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Best Mascaras 2024 for Volume, Length and Curl
Searching for the best mascaras that tick all the right boxes and deliver luscious lashes can seem like an impossible task. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the lash lift mascaras to satisfy all of your curling and volumising needs.
Still curious if your perfect match is out there? Take a look at our full line-up
here.
How we choose the best mascara
All our best mascaras offer up something different, be it length, volume, definition, curl, or the whole lot. So, whether you prefer a naturally defined look or a dramatic falsie effect, these mascaras deliver the goods. As there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all, it might take some trial and error before you find the right brush and formula. Your glowing reviews play an important part, too: when a mascara racks up a bunch of 5-star ratings, we can’t help but take notice.
By Sephora UK Makeup Editorial Team
Writers and experts
Updated: 12 January 2024
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Estée Lauder
Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara
Best for a smudge-free finish
A long-wearing mascara that doesn’t give you panda eyes or involve vigorous rubbing when you try to remove at the end of the day? Yes please. Estée Lauder’s budge-proof formula lifts, separates, and curls your lashes. Waterproof and smudge-proof, it’ll stay fresh for a solid 15 hours - even on oily eyelids.
Tried and tested: “I have oily eyelids and often have the problem of mascara smudging. I’ve tried so many different mascaras but this is the only one I’ve found that doesn’t smudge! Unlike other waterproof mascaras, it doesn’t make your eyelashes clump together and doesn’t look spidery.” - Holly, Customer Review
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Benefit
Badgal Bang Volumising Mascara
Best for featherlight volume
Layer after layer, hour after hour (up to 36 to be precise), Benefit’s best waterproof mascara keeps lashes lifted and super full. It grants out-of-this-world length thanks to aero-particles, one of the lightest materials found in space technology. Sounds super science-y, but it gives the mascara the ability to lift and volumise without weighing your lashes down. The long, flexible brush coats lashes from root-to-tip, getting into all of those baby hairs at the inner corners of your eyes.
Tried and tested: “I think I have found THE ONE. I have long, straight lashes and have always had a hard time trying to curl them. With this mascara I get exactly what I need. The formula is lightweight and gives you the time to work the mascara in. Don’t think I’ll change it for a long time.” - Sara, Customer Review
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Benefit
They're Real Magnet Extreme Lengthening & Powerful Lifting Mascara
Best for double-take definition
When Benefit drops a new mascara, it’s always a big deal. The magic lies in the magnetically charged brush and formula which deliver your longest lashes yet. Sound like sorcery? Wait until you hear about the 36 hours of wear and non-stop lash lift. What does it all add up to? Lusciously long, clump-free lashes that look dramatically lifted all day long.
Tried and tested: "I was a little dubious on first impressions about how the brush would perform, but oh my goodness, it’s deceptive! I love this mascara - no clumping, and the brush performed way beyond my expectations. I didn’t get any smudging on my eyelids and my lashes barely moved all day! I’m a big fan.” - Felicity, Buyer
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Maybelline
Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Best for extreme length
If you’re looking for gravity-defying lashes, then look no further. This affordable mascara is designed to enhance every single lash from root to tip. Serving fanned-out volume that people won’t be able to take their eyes off, this smudge-proof mascara is a winner for daily use and nights out alike. Did we mention it never weighs lashes down? Infused with Bamboo extract to support long-term lash growth, shoot for the sky with this limitless length mascara.
Tried and tested: “This mascara is my go to - always repurchase when I’m running low. Makes my eyelashes look so much longer than any other mascara and is relatively affordable. Doesn’t look clumpy and an all round great mascara.” - Customer Review
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NARS
Climax Extreme Black Mascara
Best for dramatic eyes
Want to maximise your lashes? Then you need to add this pigment-packed mascara to your line-up. Taking everything to extremes, expect unparalleled volume, colour and length. Not for the faint-hearted, this curling mascara delivers fake lash-style length alongside eye-catching thickness.
Tried and tested: “I have very short, sparse eyelashes, and this mascara makes me look like I have full, lush lashes. It's unbelievable how amazing this mascara is. I've used every type of mascara out there and hands down, now that I've found this mascara, I will never use anything else.” - Customer Review
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Hourglass
Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara Black
Best for a false lash effect
Get the look of lash extensions without any of the damage with this lengthening mascara. The secret is in the lash-coating fibre formula that results in a fanned-out finish that won’t budge. Using film-forming technology, this provides the triple threat of more volume, lift, and definition - for those who like to live life large.
Tried and tested: “Hourglass is definitely my favourite make of mascara. Not only is it vegan and cruelty-free but it adds extreme glam to your lashes.” - Justine, Customer Review
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Charlotte Tilbury
Pillow Talk Super Black Push Up Lashes!
Best for everyday wear
If you’re all about dramatic lift and volume, you’ll have your eyes on Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic mascara. The stellar paddle brush boasts ‘load, comb and lift’ technology, pushing up lashes and coating them with jet black pigments. As for the formula itself, it’s enriched with Keratin to condition lashes long-term, while Microcrystalline adds next-level volume without weighing your hairs down. Genius.
