Makeup

18 Best Mascaras

From drugstore to high-end, waterproof to washable, we found the best of the best eye makeup available

September 29, 2009 | by Sarah Carrillo | 87 COMMENTS

No. 2: The Body Shop Define & Lengthen Mascara, $14 TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.8*
Why it's great: "I found a new sure thing!" one reader exclaims. Why? "This mascara goes on smoothly, leaving no clumps and really lengthens the look of my lashes." One reader adds, it "hasn't caked (I've been using the same tube for [more than] five months) and it has never � NEVER smudged (even after a night [at] an uber hot dance party)." One reader explains, "A few swipes is all I need for work. A couple more swipes and I'm ready for a night on the town."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

SEE NEXT PAGE: No. 1: Diorshow Iconic, $27

18 of 19

products mentioned

Aveda Mascara Plus Rose

9.1

Buxom Lash Mascara

8.3

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

8.3

Clinique High Definition Lashes Brush Then Comb Mascara

8.8

Diorshow Black Out Waterproof Mascara

8.5

N.Y.C. New York Color Thickening Mascara

8.5

L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara

8.1

Estee Lauder More Than Mascara

9.0

Avon SuperFULL Mascara

8.6

Lancome Definicils Waterproof Mascara

9.1

Shiseido The Makeup Lasting Lift Mascara

9.0

Sephora Triple Action Mascara

9.1

mark Make It Big Lash Plumping Mascara

9.1

Bourjois Pump Up The Volume Waterproof

9.7

It Cosmetics Eyes of Seduction Waterproof Mascara

9.8

Flirt! Far Out Mascara

9.0

The Body Shop Define & Lengthen Mascara

9.0

Dior Diorshow Iconic

8.8

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I absolutely agree with some of the choices, but I was surprised that nothing from Maybelline or Cover Girl made it to the list.

by GigiSD Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 06:56PM Report as inappropriate

I am a mascara fanatic..thanks for sharing before I go out and buy 4 tubes to find out I hate all of them!

by farrah11 Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 09:44PM Report as inappropriate

Wow! I was sad that maybelline didn't make it on here, But i have to agree 100%

by HxCookie Monday, February 11, 2013 at 01:39PM Report as inappropriate

Ever ever?

by LittleBunny Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 10:41AM Report as inappropriate

very much surprised not to find L'oreal voluminous here :(

by venenumletalis Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 06:10PM Report as inappropriate

You're missing Benefit Bad Gal Lash which rocks!

by hopela Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 11:12PM Report as inappropriate

Interesting that none of the maybelline mascaras made it onto this list...

by kimihavens Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 12:58PM Report as inappropriate

interesting to read lol a lot of terrible packaging on these!

by rayshaviolet Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 11:40AM Report as inappropriate

A good article to read before heading to the store.

by inthemiddles Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 08:10PM Report as inappropriate

Nice info

by EricaF123 Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 08:49AM Report as inappropriate

love the reviews

by charlotte_jacobs Monday, December 10, 2012 at 07:29PM Report as inappropriate

Dior and Benefit make the best mascaras. Just remember when Dior says waterproof they mean it. Err on the side of caution.

by BlackFleur145 Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at 07:59PM Report as inappropriate

Diorshow made my eyelashes fall out

by Only1KimmieD Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 08:12AM Report as inappropriate

Great list, i could relate to most of these products.

by nicky22 Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 07:24AM Report as inappropriate

great

by Nicole2814 Monday, October 15, 2012 at 02:17PM Report as inappropriate

It's going to be a mascara shopping day. ^-^

by Kait Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 03:34PM Report as inappropriate

I'm so happy I found this article. I've been looking for a good mascara since the stone ages and this one sounds perfect. Going out and getting it today! Thanks for the reviews.

by Kait Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 03:28PM Report as inappropriate

Oh so many Mascaras to choose from! I love making my eyes look beautiful and I like to do my flutterby look. That is the look of full but yet soft lashes that make my eyes look prettier.

by Lovepoanna Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 02:23PM Report as inappropriate

definitely going to try the nyc mascara!

by schien Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 11:05AM Report as inappropriate

i think shu uemura mascara should be on this list, i swear by them! it works similar to lancome definicils waterproof. the only hassle would be you'll have to buy it online. i have tried bunch of mascara and so far it is my most favorite. everyone should try it out!

by mosh Monday, September 17, 2012 at 08:30PM Report as inappropriate

I own so many mascaras. I love to try the different brush types, but I always go back to this one. It;s a no brainer, It always perfectly. In just a few swipes. I am 45 and have used them all. This one is awsome.

by rose_anne_clementelombardo Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 04:58PM Report as inappropriate

What I don't understand is that Jordana mascara isn't in here ? It's only 3 dollars at Walgreens and it works better than all of the mascaras you showed.

by xx_monteenie_xx Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 07:45AM Report as inappropriate

I like the Buxom Lash and Tarte mascaras.

by LipglossandSpandex Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 02:37PM Report as inappropriate

I love mascara but i rather buy drugstore mascara

by milenaa87 Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 06:50AM Report as inappropriate

