Mascara might seem like a straightforward beauty staple, but not all formulas are created equal. From volumising to curling and tubing technology, the world of mascara has more variety than meets the eye and understanding what makes each type unique is key to finding the right one for your lashes.
To help demystify the options, I spoke to make-up artist Mira Parmar – whose clients include red carpet regulars Joanna Lumley and Celia Imrie. She explains that traditional mascaras coat lashes with pigment, while tubing mascaras use polymer-based technology to wrap each lash in a tiny, flexible tube. The result? A smudge-proof, easy-to-remove finish that offers natural definition without the fuss.
When it comes to curling versus volumising mascaras, Parmar notes that the difference lies less in the formula and more in the wand design. “For curling you have a more tapered shape whereas for volumising you’ll have a heavier wand that holds a lot more product to coat the lashes and create volume,” she says. Her personal go-to? Tubing mascara. “It doesn’t smudge, it’s easy to apply, and it gives beautifully defined lashes,” she adds. “Plus, removal is simple – you only need water.”
Armed with this expert advice, I tested dozens of mascaras across both high street and luxury brands to find the very best on the UK market. From waterproof picks to barely-there natural finishes and bold, lash-maximising formulas, I narrowed it down to my 14 top-performing buys.
Read on for everything you need to know about choosing and applying mascara – plus the best formulas for every lash type, occasion, and budget.
How I tested
After researching the most popular mascaras, as well as any new releases from well-known brands, I created a longlist of around 40 formulas. I then tested each mascara for a full eight hours' wear, applying it in the morning to curled lashes before checking in on the state of my eyes throughout the day. As someone with oily skin, the mascaras had to withstand a build-up of shine as the day wore on and, once I’d eliminated the low-ranking contenders, my whittled down shortlist joined me in the gym to put their sweat-proofing into practice. Only 14 mascaras made the final cut – here’s what I considered while using each one:
- Immediate results: I focused on how well each mascara delivered instant lift, definition, and lash coverage. I looked for formulas that visibly enhanced the lashes from the first swipe, creating noticeable volume, separation, and curl without requiring multiple coats.
- Ease of application: The worst thing that can happen when you’re in a rush is that you catch your mascara wand on your eye. A poorly designed wand is often to blame here, so I kept an eye out for any cumbersome brushes or extra spiky bristles. I also noted how many strokes were required for a fluttery finish, looking at how the spacing and width of the bristles helped or hindered this.
- Long-term results: Long-term performance was equally important, as I assessed how each mascara held up after a full day of wear. I considered whether the formula stayed put without smudging, flaking, or causing dreaded panda eyes, and took note of how the lashes looked and felt – whether they remained lifted and defined or weighed down and clumpy by day's end.
- Removal: Easy removal was a requirement for all the mascaras featured. Every formula was taken off with the Elemis pro-collagen cleansing balm and had to come off cleanly without excessive rubbing or tugging.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
As The Independent’s beauty writer, I’m constantly browsing the latest products and formulas. Whether it’s new skincare and fragrance launches or a new colour in Maybelline’s best-selling lash sensational sky high mascara, you can bet I’m on top of it. I’ve more than five years’ experience working in the industry and, in that time, I’ve accrued make-up intel from brand contacts and experts, as well as my own personal use of products. I’ve tested and reviewed myriad mascaras and have only recommended the ones I truly believe are worth your hard-earned cash.
The best mascaras for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Milk Makeup kush high roll mascara: £28, Boots.com
- Best budget buy – Maybelline great lash mascara: £7.70, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for defining – Refy lash sculpt mascara: £20, Sephora.co.uk
- Best for feathery lashes – Lancôme lash idôle mascara: £27.65, Sephora.co.uk
- Best for green and blue eyes – Clinique high impact mascara, black honey: £25.50, Boots.com
Milk Makeup kush high roll mascara
Best: Mascara overall
Lash effect: Volumising, curling and defining every lash
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free: Yes
Shades: Black
Waterproof version available: Yes
Brush type: ‘Puff puff’ bristle brush
Why we love it
- Easy to apply quickly
- Maintains lash curl
- Separates and fans out lashes
- Leaves lashes volumised and lifted
If you have blonde lashes, you’ll know how annoying it can be to seemingly finish coating every lash only to turn your gaze downwards to reveal a white blonde lash line. This is something I’ve become used to over the years and is, aside from the occasional lash tint, part and parcel of the fair-hair experience – or so I thought.
