Top 10 Mascaras That Actually Live Up to the Hype in 2025
The Official Ranking Of The Internet's Best Mascaras For Every Lash Type

There's something almost magical about finding the right mascara. One swipe can transform eyes from tired to stunning, turning an ordinary Tuesday into a day where you catch yourself checking your reflection just because you can. But mascara shopping has become this overwhelming maze of promises. Waterproof, volumizing, lengthening, curling, fiber-infused, tubing formulas... the options seem endless, and half the time you're left wondering if that $40 tube is really going to deliver what it claims or if you're just paying for fancy packaging.
We get it. You've probably been burned before by mascaras that flaked by noon, clumped your lashes together, or made removal feel like you were pulling out half your eyelashes. That's exactly why we used our data-back algorithm to find the best mascaras money can buy, based on best-sellers and real user reviews. These aren't just the ones with the biggest marketing budgets or the prettiest Instagram posts, these are the mascaras that actually work. From drugstore gems that outperform luxury brands to splurge-worthy formulas that justify every penny, we've found the ones that deliver on their promises and then some.
- Best Mascara Overall: Lancôme Lash Idole Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara
- Best TikTok Viral Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
- Best Curling Mascara Overall: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
- Best Brown Mascara With Extra Large Brush: Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara In Uninhibited Brown
- Best Separating Mascara: L'Oreal Telescopic Original Washable Mascara
- Best Clean Mascara: ILIA Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara
- Best Volume Mascara: Lancôme Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara
- Best Affordable Mascara: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
- Best Longwear Mascara: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-In-1 Mascara
- Best Plumping Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara
All products and deals are sourced by the Rank & Style team using data and expert insights. If you shop through our links, we may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you.
Jump To ProductsThe Rankings
Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara
Overall Score
4.95
10
Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara
4.17
79072 User Reviews
7.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Plumping Mascara
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
With its intense black pigment and lengthening, volumizing, and curling effects, it doesn't get much better than this makeup-artist favorite.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
In a consumer study of 30 women after three coats of mascara, 97% said it created a false lash effect.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-In-1 Mascara
Overall Score
4.95
09
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-In-1 Mascara
4.56
21934 User Reviews
7.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Longwear Mascara
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
This luxe formula is super multitasking. It delivers serious volume, and thanks to a blend of plant botanicals and waxes, it also conditions lashes long after makeup removal.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Put down the falsies—this top-rated mascara is clinically proven to up lash volume by 424% in just one application.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Overall Score
4.95
08
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
4.3
402959 User Reviews
7.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Affordable Mascara
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This product is formulated to last all day without causing any flaking, fading, or clumping problems. The conic shape fiber brush delivers maximum drama and sculpted length.
WHY YOU NEED IT
Did you notice that $5 price tag? Honestly, you have nothing to lose from giving this drugstore fave a try.
Cruelty Free
Lancôme Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara
Overall Score
5
07
Lancôme Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara
4.38
17401 User Reviews
7.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Volume Mascara
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This mascara hits different. The oversized brush with those wavy bristles doesn't mess around, grabbing every last lash and coating them in the blackest, most dramatic pigment we've ever seen. It's the kind of volume that makes people ask if you're wearing falsies, except it actually stays put all day without turning you into a raccoon by 3 PM.
WHY YOU NEED IT
The mascara promises up to 12x more volume, which honestly sounds like marketing hyperbole until you actually use it and see those dramatic results first hand.
ILIA Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara
Overall Score
5
06
ILIA Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara
4.45
16758 User Reviews
7.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clean Mascara
WHY WE LOVE IT
Finally, a clean mascara that doesn't compromise on performance. It builds beautiful volume and length without any of the sketchy ingredients, plus it actually removes easily at the end of the day instead of requiring industrial-strength makeup remover. Your lashes and your conscience will thank you.
PRODUCT DETAILS
This mascara is made with organic beeswax and arginine (an amino acid that actually helps strengthen your lashes), so you're literally conditioning your lashes while making them look amazing.
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Clean Beauty
L'Oreal Telescopic Original Washable Mascara
Overall Score
5
05
L'Oreal Telescopic Original Washable Mascara
4.45
91943 User Reviews
7.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Separating Mascara
WHY WE LOVE IT
If you're tired of mascaras that clump your lashes together like spider legs, this is your new best friend. The precision brush separates and defines every single lash so perfectly you can literally count them. It's the mascara equivalent of HD television for your eyes.
