Top 5 Best Mascaras of 2022: Which one is right for me?

Your new go-to shopper's guide to the most popular makeup artist-tested and approved brands on the market today including links for where to purchase, and which are best for your desired results (curl, volume, lengthening, most durable, long-lasting, etc.)

Ever been inside of a professional cosmetics or drugstore and just been totally overwhelmed by all of the different brands of mascaras that all seem to claim to do about the same list of things for your lashes? You are not alone! But those days are now behind you. Save yourself some time and money experimenting with each and every brand out there by using this guide to know what most makeup artists have to say about them and the effects each kind is best in what you are looking for in a mascara.

1. Loreal Paris Telescope Macara: Best For Highest Level of Lengthening

Looking for something that is going to give you the longest, most defined, and least level of clump for lashes that are more on the fine side? This is by far the best and most cost-friendly one that you absolutely need in your makeup toolbox, especially if your lashes clump easily and/or you are trying to de-clump lashes that have stuck together. We have all been there and can relate to how frustrating this can be, especially when you don't own anything that can be used to separate them. You can even keep the mascara bottle after it goes dry and use the wand just for that very purpose! The wand has two different sides, the flat side is for lengthening, and the finer side for separating. This is my favorite two-in-one, go-to mascara for the best price found at pretty much every grocery or drugstore.

L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Mascara, Black [905] 0.27 oz - Walmart.com

2. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer and Mascara (2 Count): Best For Volume

If you are looking for the best mascara to add the most amount of volume as possible, this is one of the best and easiest makeup hacks to achieve this effect. The white bottle is a primer that you apply the same as you would regular mascara first and allow a few minutes to let it dry before applying the black bottle. This essentially adds a lash extensions- level of an effect by adding thickness, intense volume, and length for lashes that tend to be on the thinner and/or finer side. Perfect for those who have been personally victimized by lash loss from permanent lash extensions because it essentially helps to fill in those bald spots until they have a chance to grow back. purchasing the two-pack set is going to be the best bang for your buck, but you can also purchase each one individually. You can even use the primer on it's own with any other mascaras you may have already! This is also a great one for lasting a long time before it goes dry.

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer and Mascara, Primer + Blackest Black, 2 Count - Walmart.com

3. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara: Best For Curl

This is another great two-in-one bottle of mascara with a two-sided application wand, only this particular one also adds the perfect level of curl to your lashes while simultaneously doing a good job at separating them and reducing clump. It is also one of the longest lasting mascaras on the market for how much product comes in the bottle.

4. Maybeline Great Lash: best for bottom lashes and/or a more natural effect

This mascara is a great go-to for when you are looking for a more natural look or for something that isn't going to make your bottom lashes look too clumpy or overdone. Bottum lashes should always be feathered out with a very thin layer and a lot of mascaras are difficult to achieve this without accidentally getting it on the skin underneath those lashes. This brand is also known for making very easily washable products to save time in the makeup removal process without damaging the lashes as much as possible. That is of course, unless you purchase any of the waterproof versions in which case those may require an oil-based makeup remover solution.

5. Too Faced Better Than Sex: Best for longevity

Although this higher end name brand mascara is a little more on the pricier side, it is well worth the cost for how long it will end up lasting in the long run. It is also available in miniature sizes and samples to offer the ability to try it before you commit to the purchase of the full-sized version of the product.

General Mascara Tips and Hacks:

1. You can apply mascara on top of your lashes instead of or in combination of application from underneath. This helps ensure the tops of your lashes (what people see when you close your eyes) are completely covered in the color of the mascara. People with lighter or blonde lashes can really benefit from this method to ensure full coverage. It also helps to cover up any fallout eye shadow that may have fallen on top.

Tip: it is always best to apply your eyeshadow before your mascara in order to der to prevent this.

2. Always make sure that the cap of the mascara wand is tightened all the way after use in order to keep it lasting as long as possible.

3. If your lashes clump easily, you may want to go for a lengthening finer-toothed comb of a mascara wand rather than the mascaras designed for volume and thickness.

4. Never go very heavy on the mascara on the bottom lash line, it should be a very natural, lightly feathered-in motion.

5. Order of application of eye makeup matters. Always do eyeshadow first, then eyeliner, then mascara.

6. When trying waterproof mascaras, there is nothing more frustrating than when you can't take it off when you do want to! Johnson's baby oil, coconut oil, or any other eye makeup removing solution that is meant to remove waterproof makeup will do the trick! Always remember to be as gentle as possible when removing mascara in order to prevent lash loss.