs, buildable formulas versus one-coat wonders, drugstore prices versus department-store finishes.
The ten picks below cover all of it.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize the brush shape first, since a fiber or comb-style applicator does more to separate and define lashes than any formula claim on the label.
- Check whether the formula is washable or waterproof, as waterproof mascaras last longer but require an oil-based remover that can irritate sensitive eyes.
- If volume is your goal, look for a thicker, fluffy brush and a buildable formula so you can layer coats without clumping.
- For lengthening results, a narrower precision brush reaches shorter lashes at the inner corners more effectively than a large barrel applicator.
- Sensitive or mature eyes benefit from hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and fragrance-free formulas, so always scan those claims before buying.
| Everyday Volume Hero |  |
Maybelline Sky High Blackest Black Mascara | Buildable, multi-coat formula | Volumizes and lengthens simultaneously | Easy washable removal | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Budget Drama Queen |  |
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Mascara | Impressive false-lash effect | Clump-free fiber brush | Vegan and cruelty-free | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Clean Separation Specialist |  |
L'Oreal Telescopic Separating Mascara Blackest Black | Exceptional lash separation | Reaches short corner lashes | Lengthens without sacrificing definition | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Classic Volume Staple |  |
L'Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara Blackest Black | Proven high-volume formula | Works on most lash types | Intense, dark pigmentation | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Mature Lash Champion |  |
Prime Prometics PrimeLash Mascara for Mature Lashes | Designed for mature, fine lashes | Hypoallergenic formula | Zero clumps in two coats | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| European Hidden Gem |  |
Vivienne Sabó Cabaret Premiere Volume Mascara | Smudge-proof and flake-free | Lifts and curls without a separate tool | Cruelty-free, European-made | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Lash Extension Lookalike |  |
L'Oreal Extensionist Lengthening Curling Mascara | Mimics lash extension appearance | Lengthens, volumizes, and curls together | Drugstore-friendly price point | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Wide-Eye Effect Pick |  |
L'Oreal Voluminous Panorama Mascara Blackest Black | Wide-eye panoramic lash effect | Smudge-resistant longwear formula | Generous 0.33 fl oz size | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sensitive Eyes Luxury Pick |  |
Lancôme Définicils High Definition Lengthening Mascara | Conditions lashes with Vitamin B5 | Suitable for sensitive eyes | Precise, high-definition finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Waterproof Budget Essential |  |
Essence Lash Princess Waterproof Lengthening Mascara | Waterproof, smudge-free wear | Vegan and cruelty-free | Lengthens without stiffness | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Maybelline Sky High Blackest Black Mascara
If you want one mascara that does a little of everything without asking you to spend a lot, Maybelline Sky High is the answer. It volumizes, lengthens, curls, and separates, making it a genuinely versatile pick for anyone who doesn't want a separate mascara for every mood or occasion.
The buildable formula is one of its biggest strengths. You can keep it natural with one coat or layer up for a more dramatic, fanned-out effect, and it holds its shape without turning brittle or flaky by midday.
The one caveat: "washable" here means it removes easily, which is great for daily wear but not ideal if you need something that survives humidity or a long event.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Formula Type:Washable
- Finish/Effect:Volumizing, lengthening, curling
- Wear Type:Washable/daily wear
- Volume Size:1 count
- Vegan/Cruelty-Free:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Multiplying effect for fuller lash appearance
- Additional Feature:Buildable from natural to dramatic
- Additional Feature:Defines and separates individual lashes
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Essence Lash Princess False Lash Mascara
Essence Lash Princess has developed something of a cult following, and it earns it. The fiber brush grips and coats each lash individually, giving you a false-lash effect that most drugstore formulas simply can't match at this price point.
It's vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and oil-free, which makes it a rare find for shoppers who want clean credentials without paying premium prices. The clump-free formula means you can build volume without the spider-lash effect that plagues so many volumizing mascaras.
