Editor Favorites: 4 Mascaras We’re Obsessing Over
February 13, 2024
National Lash Day may be in the rearview mirror, but as far as we’re concerned, there’s never a bad time to treat yourself to a new mascara (or two). Of course, as you’re probably well aware, there are a lot of different types of mascara out there. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, finding your new holy grail can seem like a challenge. For example: Should you pick a lengthening mascara or a volumizing formula? Waterproof or tubing? And do you stick with a classic black or experiment with a colorful option?
To help narrow down your choices, we asked our editors to get honest about their top mascara recommendations. These are the mascaras they routinely reach for to lengthen, volumize, and lift both every day and for major events. From splurge-worthy formulas to must-try drugstore mascaras, find our editors’ must-haves below.
To help narrow down your choices, we asked our editors to get honest about their top mascara recommendations. These are the mascaras they routinely reach for to lengthen, volumize, and lift both every day and for major events. From splurge-worthy formulas to must-try drugstore mascaras, find our editors’ must-haves below.
Jazmine, Senior Content Manager
Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara
I’m a mascara girlie through and through, which means that I have a different type of mascara for every aesthetic. While my “favorite” changes depending on my mood, my current top mascara recommendation is Lancôme’s Lash Idôle Mascara for its ability to give me anime-like fringe—just look at how my bottom lashes pop!
I admit that I was gifted the formula by the brand, and didn’t realize just how much I loved this lash-lifting, volumizing mascara until I received several compliments. The lightweight gel formula doesn’t weigh down my eyelashes but still gives them plenty of lift and volume. I credit this also in part to the curved, dual-sided elastomer wand and a swipe of Lancôme Cils Booster XL Enhancing Lash & Mascara Primer prior to application.
I admit that I was gifted the formula by the brand, and didn’t realize just how much I loved this lash-lifting, volumizing mascara until I received several compliments. The lightweight gel formula doesn’t weigh down my eyelashes but still gives them plenty of lift and volume. I credit this also in part to the curved, dual-sided elastomer wand and a swipe of Lancôme Cils Booster XL Enhancing Lash & Mascara Primer prior to application.
Leann, Content Manager
Maybelline Lash Discovery Mini-Brush Washable Mascara Eye Makeup
I’ve always been team #BottomLashes, and the only mascara I trust for the job is Maybelline’s Lash Discovery. There are many different types of mascara wands, and this slim spoolie brush is perfect for catching even the hardest-to-reach lash hairs without inadvertently smudging onto my under-eye area.
A little hack that I swear by is applying the washable version of this drugstore mascara onto my bottom lashes, then locking it in with a few swipes of the waterproof one. The waterproof layer keeps my lashes from smudging onto my skin over the course of the day, but everything is still easy to remove when the time comes. I’ve relied on this duo since 2013 and hope they’re around for many years to come.
A little hack that I swear by is applying the washable version of this drugstore mascara onto my bottom lashes, then locking it in with a few swipes of the waterproof one. The waterproof layer keeps my lashes from smudging onto my skin over the course of the day, but everything is still easy to remove when the time comes. I’ve relied on this duo since 2013 and hope they’re around for many years to come.
Gillian, Content Manager
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara
I have fairly large eyes (thanks, Dad!), so naturally, they're my favorite feature to play up with makeup. Since I've been using and loving L'Oréal Voluminous Original Washable Mascara for the better part of two decades—a top recommended drugstore mascara —I couldn't resist the opportunity to try the brand’s new Voluminous Panorama.
I'm so glad I did! I love the way the formula glides on, and the flexible multi-level spoolie brush allows me to coat every lash from corner to corner for long, wispy-looking lashes. I’ll admit that I was a bit concerned about the potential for smudging—something I’ve experienced with countless other mascaras—but even after a long night out with friends, there was zero transfer. While I’ll still be reaching for the original formula when I want a colorful mascara moment, this long-wearing, volumizing mascara has quickly become my new go-to.
I'm so glad I did! I love the way the formula glides on, and the flexible multi-level spoolie brush allows me to coat every lash from corner to corner for long, wispy-looking lashes. I’ll admit that I was a bit concerned about the potential for smudging—something I’ve experienced with countless other mascaras—but even after a long night out with friends, there was zero transfer. While I’ll still be reaching for the original formula when I want a colorful mascara moment, this long-wearing, volumizing mascara has quickly become my new go-to.
Margaret, Content Director
It Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara
As a beauty editor, I’ve tried my fair share of products and combed through the most recommended mascaras on the market, but I always come back to IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara. My lashes are naturally fairly long, but I need a volumizing and lengthening mascara that can make them look a little fuller, hold a curl , and help emphasize that length.
This one has the perfect formula for me: It lifts and separates my lashes so my lash line looks thicker and it’s buildable so I can get the exact amount of length and volume I want. I don’t want to get too cheesy and say it’s my hero, but I might actually be this mascara’s biggest fan! I’ve even gotten all my family, friends, and co-workers to add it to their routines.
Next Up: How to Do a Smoky Eye for Your Eye Shape
This one has the perfect formula for me: It lifts and separates my lashes so my lash line looks thicker and it’s buildable so I can get the exact amount of length and volume I want. I don’t want to get too cheesy and say it’s my hero, but I might actually be this mascara’s biggest fan! I’ve even gotten all my family, friends, and co-workers to add it to their routines.
Next Up: How to Do a Smoky Eye for Your Eye Shape
Read more
