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Best Mascara

We compared 10 mascara and ranked them on a 1–10 score computed from 790,516 customer ratings — driven by what real buyers reported, not editor opinion. Our current #1 pick is L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara, Black, 0.28 fl. oz., scoring 9.2/10.

Each pick below comes with a data-driven summary plus the pros and cons buyers mention most, so you can choose the best mascara for your needs in minutes.

Shopping adjacent? Best 3D Printers and Best 4K TVs covers the same ground from a different angle.

Data-Driven Ranking
10 products compared
Rating data last refreshed

Our top mascara picks

1

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara is generally well-received for its volume and length enhancement, though some users report inconsistent quality or clumping issues.

Summary written by a language model from real customer reviews. It never affects the score.

PROS
  • Delivers dramatic volume and length
  • Smooth application without flaking throughout the day
  • Affordable price point
CONS
  • Occasional clumping issues
  • Can be difficult to remove compared to alternatives
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2

The L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Mascara receives positive feedback for its ability to lengthen and define lashes without clumping, making it suitable for everyday use. However, some users note that while it performs well initially, the mascara may fade over several hours.

Summary written by a language model from real customer reviews. It never affects the score.

PROS
  • Lengthens and defines lashes
  • Easy to remove with makeup remover
  • Does not irritate sensitive eyes
CONS
  • Wand takes longer to apply compared to traditional mascaras
  • Performance fades after several hours
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3

The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara is praised for its ability to provide length, volume, and definition without clumping. Customers appreciate its longevity throughout the day and easy removal at night.

Summary written by a language model from real customer reviews. It never affects the score.

PROS
  • Buildable formula allows for natural or dramatic looks
  • Flexible brush effectively coats and separates lashes
  • Long-lasting and water-resistant
CONS
  • Can feel heavy with too many layers
  • May smudge slightly on oilier eyelids
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4

The essence Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara is generally well-received for its ability to volumize and lengthen lashes at a reasonable price. However, some users report issues with flaking and smudging throughout the day.

Summary written by a language model from real customer reviews. It never affects the score.

PROS
  • Volumizes and lengthens lashes effectively
  • Relatively affordable compared to high-end brands
  • Rated highly by users who find it comparable to more expensive mascaras
CONS
  • Flakes and smudges easily during the day for some users
  • Clumps for a few reviewers
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5

The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara is a well-regarded product that offers noticeable length and definition for eyelashes. It performs well in everyday use, offering buildability without clumping or smudging significantly.

Summary written by a language model from real customer reviews. It never affects the score.

PROS
  • Provides significant length and volume to lashes
  • Flexible brush enhances application on shorter lashes
  • Builds well with layers allowing for natural to dramatic looks
CONS
  • Can feel heavy if applied too thickly
  • Smudges slightly under eyes after extended wear
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6

The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara is generally well-regarded for its ability to lengthen and define lashes, offering a lightweight formula that is easy to apply and remove. However, it may not provide as much volume or longevity compared to higher-end products.

Summary written by a language model from real customer reviews. It never affects the score.

PROS
  • Lengthens and defines lashes effectively
  • Flexible brush helps coat even short lashes
  • Buildable formula suitable for both natural and dramatic looks
CONS
  • May feel heavy with too many layers
  • Can smudge slightly on oilier eyelids
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7

The essence Lash Princess Curl & Volume Mascara is generally well-received for its ability to lengthen and volumize lashes, with customers appreciating its affordability and performance.

Summary written by a language model from real customer reviews. It never affects the score.

PROS
  • Lengthens and curls lashes effectively
  • No clumping when applied properly
  • Long-lasting without smudging
CONS
  • Can be prone to clumping with multiple layers
  • May require a lash separator for better application
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8

The Essence Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara is generally well-received for its ability to lengthen and volumize lashes without clumping, offering good value for money despite some performance issues in extreme conditions.

Summary written by a language model from real customer reviews. It never affects the score.

PROS
  • Adds volume and length
  • Easy application with no clumps
  • Waterproof formula stays on throughout the day
CONS
  • Smudging can occur in humid weather
  • Clumping when exposed to water
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9

The Essence Lash Without Limits Mascara is generally well-received for its affordable price point and ability to add length and volume without clumping. However, some users note minor issues with smudging in humid conditions.

Summary written by a language model from real customer reviews. It never affects the score.

PROS
  • Adds noticeable length and volume
  • Easy application and removal
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free
CONS
  • Can smudge slightly in humid weather
  • Not suitable for those seeking dramatic effects
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10

The Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara is generally well-received for its ability to lengthen and volumize lashes without smudging, offering good value at a lower price point.

Summary written by a language model from real customer reviews. It never affects the score.

PROS
  • Provides excellent volume and length
  • Separates lashes effectively
  • Does not smudge easily
CONS
  • Can be more difficult to remove than other mascaras
  • May cause eye irritation if it gets in the eyes
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Quick Comparison

ChoiceRadar ranking of 10 mascara, with score and the most-cited pro and con for each.
ProductScoreBiggest plusMain drawback
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara, Black, 0.28 fl. oz.9.2/10Delivers dramatic volume and lengthOccasional clumping issues
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Original Telescopic Mascara, Separating Mascara Volume and Length…9.1/10Lengthens and defines lashesWand takes longer to apply compared to traditional mascaras
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Lengthening,…9.0/10Buildable formula allows for natural or dramatic looksCan feel heavy with too many layers
essence Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara, Black (Pack of 1)9.0/10Volumizes and lengthens lashes effectivelyFlakes and smudges easily during the day for some users
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Lengthening,…9.0/10Provides significant length and volume to lashesCan feel heavy if applied too thickly
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Lengthening,…9.0/10Lengthens and defines lashes effectivelyMay feel heavy with too many layers
essence Lash Princess Curl & Volume Mascara, Black (Pack of 1)8.9/10Lengthens and curls lashes effectivelyCan be prone to clumping with multiple layers
essence Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara, Black (Pack of 1)8.8/10Adds volume and lengthSmudging can occur in humid weather
essence Lash Without Limits Extreme Lengthening & Volume Mascara, Black8.7/10Adds noticeable length and volumeCan smudge slightly in humid weather
essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara, Black (Pack of 1)8.7/10Provides excellent volume and lengthCan be more difficult to remove than other mascaras

Advertising disclosure: ChoiceRadar is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects how products are scored or ordered — see our methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best mascara right now?
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara, Black, 0.28 fl. oz. is our top-ranked pick, with a ChoiceRadar score of 9.2/10. It leads our ranking of 10 mascara built from real customer-rating data.
How many mascara did you compare?
This ranking covers 10 mascara, drawing on 790,516 customer ratings in total. Scores range from 8.7–9.2 out of 10.
How is the #1 mascara chosen?
Every product here clears a minimum of 100 customer ratings, then we score its full star distribution on a 1–10 scale and rank by that score. L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara, Black, 0.28 fl. oz. came out on top for this category. The exact formula is published on our methodology page.