15 Super-Effective Curling Mascaras—Perfect for Stick-Straight Lashes

If I were to choose only one type of makeup product to wear for the rest of my life, it would undoubtedly be mascara. It’s the first product I ever used, and it’s truly the makeup item I’m most passionate about. (I have a substantial collection of at least 50.)

Having said that, discovering a mascara that can effectively curl and lift my long, stick-straight lashes is indeed a challenge. While I adore and value the natural length I was born with, this blessing comes with the curse of lashes that tend to droop dramatically. Consequently, even though I appreciate voulmizing mascaras that promise length and definition, my primary concern is always achieving a curl. Unfortunately, most mascaras I’ve experimented with over the years (even prior to being a beauty editor) have fallen disappointingly short. Creating the best curling mascaras involves a significant strategy, and while I’m no expert in terms of chemistry, production, or design, I have noticed consistent patterns in brush design, texture, and ingredients. (For instance, heavy and excessively wet mascaras will never provide the lift and curl you desire from your wand.)

Because I’m so passionate about finding, testing, and recommending the best curling mascaras in the beauty biz, I’ve put together a list of foolproof options for anyone who’s ever been convinced their lashes are resistant to curl. Keep scrolling! Your ultimate lash-curling mascara soulmate is waiting for you just below, along with some of my favorite eye-enhancing products to pair with each.

The Best Curling Mascaras, Listed

• Best Budget Mascara: Essence Lash Princess Curl & Volume Mascara
• Best Drugstore Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
• Best for Sensitive Eyes: Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara
• Best Lightweight Formula: MAC Cosmetics Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara
• Best Double-Sided Mascara: Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume, Lift and Curl Mascara

The Best Curling Mascaras

Best Budget Mascara: Essence Lash Princess Curl & Volume Mascara

Best Drugstore Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

Best for Sensitive Eyes: lia Limitless Lash Mascara

Best Lightweight Mascara: MAC Cosmetics Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara

Best Double-Sided Mascara: Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume, Lift and Curl Mascara

Best Tubing Mascara: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara

Best Water-Resistant Mascara: Glossier Lash Slick Mascara

Best Conditioning Mascara: Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling and Lifting Mascara

Best Thickening Mascara: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara

Best Buildable Mascara: Dior Diorshow Iconic Mascara

Best Clean Mascara: Merit Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara

Best Waterproof: SHEGLAM 2 in 1 Black Volume and Length Waterproof Mascara

Best Smudge-Proof Mascara: Armani Beauty Vertigo Lift Longwear Lengthening Mascara

Best Flake-Free Mascara: Tarte Tartelette™ Lengthening & Tubing Mascara

Best for Easy Removal: L’Oréal Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara

FAQs

What to look for in a curling mascara.

Before buying any curling mascara, there may be a few things worth considering that might influence your purchasing decision. For starters, some formulas are more expensive than others so think about the size of the tube and whether or not you think it aligns with your budget. Additionally, some brands offer the same formula in other colors, and some are also waterproof. The latter may be ideal if your eyes tend to water a lot throughout the day.

What’s the best way to apply curling mascara?

You should always apply mascara to dry lashes, but to really get the most out of your product, start by curling them to create a base. The, apply the mascara from the root of your lash to the tip, using a subtle left to right motion to full coat the lashes. Celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist Sarai Martinez says she usually applies three to four layers, but the main goal is to make sure that enough is on to extend the lash thoroughly and until she gets her desired look.

How can you prevent mascara from smudging or flaking?

Smudging and flaking is one of the most common issues for frequent mascara wearers, but it’s totally preventable. “The best thing you can do to prevent mascara from smudging would be to keep up with the longevity of it,” says Martinez. “You should always replace your mascara every three to six months.” She adds that doing this will reduce your chances of using dried out mascara. If your makeup budges throughout the day, use a long-wear concealer under your lid followed by a mineral powder.

What’s the difference between waterproof or non-waterproof curling mascara?

The main difference between these two kinds of mascara is that one will start to come off or smudge with water while the other stays in tact on your lashes. If you prefer a waterproof formula, Martinez warns that it can be difficult to take off. That said, you may also want to invest in a makeup remover that can breakdown waterproof mascaras easily.

How We Chose

As with all buying guides here at Who What Wear, we compile our product lists based on original testing and expert recommendations. For this roundup, the WWW beauty team tried several of the options listed above. We know the shade range, size, and waterproof qualities of these mascaras play a role in our readers’ purchasing decisions, so we made sure to list out those details for each product. Customer reviews are also important to keep in mind, especially when it comes to viral or celebrity-endorsed favorites. That said, we scoured the review sections of our favorite retailers when compiling our list.

Why trust Who What Wear

Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.