Not a bad range of high end and low end. I Love tarte's LCL. I find Almay's Get up and Grow to be on par with it and think it should be on this list as the consistency and look is the same from the opening of the tube to the end of the tube.

by Taylerbootz Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 01:07PM Report as inappropriate

Here's my take on some of these items: Bare Escentuals Buxom is clumpy. Tarte makes very little improvement, for a no lash/no mascara look. NYC & Loreal are cheaply made with no results. Lancome is disappointing, and Sephora mascaras just don't deliver. Diorshow Iconic is better than regular Diorshow, but the formula was changed about 2 years ago. :(

by robyne00 Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 04:39AM Report as inappropriate

I have been looking for a new mascara, and now I am super excited to try out new ones! Thanks for the suggestions!

by mbree14 Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 02:44PM Report as inappropriate

going to try the flirt one

by NYdesichick Friday, April 13, 2012 at 05:09PM Report as inappropriate

Mascara is my favorite product!

by eatinglipstick Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 11:23AM Report as inappropriate

I was going to buy a new tube of L'oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes which is my current favorite but I may try one of these instead.

by skinpro Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 03:59AM Report as inappropriate

Some of these I haven't tried yet but I definitely will now

by katperez427 Friday, March 30, 2012 at 10:30AM Report as inappropriate

Can't believe the New York Color is rated so high! Makes me wanna try it!

by MissXu Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 08:21AM Report as inappropriate

I'm in the market for a new/better mascara and this list gave me some ideas!

by tallredamanda Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 06:47AM Report as inappropriate

Love mascara! Especially now that the tips of my eye lashes have started turning blonde for some reason. My favorite kinds are dark black with big, fluffy brushes!

by pynkNymphette Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 12:33AM Report as inappropriate

I tried many mascaras, but right now I am in love with Lash Blast from Cover Girl. It is the best.

by norelda_kajakanani Monday, March 26, 2012 at 09:33PM Report as inappropriate

I love my Dior Iconic. I was seeing if there's anything I'd like even better, but apparently I've got the best!

by laura_schulz Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 03:29PM Report as inappropriate

Fun reading. There are some I have not even heard of. Most I have not tried. I am in the market to test out some mascaras, do not know where to begin!!!! Some I have thought to be really good were not in the list.

by ShanthiDevi Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 01:02AM Report as inappropriate

Wow, great article. I'm such a mascara junkie, but I've never tried any of these.

by Brandi27 Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 11:12AM Report as inappropriate

Mascara is my favorite make up product and I've tried at least ten of them. It is nice to see that Aveda and Tarte made the list.

by Sari Friday, March 9, 2012 at 09:44PM Report as inappropriate

I am a mascara junkie and this story reminded me about the Estee Lauder mascara I'd forgotten about and now I want to try the Flirt! Thanks!

by powerwoman033 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 10:08PM Report as inappropriate

I've been wanting to buy a mascara for quite some time. Chanced upon this and whoa-la! Saved the day.:)

by heartMashimaro Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 04:38AM Report as inappropriate

i very surprised with the NYC one

by NYdesichick Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 04:05PM Report as inappropriate

Good selections, but I would've like more drugstore versions, I ain't made of money!

by slvandas Monday, February 13, 2012 at 04:30PM Report as inappropriate

i am currently searching for a new mascara. i'm going to try the drugstore and avon mascaras on this list

by rebecca_moran_watson Monday, February 13, 2012 at 02:38AM Report as inappropriate

Interesting! i would try the body shop mascara

by 4getu123 Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 12:06AM Report as inappropriate

great thank you for the advice

by Nicole2814 Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 10:39AM Report as inappropriate

Have been hearing great things about Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes!

by sweettpea29 Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 08:40PM Report as inappropriate

I have tried many of these mascara's and they don't work for me. I have long eye lashes and sensitive eyes. It's hard to find one I like.

by melissa_thiemann Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 03:37PM Report as inappropriate

This is an awesome article. I've never tried any of these and now I have 18 new ones to try. Its a good thing I rarely use the same mascara twice.

by msbrown822 Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 07:30PM Report as inappropriate

ty for the good advice wanted to try covergirl eyeshadows guess not

by Nicole2814 Friday, November 18, 2011 at 08:31PM Report as inappropriate

Love getting the bottom line on the best, regardless of other attributes (drugstore vs. luxe, etc.)

by Jewelrydesigner Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 01:00PM Report as inappropriate

Great mascaras, but my fave didn't make the list :( I love Givenchy Penomen eyes!

by DTalksAll Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 04:24PM Report as inappropriate

loved this article! so going to use it next time i need more mascara! thank you sooo much total beauty!

by fish1213 Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 07:44AM Report as inappropriate

I love the tarte and buxom mascara

by porsha_coleman_mcdaniels Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 12:06PM Report as inappropriate

Not surprised that Iconic is #1. I use that and it is the absolute BEST!

by volta Friday, September 9, 2011 at 11:27PM Report as inappropriate

I've only tried about a quarter of the products mentioned here and DiorShow is the best one by far.

