Hairstyles

12 Worst Mascaras

Did Maybelline, CoverGirl or Revlon eye makeup top this recycle bin-worthy list of mascaras? Find out!

November 29, 2010 | by Kristen Oldham Giordani, Sarah Carrillo | 81 COMMENTS

No. 6: Nars Mascara, $23 TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 3.9*
What you said: "It doesn't apply smoothly, it clumps terribly and it doesn't wear very well. I had flakes a short time after applying it. I love the goth look, just not on me." -- lesa5363, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

SEE NEXT PAGE: No. 5: Revlon 3D Extreme Waterproof Mascara, $9.99

8 of 13

products mentioned

Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara

4.4

Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length...

5.8

Avon DARING DEFINITION Mousse Mascara

4.0

Smashbox Bionic Mascara

3.6

E.L.F. Earth and Water Mascara Duo

4.5

Wet n Wild MegaPlump Mascara

4.0

Nars Mascara

4.2

Revlon 3D Extreme Waterproof Mascara

3.3

Vincent Longo The Curl Mascara

3.6

Avon ASTONISHING LENGTHS Mascara

3.8

Revlon Fabulash Mascara

6.3

Revlon Doubletwist Volumizing Mascara

2.0

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I was going to try the Maybelline Lash Stiletto...Nevermind. Thank you !

by Laurahdz Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 03:11PM Report as inappropriate

I've tried the Maybelline Lash Stiletto and I completely agree...my lashes were so clumped it looked like I has three gigantic lashes.

by BlondeCupcake Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 08:55PM Report as inappropriate

I'm glad to say that I do not own any of these. Nothing gets me more irritated then when I spend my hard earned money on products that don't work!

by PrincessKim81 Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 11:40AM Report as inappropriate

Add to this disappointing mix Stila's "Stay All Day Waterproof Volumizing Mascara." There is little volume and a great deal of flaking.

by GigiSD Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 04:44PM Report as inappropriate

good article. haven't tried all of these but now I won't.

by butterfly11 Friday, March 15, 2013 at 04:01PM Report as inappropriate

what a waste of money some of these are! I have recently been wearing Smashbox Full Exposure and I love it however I usually stick to my tried and true Maybelline with the pink bottle and green lid.

by krista_dailey Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 11:31AM Report as inappropriate

I agree with the Revlon 3d which is now discontinued. It clumped and was impossible to take off (even the washable version!)

by emjay Friday, February 8, 2013 at 08:13AM Report as inappropriate

I liked the stiletto mascara.

by yestfl Friday, February 1, 2013 at 10:14AM Report as inappropriate

Mascara has to be replaced every two or three months right? I think the worse mascara I tried was smashbox one, I forgot the name but it just clumped my lashes.

by Misselizabeth Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 12:12AM Report as inappropriate

I've never happened to try any of these...I must say, most of Revlon's mascara brushes are really weird.

by Chantilly Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 01:23AM Report as inappropriate

I'm happy to say I haven't tried any of these. Thanks for posting!

by hopela Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 11:16PM Report as inappropriate

Mavala from Swiss WORST mascara quality

by kongkong Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 09:21AM Report as inappropriate

terrible brushes on these!

by rayshaviolet Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 11:51AM Report as inappropriate

Nice info

by EricaF123 Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 08:55AM Report as inappropriate

this is sooo true

by aishak55 Monday, December 10, 2012 at 07:15PM Report as inappropriate

i did have a BAD experience with smashbox, my issue was it smudge all over around my eyes

by mosh Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 09:22PM Report as inappropriate

I tried drugstore brands, Lancome, Estee Lauder, Laura mercier, Smashbox, Stila, Urban Decay and still couldn't find the one. I am a contact lense wearer, whatever I try, it irritates my etes.

by lilas Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 07:48PM Report as inappropriate

The lash stilleto flaked off in the middle of my night, looked like I got punched in the eye by a big bouncer

by Only1KimmieD Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 08:14AM Report as inappropriate

I haven't tried any of these luckily.

by Chris213 Friday, September 28, 2012 at 09:20PM Report as inappropriate

I like a mascara that comes with a small brush the mascara goes on easier and you can get every lash

by debbie_strickland Thursday, August 23, 2012 at 08:04PM Report as inappropriate