FUN FACT
The brush has exactly 204 bristles arranged in a specific pattern that was designed using mathematical precision to ensure perfect lash separation–yes, someone actually counted and calculated the optimal brush design.
More Colors
Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara In Uninhibited Brown
Overall Score
5
04
Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara In Uninhibited Brown
4.48
17413 User Reviews
7.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Brown Mascara With Extra Large Brush
WHAT TO KNOW
Add a little luxury to your routine via YSL's Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara. With an extra large brush to ensure even product distribution, this mascara claims to provide 200% more volume and up to 24 hours of smudge-proof wear.
MORE DETAILS
If you're in the mood for a fun makeup look, try the Electric Blue version of this mascara.
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Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
Overall Score
5
03
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
4.5
69208 User Reviews
7.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Curling Mascara Overall
Pros: Dramatic lengthening, long lasting, nourishing ingredients
Cons: Possible clumping if applying multiple coats
EDITORS TAKE
After testing countless mascaras over the years, Thrive’s Liquid Lash Extensions is the one I always come back to—and have personally used for over three years. What sets it apart isn’t just the dramatic length or the smudge-proof wear (though both are stellar); it’s that it consistently performs like a prestige mascara while doubling as lash care. The formula is infused with shea butter and castor oil, which actually help condition your lashes over time, making them feel healthier even after daily use. And unlike many tubing mascaras that can flake or fall flat, Thrive’s never lets me down—it defines, lifts, and stays put all day without a single raccoon-eye moment. For me, it’s the rare product that checks every box: long-wearing, easy to remove, clean ingredients, and genuinely lash-enhancing. Don’t just take my word for it; this tubing mascara has a 4.5 star average rating out of a whopping 65,723 reviews. That’s why it’s not just good—it’s the best.
STANDOUT REVIEWS
It’s hard to pick just one rave review out of the nearly 66,000 options, but this Amazon user sums it up beautifully: “This is hands down the best mascara on the market! Lashes look big, beautiful, and real! The product is also easy to take off without damaging your own lashes.”
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Eco Friendly
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
Overall Score
5
02
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
4.54
32860 User Reviews
7.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
WHAT TO KNOW
If the "Sky High" part didn't spell it out for you, this mascara from Maybelline excels at lengthening lashes. At $9.99, it's one of the most affordable choices on the list, and because it's been allergy- and ophthalmologist-tested, it's a great mascara for sensitive eyes.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
There's nothing more promising than a repeat buy, and according to shoppers, this product is worthy: "I have been repurchasing this mascara for the past seven years, and I just keep going back for it. I’ve never found anything better!"
More Colors
Lancôme Lash Idole Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara
Overall Score
5
01
Lancôme Lash Idole Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara
4.56
56022 User Reviews
7.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Mascara Overall
WHAT IT DOES
With an extended lasting power of up to 24 hours, this mascara has a curved wand that fans out lashes that brightens your eyes.
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This mascara has 360 micro-sized bristles that grab and lengthen every lash (even the tiniest ones), while the lightweight gel formula leaves lashes feather-soft without flaking, clumping, or smudging.
How We Found The Best Mascaras
Instead of handpicking the products that top our lists, we use a data-driven algorithm that ranks them based on things like reviews, best-seller lists, editor recommendations, and more. Instead of trusting one editor's opinion of the best mascaras, our method uses real user feedback and incorporates thousands of user reviews to truly find the top mascaras that are totally worth the purchase.
Where to Buy Top Rated Mascaras
You can snag most of these top-rated mascaras at your usual beauty haunts. Sephora and Ulta are your best bets for trying before you buy, plus their generous return policies mean you're not stuck if your choice doesn’t live up to your expectations.
For the drugstore gems like Maybelline Sky High and Essence Lash Princess, Target and CVS always have them in stock, but honestly, Amazon is clutch for getting everything delivered to your door (and often at better prices).
If you're shopping luxury picks like YSL or Lancôme, department stores like Nordstrom and Macy's frequently run promotions that include deluxe samples or gift-with-purchase deals that make splurging feel a little less painful.
Pro tip: Before you shop, check out our selection of beauty retailer coupons to make sure you get t he best price.