The limitation is longevity in humid or wet conditions, since this is not a waterproof formula. If you know you'll be near water or prone to smudging, you'll want to look at the waterproof version (also in this list).
- Brand:Essence
- Formula Type:Fiber brush, oil-free
- Finish/Effect:Volumizing, lengthening
- Wear Type:Washable
- Volume Size:Pack of 1
- Vegan/Cruelty-Free:Vegan, cruelty-free
- Additional Feature:Paraben-free and oil-free formula
- Additional Feature:Defines and separates lashes cleanly
- Additional Feature:Strong cult following for value
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L'Oreal Telescopic Separating Mascara Blackest Black
Where most mascaras lead with volume, the L'Oreal Telescopic leads with precision. The narrow, comb-like brush is built to reach even the shortest and most stubborn corner lashes, separating each one with a clean, defined finish that looks polished rather than piled-on.
This is a strong pick for anyone with fine or sparse lashes who gets lost inside a big, fluffy brush. The lengthening formula extends each lash visibly without adding so much bulk that individual definition disappears.
It's washable, so removal is straightforward, but the formula is less about dramatic volume and more about a groomed, precise look. If you want bold thickness above all else, a different pick on this list will serve you better.
- Brand:L'Oreal Paris
- Formula Type:Washable
- Finish/Effect:Separating, lengthening
- Wear Type:Washable
- Volume Size:0.27 fl oz
- Vegan/Cruelty-Free:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Narrow precision brush design
- Additional Feature:Suitable for fine or sparse lashes
- Additional Feature:Buildable volume with length focus
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L'Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara Blackest Black
Some products earn their place on a best-of list not through novelty but through decades of consistent performance. L'Oreal Voluminous Original has been a bathroom cabinet fixture for good reason: it delivers thick, dark, reliable volume that works on almost every lash type without requiring any technique.
The thickening formula coats each lash evenly from root to tip, building a full, dense look in just a couple of coats. It's the mascara equivalent of a well-worn favourite, the kind you reach for when you need results without fuss.
The brush can occasionally deposit too much product if you're not careful, which can lead to minor clumping on very fine lashes. Working the wand from root to tip in a slow zigzag motion largely solves this.
- Brand:L'Oreal Paris
- Formula Type:Volumizing
- Finish/Effect:High volume
- Wear Type:Washable
- Volume Size:0.28 fl oz
- Vegan/Cruelty-Free:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Long-established bestselling formula
- Additional Feature:Dense, root-to-tip coating
- Additional Feature:Suitable for daily use
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Prime Prometics PrimeLash Mascara for Mature Lashes
Most mascaras are formulated with younger lashes in mind. PrimeLash by Prime Prometics takes a different approach, designing specifically for older women whose lashes tend to be finer, shorter, and more sensitive than they once were.
The hypoallergenic formula reduces the risk of irritation, and the zero-clump promise is particularly valuable here, since clumping on sparse lashes makes them look even thinner. Two coats are said to deliver incredible length without weighing down delicate lashes or causing them to droop by midday.
The long-stay wear means you're not constantly worrying about smudging or fading, which is a genuine quality-of-life improvement for anyone who has experienced mascara migration. The trade-off is that this is a niche product, so the shade and formula range is more limited than mainstream brands.
- Brand:Prime Prometics
- Formula Type:Hypoallergenic, long-stay
- Finish/Effect:Volumizing, lengthening
- Wear Type:Long-stay
- Vegan/Cruelty-Free:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Formulated specifically for older women
- Additional Feature:Impressive length in just two coats
- Additional Feature:Reduces sensitivity risk
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Vivienne Sabó Cabaret Premiere Volume Mascara
Vivienne Sabó isn't a household name in every market, but this French-influenced brand with European manufacturing brings a level of formula care that punches above its modest profile. The Cabaret Premiere promises volume and length together, with a curling effect that lifts lashes without requiring a separate curler beforehand.