Milk Makeup’s high roll mascara wand somehow gets underneath the lashes in a way that reaches both the top of the lash line and encapsulates the hairs. This surprised me, given the fairly straight and narrow design of the spoolie. What’s more, the formula enables you to apply multiple coats without any clumping. It also gives some serious volume at the root. I reach for this product all the time and have no doubt I’ll be repurchasing after I’ve scraped every last ounce out of my current tube.
Buy now £28.00, Boots.com
Maybelline great lash mascara
Best: Budget mascara
Lash effect: Defining and lengthening
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free: Technically no, according to PETA, though the brand claims to be cruelty-free
Shades: Black
Waterproof version available: Yes
Brush type: Bristle
Why we love it
- Clearly separates lashes
- Tapered spoolie makes it easy to reach inner/outer corners
Finding a budget-friendly mascara that applies and wears like a dream is often a thing of, well, dreams. If you’ve heard everyone wax lyrical about Maybelline’s lash sensational sky high mascara, you may have written off this one but do not overlook ‘great lash’. This is a do-it-all product that effectively lifts, curls, lengthens and defines, leaving your lashes looking gorgeous and wispy, all for less than £10.
Buy now £7.70, Amazon.co.uk
Refy lash sculpt mascara
Best: Mascara for definition
Lash effect: Defining, separating and fanning-out lashes
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free: Yes
Shades: Black
Waterproof version available: No
Brush type: Silicone
Why we love it
- Pushes product in-between lashes right to the root
- Great for coating hard-to-reach lashes at the outer edge
Take note
- Not as effective on bottom lashes
- Can clump if you try to re-comb it through several times
Complete with its single-sided applicator, Refy’s lash sculpt is not only unique but actually does what it says on the tin: sculpts your lashes. The spoolie is crescent-shaped and, contrary to expectation, curves in the opposite direction to your lashes (no, you can’t flip it). Somehow, it works, with the outer edge of the brush gripping those hard-to-reach outer lashes, while the petite tapered end reaches the stubby, previously inaccessible ones towards the inner corner of the eye.
It’s a bit clunky on the bottom lashes and doesn’t lend itself to multiple coats but the formula is reliable and neither smudges nor crumbles. It’s a product I genuinely reach for in my day-to-day routine.
Buy now £20.00, Sephora.co.uk
Lancôme lash idôle mascara
Best: Mascara for feathery lashes
Lash effect: Volumising and creating feathery, cluster-like lashes
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free: No
Shades: Black, glossy black (waterproof), brown
Waterproof version available: Yes
Brush type: Elastomer brush
Why we love it
- Arched brush maintains any curl from your lash curler
- Easy to apply quickly
Take note
- Formula is a touch heavy and weighs down lashes
As someone with naturally poker straight/droopy lashes, I’ve always been sceptical about curved spoolies on mascaras, deeming them more of a gimmick than a productive feature. With Lancôme’s lash idôle mascara, however, this isn’t the case. While those with straight lashes will still reach for a lash curler, once your lashes are curled, Lancôme’s brush helps to plump the curl even further.
It’s best to be sparing with this water-based formula, to prevent weighing down the curl, but I enjoyed how easy it is to coat the lash from root to tip in just one pass, thanks to the spoolie’s lash-hugging shape. My one bugbear is that the cumbersome size of the brush doesn’t bode well for the clumsy among us. On more than one occasion, I caught my eye while applying this formula and, as is always the way, blinked the product onto a full face of make-up – not ideal.
Buy now £27.65, Sephora.co.uk
Benefit fan fest mascara
Best: Mascara for fanned-out lashes
Lash effect: Curling and fanning
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free: No
Shades: Black
Waterproof version available: It’s already water resistant
Brush type: Full-flex fibre brush
Why we love it
- Maintains height from lash curler, due to lightweight formula
- Doesn’t smudge
- Gets between each and every lash
- Doesn’t clump
This mascara impressed me from the first swipe until the end of the day. I’m not normally one for a fibre brush and, more often, reach for plastic/silicone spoolies. However, this one separated every lash; looked just as good whether I’d opted for a hasty or precise application; and maintained all the height from my lash curling. The formula neither clumps nor smudges, and the fact it happens to be water-resistant is a bonus. Full marks, no notes.