by olga_cirlugea Friday, September 9, 2011 at 04:20PM Report as inappropriate

I am dying to try the buxom mascara. I have heard so much about it. That will definitively be my next buy.

by stephgal Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 10:43PM Report as inappropriate

Love the dior mascara

by LittleBunny Monday, August 22, 2011 at 08:57AM Report as inappropriate

I heart Dior mascara! It makes my eyes look AMAZING.. it definitely deserves the top spot!

by lindsey_m Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 11:05PM Report as inappropriate

love these tips.

by eatinglipstick Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 11:52AM Report as inappropriate

I have long lashes, but I lack fullness. I bougth the Tarte Lights Camera Lashes mascara, it promises lash volume by 424% which is what got me interested in it in the first place. When i used it, it gave me longer lashes, but didnt give me the volume it promised. I was dissapointed in the product. What i did like about it was that they made my bottom lashes look really good, but thats about it. Now i swithced back to my Covergirl Lashblast mascara and use the Tarte one for my bottom lashes only.

by gaej19 Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 01:22PM Report as inappropriate

Wow, I feel like this article was made for me, ahhaa! Very helpful--thank you!!

by awan0912 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 09:32AM Report as inappropriate

Maybelline Full n' Soft not on here? What about Estee Lauder Sumptuous? Last Blast? (don't like it but it's the most raved mascara ever so I'm pretty sure it's pretty darn good). Sorry, this was a fail. :/

by jennifer_do Monday, May 30, 2011 at 11:17PM Report as inappropriate

I've used revlon, covergirl, loreal and Maybelline. Have to try dior and lancome.

by ebbsandtides Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 07:17AM Report as inappropriate

I think Covergirl LashBlast Volume should be on this list, it's the best I've ever had even compared to department store brands. Lengthens and doesn't clump, it always looks great.

by shimmeringfae Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 03:51PM Report as inappropriate

I have Dior, Buxom, Lancome. They are all great. Boots no. 7 mascaras are great too.

by shell1375 Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 12:03PM Report as inappropriate

Avon SuperFULL is great, as is mark Make it Big! But they aren't as good as L'Oreal Voluminous--I'm surprised that it didn't make the list!

by LipglossandSpandex Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 09:36PM Report as inappropriate

*adds these to the list of products to try*

by mkgx7 Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 05:40PM Report as inappropriate

i am getting a mascara from sephora and was leaning towards dior so thats solved..yea! happy

by melissa_stephens Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 11:02AM Report as inappropriate

i love shiseido!!!

by brendag20127 Monday, March 21, 2011 at 07:43PM Report as inappropriate

Gotta agree with the DiorShow Iconic. Definitely the best mascara ever!!!

by Jewelrydesigner Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 11:50AM Report as inappropriate

I want to go to sephora to get some mascara

by drenn1966 Monday, March 7, 2011 at 07:16PM Report as inappropriate

Lancome Definicils! no matter what I try, I keep going back to this. nothing beats it.

by carly_cowher Monday, March 7, 2011 at 06:49PM Report as inappropriate

I loooove mascara and I am grateful to have read this article. I always love to try new brands and this article definitely gave me a few ideas!! I am currently alternating between Rimmel Lash Flirt and Maybelline One by One Volum Express. I have naturally long, curly lashes but these two when used separately or together make me look like I have false lashes on.

by lisa2683 Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 01:08AM Report as inappropriate

I love most mascaras, but, the one I am loving most right now is Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes Waterproof. This does everything, length, volume and is seriously waterproof. Stays on through serious crying (death in family) and after tons of tears, at least my lashes still looked good.

by Agrimony Friday, February 25, 2011 at 06:56PM Report as inappropriate

Dior Show rules

by LittleBunny Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 11:41AM Report as inappropriate

I sell mark, and I am ecstatic to see we made it in the Top 10! I love Make It Big, along with Scanda-lash, and Avon's SuperSHOCK is amazing!

by kayla_d_moore Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 01:03PM Report as inappropriate

I'm surprised the Lashblast wasn't on here! I use CoverGirl professional and I absolutely love it!

by RawwrrrRose Friday, January 28, 2011 at 03:12PM Report as inappropriate

My fave is Clinique High Impact.

by CliniqueLover Friday, January 28, 2011 at 12:28PM Report as inappropriate

I;m such a mascara junkie thank you for the article!

by kupham Friday, January 28, 2011 at 10:05AM Report as inappropriate

I use the Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in Black. Love it! dries fast and stays put! hardly any clumping

by toxicangel88 Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 12:26PM Report as inappropriate

I love dior show! Has always been in my top 3. Have not tried the iconic or waterproof versions yet.

by DTalksAll Monday, January 10, 2011 at 06:31PM Report as inappropriate

there were very few cheap mascaras on this list :'(

by kenya Sunday, December 26, 2010 at 10:51PM Report as inappropriate

Diorshow Iconic is really the best mascara it goes on smooth and lasts all day long with the same intensity! love it!!

by prableeen13 Monday, April 5, 2010 at 12:04PM Report as inappropriate

Think it is just great! Thank you....

by msylvester227 Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 11:02PM Report as inappropriate

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