Lash stiletto was horrible. Thanks for this article, really helpful

by michellefuentes Sunday, August 19, 2012 at 09:38PM Report as inappropriate

I wanted to try the lash stiletto but after this i wont

by milenaa87 Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 06:52AM Report as inappropriate

The Stiletto mascara is a joke and a waste of money. False advertising. I haven't tried all of these products, but at least now I know what not to try.

by Cheryl5752 Friday, May 18, 2012 at 11:49PM Report as inappropriate

I DON'T USE MASCARA BUT MY GIRLS DO. I HAVE BOUGHT THEM THE ASTONISHING LENGTHS BUT I WON'T AGAIN.

by T_Black_Jacks Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 01:47PM Report as inappropriate

I've used a few of these and completely agree with these opinions.

by WhiteXRoses88 Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 05:29PM Report as inappropriate

The only mascara i have tried is the stilleto one. and I completely agree its awful its smells super weird and its like i dont want to walk around smelling that all day. It really didnt do anythink for my lashes either my favorite by far is falsies.

by nikki_glorioso Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 10:46PM Report as inappropriate

Lancôme is the mascara Queen. I don't think they have a bad one. I've tried to save money and use drug store brands, but there is no contest - I'm always right. Back to Lancôme. There products are worth EVERY penny!

by Cheryl5752 Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 08:07PM Report as inappropriate

I haven't tried any of these!Thank God! I have had my share of bad mascaras, there is so many out there.

by lisiana_de_bem_justino Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 08:06PM Report as inappropriate

The only one of these I've ever tried was the Revlon 3D. From what I can remember it didn't do much for my lashes and flaked like crazy! I'm pretty happy with the current mascara I use but I'll make sure to avoid all of these if my fav ever gets discontinued and I have to search from something new!

by Signalflare66 Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 05:40PM Report as inappropriate

YAY! I haven't tried any of these. I don't normally buy drugstore products & I always do my research before purchasing a mascara. My faves: Buxom, Dior, UD, Too Faced & Givenchy. I haven't bought mascara in a while. I'm trying to use up samples I have gotten to see if there is a better product out there.

by DTalksAll Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 02:58PM Report as inappropriate

The only one I've tried from these is the Lash Stiletto and I agree- it is garbage. I got it free when purchasing another mascara. Now I understand why they were giving it away free!! ;) A mascara that didn't make the list that I absolutely HATE is Maybelline's Define-A-Lash mascara. The brush is HORRIBLE. It bends too easy, is coarse and painful to use, and barely picks up any mascara. The mascara ends up flaky and looks bad. My favorite mascara at the moment is actually Victoria's Secret Triple Drama Mascara. I am in LOVE with it. It makes my lashes look so much longer and it does NOT clump at all. I've never been so happy with a mascara before. :)

by sarah_flandro Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 05:02AM Report as inappropriate

ha..glad i havent bought any of these yet, and dont plan to!

by olkrav319 Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 12:57AM Report as inappropriate

I agree with the ones here that I have tried. It can be difficult to find a good one and cost isnt always a predictor, could be $5 or $25. I like WOW by Lise Watier cost $20, it lasts longer than any others I have tried as well. I tend to throw out after only 6-8 weeks regardless but thisa 1 works well longer, a Canadian Co. Once again a Smashbox product found to be less than great. I wonder how they can sell their products at their prices it seems like any I have tried are no good and they are always mid price at least

by mum21 Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 05:07PM Report as inappropriate

I sooo agree with these picks and the Revlon Double twist is definitely the worst mascara ever!! Horrible!

by Nicole1021 Friday, March 23, 2012 at 06:47PM Report as inappropriate

I was amazed by how many "higher end" brands made this list. I always thought the higher price meant better product. A big thanks to all you ladies who pioneered those treacherous waters to spare the rest of us!!

by fallintrust Friday, March 16, 2012 at 10:46PM Report as inappropriate

I hate every mousse mascara that they come out with..

by eatinglipstick Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 01:16PM Report as inappropriate

