I’ve probably tried a hundred mascaras in my life. It feels like an endless search for “the one,” you know? That perfect formula that gives you length, volume, and doesn’t flake off by 3 p.m. It’s a tall order.
This year, my mission to find the best Byrdie mascara contenders was serious. I swiped, layered, and tested a ton of tubes, from drugstore finds to luxury splurges. Some were duds, but others were honestly incredible.
So, after all that testing, these are the mascaras that actually live up to the hype. They’re the ones I’d recommend to a friend without hesitation.
For $29.00, this mascara has been a fan favorite for years, and I totally get why. It delivers some serious length. The brush has these little spiky bristles that grab every single lash and pull it upwards, making them look defined and super long.
The formula is a deep, jet-black that doesn’t smudge or flake on me all day. If you want dramatic, separated lashes that look almost fake (in a good way), this is your tube. It’s a constant bestseller for a reason.
The Downside: I did find that it can make my lashes feel a little stiff or crunchy once it dries.
You can’t beat this one for $12.99. The viral hype is completely justified. Its thin, flexible wand gets right to the root of your lashes and lifts them up, creating a fluttery, long look that I love.
It’s a tubing mascara, which means it forms little tubes around your lashes. This makes it buildable without getting clumpy and ridiculously easy to remove with just warm water. It performs just as well as mascaras twice the price.
The Downside: You really have to wipe the excess off the wand before you apply, or it can get a little clumpy right away.
At just $8.00, this stuff is a steal. This is another tubing formula, but the applicator is what makes it stand out. It’s a skinny little comb that separates and coats each lash perfectly for a very natural, extended look.
I reach for this on days when I want my lashes to look defined and long, but not over-the-top. It gives a clean, separated effect that lasts all day without flaking into my eyes.
The Downside: It’s fantastic for a natural look, but it’s not the best for building up intense, dramatic volume.
This clean mascara costs $29.00, and it’s worth it if you have sensitive eyes like I do sometimes. It never irritates my eyes, and the formula feels nourishing, not drying. It’s packed with stuff that’s actually good for your lashes.
The brush is double-sided—one side is for building volume and the other is a comb for separating and defining. It gives a really pretty, natural lift and length that I feel good about wearing.
The Downside: The volume is more on the subtle side, so if you’re looking for huge, bold lashes, this might not be it.
For around $11.12, this mascara is legendary for length. If you want lashes that practically touch your brows, this is the one. The super-skinny plastic brush is designed to grab and extend every single lash, even the tiny ones in the corners.
It provides insane definition and length that truly rivals lash extensions. It’s a drugstore classic for a reason and a go-to for anyone obsessed with getting the longest lashes possible.
The Downside: The wand is very long and thin, which can be a little tricky to handle at first without poking yourself.
This one is $29.00 and it’s all about volume. The formula is lightweight but builds up to create really big, bold lashes without weighing them down. The “slimpact!” brush is big but designed to coat every lash from root to tip.
When I want a dramatic, false-lash effect, this is what I grab. The pigment is super black, and it gives my lashes a thickness that other mascaras just can’t match.
The Downside: I’ve noticed it can sometimes transfer a little onto my lower lash line by the end of a long day.
Priced at $9.97, this is my favorite for soft, fluffy lashes. It’s from the iconic Lash Blast family but has a cloud-like feel. It gives great definition and a bit of volume while keeping lashes feeling conditioned and flexible.
I love that it doesn’t make my lashes feel crunchy or dry. It’s perfect for an everyday, low-key makeup look where you just want your lashes to look naturally better.
The Downside: It’s definitely not the pick for a super bold or dramatic eye look; it’s much more natural.
I still can’t believe this mascara is only $4.99. It gives you the look of false lashes with just a coat or two. The conical brush helps build volume and length, especially on the outer corners, for a fanned-out effect.
This is probably the best value in the entire makeup aisle. It provides so much drama and intensity for less than the price of a coffee. The hype is real, and the performance is incredible for the price.
The Downside: It can flake a tiny bit after many hours of wear, but for the price, it’s easy to forgive.
So there you have it. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get amazing lashes, but there are also some splurges that are totally worth it.
Ultimately, the best mascara is the one that makes you feel great. Hopefully, this list helps you find your new favorite tube.
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