I have a feeling that most women’s “desert island” makeup choice would be mascara. There’s nothing that adds polish and prettiness quite like it, but there are also about a thousand different options (with new ones hitting the market daily) claiming longer, thicker, curlier, fuller, or more natural lashes. How’s a girl to choose? We polled our beauty council of experts to find out the one brand of mascara that’s earned their loyalty and spill their tried-and-true tips for the perfect application.
*image source: listal
Serge Lutens Beauté Mascara
This is the best mascara I’ve found for that cool girl look. I hate to look like I’m trying too hard and this mascara puts on just the right amount to define your lashes and give you a slight bedroom eyes vibe.
– @laneycrowell, Founder of Crowell Lane Creative
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
This mascara is just incredible. It’s one of those items where I used it, loved it, tried to use something similar, and then when I went back to it, was wowed all over again. Now it’s my pick for life!
–@tararasmus, Beauty Editor & Author of Camille Styles Decoder Series
Benefit Roller Lash Super-Curling and Lifting Mascara
This mascara really does curl (after an unfortunate lash-breaking incident, I avoid eyelash curlers) and adds tons of volume. One coat gives you a clean, minimal look, and you can easily layer it for more drama.
-Dawn Spinner Davis, Beauty Director at Total Beauty
W3LL People Expressionist Mascara
I love that I don’t have to worry about any unnecessary chemicals going near my eyes with this clean mascara. Dab the end of the wand on a piece of tissue every time before using so you can use the end to separate lashes and completely wipe down the brush every 3/4th use for a clean slate.
-Nadine Abramcyk, Co-founder of @tenoverten
DIOR Diorshow Mascara
Pro Tip: Invest in an eye lash curler, it will enhance any mascara you use by miles!
-Samantha Wennerstrom, Could I Have That?
Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara
I already have pretty long and full lashes, but this mascara makes it look like I have lash extensions. That’s amazing.
–Nikki Chanel, Naturally Curly
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara
I’ve tried all the pricey mascaras, but this drugstore buy is hands-down my favorite. One coat makes lashes full, fluttery and longer than I ever thought possible, but leaves no clumps in its wake. I hold the wand at the base of lashes, then wiggle it back and forth all the way to the tips for the most eye-opening effect.
-Camille
Milk Makeup Ubame Mascara
This mascara lengthens and separates, without making my lashes look spidery.
-Lauren Caruso, Beauty Director at Style Caster
Lancôme Grandiose Extreme Mascara
I have gone through so many mascaras in the past three years, but am currently loving Lancôme’s Grandiose Mascara. You don’t need heavy duty eye makeup remover to take it off and the brush is so easy to use!
-Jen Pinkston, The Effortless Chic
RMS Volumizing Mascara
I love this mascara because it’s all natural, goes on smooth and makes my lashes look amazing.
–@jennikayne, Designer
L’Oréal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara
Pro Tip: Scrap the idea that waterproof mascara is only good for pool days. Waterproof formula also means sweat, tear, rain, and humidity proof…aka life proof. Apply a thin layer on top of your regular mascara and stay smudge-free the whole day! Bonus: because you’re applying regular mascara first, it’s still really easy to take off with make up remover.
–@laura_dominguez, Editorial Intern
Make Up For Ever Excessive Lash Arresting Volume Mascara
This mascara is definitely one of the best I’ve tried, great for volume and lift!
–@katiejanehughes, Makeup Artist