Tried and tested: “I’m a big fan of Charlotte’s mascaras but this is the best yet - a true game-changer. So easy to use, no clumps, just long, sweeping, curled lashes that don’t smudge. Amazing! Hard to imagine using any other mascara from now on. Totally worth the hype.” - Emma, Customer Review
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Gucci
Mascara L'Obscur 1 Black
Best for eccentric eyes
Pure creative expression is at the heart of Gucci Beauty, and that’s why we’re big fans of this mascara. Designed for those who like to assert their personality, the new Mascara L’Obscur features a rich, creamy texture in an intense black shade. Its light, comfortable formula quickly coats lashes in mascara that doesn’t smudge or transfer once dry. Struggle to catch the little lashes at the corners of the eyes? The fine head of this flexible elastomer brush will effortlessly separate, extend, and define each lash with remarkable precision.
Tried and tested: "I absolutely adore Gucci’s L’Obscur Mascara. You can truly customise your eye look with this product. It’s buildable yet clump-free! It’s long-lasting and doesn’t get flakey. The super cute packaging is an added bonus!" - ikatrinarose, Customer Review
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ONE/SIZE
Fantasize Lifting & Lengthening Mascara
Best for high impact lashes
When it comes to digital icon Patrick Starrr, he knows how to redefine beauty. Unsurprisingly, he’s delivered again with a lifting, lengthening, smudgeproof and sweatproof ONE/SIZE Fantasize Mascara. Offering up to 24 hours of flake-proof long wear, this rich black pigment immediately lengthens and curls each lash in just one coat. Nourish and visibly thicken with Castor Seed Oil, soften and strengthen with Coconut Oil, and condition with Argan Oil. Even better, it’s powered by a six-pointed fan brush that helps prevent breakage. We’ll say no more.
Tried and tested: "This is amazing. I absolutely love this mascara! My lashes look long and thick! A must-have." - Erica V, Customer Review
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RARE BEAUTY
Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara
Best for fuller-looking lashes
Created for every lash type, this all-in-one mascara features a unique eye-hugging, multi-length brush to lift, lengthen, curl, and volumize. The weightless, easy-to-build formula is water-resistant so will last all day without flaking or smudging. Made with conditioners like Caster Oil, lashes will stay soft and comfortable, never crunchy. Whether fine or sparse, full or thick, straight or curly, this mascara is truly universal and works for everyone. Luscious, long, ultra-black lashes? We're here for it.
Tried and tested: "One coat makes it look like I have lash extensions again. Doesn't flake, great for long wear. Absolute favourite ever. I struck gold with this one." - China M, Customer Review
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SEPHORA COLLECTION
Size Up Mascara
Best for extra-large volume
We can confirm, your lashes will size up with this mascara. In just one stroke, this Sephora Collection Size Up Mascara delivers instant volume and dramatic results. At Sephora, we believe more is always more - the bolder the volume, the better. Thanks to its ultra-buildable texture, watch your lashes go from L to XXL lashes in seconds. While lengthening and curling, achieve extreme volume and oversized lashes in the blink of an eye.
Tried and tested: "Best mascara. Honesty, I've bought so many mascaras priced from high to low and this one I've been really impressed with. It leaves your lashes super long and it doesn't leave any clumps. Would recommend." - Customer Review
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MAC
Lash Dry Shampoo Mascara Refresher
Best for a lash refresh
Dry shampoo for your lashes? That's right. Introducing MAC Lash Dry Shampoo Mascara Refresher. And there's a good reason this is hot on socials. This revolutionary, lightweight topcoat acts as dry shampoo for your lashes to reshape and intensify your mascara by adding instant volume and softness - with no clumps in sight. Simply brush the clump-resistant formula through lashes over dried and set mascara to enhance your lash look at any time. It's our go-to pick-me-up for a mascara refresh - day or night.
Tried and tested: "I was sceptical about a lash dry shampoo but boy was I wrong. I have stubborn, straight lashes and always have to use waterproof mascara to hold curl. My lashes always tend to fall mid-day but this dry shampoo helped peel them up and look their best again. The brush is amazing, gets right in between my lashes to help create volume and length. It layers perfectly over my waterproof mascara and the colour is dark and rich. I don't have any headaches trying to remove it. It has a special place in my routine now and I'm glad I was able to try this product. I will repurchase in the future." - Customer Review
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Sephora Collection
Love the Lift Instant Curl and Volume Mascara
Best for lifting lashes with love
Say goodbye to straight lashes with our very own Sephora Collection lifting and volumising mascara. In just a few brush strokes, this asymmetrical double-sized brush and gravity-defying, vegan formula is the ultimate combination for instantly curled lashes. Buildable and flexible, coat from the lash root to the finest tips for 12-hour lifted volume. No clumping or weighed down lashes. Instead, a timeless black mascara to enhance all makeup looks. If there's one mascara you need in your collection, your lashes will love this one.
Tried and tested: "Currently obsessed with Love the Lift!! This mascara feels so lightweight on my lashes and it keeps them curled all day! I tend to do two or three coats and it doesn't go clumpy at all which is a bonus! Seriously, this made my lashes look SO long. It's a game changer!!" - Abi, Customer Review
