The 18 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, Entertainment Director

"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 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, Former 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, E-Commerce 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

"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

"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 

"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

"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

"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 

"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

"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

“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 

"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

"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 

"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