People love their mascara with a fierce passion. Debates over the product that allows you to achieve the perfect lash can divide friends faster than discussions of religion, money, and politics. So, to make your own choice, here’s some insight on ten of the most loved, cult-favorite mascara formulations that makeup artists are always talking about.
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
One of the best-selling mascaras of all time, this tried and true basic has been bringing bigger lashes to people all over the world since 1971. It’s known for an easy-to-handle wand, as well as a water-based, clump-free formula that resists smudging but washes off in a second. Plus, at this point, its green and pink packaging is truly iconic. It’s ideal for those who want a no-nonsense mascara. Even if it’s not one of my personal favorites, it deserves a place at the head of this legendary lash enhancer list!
CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara
One of the biggest mascara launches of the last few years had to be this one from CoverGirl. With the wand’s flexible bristles that conform to lashes for easy application, LashBlast has landed itself among the best mascaras of all time. It’s spherical wax particles act as “spacers” to push lashes into a perfect, plump fan shape and help put an end to clumping catastrophes. If you want maximum volume and amazing value, LashBlast is perfect. And while the original CoverGirl Professional Mascara (see Christie Brinkley hawking it in 1984 here!) is still a must-have, LashBlast is on its way to being an artist favorite.
L'Oreal Voluminous Volume Building Mascara
There have been plenty of new additions to this L’Oreal line of mascaras, but the original still reigns supreme. Vitamins and ceramides in the tube take lashes to the next level and the range of black and brown shades is truly brilliant. Voluminous is an amazing drugstore mascara for the makeup lover who likes romantic eyes; it leaves lashes looking soft and feathery, yet also strong at the same time. Make-Up Artist Magazine recently did a poll of celeb makeup artists and their must-have mascaras, and Voluminous was the most-picked by artists including Billy B, Theo Kogan, and more.
Diorshow Mascara
Many makeup artists swear by this divine lash enhancer from Dior. The brush builds tons of volume and the scientists who formulated the product have added silica powder, which is meant to give a bionic boost to the actual diameter of individual lashes. Los Angeles–based artists like Joanna Schlip and Sharon Gault give it a shout out as their favorites, and their celebrity clients have helped Diorshow Mascara become one of the most coveted cosmetics on the market today.
Lancôme Définicils High Definition Mascara
The undisputed champion in the prestige mascara market has got to be Lancôme.According to Harper’s Bazaar, one tube of Définicils is sold every three minutes. And while Lancôme leads the category overall with a cavalcade of must-have lash boosters, this one remains the champion. Polymers in the product coat each lash from root to tip, lengthening and outlining, and providing a perfectly even application every time. This one should be included in the kits of women who don’t feel comfortable layering mascara for maximum volume, since it’s easy to control and build up. Définicils lets you bring nighttime drama to a daytime look without overdoing it.
Benefit They're Real! Mascara
While Benefit’s BADgal mascara has made quite a splash, Elle says that the brand’s latest—They’re Real!—is the number-one selling prestige mascara. The product does deliver. With a domed tip to separate, lift, define, and curl even the smallest of corner lashes, this one is amazing for accomplishing a more sculpted look. It gives you a faux lashes effect without having to pull out the tweezers and glue.
blinc Tube Mascara
blinc’s tube mascara has changed the eyelash game by giving wearers a new option to traditional formulas. The product builds a tiny, water-resistant tube around the eyelash, making your lashes appear thicker, longer and more voluminous, almost magically. It’s perfect when you want a natural touch of color, but not too much. Plus, it’s easy to apply and even easier to remove.
Maybelline Lash Discovery
This one has a tiny wand, aptly sized to coat lower lashes and get into small spaces. Artists like Marietta Carter-Narcisse love Lash Discovery for getting at each and every lash, including those inner and outer corner ones, for an eyes-wide-open effect. This is an essential for anyone with small lashes—I love using it on Asian women and others who have smaller, straighter lashes. It covers and coats every time.
Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara
Let your natural beauty shine through with this winner from Bobbi Brown. Its innovative formula allows for an easy, everyday application while it lengthens, thickens, and defines, delivering a lash that looks lavish and feels like it’s barely there. Try applying a little more at the roots to add extra definition and watch how easily it opens up even the most tired eye.
Too Faced Better Than False Lashes
Too Faced takes lush lashes to new dimensions with this three-step lash extension system. First, you apply the activating base formula, which creates a topcoat layer over the lash. Then you then go over that with Flexistretch nylon lash fibers to build up faux lash–like length and volume. Finally, finish off with a coat or two of the base formula. Unlike other fiber-based mascaras, Too Faced lets you dial up the volume, however, you want it by putting you in control of the fibers—you can use the fibers, or the mascara separately.
As Director of Artistry for The Makeup Show, The Powder Group and On Makeup Magazine, makeup artist James Vincent has touched every facet of the industry with his talent. With specialties in film and theatre, television and celebrity work, editorial and runway work, James is foremast a passionate educator, training for brands such as MAC, Stila, CNN and Lancome. He continues to inspire the next wave of artists with his beauty expertise. Follow James on Twitter @JVincentmakeup.
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