The Best New Mascaras That Will Give You Amazing Eyelashes

By Deanna Pai

Good mascara is like the little black dress of makeup: hard to find and impossible to live without. But that doesn't mean it can't get a makeover. The latest versions are seriously innovative, from spiral brushes to formulas that’ll make you ditch your lash curler forever.

The best part of MAC's original In Extreme Dimension Lash mascara is that its brush carries the perfect amount of mascara—so you get enough without overloading and clumping up your lashes. Now, even better: It's newly available in a waterproof formula.

MAC Cosmetics In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Lash, $22, nordstrom.com

The curved brush has a fanning effect on eyelashes, so even the scraggliest lashes can't escape the formula's thickening powers.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Waterproof Mascara, $9, ulta.com

Tom Ford does everything well, and this is no exception. The formula is so waterproof, it won't even think about budging if you choose to sob through your sister's wedding.

Tom Ford Waterproof Extreme Mascara, $45, nordstrom.com

One of the weirder brushes out there, the helix shape actually serves a really good purpose: It has more surface area than your typical brush, meaning it deposits more mascara in a single swipe.

Covergirl Plumpify BlastPro Mascara, $12, drugstore.com

The most magical mascara ever, the wand looks like a normal brush—and you use it like one to lengthen lashes. But twist the top of the cap and it actually contracts the brush and packs the bristles closer together, which simultaneously clean up any clumps and also add an extra layer of mascara.

Pacifica Dream Big Volumizing Mascara, $16, ulta.com

It's tough (fine, totally impossible) to see, but the brush actually contains two types of bristles. One separates lashes, while the other fattens them up for a super-thick fringe.

Fiona Stiles Beauty Ultimate Lash Icon Volumizing Mascara, $16, ulta.com

By Marci Robin

By Jake Smith

By Bella Cacciatore

Hands-down the most mega of the volumizing formulas, this contains tiny fibers that cling to each lash. If you add two or three coats, they pile on to the point where you look like you’re wearing false lashes—without the struggle of applying false lashes.

Smashbox X-Rated Mascara, $22, sephora.com

The curvy brush doesn't just look cute. Each of the three balls of the brush hits lashes at separate points, so the entire row of lashes is lifted and loaded up with mascara.

Milk Makeup Ubame Mascara, $24, sephora.com

The tapered shape at the brush means that your outer lashes get most of the length and curl here—a good thing if you’re looking to emphasize a killer cat eye.

Wet n Wild Max Fanatic Cat Eye Mascara, $5, drugstore.com

Double-ended mascara means a two-step application, but the eye-opening results are worth the extra 30-second investment. The normal brush first layers on mascara, while the smaller one bends them upwards.

The Estée Edit by Estée Lauder The Edgiest Up & Out Double Mascara, $24, sephora.com

By Marci Robin

By Jake Smith

By Bella Cacciatore

You’ll never believe what's hidden in this tube: polymers, micro-sponges, and gel. The weird combination pays off: It actually pushes lashes up to a 90-degree angle. Goodbye forever, lash curler.

Rimmel 24Hr Super Curler Mascara, $6, ulta.com

The chubby brush is to lashes what a round brush is to your hair. It gives them a curve as you sweep on the mascara, widening your eyes and making you look awake—even if you’re still yawning.

Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara, $30, macys.com

Fresh from beauty hotspot Korea, this contains a polymer that wraps around lashes, almost like tiny tubes, and stretches as you brush it on. Bonus: It washes off with just warm water.

Touch in Sol Stretchex Stretch Lash Effect Mascara, $22, sephora.com

The brush on this is about half the size of your typical brush. Its smaller proportions mean that it can get in everywhere, from the lashes in the inner corner to the outer. The overachiever thickens and lengthens lashes too, and may or may not come with a pet unicorn.

Revlon Ultimate All-in-One Mascara, $9, ulta.com

By Marci Robin

By Jake Smith

By Bella Cacciatore

It's the best of both worlds: The smaller-size brush size fits into nooks and crannies that others have no chance of reaching, but it's still big enough to get the job done in just one quick layer.

BareMinerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara Petite Precision Brush, $19, macys.com

If you think we love this for the stretchy polymer that envelops lashes and stretches them to crazy lengths, you’d only be half-right. We’re really in it for the brush, which is tightly packed with bristles to separate and coat each and every lash.

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast High-Definition Collagen-Coat Mascara, $14, ulta.com

In this case, we’re not talking about defining the lashes but the eyes themselves. The dense, stubby bristles on this brush allow you to get down to the roots of your lashes and deposit color there. It's like built-in tightlining, a makeup-artist trick of lining the waterline of the eyes to define them and make lashes look fuller.

L’Oréal Voluminous Butterfly Sculpt Mascara, $9, ulta.com

In our opinion, we’ve saved the best category for last. Navy mascara is subtle (so you can wear it at work), but the blue tone in it whitens your eyes and hides evidence of that late-night Netflix binge.

Diorshow Mascara in Pro Navy, $28, sephora.com

By Marci Robin

By Jake Smith

By Bella Cacciatore

These colored mascaras aren't the in-your-face colors you might’ve played with in high school (although if that's your jam, keep on keeping on). The burgundy shade is more sultry and fun than basic black, and it's a more user-friendly version of Gigi Hadid's wine-colored smoky eye.

Chanel Le Volume de Chanel in Ardent Purple, $32, chanel.com

Go for the glow! The gold shade, applied over dried mascara, catches the light to brighten eyes. It's a surprising, unexpected glint of color.

Lancôme Hypnôse Chromatics Mascara Top Coat in St. Honoré, $28, saks.com

By Danielle Sinay

By Danielle Sinay

By Danielle Sinay

By Danielle Sinay