The 10 Best Luxury Mascaras Totally Changed My Mind About Whether Or Not They're Worth the Splurge

I have waxed poetic about this mascara before, so I’ll keep it brief here. YSL’s Lash Latex is simply one of the best mascaras that I have ever tried, and there is no debate about it. The way the wand separates each hair is immediately noticeable (seriously, my friends could tell how good my lashes were turning out), and the length it adds is absolutely gorgeous. On top of that, it conditions the lashes over time, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and iris florentina root extract.

Review: “This is probably one of the best mascaras I have ever used. It lengthens, builds volume, stays curled ALL day, and does not flake off. And it does all this with only two coats. I will definitely be repurchasing this product over and over!” - Nordstrom

Another favorite is Clinique’s High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara, which now comes in the brand’s popular Black Honey shade, a gorgeous brown-based burgundy. The conical wand shape makes getting into those tiny inner-corner lashes a breeze, and bottom lash mascara application is infinitely easier with just a quick repositioning of the hand.

Review: “I love this mascara! The volume that it gives my lashes is unbelievable. One of my favorite features, though, is the wand. It allows me to get to the tiniest of lashes in the corners of my eyes! Highly recommend!!” - Ulta

Was I able to afford fancy Lancôme mascara when I was in high school? No. Did I steal all the ones from my mom’s Macy's gift-with-purchase? Absolutely. That’s where my love of Lancôme mascaras began, but my adoration for Monsieur Big knows no bounds, and it’s still one of my favorite luxury mascaras over a decade later. If you’re on the hunt for more volume, this formula does a great job of making your lashes look fuller, in part because of how pigmented the formula is. Paired with a black eyeliner? It’s basically a shortcut to falsies.

Review: “I LOVE this mascara! I have shortish lashes and hate the way thin mascara looks on me. This mascara makes your lashes very thick and full rather than thin and long. 10/10 recommend. I’ve gone through 4 tubes!” - Nordstrom

Pradascope is like a hairbrush for your eyes, and I will hear no differently. Furthering my claims, the wand is made of nylon-fiber bristles (similar to everyone’s favorite hairbrush, the Maison Pearson), and the separation that this mascara provides is indisputable. Tack on the hyaluronic acid complex in the formula, and it’s like the equivalent of giving your hair a good detangle and hydration treatment, but for your lashes.

​Review: “I have thin, sparse lashes but you can’t tell that with this mascara. I was hesitant about the wand at first, but now I wish every mascara was like it. It builds beautifully, adds length and volume, but separates each lash as if it has nothing else on it. It truly is the best mascara that I’ve ever used bar none!!!” - Nordstrom

A favorite of MC’s beauty director, Hannah Baxter’s, Gucci’s L'Obscur mascara is for anyone searching for length that lasts. Not only is the packaging stunning, but this buildable formula doesn’t flake or smudge, while providing spider-y long lashes that will make you want to swap out that lash serum you’ve been using.

​Review: “Never write reviews- love this mascara. Highly recommend. I’ve tried so many different brands, and I’m throwing them all out. Lashes are longer without clumping” - Nordstrom

What’s transfer-proof, volumizing and lengthening, and beloved by millions of people? That would be Dior’s iconic Diorshow mascara. There’s no clumping when layering this product, which is key because the more you put on, the more impressive your lashes look. Cornflower extract conditions the lashes over time, and the difference is noticeable when it comes time to wash off your makeup because while it is transfer-proof, it doesn’t take the second coming of Christ to remove this formula from your eyes.

​Review: “I won't purchase any other mascara; my lashes are already quite long, so length isn't my primary concern. This is the absolute best mascara for volume. I've been buying this for over ten years, and it never fails. Since I've been using it for so long, I have a whole system going. I keep two in rotation at all times, one fresh and one 2-3 months older, as I find it works a bit better when it's slightly dried out. I use the drier one first as a kind of "primer," then go over it with the fresher one. After opening, a tube lasts exactly 6 months for me, which is the max recommended time to use a mascara. No clumps, just thick lashes!” - Neiman Marcus

Chantecaille is one of my favorite luxury brands, and this mascara is deeply underrated. The brush is what the brand calls a double-helix shape, with one side denser and the other a bit more spread out, so it almost acts like a two-in-one product that both lengthens and volumizes while being ultra-easy to take off.

​Review: “I have very sensitive eyes. I have tried many mascaras, but this was the first one that didn’t make my eyes red and teary. I love the look of my lashes, and it is easy to remove. I have purchased this mascara many times. I also give it as gifts, and everyone loves it.” - Nordstrom

If length is your main concern, Kjaer Weis’s Lengthening Mascara will give you the long, spidery lashes of your dreams. The brand is known for its “no makeup-makeup” approach, but don’t let that fool you; this mascara is dark, buildable, and extremely nourishing, thanks to a blend of oils such as sweet almond, jojoba, and Rosa Rubiginosa. Tack on the gorgeous packaging, and we have ourselves a winner.

​Review: “This mascara has a very chic and unique packaging, and I love the design as it can be a nice gift to someone as well. The quality is amazing, just like other products that I have tried from this brand before. This mascara is great for adding length to your lashes as the wand is very nicely designed to separate lashes and add length to them, but if you are looking for a mascara to add volume to your lashes, this one is not the best option for you.” - Revolve

Team MC is made up of Victoria Beckham Beauty die-hard fans, so of course, the Future Lash Mascara had to make this list. Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender, in particular, loves the wand’s semi-circle shape, which she says “is perfect for giving my lashes the curve they so desperately need.” Use one coat for length and build up for volume. Then, watch your lashes come to life.

​Review: “I’ve had a lifelong battle with mascara, wrong brushes, clumpy formulas, flaky disasters, and lashes that looked like spider legs. This one is a game-changer for me. The brush moves through every lash (even those sneaky little ones at the corners), giving them a generous, even coat. The texture is smooth- no flakes, no smudges, just long-lasting loveliness. The cocoa shade is a refreshing switch from black, especially for making blue eyes pop. The packaging feels luxurious and looks gorgeous. Honestly, I never thought I’d rave about mascara, but here I am… and I’m not even sorry. Highly recommend!” - FWRD

Sam is also the person who introduced me to this Sarah Creal mascara, and of course, it’s phenomenal. My lashes reach sky-high length (even my bottom lashes; it’s incredible), but the formula comes off with such ease you would think I barely had anything on at all. This brand is made with mature skin in mind, but I promise: Any and everyone can wear its products and look fabulous doing so.

​Review: “Sarah Creal Back of the Cab tubing mascara met all my expectations and then some. Its sleek packaging and high-quality product really impressed me. I wore this on a 9-hour shift with zero smudging; it looks just as good as when I first applied.” - Sephora