The finishing touch to any makeup look or solo star of an otherwise bare face, the best mascaras work to draw attention to your eyes and frame your face.
Frankly, finding the best mascara shouldn’t be as hard as it is. Unlike foundation and lipsticks, undertones, finishes, and coverage don’t really come into play here. Black and brown are the main colours on offer and most people are united by a common goal of longer, more voluminous lashes sans flakiness and clumpiness.
That said, it turns out mascara is a rather personal makeup item — everyone on our team has their favourite depending on their desired effect; whether it’s longer lashes, dramatic volume, a natural finish, or even ingredients that nourish the lashes.
One of the most saturated makeup product categories, finding the best mascara is no easy feat. Fortunately, we’ve narrowed it down; with something for every lash goal and budget, these are the best mascaras on the market.
1. Lancôme Monsieur Big
Designed to deliver dramatic volume and length without any flaking or smudging, the Lancôme Monsieur Big combines a creamy formula with a soft, fibrous brush for a high-impact finish.
What we think: “This lives up to its name. Aside from reminding me of everyone’s problematic fave from Sex and The City, Monsieur Big nails it in the lash department. The large round brush makes it easy to achieve curled lashes in a couple of swipes, while the formula adheres to lashes without adding clumpiness. It also doesn’t budge or flake throughout the day which (as a non-reformed eye rubber and emotional wreck) is a big bonus.” —Tanisha Angel, editor
Price: $65AUD
2. Sisley So Stretch Mascara
Made with nourishing ingredients like castor oil, damask rose, and peptides, the Sisley So Stretch Mascara softens and strengthens lashes with every application. Fitted with a narrow, conical brush, it coats every lash from root to tip, creating longer lashes that frame the eyes.
What we think: “This mascara is my favourite for longer, fanned out lashes that provide that wide-eyed effect.” — Arabella Johnson, beauty editor
Price: $100AUD
3. L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara
A high-performance mascara on a budget, the L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara creates intensely long, individually defined lashes in a couple of swipes. It works without flaking or clumping and is buildable, meaning you can opt for a natural look or apply a few extra coats for dramatically long, spidery lashes.
What we think: “I will always go back to this formula. A friend introduced me to this in high school and while I’ve tried dozens of mascaras since then, this is my easy dumb reach formula for ultra long, defined lashes. Telescopic Mascara’s applicator is unique as it’s thin and firm, rather than a traditional fibrous brush. I find this makes it easier to apply less product at once, which results in a more even coat and separated lashes than other applicator styles.” —Tanisha Angel, editor
Price: $29.99AUD
4. Clinique High Impact Mascara
Polymers and hyaluronic acid come together to create lifted, high volume lashes in an intense shade of black.
What we think: “Old but good. This will always be a favourite for its ability to add volume without irritating the eyes. The brush is also good at separating and defining each individual lash and evenly coating them in formula without causing clumping.” — Esmé Duggan, journalist
Price: $50AUD
5. Milk Makeup Kush Mascara
Formulated with heart-shaped fibres for a soft, feathery finish and black pigments for intense colour, the Milk Makeup Kush Mascara delivered a high volume finish. The addition of hemp oil conditions the lashes, while the brush’s crisscrossed bristles ensure each lash is well-coated. Plus, the weighty metal packaging exudes a decidedly luxe vibe.
What we think: “For long, fluffy lashes, Milk Makeup Kush Mascara is the way to go. The only downside its that it’s not waterproof, so save it for days when you don’t plan to shed any tears!” —Tanisha Angel, editor
Price: $49AUD
6. Revlon So Fierce Big Bad Lash
Delivering extreme volume while tinting your bare lashes in just seven days, the Revlon So Fierce Big Bad Lash works to create full, fanned-out lash looks. A long-wearing formula, it’s smudge-proof and flake-free. A dual-sided brush allows for ‘big’ or ‘bad’ lashes, taking your look from bold to extreme with a switch of the wand.
What we think: “This truly brings the drama. The budget price tag is just a bonus.” — Esmé Duggan, journalist
Price: $25AUD
7. Chanel Le Volume Waterproof Mascara
A blend of polymers, cellulose microbeads, provitamin B5, and vitamin E come together in Chanel Le Volume Waterproof Mascara to create a mascara that delivers high volume and longer lashes from the first stroke.
What we think: “I’ve tried a lot of mascaras but this is by far my favourite for that ‘did-you-just-get-lash-extensions?’ level length and volume. It lifts the lashes, opens up the eyes, and is cry-proof so it’ll always be my go to for maximum impact lashes.” — Arabella Johnson, beauty editor
Price: $66AUD
8. Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara
A natural formula that utilises mineral pigments in conjunction with nourishing ingredients like quince seed, jojoba oil, and candelilla wax, the Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara delivers thicker lashes while protecting and comforting lashes.
What we think: “The conditioning ingredients in this formula actually make my lashes look better after using this mascara. The brown shade the perfect rich, yet natural colour for days when you don’t want an overly high contrast effect.” — Arabella Johnson, beauty editor
Price: $56AUD
9. Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Mascara
A thicker formula combined with a dense, curved brush makes Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Mascara a winner in the lengthening and volumising departments. Ideal for those after a dramatic finish, this mascara works to create thicker, longer, more voluminous lashes without causing any flaking or clumping. Plus, the curved brush works to splay your lashes upwards and outwards, making for a face-framing effect.
What we think: “I have pretty short lashes so I’m always looking for something that provides length and volume. This formula is easy to apply and the sculpted brush results in thicker lashes. Although it stays on throughout the day, it comes off easily with a cleansing balm without me having to rub or tug at my eyes (a big bonus, as I can’t afford to lose the lashes I do have!).” — Esmé Duggan, journalist
Price: $43AUD
10. Okkiyo Prioriteyes Mascara
Formulated by an ophthalmologist, the Okkiyo Prioriteyes Mascara is specifically designed for sensitive eyes. Made with natural ingredients, it’s non-irritating and works to condition the lashes during wear.
What we think: “This is a nice everyday mascara for a natural look — it works to define and separate the lashes and subtly lengthens them. As someone who occasionally gets dry eyes, I found I could wear this without any irritation. The only drawback is that if you apply mascara on your lower lashes, there is some smudging under the eyes by the end of the day.” —Tanisha Angel, editor
Price: $49.50AUD
11. Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara
Opthamologist tested to be safe for sensitive eyes, this lightweight formula is designed to provide buildable volume without any clumps or flaking.
What we think: “This mascara completely opens up the eyes and provides unparalleled length and definition with moderate volume. No notes.” — Arabella Johnson, beauty editor
Price: $33AUD
12. Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumising Mascara
As the name suggests, the Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumising Mascara is designed to add volume to the lashes and hold a curl.
What we think: “The fluffy brush and thick formula make this Rare Beauty offering ideally suited to those with fine or short lashes. I’d recommend removing some of the formula from the brush before use, as the applicator has a tendency to pick up too much formula, leading to clumpiness. Aside from that, I love the length and volume it gives my lashes.” —Tanisha Angel, editor
Price: $39.50AUD
Words by Esmé Duggan and Arabella Johnson
