The Best Mascaras Of 2024, According To Makeup Artists & Vogue Editors | British Vogue

The best mascara proves that not all lash-batting is created equal. For lashes that really pop – whether it’s through fluttery lengths, falsie-mimicking lift, or both – it’s crucial to have a stellar mascara (or three!) in your stash. Just remember: it’s okay to be choosy.

Estée Lauder Turbo Lash Mascara

Look Fantastic

I love the bristle style brush, the thick (but not clumpy) formula and how it works to define and beef up your lashes if you need it. It will also help lengthen and curl – a mascara all-rounder. - Lauren Murdoch-Smith, senior beauty & wellness editor

Benefit Fan Fest Hyper Black Mascara

Sephora

There are many good mascaras in this world, but this one from Benefit is distinctly excellent. Not only does it deliver impactful lashes in just a few coats – think volume, lift and just the right amount of drama – but it doesn't flake, transfer or smudge. It’s the best mascara I've tried in recent years – its name does it justice. - Hannah Coates, beauty and wellness editor

“Our lashes deserve the same amount of TLC as we give the hair on our head,” says celebrity make-up artist Karina Milan, who’s slicked the lashes of clients such as Yara Shahidi, Ziwe, and Ice Spice. “With the right tips and tricks, all of us can find a way to perfect and display our lashes.”

First of all, if your lashes grow down or just don't curl enough, Milan says to make sure to use a great eyelash curler and give them a few pumps. “I like my lashes to go straight up so I usually only curl the root. If your lashes are super curly, I recommend getting a heated lash curler and actually straightening them out with it. Next is finding a great mascara.”

As it happens, 23 of the best mascaras are rounded up just below. From lengthening gems to a creamy, plant-powered formula that’s remarkably buildable, shop Vogue’s edit of the best mascaras – all tested and vetted to be worth your while by our editors and experts.

Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

Sephora

Look Fantastic

Eye Want You Mascara

Liberty

Cult Beauty

YSL Lash Clash Mascara

LookFantastic

Read more: The Best Beauty Products Of 2024, According To Vogue’s Beauty Team

Le Volume de Chanel Mascara

Sephora

Paris Voluminous Makeup Lash Paradise Mascara

Sephora

Look Fantastic

Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

Sephora

John Lewis

Read more: This Is The Lip Combo Taking Over Tiktok – And It’s A Must Try

Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara

Sephora

Limitless Lash Mascara

Ilia

Sephora

Gucci

Mascara L’Obscur

Sephora

Judy Doll Mascara

Amazon

Better Than Sex Volumising Mascara

Sephora

Cult Beauty

Uklash

Volume Boost Mascara

UKLash

Victoria Beckham Vast Lash

Selfridges

They’re Real! Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara

Sephora

NARS Climax Mascara

Sephora

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push-Up Lashes Mascara

Sephora

Lash Slick

Sephora

Glossier

Pat McGrath FetishEyes Mascara

Sephora

Cult Beauty

YSL Radical Volumising Mascara

Sephora

Read more: The Best Straightening Hair Brushes For Tangle-Free Tresses

Ami Cole Lash-Amplifying Mascara

Andie

MakeWaves Lengthening & Curling Mascara

Revolve

Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

Cult Beauty

Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara

Sephora

Look Fantastic

Armani Beauty Eyes to Kill Mascara

Sephora

It Cosmetics Tightline 3-in-1 Mascara

Sephora

“Whenever I’m shopping for a mascara I look for a wand that has different depths, for example if the brush has a cone shape or has ridges – or even if it has a comb, which is my favourite,” says make-up artist Vincent Oquendo, whose clients include Jenna Ortega and Lily Collins. “This helps define and separate lashes while building them up.”

Tobi Henney, make-up artist for models like Poppy Delevigne and Barbara Palvin, adds that there are “key factors” to consider while shopping for mascara. “For example, do you want a mascara that’s easy to remove, gives volume, length, or creates curl?” Consider the climate you’ll be wearing the mascara in, too, Henney suggests, as this could affect your decision to seek out a waterproof formulation or not.

Henney, too, is particular about wands, as they can help with separating, curling, and lengthening the lashes. Personally, “I love wands with tiny spikes to help with a very defined, separated lash,” she says.

“When you open a fresh mascara, always wipe off the brush. This helps refresh the brush bristles for a cleaner grip inside the tube and cleaner application to the lashes,” says celebrity make-up artist Daniel Martin, whose clients include Ali Wong, Dakota Johnson, and Michelle Yeoh. Speaking of keeping it fresh, “If your mascara doesn't make a pop sound when you pull the brush out of its tube, it means it’s old and dry,” Martin adds.

When it’s time to apply, “start at the base of your lashes and wiggle back and forth through the end of the lash,” Martin instructs. “This helps pull the mascara through the lash, rather than just hitting the tips.”

“Try combing through your lashes first, before applying mascara,” says Martin. “This helps separate the lashes and also wipes clean any dust or shadow fallout on the actual lash hairs that may cause clumping [or smudging] of the mascara formula.” After applying the mascara, brush the lashes one more time – just be sure to do it “quickly, and before the dry-down sets,” Martin advises.

“If the concern is long-wear, I typically do a final coat of waterproof mascara to lock it in,” adds Milan. “It holds it well throughout the day and prevents smudging or transfer, but it also allows for easy removal because it’s not several coats of the waterproof formula.” Plus, she adds: “Coating the skin around [the mascara] with a tiny bit of translucent powder will also help prevent smudging!”