

Mascara was one of the first makeup products I was ever allowed to wear. I would marvel at my mom and grandmother getting ready, inching my hands towards the frosty eyeshadows that were the unsung heroes of the early 2000s (shout-out to that comeback in 2022). Ever since, I’ve been on the hunt for the best mascaras out there, bar none. And because I happen to work alongside my very own team of makeup experts, I asked the rest of the Marie Claire team for their opinion on what the best mascaras in 2022 are—and their picks did not disappoint.
No matter what formula you prefer—the volumizing mascara that will give you the false-lash effect in a few swipes, a lengthening mascara for sky-high lashes, a long-lasting waterproof mascara that won’t smudge after hours of wear, or one with a natural formula that leaves you with just a hint of definition—this list probably features your new favorite pick. Say goodbye to hours spent browsing the shelves at Sephora or trying to figure out which drugstore mascara is actually the top-seller on Amazon—team Marie Claire has got you covered right here.
Keep reading to shop our favorites from just about every brand on the price spectrum and to hear a little bit about why we love them. Trust us—we’ve tried and tested just about every formula on the market.
Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Mascara
"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
Maybelline New York Full 'N Soft Washable Mascara
"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, Entertainment Director
PAT McGRATH LABS FetishEyes™ Lengthening Mascara
"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
Chantecaille Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara
"This Chantecaille mascara gives 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
Maybelline New York Volum' Express The Colossal Waterproof Mascara
"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, Former Editor
Bite Beauty Upswing Full Volume Mascara
"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, E-Commerce Writer
Bésame Cosmetics Bésame Cake Mascara
"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
Lancôme Dèfinicils High Definition Lengthening Mascara
"For years, I was married to Lancôme's Hypnôse mascara—the only mascara I'd ever tried that never, ever smudged or clotted my extremely long eyelashes (I know, I know, it's a good problem to have). But it almost worked too well, to the point that people kept asking if my eyelashes were fake. So I switched to Définicils, which is designed to give you defined, natural-looking lashes, and I'll probably never switch to another. I love this mascara: You can layer it depending on how bold you want your look to be; it separates your eyelashes carefully while coating it; and it almost never smudges. I test-drive a lot of skincare and makeup products, but I've never loved a mascara like I do Défenicils, and at this point I'm done trying anything else." — Jenny Hollander, Director of Content Strategy
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Super Curling & Lifting Mascara
"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, Contributing Morning Editor
Lancome The Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara
"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, Contributing Editor
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
"My eyes are extremely sensitive and dry easily. And staring at a screen all day only exacerbates this issue. So when it comes to mascara,I need the cleanest ingredients. Thrive's mascara happens to contain castor oil, a key ingredient for strengthening follicles. So, in addition to the lengthening effect, wearing this mascara can actually strengthen your lashes. Bonus is the unique wand, which allows for a clump-free and precise application." — Tanya Klich, Senior Editor
Kjaer Weis Im-Possible Mascara
"I've always found myself at a crossroads with mascaras. I have insanely watery eyes, but I'm generally not a fan of waterproof mascaras. This long-lasting formula from Kjaer Weis however doesn't budge, smudge, or slide, but still comes off with ease at the end of the day. As for the formula? I've found that I can add layer upon layer without getting annoying clumps or clusters of lashes. The best part though comes by way of the packaging. Not only is this mascara refillable, but the red case (which trust me, you'll use on repeat) is made from 50 percent recycled plastic and infinitely recyclable aluminum." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara
"Fact: mascara can make or break your look. This mascara plays no games for those in need of an intense formula that won’t smudge, fade, or clump. One coat does the trick, but it’s very buildable so apply two or three for extra drama." — Deena Campbell, Beauty Director