I think the worst one ive come across is marcelle which i think is around 13=15$. I am picky and price doesnt tell the story. As it is the most replaced item in my makeup I dont like to spend too much whereas I dont mind paying more for most products if they are good. If you can actually use up a product it is amazing. I just threw out 3 mascaraqs including 2 from your list thanks!! it is great to have these articles as the makeup game is a gamble. Usually higher end products are guaranteed at least can return if not good, usually dont have to. Canadian brand Lise Watier top marks!

by mum21 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 10:03PM Report as inappropriate

I love mascara but hate it when you come across one that stinks! So thank you so much for posting this =)

by sydney_love Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 09:13PM Report as inappropriate

I am a mascara snob, so I thank you for telling me which brands to stay away from.

by powerwoman033 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 11:18AM Report as inappropriate

i'm surprised with the lash stilleto even though it did give me racoon eyes

by NYdesichick Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 04:11PM Report as inappropriate

Thank you for this article. I almost purchase the revlon mascaras that were featured on the list.

by Sari Friday, March 2, 2012 at 11:23PM Report as inappropriate

I'm actually surprised that Lash Stiletto made it on this list because it is usually my go-to mascara it leaved my lashes really long and full (my lashes have a tendency to clump) and my mums really long (she has really short really thin lashes) and it doesn't smell at all

by tripunia345 Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 08:12AM Report as inappropriate

I'm surprised Lash Stiletto is even on here it has worked perfectly for me (and I have really thick long lashes that tend to clump) and my mom (whom barely has any lashes)

by tripunia345 Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 08:04AM Report as inappropriate

Revlon Fabulash really is terrible.

by eatinglipstick Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 09:43AM Report as inappropriate

Lash Stiletto works fine for me! I'm surprised that it's on this list!!

by Celestine17 Friday, February 10, 2012 at 04:41PM Report as inappropriate

Never really had a problem with lash stiletto

by hayleyxonewjersey Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 01:05PM Report as inappropriate

I have debated on trying a few of these and I am SOOO GLAD that I read this before I did. My two favorites I have been using now are the Rimmel Day to Night mascara and my good old standby; Great Lash mascara in the pink and green tube! My mom has always used it since I can remember and I have too. Ive got my daughter wearing it now.

by jslate304 Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 11:19PM Report as inappropriate

how about clinique's lash doubling mascara....:(...blogged about it on janellelora . blogspot . co m

by janellelora Friday, January 6, 2012 at 02:19PM Report as inappropriate

i am so picky with mascaras!im like never satisfied . ill certainly avoid these!

by kitten94 Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 08:13PM Report as inappropriate

thanks. it would suck to spend 20+$ on a bad mascara. it's definitely true that expensive things aren't necessarily better.

by venenumletalis Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 07:31PM Report as inappropriate

Hmmmm. I've used the Lash Stilletto, and I think it was okay. It was one of the few that a made a repeat purchase of , and that's a big deal for me because its rare I'll buy the same mascara twice. I've never tried any of the others and now I know that I won't. lol

by msbrown822 Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 07:36PM Report as inappropriate

Good to know. I've never tried any of these products and will definitely steer clear of them in the future!

by bitemeinks Monday, November 21, 2011 at 11:24AM Report as inappropriate

never tried any of these products but i wont buy them if they are the worst

by Nicole2814 Friday, November 18, 2011 at 08:33PM Report as inappropriate

I've tried the elf one and it's really not good at all. I probably wouldn't try any of the other ones. Seems like Avon and Revlon make some pretty bad mascaras.

by MissXu Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 07:16PM Report as inappropriate

I disagree! I really like the Last Stiletto! I'm very surprised! I usually use another mascara first and then the last stiletto and I've even gotten several compliments when wearing it!

by mariahtudeen Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 08:08PM Report as inappropriate

I like Covergirls

by LittleBunny Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 10:45AM Report as inappropriate

im using cover girl coloso and is wonderful

by adalisha Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 10:59PM Report as inappropriate

I wear Loreal volumius in the gold tube I am in my 50's and have been wearing makeup for many years and when they say it doesnt clump and make your lashes long they mean it. This is the best one is ever used.

by Rett Monday, June 13, 2011 at 06:19AM Report as inappropriate

eek, I was surprised to see high-end items on the list!

by awan0912 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 09:41AM Report as inappropriate

yikes, gotta stay away from these!

