8 Best Mascaras of 2026 That Defy Gravity to Lift and Lengthen

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I choose a mascara?

Everyone’s lashes are different, and the best mascara for your best friend may not be right for you. For example, some Allure editors prefer volumizing mascaras for a more dramatic look, while others prefer a curling mascara to lift straight lashes sky-high. Either way, some key factors we kept in mind while making this list include the longevity and pigment of each formula. Our favorites offer length and definition that won’t budge, no matter what your day holds.

How does waterproof mascara differ in formulation and wear?

The difference between regular and waterproof formulas is whether or not they can withstand rain, tears, or sweat. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King told Allure that ingredients like isododecane (a solvent), paraffin (a type of mineral oil that resists water), and VP/eicosene copolymer (a film-forming agent) are the typical players in waterproof mascara.

Since waterproof mascaras are made to handle anything from a light splash to full-on submersion, they can be a little more difficult to wash off at the end of the day. It’s best to use a cleansing oil or cleansing balm to dissolve the formula without rubbing or tugging on the skin around your delicate eye area. Still, if your eyes or lashes are particularly sensitive, a tubing mascara that comes off easily with just warm water may be a better option.

How can you prevent mascara from smudging and flaking?

It’s always a bummer when a perfectly applied makeup look becomes a mess because of your mascara, but you don’t have to suffer through smearing. Instead, follow these smudge-defying tips from New York City-based makeup artist Neil Scibelli.

• Less is more: According to Scibelli, one common reason for flaking and smudging is too much product applied. “I always suggest removing excess formula off of the wand before applying it to the lashes so that you get a smooth and even first coat,” he says.
• When in doubt, go waterproof: Have naturally teary eyes? Scibelli suggests switching to a waterproof formula to ensure tears don’t cause streaking throughout the day. But if you’re loyal to a non-waterproof product, “You can seal your lashes with a second coat of mascara with a waterproof formula,” he says.
• Dry-down time is key: If you just applied a coat of mascara, Scibelli recommends waiting until each coat is fully dry before applying another. “This ensures a clump-free, smoother finish,” he says.
• Be thorough: “I always like to comb the back of the lashes with the wand as well with any leftover formula on the brush to really work through any clumps and separate the lashes more,” Scibelli says. “This will also help smooth the formula out for less future flaking.”

Meet the experts

Additional reporting by Jennifer Hussein, Christa Joanna Lee, and Annie Blackman

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but mascaras are another story. While some can be used across different lash lengths, thicknesses, shape, colors, and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience. For instance, a new, innovative mascara may feature an industry-leading formula, but if the wand still needs some tweaking to prevent clumps and webbing, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.

For our review of the best mascaras, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts you interviewed for the piece—who all have different lash concerns, desired outcome (i.e., want length over volume), and whether one product was tested across varying lash types. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, ease of use, and value. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we can fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.