Best Mascaras of the Year: What Mascara Is the Best?

Best Mascaras of the Year: What Mascara Is the Best?

Alright, babes! Let’s talk about one of the most essential beauty products in existence: mascara. If you could only use one makeup product for the rest of your life, wouldn’t it be mascara? It’s literally the superhero of the makeup world. It lengthens, volumizes, curls, and basically makes you look like you’ve had 10 hours of sleep when you’ve barely gotten four. Do we deserve such power? Probably not. But are we gonna use (and maybe abuse) it? 100%.

So today, I’m breaking down the best mascaras of the year, with my absolute favorites, everything from drugstore steals to high-end splurges. Some of these are my tried and trues and others are new loves… either way, I’m OBSESSED. Let’s get into it!

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

Okay, let’s start with the one that literally broke TikTok this year. Every influencer, their best friend, and their aunt was talking about it—Maybelline’s Sky High Mascara. And honestly, for good reason.

This mascara lives up to the hype. The wand is super flexible, meaning it gets allll the little lashes you never even knew existed. It builds insane length without giving you that weird spider-lash look (you know what I’m talking about 😭).

Every lash, from your inner corner to the *outer* corner, gets the VIP treatment with Sky High Mascara!

Pros:
– Affordable
– Lengthens like nobody’s business
– Lightweight formula

Cons:
– Can take a couple of coats to build up volume
– Sometimes smudges on oily skin types

Price: $12 (such a steal 💸)

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Alright, we can’t talk about mascara without mentioning Too Faced Better Than Sex. End of story. This icon has been a cult fave for years, and it’s definitely one of my OG ride-or-dies. Why is it great? Oh honey, sit down.

The hourglass-shaped wand is pure MAGIC. Like, I didn’t even know I needed this shape in my life until this mascara came along. It grabs and coats every lash, giving you dramatic volume and curl. It’s bold, it’s glamorous—it’s kinda what you want when you’re pulling out the big stops for a night out. NBD.

If you want drama (the good kind, ofc), you NEED Better Than Sex in your makeup bag, like, yesterday!

Pros:
– Huge volume boost
– Lashes stay curled all day
– Not too clumpy (if you use one coat)

Cons:
– On the pricier side
– Tends to dry out quicker than some mascaras

Price: $28

L’Oreal Lash Paradise

If Better Than Sex had a cheaper younger sister, it would definitely be L’Oreal Lash Paradise. Not only does it give you insane volume, but it mimics that same hourglass wand I was just gushing about (guess I have a type 🤷‍♀️).

And even though it’s drugstore, don’t expect drugstore results. It’s lush and soft, adds just the right amount of volume, and makes your lashes feel like clouds. A total dream.

Affordable *and* amazing? Lash Paradise is seriously living up to its name!

Pros:
– Great dupe for Too Faced Better Than Sex
– Affordable
– Long-lasting without flaking

Cons:
– The tube can get a bit dry with time
– A tad clumpy with too many coats

Price: $11

Glossier Lash Slick

Next up is one I reach for when I’m going for that “no makeup” makeup vibe. If you know, you know. Glossier totally nailed Lash Slick as a lightweight, barely-there mascara for days you just want to feel natural but still pulled together.

This is your “I woke up like this” vibe in a tube. Length without the volume, very minimal clumping, and perfect for that barely-there lash look. If you’re not into the whole falsies look and just want your actual lashes to look long and separated, Lash Slick is your girl!

If you’re into the minimalist, fresh-faced look, Lash Slick gives you those “my lashes but better” vibes. So chic.

Pros:
– Super natural, tinted lash look
– Water-resistant but not a pain to remove
– Great for everyday use

Cons:
– Doesn’t give much volume if that’s what you’re after

Price: $18

Benefit They’re Real! Mascara 

Oh, honey, THEY’RE REAL. This mascara is called that for a reason! If you legit want your lashes to look like they’re naturally sky-high and curled, Benefit’s mascara absolutely delivers.

The brush is more on the spiky side (kind of intense, but stay with me), making it perfect for really separating and defining your lashes. This one is a salute to all the minimal clump life people out there. Plus, it holds curls like crazy.

Pros:
– Major definition and length
– A curved brush that lifts lashes like a pro

Cons:
– Not so beginner-friendly (def not the easiest; the brush is intense)
– Tends to dry fast, so work QUICK

Price: $27

Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara

Can we take a moment for Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty line? Because, WOW. Rare Beauty’s Perfect Strokes Volumizing Mascara is the fresh, chic big sister that shows up and just turns heads (like, always). The wand is bigger than most but still gives such a flawless application.

Volume? Check. Definition? Check. Curl? Double check. Plus, it’s just easy and not too fussy. You can add a couple of coats and be on your way. So dependable and so very, very Rare Beauty.

If you haven’t tried anything from Rare Beauty yet, start with the mascara. It’s the vibe shift you didn’t know you needed. 

Pros:
– Major volume
– Long-wearing (so clutch for all-day wear)

Cons:
– Slightly harder to remove if you use more than two coats
– Can feel a little heavy after long wear

Price: $20

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Oh, y’all thought we were done with the drugstore gems? Nope! 🤑 Essence Lash Princess is the ultimate budget-friendly mascara that seriously works like a high-end product. Like, for real—this baby can compete with the big guns.

I first tried it because the packaging is cute AF (I’m a sucker for a cute design, what can I say), but it also blew my mind because of how good it worked for that price point. It’s perfect for creating big, bold lashes without that clumpy, crunchy mess. This one is a must-try for anyone with a pennywise princess vibe.

Pros:
– INSANE volume for a crazy good price
– Long-lasting

Cons:
– Not waterproof (so don’t wear it if you’re expecting a tear-jerker movie!)

Price: $5 (yes, you read that right)

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara

Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Lashes is an oldie but a goodie. I’ve been using this for years when I want drama but in a manageable way. It’s like the best of both worlds: a little bit of volume, a little bit of curl, and a LOT of length.

The wand is a standard brush, nothing too wild or gimmicky. But don’t underestimate it! Your lashes will be long and fluttery after just a couple strokes. Plus, the sparkly purple tube is a whole VIBE.

Pros:
– Length and curl combo
– Not clumpy

Cons:
– Not as volumizing as something like Better Than Sex

Price: $24

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best mascara can feel like picking your favorite child, but honestly, it’s all about that balance—what do you want in a mascara? If you’re looking for extreme length and everyday wear, grab Maybelline Sky High. If you’re in a “let’s go bold or go home” mood, Too Faced Better Than Sex will turn your lashes up a notch (or 10). And if you’re ballin’ on a budget, Essence Lash Princess is still there for you, looking like a high-end goddess. 🙌

No matter your lash goals (is that a thing?), these mascaras will hook you up with fluttery, voluminous lashes every. single. day. Thank me later, boo 😘