by yckitsmary Friday, April 8, 2011 at 07:12PM Report as inappropriate

ugh for those prices you think they would be good!

by Bon_Bon Monday, February 21, 2011 at 03:38PM Report as inappropriate

some of these cost way toooo much

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

Some of these mascaras are so expensive! and to know that they are in the top 12 list is so disappointing...

by makeupbyjanalyn Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 02:25AM Report as inappropriate

Wanna hear something funny? I ALMOST bought the Revlon Double Twist. I'm SOOOO happy I didn't. Total Beauty saved my life and my wallet once again.

by msbrown822 Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 10:41AM Report as inappropriate

I have to agree on this one...Avon's Daring Definition Mascara just isn't one of the better ones I've tried from Avon. Now Avon's Super Shock mascara is much better. I love this one! It makes my skimpy lashes look long & full with only 2 coats! But if all else fails, I can always rely on "old faithful"...which is Maybelline's Great Lash! I used this mascara when I was younger & still like it to this day!

by onyxx65 Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 06:12AM Report as inappropriate

Smashbox Bionic is horrible, but they also forgot Clinique's Lash Power. That stuff is really bad. I'd recommend Dior Exstase. It's way better!

by starla1971 Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 06:52PM Report as inappropriate

thanks. I will not waste my money on these!

by littlebeauty408 Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 06:18PM Report as inappropriate

I'm not surprised Double Twist is number 1. That mascara is awful!

by GeekyChic Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 11:20AM Report as inappropriate

I disagree. i love the elf mascara and for the price you cant beat it!

by drugstore_lady Monday, November 29, 2010 at 10:34AM Report as inappropriate

I love mascara! But Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous (in the red tube but looks just like this) probably has to be my favorite. It adds amazing length to my eyelashes. There is very little clumping. Each lash is clump-free, thick, and long. I love it.

by soccerluver1515 Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 07:01PM Report as inappropriate

I love the new exact eyelights too! I mix it up between that and the new stiletto mascara (never clumps individually coats my lashes) I love it!

by cocopebbles Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 10:04AM Report as inappropriate

I love Cover Girls New ExactEyelights. I'm blonde haired and blue eyed and use the Black Sapphire. I use a coat of the regular eyelights and 2 coats of the waterproof eyelights. This does not clump, nor does it run or smear---even after a 20 hour duty day. I'm a flight attendant and it stays on and doesn't smudge even after I take a nap on long international flights! It also curls your lashes nicely, without using an eyelash curler. by tjflying

by tjflying Friday, April 17, 2009 at 12:03AM Report as inappropriate

I love the lash stiletto mascara! When I wear it, I always get compliments on how long my lashes look. Plus, clumping is minimal.

by Soneka Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 08:23PM Report as inappropriate

I had the same experience with the Avon Astonishing lengths!! Loved it for a few days and then noticed that my lashes were breaking.

by debi52 Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 06:45AM Report as inappropriate

Lash Stylist by Maybelline is the best .The comb allows you to get a the base and each lash is thick but sepaerated and they look awesome. BEST!!! replace monthly to avoid dryness or clumpiness!

by Nursechristyk Monday, March 16, 2009 at 09:40AM Report as inappropriate

I have personally had great luck with loreal mascara. Long lasting, little to no flaking/smudging and it holds up well in the tube. Been using it for years.

by EffieMae_RN Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 10:16PM Report as inappropriate

You Must try Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara!!! Dries quik, Full coverage with no clumping and when you touch your lashes they are soft not hard or Brittle

by Lipsticklovr Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 04:57PM Report as inappropriate

well i have bought loads of mascaras and all of them are great! but i strongly recomend max-factor's mascaras...... they give you a clump free look and well definged lashes. sexy and chic

by make_up_master Friday, March 13, 2009 at 09:33PM Report as inappropriate

YIKES, I BOUGHT IT AND HAVEN'T OPENED IT YET, SO I GUESS I'LL RETURN IT TO CVS...THANKS

by Hearts Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 08:57AM Report as inappropriate

i'm not much of a makeup girl myself but when i do wear Mascara is a defo! thanks for this great post.tyummy site honey. muah x Marian

by Mariank Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 05:47AM Report as inappropriate

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