MILK MAKEUP KUSH High Volumizing Mascara
"This formula by Milk Makeup is famous for giving users sky-high volume. My lashes are stubbornly averse to most lifting and volumizing mascaras, but this product changed the game--to the point that, when I use it, I can even ditch my eyelash curler! I also love that it's clean and vegan and that its beeswax and hemp-derived ingredients provide natural moisture so that I don't have to worry about my eyelashes falling out." — Gabrielle Ulubay, E-Commerce Writer
L'Oréal Voluminous Original Mascara
“My eyelashes are short and sparse. My eyes are sensitive. So, as you can imagine, tending to my lashes has become one of the more frustrating steps in my makeup routine. Years of chasing the best mascaras of the moment brought me to a point of surrender, and I’m glad I did—because it led me to L’Oreal’s voluminous mascara, a drugstore classic that has since become my staple. It’s volume-boosting and length-enhancing, without irritating my eyes, causing clumps, or resulting in spidery lashes. I like to wipe some of the product off the brush at first, and layer on a few coats for extra volume.” — Lucia Tonelli, Social Media Editor
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara in Dream Pop
"Never did I ever in a million years think I would be on board with the colored mascara trend—I'm loyal to my blackest black formulas. But as a devout Charlotte Tilbury fan, I felt I owed this berry-brown shade the benefit of the doubt. And take it from the ultimate skeptic, it did not disappoint. The shade isn't in-your-face at all. Rather, it's a subtle tone that's perfect for minimal makeup days or as the compliment to a pink eyeshadow situation." — S.H
M.A.CStack Mascara
"I only recently began using this mascara from M.A.C after seeig it all over my TikTok feed and I'm already hooked. Like the name implies, you can seriously layer on this mascara forever and it would never clump. I love thick lashes that look like I'm wearing falsies, and this one does the trick." — J.M
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
"TikTok is my stopping point in social media, I have fully embraced being out of touch, and I’m OK with it. That being said, sometimes, the recommendations on that platform pull through. For example, I saw the beauty think pieces about this mascara making the rounds and decided to try it out. I’ve been growing my eyelashes with serums and oils at night (I believe in being high-maintenance so that you can be low-maintenance later). That regimen plus this mascara are a match made in heaven, it gives me the perfect doll lashes, and even if I just put a few coats of this on and a lip, I feel put together and ready for the day." — Brittany Holloway-Brown, Art Director
Julia Marzovilla is an E-Commerce Writer at Marie Claire covering all things fashion, beauty, and entertainment. Offline, she’s most likely browsing the web for another pair of black boots or listening to music too loudly—often at the same time.
-
We Can Likely “Expect to See the Children as Well” in Sussex Docuseries, Expert Says
“You know, Netflix, they do want bang for their buck.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince George’s First Birthday Present from Grandfather Prince Charles Cost £18,000
It’s so big, it can be seen by visitors touring the gardens of Charles’ country home.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Akwaeke Emezi Writes About the Messiness of Love
The author of the highly anticipated new novel 'You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty' on writing an unconventional love story and the upcoming screen adaptation.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Exactly How to Whiten Your Nails, According to Experts
RIP nail stains. You won't be missed.
By Samantha Holender
-
Experts Explain How to Make Your Bikini Wax Less Painful
It all starts with preparation.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 26 Best Sunscreens Ever for Your Face and Body
Formulas to stock up on, stat.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 10 Best Supplements for Skin to Add to Your Daily Routine
From glow-boosting gummies to acne-fighting pills.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 50 Best Hairstyles for Thin, Fine Hair That Never Fall Flat
Fake-it-'til-you-make-it volume.
By Tatjana Freund
-
The 10 Best Eyeshadows for Darker Skin Tones That Will Make Your Eyes Pop
Palettes, pigments, and shimmers with incredible color payoff.
By Taylore Glynn
-
The Andie MacDowell Renaissance Is Upon Us
The '90s icon has always done things her own way. Now, the world is finally catching up to her.
By Sara Stewart
-
The 14 Best LED Light Therapy Face Masks Worth Every Penny
Masking at home: So hot rn.
By Taylore Glynn