What makes it particularly appealing is the smudge-proof, flake-free wear. Many mascaras that claim these properties still end up migrating under the eyes by the afternoon, but the Cabaret Premiere's washable formula holds its position without the brittleness that often causes flaking.
It's cruelty-free and made in Europe, which matters to a growing number of shoppers who want both ethical credentials and quality assurance. The relatively small 0.3 fl oz size means you'll go through it faster than some competitors.
- Brand:Vivienne Sabó
- Formula Type:Washable, smudge-proof
- Finish/Effect:Volume, lengthening, curling
- Wear Type:Washable, smudge-resistant
- Volume Size:0.3 fl oz
- Vegan/Cruelty-Free:Cruelty-free
- Additional Feature:No flaking or clumping formula
- Additional Feature:Made in Europe
- Additional Feature:Defining and separating brush action
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L'Oreal Extensionist Lengthening Curling Mascara
The L'Oreal Extensionist is built around one goal: making your lashes look like you've had extensions applied. That's a high bar, but the lengthening, volumizing, and curling formula in combination gets noticeably closer than most drugstore options manage.
The brush shape is designed to elongate each lash from the base upward, which creates that characteristic fanned, extended look without requiring much skill on your part. For anyone who loves the salon lash-extension aesthetic but doesn't want the upkeep or the cost, this fills the gap convincingly.
It's washable and sits firmly in the drugstore price range, making it one of the more accessible ways to chase a high-end look. The limitation is that the curl doesn't always hold all day on very straight or heavy lashes without a primer underneath.
- Brand:L'Oreal Paris
- Formula Type:Washable
- Finish/Effect:Lengthening, volumizing, curling
- Wear Type:Washable
- Vegan/Cruelty-Free:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Designed to replicate extension look
- Additional Feature:Fanning brush for elongated effect
- Additional Feature:Buildable formula for added drama
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L'Oreal Voluminous Panorama Mascara Blackest Black
Think of the L'Oreal Voluminous Panorama as the Voluminous Original's more ambitious sibling. Where the classic formula focuses on straightforward volume, the Panorama is engineered to create a wide-eyed, panoramic lash effect, coating lashes across the full width of the eye for a more open, awake appearance.
The smudge-resistant, longwear formula is a meaningful upgrade for anyone who struggles with the classic Voluminous transferring under their eyes during a long day. At 0.33 fl oz it's also one of the larger volumes in this roundup, so you get more product per purchase.
The volumizing and lengthening combination is well-balanced, meaning you get fullness without losing the length that makes the wide-eye effect work. If dramatic, all-over lash coverage is your priority, this is the L'Oreal formula to reach for.
- Brand:L'Oreal Paris
- Formula Type:Washable, smudge-resistant
- Finish/Effect:Volumizing, lengthening
- Wear Type:Longwear, smudge-resistant
- Volume Size:0.33 fl oz
- Vegan/Cruelty-Free:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Panoramic full-width lash coverage
- Additional Feature:Designed for open, awake eye effect
- Additional Feature:Washable despite longwear claim
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Lancôme Définicils High Definition Lengthening Mascara
Lancôme's Définicils sits at a different price tier from the rest of this list, and the formula reflects that investment. The defining and lengthening effect is precise and refined, giving lashes a natural, high-definition finish rather than the maximalist drama some of the other entries here chase.
The inclusion of Vitamin B5 is a thoughtful touch. It conditions lashes as you wear the mascara, which is rare in this category and especially relevant if your lashes are brittle or prone to breakage. The formula is also specifically noted as suitable for sensitive eyes, which narrows the field considerably.
For anyone who has given up on finding a mascara that doesn't irritate by the end of the day, Définicils is worth the premium. The trade-off is pure volume: if you want bold, thick drama, this isn't designed for that effect.
