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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

Image credits: amazon

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.

  1. Best Mascara Overall: Lancôme Lash Idole Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara
  2. Best TikTok Viral Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
  3. Best Curling Mascara Overall: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
  4. Best Brown Mascara With Extra Large Brush: Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara In Uninhibited Brown
  5. Best Separating Mascara: L'Oreal Telescopic Original Washable Mascara
  6. Best Clean Mascara: ILIA Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara
  7. Best Volume Mascara: Lancôme Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara
  8. Best Affordable Mascara: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
  9. Best Longwear Mascara: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-In-1 Mascara
  10. 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.

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July 17, 2025

Written By:Beth Zerdecki

Product Expert:Beth Zerdecki

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The Rankings


10
Image credits: ulta
Rank & Style Approved

ulta

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.

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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

More Colors

Cruelty Free

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

More Colors

Cruelty Free

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

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.

More Colors

More Colors

Clean Beauty

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

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. 

More Colors

More Colors


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.”

More Colors

More Colors

Eco Friendly

Eco Friendly

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

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

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.

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