The 8 Best Ones for All My Lash Needs

I’ve probably tried a hundred mascaras in my life. I’m serious. From the cheapest drugstore finds to the ones that cost more than my lunch, I’ve swiped them all across my lashes looking for “the one.” And what I’ve learned is that there isn’t just one.

Different days and different looks call for different mascaras. Sometimes I want length that practically touches my eyebrows. Other times, I need fluffy, natural-looking volume. And sometimes, I just need something that won’t irritate my sensitive eyes.

So, I’ve narrowed it down to my absolute favorites. These are the tubes I reach for constantly, the ones that never let me down. Here are the best mascaras that cover all my lash needs, including some of the best L’Oréal mascara formulas out there.

 

 

My Go-To Mascaras for Every Look

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

This one costs about $13, and it’s worth every penny. When I want pure, unadulterated length, this is what I grab. The hype is real. It’s all about that super flexible brush that seems to grab every single lash and stretch it upwards.

I get amazing separation with this stuff. My lashes look fanned out and incredibly long without getting clumpy or spidery. And it actually lasts all day without flaking under my eyes, which is a huge win for a drugstore mascara.

The Downside: If you’re looking for massive, thick volume, this might not be your top pick. It’s truly a lengthening specialist.

 

 

Lancôme Lash Idôle Volumizing Mascara

At around $30, this one is a bit of a splurge, but I think it’s worth it. The formula is this lightweight gel that feels like nothing on my lashes. It gives an incredible lift and curl that holds all day.

It defines and separates while adding a good amount of volume. I never get flakes or smudges with this, even after a long day. It’s just a reliable, high-performing mascara that makes my lashes look fantastic.

The Downside: The price is definitely on the higher end.

 

 

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

You can usually find this classic for about $12. This is my go-to for an everyday look. It’s been a makeup artist favorite for years for a reason. It builds up volume so nicely without ever looking over the top.

What I love most is how soft it leaves my lashes. There’s no crunchy or stiff feeling at all. It just makes them look naturally thicker and fuller. It’s the perfect mascara for work or a casual weekend.

The Downside: It takes a few coats to build up to a really dramatic, false-lash effect.

 

 

CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara

For just $9, this mascara is a total steal. The bright orange tube is iconic! This is what I use when I want big, bold, separated volume. The rubbery brush coats every lash evenly and I never have to worry about clumps.

It’s also hypoallergenic, which is a huge plus for my sometimes-sensitive eyes. I get volume, length, and separation all in one, and it really makes my eyes pop with just a couple of swipes.

The Downside: I’ve noticed it can transfer a tiny bit to my brow bone if I don’t let it dry completely or set it with powder.

 

 

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara

This newer L’Oréal mascara runs about $16. I was so excited to try this, and it did not disappoint. The brush is designed to fan out every single lash, from the inner to the outer corner, and it really works.

It creates this beautiful, wide-eyed effect that makes my eyes look bigger. The formula is buildable, smudge-proof, and doesn’t clump up, even when I’m layering it on for more drama. It’s a fantastic addition to the Voluminous family.

The Downside: It provides more of a fanned-out, defined look than extreme length like Sky High.

 

 

Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

At $29, this is my favorite clean beauty mascara. I love the dual-sided brush; one side has short bristles for building volume, and the other has longer, comb-like bristles for lengthening and separating.

It gives my lashes a really pretty, natural-looking lift and curl. It feels so light and conditioning, and I’ve never had a problem with it flaking or irritating my eyes. It’s perfect for people who want a great mascara with cleaner ingredients.

The Downside: You won’t get the same intense, thick volume as you would with a more traditional formula.

 

 

Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

This is my ultimate luxury pick at $35. When I have a special event or just want to feel extra fancy, this is the one. The name says it all—it delivers the most incredible, long-lasting curl I’ve ever gotten from a mascara.

It also adds beautiful volume and length in a single coat. The formula feels nourishing, and it makes my lashes look so defined and lifted. Plus, the packaging just feels so luxe.

The Downside: The price is a major consideration; it’s definitely a special-occasion purchase for me.

 

 

L’Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara

This L’Oréal mascara is about $13. The formula is whipped and airy, and it feels completely weightless on my lashes. But don’t let that fool you—it packs a serious punch when it comes to volume.

It builds up really fast without clumping, creating a fluffy, high-impact look without weighing my lashes down. My lashes stay curled and voluminous all day without any flaking. It’s such a unique and effective formula.

The Downside: I feel like the tube on this one can dry out a little quicker than some of my other mascaras.

Finding the right mascara really depends on what you’re looking for. I love having options, and keeping a few of these in my makeup bag means I’m ready for anything. Whether I need feathery length or dramatic volume, there’s a tube here that does the job perfectly.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get amazing lashes. Some of the best L’Oréal mascaras and other drugstore brands perform just as well, if not better, than their high-end counterparts. It’s all about finding the formula and brush that work for you.