Mascara is one of those beauty products that can seem a bit monotonous and, admittedly, it’s often hard to distinguish your curling mascaras from your volumizing ones. I’m here to tell you, though, that some mascaras are cut from a different cloth – you just have to know where to look.
Whether you’re after a waterproof mascara that won’t budge in the gym; one that gives your lashes extra length, or even one that’s undetectable, I’ve got the product for you.
I’ve been scouring the beauty aisles of high streets and high-end stores, on the hunt for the best mascaras on the market in the UK. I’ve done away with all the clunky spoolers and sticky formulas, whittling down the industry’s hundreds of iterations to bring you my top 10 picks.
If you’re new to the make-up game, I’m here to help you get up to speed. Whether you like a wispy lash or a bold, statement eye, there are a couple of things to look out for across the board when choosing the best mascara for you.
Why We Love It:
Volumizing mascara fans know that formulas in this category can be a little thick, but not Maneater: It adds bulk to lashes without weighing them down. The numerous tiny bristles glided through our lashes to coat each one with pigment that never clumped up, even when we applied multiple coats. Our lashes held up quite well throughout the day and never flaked. Surprisingly, despite the mascara’s long lifespan, removing it was not difficult at all—more than 90% of it was easily removed with a makeup-removing wipe.
Who It’s For:
This is a top-notch mascara for those seeking an easy-to-remove, volume-boosting formula that won’t flake, smudge, or clump.
Formula
Look for a mascara that won’t clump, dries quickly, and washes off considerably easily. A formula that does not use animal products is something you should think about if you want a clean product. If having a longer-lasting product is important to you, you should look for a waterproof formula.
Wand
To help you achieve your lash goal, it’s important to look at the mascara wand and its bristles. Delia says a fluffy brush helps to thicken the lash, whereas an hourglass-shaped brush helps to volumize the lash. “If you’re unsure, a more rectangle-shaped brush is a general brush that helps target all your needs,” she adds.
Removal
Mascara is great for making your eyes pop throughout the day, but sometimes, it can be a challenge to remove. Ensuring you’re using a product that can be easily removed with your face cleanser or wipes is important. If it’s a hassle to take off your mascara, it may not be the product for you. With waterproof mascaras, Delia explains that you must use an oil-based cleanser or baby oil to remove the mascara, and often the removal process may require some extra care. But, you’ll find that non-waterproof mascara will come off a little easier.
Too Cool For School Dinoplatz Escalator Mascara
Okay, this one is just fun to use, regardless of whether you like it or not. The silicone brush expands and contracts by twisting the top, giving you a lot of control. This formula is much more volumizing than it is lengthening and a bit on the wet side, causing your curl to droop a bit if you pile it on (easy to do with all the twisting that makes you want to reapply). But it’s just as waterproof as the rest while still feeling flexible on your lashes. Some people are texture fiends — me, not so much, but I dislike mascara that stiffens your lashes to a near-painful degree so it’s a big plus when a waterproof formula stays soft and pliable.
Why they’re So Good
What I love about these mascaras is that they both add a significant amount of length and volume without looking clumpy. If you like the look of Bare Minerals Lash Domination or Too Faced Better than Sex mascaras, you’ll love either one of the Maybelline options as dupes. The brush on the Angel wand is different from most mascara brushes. It doesn’t look like it would deposit a lot of product, but it does! The bristles help to “wing out” and define each lash in an almost magical way.
The Best Drugstore Mascaras for Length & Volume
If I had to guess the ONE makeup product I’ve tested most as a makeup addict, it would be mascara. I work in a makeup store, and I test the new ones as soon as we get a shipment in. I’m lucky to be able to sample all of the prestige brands as well as the drugstore options. Today I’m going to tell you about the best drugstore mascaras for length and volume.
TIP:
To prevent mascara clumps, use a metal lash separator to get between each lash. I like the Tweezer man Folding i-lashcomb.
I use the non-waterproof version of both mascaras. The Angel and the Drama versions can both be used on upper and lower lashes without any smudging. That’s one of my favorite perks!
I know I’ve mentioned my love for Maybelline mascaras before, but I can’t begin to describe how much I love the added length I get from these two options! I should seriously consider applying for a job at Maybelline because I love how these mascaras look and get so many compliments on them.