Buy now £27.00, Boots.com
Clinique high impact mascara, black honey
Best: Mascara for blue and green eyes
Lash effect: Subtly defining and feathering
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free: No
Shades: Black honey, black, black-brown
Waterproof version available: Yes
Brush type: Soft-fibre brush
Why we love it
- Defines lashes without appearing harsh
- A great addition to a minimal make-up look
- Fluffy finish
I’m obsessed with both Clinique’s black honey almost lipstick and the matching lip oil, so, naturally, I had high hopes for this mascara. Initially though, this product had me letting out a sigh of disappointment as, from the first stroke, it appeared as though nothing had come off the spoolie. As I continued to brush the product through all my lashes, however, the subtle burgundy hue began to develop, giving my lashes a natural definition, as though they’d been freshly tinted.
With this formula, your eyes are left looking bright and awake – especially blue/green eyes, thanks to the magic of colour theory – in a way that would leave passers-by none the wiser that you’re wearing make-up. It’s perfect for those ‘no make-up’ make-up days. Plus, the brush is easy to use and forgiving to beauty beginners.
Buy now £25.50, Boots.com
Givenchy l’interdit couture volume mascara
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Best: Mascara for length
Lash effect: Subtly defining and lengthening
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free: No
Shades: Black
Waterproof version available: No
Brush type: Bio-sourced ‘exclusive’ soft brush
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Coats lashes right to the tip
- Gives lashes height
Take note
- Larger brush makes it hard to reach lash roots
- Subtler than some other formulas
There’s no denying this is a premium product but I think it’s worth its price tag. Often, when mascaras are good at lengthening it’s because of some extra fibres in the formula. This isn’t something that bothers me, per se, but it does mean the finish is bolder than you might like. With the Givenchy l’interdit couture mascara, the formula coats every lash but does so without pushing clumps of lashes together. Rather, it pulls the lashes apart, to give the appearance of a wispy, full lash line, without the heaviness of extra fibres or a thick, gloopy formula. It does, however, have the sort of brush that’s bound to encourage smudge accidents but, in my opinion, the final results are worth it.
Buy now £34.00, Boots.com
Dior Diorshow iconic overcurl mascara
Best: Brown mascara
Lash effect: Fluffing, with a wispy ‘your lashes but better’ effect
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free: No
Shades: Brown, black, blue
Waterproof version available: Yes
Brush type: Nylon fibrous brush
Why we love it
- Gives natural eye definition
- Curved shape plumps results from a lash curler
- Lengthens from root to tip
Take note
- Brush shape makes applying bottom lash mascara tricky
Brown mascaras are great when you want to draw attention elsewhere – for instance, to a red lip or shimmering highlighter – and the Diorshow iconic overcurl mascara is a top pick. That’s not to say it makes your lashes look ‘less than’. In fact, it leaves them looking – much like Clinique’s black honey option – like perfect natural lashes. We’re talking full at the root, defined at the tips and expertly combed without even a hint of product detectable. It’s a tad clunky when it comes to coating your bottom lashes but, if you’re aiming for the barely there look, bypassing the lower lashes might not be the worst idea.
Buy now £35.00, Boots.com
Lancôme hypnôse drama instant extreme volume mascara
Best: Mascara for volume
Lash effect: Thickening for a fuller, bolder lash line
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free: No
Shades: Black
Waterproof version available: Yes
Brush type: S-shaped convex fibre brush
Why we love it
- S-shaped brush perfectly settles into the natural curve of the lash line
- Coats lashes from root to tip
- Doesn’t smudge
Take note
- Bristles/formula graze skin above lash line
- Can clump if overworked
When I removed Lancôme’s hypnôse drama brush from its tube, I found quite a lot of product exits with it and, from first glance, it appeared quite clumpy, as though it would be a nightmare to distribute. I’m pleased to say this wasn’t the case, however – rather, the cluster of fibre bristles ensured every hair was reached, without slicking them all together. The finish is bold, with a thick lash line and volume throughout. I wouldn’t say it’s an everyday mascara (unless you’re one for a daily sweep of eyeshadow and liner) but it’s definitely a top pick for a night on the town.
Buy now £29.99, Johnlewis.com
Benefit they’re real! magnet mascara
Best: Mascara for height
Lash effect: Weightless lengthening and volume from the root
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free: No
Shades: Black
Waterproof version available: No
Brush type: Zig zag extender brush with magnetically charged core
Why we love it
- Takes lashes sky high
- Adds volume
Take note
- Big brush can cause product to catch on eyelid skin/surrounding eye
- Lots of product on brush
- Can smudge on under-eyes
Mascaras are among Benefit’s most iconic products and, as evidenced by my two Benefit inclusions here, they don’t let you down. The original they’re real mascara was my poison of choice as a late teen and I wasn’t actually familiar with the magnet edition, despite it being released back in 2021. Comparing the product on just one eye versus my naked lashes on the other, it was clear the unique, magnetically charged brush was working wonders. Despite coating my lashes with several layers of the formula, they weren’t weighed down. Rather, my lashes appeared tall, flicking upwards at the outer corners, for a sultry effect.
