The Best Mascaras for Next-Level Lashes
Whether it’s volume, definition, or length you’re looking for, we list some of the very best mascaras to help make all your lash dreams come true.
Eyelashes frame the eyes, defining their shape and making them appear bigger, so it’s no surprise that there are many ways – from extensions to growth serums – to enhance their effect. But there's nothing easier and more time efficient than reaching for the best mascara in your beauty arsenal. Just a couple of swipes can transform your face, making your eyes stand out, and look more awake and radiant. That said, with a constant stream of new launches, promising to be more innovative than the next, it can be challenging to find the best options.
Best for length
If it’s long fluttery lashes you're after then look for formulas that contain waxes, nourishing oils, or tiny fibres that can grip onto each lash without getting too thick or stiff. As for the wand, pick a mascara wand with bristles that aren't packed too densely together. Bristles that are spread farther apart can separate and define your lashes, coating them evenly with mascara.
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L'Oréal Telescopic Mascara R269,95
Elizabeth Arden Lasting Impression Mascara R465
Rimmel Extra Long Lash Mascara R109,95
BX Cosmetics Lengthening Mascara R109
Maybelline Sensational Sky High Mascara R199,95
L'Oreal Double Extension Mascara R265
Best for volume
Need to pump up the volume? Volumising mascara provides the look of false lashes but without the effort (or the glue), creating dense and dramatic lashes, making them look just that much more impactful and robust. Choose formulas that are slightly creamy in texture as these tend to build beautifully and avoid formulas that are too wet or watery as these can weigh down the lashes and not build up as well. As for the wand, look for densely bristled shapes that can grab lashes close to the root to coat them fully.
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Revlon So Fierce Mascara R239,95
Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara R189,95
The Body Shop Turn It Up Mascara R265
Revolution 5D Lash Power Mascara R235
Catrice Lift Up Volume & Lash Boost Mascara R129,95
Best for curl
If your lashes tend to stick straight out or fall flat, these mascaras can bless your lashes with a gravity-defying curl. Opt for lightweight formulas as they are easy to layer and build and won’t weigh your lashes down. Having a curved, medium-sized wand will help lift from the root and give the extra curl boost because it can grab individual lashes. The application technique matters too, as straight lashes can be quite stubborn and not move. Curling your eyelashes with an eyelash curler will help give them some extra lift and curl but if there’s no time for that, then simply applying your mascara in a zigzag motion from the root to tip will help curl them.
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Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara R460
Catrice Glam & Doll Curl & Volume Mascara R100,95
Sorbet Amplieye 4D Mascara R105
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara R199,95
Revlon Big Bad Lash Mascara R239,95
Essence Get Big Lashes Volume Curl R63,95
Best budget buys
Do-it-all mascaras don’t have to cost much. And as all mascaras tend to dry out quickly either way and their shelf life (usually three months) is so brief, it’s probably smarter not to spend too much on them. Here are some of our best buys under R100.
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Smudge Lengthening Mascara R59,95
Wet n Wild Mega Length Mascara R99.95
Playgirl Volume Mascara R59,95
Essence Lash Princess Mascara R87,95
Catrice All Round Mascara R75,95
Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes Smudge Proof Volumizing and Defining Mascara R99,95
IMAGE: 123rf.com
Products featured in this article
L'Oreal
Telescopic Mascara Carbon Black
R 307.95Elizabeth Arden
Lasting Impression Mascara In Lasting Black
R 580.00Rimmel
Extra Super Lash Mascara Long Lash
R90.97BX Cosmetics
Lengthening Mascara
R 195.00Maybelline
Sky High Mascara
R 221.95L'Oreal
Double Extension Beauty Tubes Mascara Carbon Black
R 80.00Revlon
So Fierce Mascara Black
R 90.00Maybelline
The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara 01 Black
R 100.00
The Body Shop
Turn It Up Mascara 9ml
R 295.00Catrice
Lift Up Volume & Lash Boost Mascara 010 Power Hold
R 88.00Stila
Travel Size Huge Extreme Lash Mascara Black
R 595.00Catrice
Glam & Doll Curl & Volume Mascara Black 010
R 10.00Maybelline
Lash Sensational Mascara Black
R 211.95Revlon
So Fierce Big Bad Lash Mascara Blackest Black
R 299.99Smudge
Lengthening Mascara
R 6.00Wet n Wild
Mega Length Mascara Very Black
R 89.95Catrice
Allround Mascara Waterproof 010 Blackest Carbon Black Ever 12ml
R 74.95Essence
Bye Bye Panda Eyes Smudge Proof Mascara Black 01
R 10.00
