One Mascara Does Not Fit All—Here’s the Type Your Lashes Are Begging For

Meet the Mascara Formulas That Actually Get You

1. Waterproof Mascara

We love having waterproof mascara tucked in our makeup bags for nights cursed with pouring rain, wild summer days full of pool parties, and all the fancy events in between. Our favorite waterproof mascaras aren’t just weather-proof, they’re also crying proof, whether you’re sobbing your way through your tenth viewing of Inside Out 2 or trying to keep it together at your BFF’s wedding. 

At the top of our list is the gravity-defying, lash-emboldened BENEFIT COSMETICS BADgal BANG! Volumizing Waterproof Mascara. It features ultra-light aero-particles, creates major volume without weighing down lashes, and helps boost fullness with provitamin B5, all while staying put through sweat, tears, and humidity.

2. Lengthening Mascara

When you’re on the hunt for longer lashes, you can’t just reach for any old tube. You need a mascara that evenly coats, curls, and stretches every lash to sky-high lengths. The best lengthening formulas rival even the most dramatic falsies and lash extensions—no glue (or appointment) required.

We love BENEFIT COSMETICS They're Real! Lengthening Mascara for its specially designed brush that grabs, separates, and lifts every lash (yes, even the teeny-tiny corner ones). The jet-black, long-wearing formula adds instant length, volume, and definition for a look so good, people might just ask if they’re real.

3. Volumizing Mascara

Save the drama for your lashes with the best volumizing mascaras that darken, lift, and curl—giving you the look of falsies without the glue. You’ll want to reach for an inky-black formula that amps up intensity in just a few swipes.

Wield some major power with PATRICK TA BEAUTY Major Volume Mascara. Its double-cut brush loads up lashes with the perfect amount of product for instant fullness and definition, while the weightless, buildable formula delivers bold, pitch-black volume that never feels heavy or clumpy. One coat gives you lift; a few more takes you full red carpet.

4. Curling Mascara

Curling mascara does just that: makes your eyelashes curl upward, making them appear longer and more volumized. Give your eyelash curler a helping hand with a curling mascara that helps you defy gravity. There’s no topping BENEFIT COSMETICS Roller Lash Curling Mascara in Black, thanks to the brilliant “Hook ‘n’ Roll” applicator brush. With each swipe of mascara, this wand curls your lashes as you apply a 12-hour lasting formula that can withstand even the most dramatic of thunderstorms.

5. Lash Defining Mascara

For lashes that mean business, definition is everything. HALF CAKED Eye Defy Mascara delivers the perfect balance of lift, separation, and drama—no clumps, no chaos. Its flexible, precision brush grabs every lash (even the tiny ones you didn’t know you had) and coats them evenly from root to tip. The result? Feathery, fanned-out lashes that look naturally bold, whether you’re keeping it casual or going full-glam. Add one coat for “I woke up like this” or layer a few more for “I have places to be.”

6. Non-Clumping Mascara

Clumpy lashes? Couldn’t be you. ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Lash Sculpt Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara gives you that smooth, fanned-out finish every time—no lash comb required. Its precision-molded brush separates and defines from root to tip, while the lightweight, buildable formula stretches each lash for serious length and volume (minus the mess). Add one coat for a natural, lifted look, or layer it up for drama that still looks perfectly polished—not spidery.

7. Tubing Mascara

Think of tubing mascara as a way to give your lashes a super hug. The brilliant formula is designed to wrap around each individual lash hair like a “tube,” thickening your lashes and adding some extra length. While most tubing mascaras require some vigorous rubbing with your makeup remover, BLINC UltraVolume TUBING™ Mascara in Black (from the brand that created tubing mascara) comes off effortlessly, leaving no residue behind.

8. Fiber Mascara

If you’ve ever wished your lashes could hit the gym, this is the mascara equivalent of leg day. Fiber formulas are packed with teeny-tiny fibers that cling to your lashes for instant length and volume—like built-in lash extensions without the commitment. We’re currently obsessed with BAREMINERALS Maximist® Phyto-Fiber Volumizing Mascara, a clean, vegan formula powered by orange peel fibers that deliver up to 250% more volume. Bonus: It conditions while it lifts, so your lashes look fuller, feel softer, and never flake on you.

9. Bottom Lash Mascara

Your lower lashes deserve their own moment. Because let’s be honest—using your regular mascara wand down there is basically asking for smudges. Enter PIXI BY PETRA Lower Lash Mascara, the tiny but mighty tube made just for those short, delicate lashes. Its ultra-precise micro wand grabs every little hair without clumping, while the longwear formula keeps your lower lashes lifted, defined, and totally smudge-free all day. Think of it as your secret weapon for making your eyes look bigger, brighter, and way more awake.

10. Clear Mascara

Clear mascara is the ultimate hypeman product for every makeup look you’re trying to nail. Going for a minimalist look? The clear formula lets your natural lash color shine, while giving your brows and your lashes extra support and direction. Looking to wow with shimmer? Clear mascara provides the perfect base coat for your shimmery dreams. MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Great Lash® Clear Mascara is our go-to clear mascara, thanks to its lightweight formula that dries quickly. 

11. Double-Ended Mascara

Like the classic soup and sandwich combo or your favorite crossbody bag that comes with a detachable shoulder strap, double-ended mascaras know that sometimes you need options. Get ready to lift and volumize with MAKE UP FOR EVER  The Professionall 24HR Double-Ended Lifting & Volumizing Mascara in Black! Step 1's ultra-precise thin brush gives your lashes a natural lift and separation, while Step 2’s cone-shaped fiber brush brings bold, flake-free volume. Whether you keep it light or layer for extra drama, this sweatproof, sensitive-eye-friendly formula with a lash-thickening berry complex leaves your lashes looking thicker and fuller all day long.

12. Brown Mascara

If black mascara feels a little too bold for your everyday vibe, brown mascara might just be your new BFF. Softer than classic black but still adding plenty of definition, brown mascara gives your lashes a natural, effortless lift—perfect for no-makeup makeup days or when you want to play up a fresh, glowy look.

Our pick? WANDER BEAUTY Mile High Club™ Length and Define Mascara in Espresso. This deep brown shade delivers fluttery, lengthened lashes with a subtle richness that flatters every eye color. The precise brush grabs even the tiniest lashes, giving you that “I woke up like this” energy with zero clumps and all-day wear. Plus, the nourishing formula keeps your lashes feeling soft, never crunchy.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re team volume, length, curl, or definition (or all of the above), there’s a mascara out there with your name on it. The best part? Swiping on a new formula is one of the easiest ways to instantly change your look—no lash extensions required. So go ahead, experiment, mix and match, and let your lashes do the talking. 

Ready to find the one? Shop these mascaras (and so many more) in the IPSY Shop to score up to 70% off your next lash obsession.