- Brand:Lancôme
- Formula Type:Conditioning, defining
- Finish/Effect:Defining, lengthening
- Wear Type:Standard wear
- Vegan/Cruelty-Free:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Contains Vitamin B5 for lash conditioning
- Additional Feature:Formulated for sensitive eyes
- Additional Feature:High-definition natural lash finish
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Essence Lash Princess Waterproof Lengthening Mascara
Everything that makes the original Essence Lash Princess compelling, the fiber brush, the volume, the clean ingredient list, is here in a waterproof formula that won't budge through sweat, humidity, or tears. If your main frustration with the standard version is smudging, this solves it directly.
The no-smudge, no-flake promise holds up particularly well for the price, which is where many budget waterproof mascaras fall apart. It still manages to lengthen and add volume without the stiff, plasticky feel that waterproof formulas sometimes produce.
Being vegan and cruelty-free while also being waterproof is a combination that's harder to find than it should be, and Essence delivers it without a dramatic price increase over the original. The one honest limitation is that waterproof removal requires a dedicated oil-based remover, so factor that into your routine.
- Brand:Essence
- Formula Type:Waterproof, fiber brush
- Finish/Effect:Lengthening, volumizing
- Wear Type:Waterproof, long-lasting
- Volume Size:Pack of 1
- Vegan/Cruelty-Free:Vegan, cruelty-free
- Additional Feature:No smudge and no flake formula
- Additional Feature:Paraben-free ingredient profile
- Additional Feature:Requires oil-based remover for removal
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my mascara?
Most beauty experts and eye-care professionals recommend replacing mascara every three months, regardless of how much product is left in the tube. Once opened, the formula is repeatedly exposed to air and bacteria, and using an old mascara is one of the more common causes of eye infections. If you notice the formula has become dry, clumpy, or has developed an unusual smell before the three-month mark, replace it sooner. Pumping the wand in and out of the tube to push out more product actually forces more air inside and accelerates the degradation process.
Can I use mascara if I wear contact lenses?
Yes, but you should look for formulas specifically labeled "contact-lens friendly" or "ophthalmologist-tested", since certain ingredients and fibers can transfer to the lens surface and cause irritation. Tubing mascaras are generally considered a good option for contact-lens wearers because the formula encases the lash rather than sitting loosely on it. Always put your contacts in before applying mascara, and remove them before you take your makeup off. This reduces the chance of transferring product onto the lens during application or removal.
What is a tubing mascara and is it better than regular mascara?
A tubing mascara uses a polymer-based formula that wraps around each individual lash like a tiny sleeve, rather than coating the outside of the lash the way a traditional wax-based formula does. The result is a formula that is highly resistant to smudging, humidity, and water, and it removes cleanly with warm water without the need for an oil-based remover. Whether it's "better" depends on your priorities. If smudge resistance and easy removal are your top concerns, tubing is hard to beat. If you want maximum volume and a dramatic finish, a traditional volumizing formula may still give you a bolder result.
Why does my mascara flake and how do I stop it?
Flaking usually happens when the formula dries out, either because the mascara is old, because you're applying too many coats, or because the formula simply isn't compatible with your lash type. Layering coat after coat without letting each one dry slightly in between is one of the most common causes. Try switching to a fresh tube with a more flexible, hydrating formula, and limit yourself to two or three coats maximum. Applying a lash primer first can also help the mascara adhere more evenly, which reduces the chance of flaking later in the day.
Is expensive mascara actually worth the higher price?
Not always, and this is one category where drugstore options genuinely compete with prestige picks. Formulas from brands like L'Oreal, Maybelline, and CoverGirl have repeatedly appeared alongside or above high-end competitors in independent beauty rankings, including several 2018 roundups. Where the higher price sometimes pays off is in wand engineering and packaging, since prestige brands tend to invest more in brush design and precision applicators. If a specific brush shape solves a real problem for you, like reaching short lower lashes or lifting very straight lashes, that investment can be worth it.
