The 10 Best Mascaras, According to Marie Claire Editors

"This is my favorite mascara right now because of its perfect stickiness, going on smoothly, but with enough resistance to really let you build up volume. It also tends to stay put, but if there’s any end-of-day smudge, it’s that subtle, sexy, maybe-rolled-out-of-bed touch." —Sally Holmes, Editor In Chief

"I discovered this mascara sometime in high school and have never looked back. Just like the name promises, it delivers major volume and length but conditions in the process—doing away with brittle, spider-leg-like lashes and leaving you with a 'my lashes but better' look. All at a drugstore price, might I add."—Neha Prakash, Senior News & Culture Editor

"I have been slightly blessed with lashes that take very well to mascara. Unfortunately, my hooded eyes make for an immediate transfer of product on my puffy upper eyelids. However, Dame Pat McGrath has given my lashes (and eyelids) a new look at life with its epic hold and lengthening abilities that cause minimal transferring. Buildability is a must for me, and this formula is light enough to create a fuller lash look, no matter how many layers I put on. Also, the brush itself really helps keep my lashes separated to avoid clumping." —Alexis Gaskin, Freelance Beauty Writer

"This Chantecaille mascara gives off the appearance of falsies, but without the hassle. There's zero clumping and it's a breeze to take off after a day of wear. While the price point is a bit steep, the splurge is worth it when you break down the price per wear—this tube will last eons." —Sara Hozman, Style Editor

"It feels like I've been searching for the perfect mascara since birth, but I think I've finally landed on a keeper: Maybelline's Volum' Express The Colossal Washable Mascara. This one gives your lashes volumizing thickness with just one coat (yes, including your bottom lashes!) and the bottle has lasted me for months nearly a year (don't tell our beauty editor!). I'm excited to upgrade to the yellow tube once this one runs out." —Rachel Epstein, Editor

"There are so many reasons to love this formula from Bite Beauty. Not only is it vegan, but it makes my lashes look like I have falsies on in one swipe. I really love my lashes to look voluminous and long, and this mascara does the trick for me. It also doesn’t clump up when I apply a few coats, which is a huge plus. It’s one of the only formulas that doesn’t smudge throughout the day or leave residue behind after I take it off at night. A true 10/10." —Julia Marzovilla, Freelance Writer

"There is something so pleasing about using a cake mascara, and the dedication of founder & cosmetic historian Gabriela Hernandez add to the overall experience when you realize the history behind this piece of makeup. At first, I found it to be a bit difficult to use, but once I found the right brush (thank you to the Borboleta Fluff Up Lash Wand), using the product was a breeze and really helped me when wanting to create simple everyday looks with individualized lash definition. I'm obsessed with using the cake mascara specifically on my lower lashes thanks to the controlled and personalized feel depending on the brush used." —AG

"I have long, downward-facing lashes—they've been described as 'llama eyelashes'—and most mascaras clump my lashes together and get in the way of my field of vision. I swear by Lancôme mascaras and used the Hypnôse for years, but for a more pared-down, everyday look, I prefer the Dèfinicil mascara. It's perfect for combing out my lashes and adding clean, natural-looking length to my existing lashes, no matter how many layers I apply, and it never, ever smudges."—Jenny Hollander, Director of Content Strategy

"I’ve tried dozens of mascaras, but I always come back to Benefit’s Roller Lash. I love the brush’s two modes/sides—one curls the lashes and one adds length, all with very little clumping." —Iris Goldsztajn, Freelance Writer

"One of my eyes is more hooded than the other; most mascaras 1) highlight the difference, and 2) smudge the top of my hooded right eye. This one doesn't overdo it on the volume but instead draws the line of both my eyes upward and outward. With the help of a lash curler, it also makes my eyes look even and awake without making it glaringly obvious that I have two coats of mascara on. It gives just a little extra something but you can't quite tell what. And considering I don't want an obvious makeup look, that's perfect." —Katherine J. Igoe, Freelance Writer