17 Best Mascaras 2024, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists and Vogue Editors | Vogue

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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 OK to be choosy.

“Our lashes deserve the same amount of TLC as we give the hair on our head,” says celebrity makeup 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 off, 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.”

From a waterproof drugstore gem 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.

Maybelline

Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

AMAZON

Westman Atelier

Eye Want You Mascara

NORDSTROM

WESTMAN ATELIER

VIOLET GREY

Chanel

Le Volume de Chanel Mascara

CHANEL

Paris Voluminous Makeup Lash Paradise Mascara

AMAZON

ULTA

Dior

Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

NORDSTROM

Lancôme

Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara

NORDSTROM

AMAZON

Ilia

Limitless Lash Mascara

NORDSTROM

ILIA

CoverGirl

Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara

AMAZON

Surratt Beauty

Noir Lash Tint

MODA OPERANDI

SURRATT BEAUTY

VIOLET GREY

Too Faced

Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara

NORDSTROM

Victoria Beckham

Vast Lash

VIOLET GREY

BERGDORF GOODMAN

Benefit Cosmetics

They’re Real! Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara

NORDSTROM

Charlotte Tilbury

Pillow Talk Push-Up Lashes Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara

NORDSTROM

Pat McGrath Labs

FetishEyes Mascara

NORDSTROM

Yves Saint Laurent

Radical Volumizing Mascara

NORDSTROM

NARS

Climax Mascara

NORDSTROM

Hourglass

Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

NORDSTROM

IT Cosmetics

Tightline Three-in-One Black Primer-Eyeliner-Mascara

NORDSTROM

AMAZON

Choosing the best mascara requires some consideration. A bit from several celebrity makeup artists on how to choose the one for you.

Dali suggests following an “easy, two-step” process to remove mascara. Step one, she instructs: soak a cotton pad with an oil-based makeup remover. “An oil-based formula is essential, as it helps everything slide off quickly and is gentler on the skin than using a soapy face cleanser,” she says. “My go-to is the Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil makeup remover. Follow that step with the facial cleanser of your choice.”

Bhatty typically does a double cleanse, starting with Eadem’s cleansing balm followed by Joanna Vargas Vitamin C face wash. She also recommends capping off the makeup removal with “beautiful skincare” that nurtures and protects the eyes. Her go-to combo is Vegamour lash serum and La Prairie eye cream.

“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 makeup 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!”