The main goal of mascara is to define your lashes, but there is so much more that mascara can do. Depending on the formula it can offer different benefits, for example lengthening mascara help to lift and lengthen the shortest of lashes, while volumizing mascaras help to boost volume and make thin lashes appear noticeably thicker. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the mascara that you choose because it’s a personal choice and it’s often influenced by your lash goals.
L’Oréal Paris Air Wear Air Volume Mega Mascara, Lightweight Mega Volume Washable
I have thin, straight lashes, so I love mascara that puffs them up a bit, which is exactly why this formula has become a staple of mine over the years. It lifts my lash fringe for a multi-dimensional finish that literally triples the look of my lashes, but doesn’t feel heavy or look clumpy — in fact, it has a weightless, light-as-a-feather feel. The formula does an excellent job of defining my lashes, and the smooth whipped consistency gives me a your-lashes-but-better finish that doesn’t end up looking too cakey or thick.
The wand is quite flexible and easy to use — it bends to apply the formula and coats each lash quickly. I’ll always gravitate to this pick over other mascaras simply because it helps enhance the appearance of my natural lashes without overdoing it. It’s earned a place in my makeup bag and a spot in my routine every day.
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara
There is truly nothing worse than having five minutes to get ready and spending most of that time picking your lashes apart. This is exactly why this mascara is my dream come true – I can apply multiple coats and never have to worry about it clumping. As someone with naturally long but straight lashes, I’m always looking for something to lift them and accentuate the length I already have. Two light coats are perfect for the look I’m trying to achieve and I can go all day without needing to touch up my lashes.
The wand has a wavy, fluffy shape to it that makes it easy to use, even on my bottom lashes. One of my favorite parts about this mascara is that removing it at night is so easy. Other mascaras usually leave me with flakes under my eyes, but this one easily comes off with makeup remover. It’s definitely become my go-to mascara for my everyday makeup routine.
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer + Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara
To know me is to understand my complicated relationship with mascara products. My eyelashes are very scattered, insanely unruly, the top hairs fall to the bottom, they curl up tightly and the ones that are too short to curl often stick me in the eyes. But of course, because I’m a glutton for punishment, I love mascara. I love the way a good mascara can make me appear as if I’ve put some effort into my look even when the rest of my face is paired down — especially if I skip lipstick.
I start with this lash primer because not too many mascara formulas are getting these crazy lashes to unfurl and lift up without it. I apply two light coats and let them dry before I move on to this volumizing mascara. The formula is thick enough to have an impact but it doesn’t get clumpy. It also doesn’t make my lashes feel crunchy during or after wear and it stays put all day — I never get those dreaded, end-of-the-night raccoon eyes.
The best part is that after a few coats of this mascara, my overly curly lashes get to spread out for a few hours. I don’t need length, but this mascara gives my lashes some volume and stretch and I credit the latter to the fat, fluffy wand. The wand is able to lift my lash fringe into one direction, highlighting its length and fullness. When you have eyelashes that seemingly have their own agenda, you need a strong formula that can give them a uniform look without a stiff feel, and I get that with this combo.
L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Washable Mascara
For years I chose to skip mascara, opting for falsies because I love the length and volume that they offer. That said, I have recently been won over by this mascara and it's everything that I look for in a lash product. I have naturally long and curled lashes, but this product noticeably lifts my lashes and adds length as well. The unique shape of the wand provides versatile use, with the slim flat side helping to effortlessly separate my lashes. It also makes it very easy to apply mascara to the back of my lashes.
I find that the formula doesn't budge so I can trust that the way my lashes look after my mascara is freshly applied is the same way they will look at the end of the day. Even as a false lashes wearer I keep this mascara in my makeup bag for the days when I want to keep my makeup look quick and simple.
L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara
I’ve used this Telescopic formula on and off since middle school. It’s that good at lengthening my lashes and I have yet to find another mascara — drugstore or high-end — that comes close in performance. I have naturally long lashes but they’re thin — I don’t have many of them. My lash goals are long, feathery lashes and this mascara helps to enhance the length while adding subtle volume. It makes my sparse lashes look wispy, crazy-long, thicker and more plentiful, without looking clumpy, which is really difficult to come by.
The formula is sturdy and long-lasting — I never experience flaking or smudging even when I wear it for extended periods of time like 12 or more hours. The thin wand composed of tiny, short bristles is small but mighty and it does the job extremely well. Over the years, this mascara has earned a loyal following, and I happily consider myself part of that because I’ve never tried a mascara that can lengthen and thicken my lashes the way this one does. It has a permanent spot in my makeup bag and has proven to me time and time again that it’s one of the best.
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Photo Credit: Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Juliana Campisi, Shalwah Evans, Sarah Duvivier, Reece Andavolgyi, Photo Design: Sarah Duvivier
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