As the day wore on, those several coats did begin to smudge around my under eyes – something the original formula didn’t do – though, even with this, it didn’t appear as though the product had dissipated from the lashes themselves, leaving a glamorous finish from dawn until dusk.
Buy now £26.99, Boots.com
By Terry lash-expert twist brush mascara
Best: Mascara for lash separation
Lash effect: Separating, defining, lengthening
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free: No
Shades: Black
Waterproof version available: No
Brush type: Plastic, firm bristles
Why we love it
- Fool-proof application
- Effortless separation and definition
- Lash nourishing ingredients
Take note
- Smudges under-eyes on oily skin
I’ve long been a fan of By Terry’s ‘terrybly’ mascara (£39, Cultbeauty.co.uk), so I was intriguied to try out this mascara. I found an exceptional product. The unique, wide-spaced bristles made for easy application. Even a novice can get professional results with this brush.
The brush head has clusters of different bristles. There are densely-packed bristles for volumising on one side and, on the other, spaced out bristles for lengthening. I preferred the latter type, as it easily reached between every eyelash. The brush head is long, too, which makes it easy to reach the inner and outer hairs in just one sweep.
As for the formula, I loved the keratin, protective jojoba oil and soothing rice, and they all felt light on my eyes. However, I found that this same jojoba oil caused the formula to smudge under the lower lash line. I have oily skin, so there’s a strong possibility that my shine-prone complexion was to blame, but it was a bit of a pain nonetheless.
Buy now £32.00, Spacenk.com
Lancôme lash idôle flutter extension lengthening mascara
Best: Mascara for a false-lash effect
Lash effect: Volumising, defining and lengthening
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free: No
Shades: Black
Waterproof version available: No
Brush type: Plastic nano-bristles
Why we love it
- Precise wand makes it easy to elongate fine lashes
- Smudge-free
- Creates illusion of extra lashes thanks to precise definition
Take note
- Bristles are quite sharp and can catch on eyelid
Hate the way false lashes obscure your eyes but love how they create extra height and volume? This recent Lancome launch might just be the trick. Released at the start of 2025, the newer lash idole iteration keeps the original formula’s definition but swaps its curl power for a serious length boost. As someone with blonde lashes that get very fine and sparse towards the ends, I loved how this mascara brought them to light, giving the appearance of extra height and a fuller lash line.
I found that the product stayed put on my lashes without smudging and, though the sharp bristles did nudge some product onto my eyelids, this was quickly remedied with a cotton bud.
Buy now £28.00, Johnlewis.com
Gucci le magnétisme volumising mascara
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Best: Mascara to coat every lash
Lash effect: Defining, lengthening, fanning
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free: No
Shades: Black
Waterproof version available: No
Brush type: 247 dual length plastic bristles on a curved brush
Why we love it
- Makes eyes look bigger by coating the most hard-to-reach inner and outer lashes
- Unique brush shape allows for volume around the lash line and length at the lash tips
Take note
- Brush can pick up excess product and needs wiping on cap
Though a more premium pick at its full price, Gucci’s le magnetisme mascara is a must if you want to achieve Audrey Hepburn lashes (the actress famously separated every single lash with a pin). This is thanks to the wand’s sharp bristles and dual construction, which coat the lashes with pigment from two angles. This also ensures that the brush can reach even the outer and innermost hairs, no matter how fine or fair they appear. On me, this gave the illusion of a wider lash line and, as a result, bigger peepers – something I’m definitely not opposed to.
I did need to scrape off the excess formula on the inside of the tube but, once this was sorted, I was able to fluff around the roots and pull the pigment to the ends of the lashes for a clean, separated finish.
Buy now £33.00, Sephora.co.uk
Elf lash xtndr mascara
Best: Mascara for impact
Lash effect: Embolding, defining, curling
Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free: Yes, both
Shades: Black, brown, soft black
Waterproof version available: No
Brush type: Flexible silicone brush
Why we love it
- Helps lashes to hold manual curl (from curler)
- Creates density around lash line
- Non-clumpy
Take note
- Smudges on oily skin
If you’re on a budget and want a more dramatic lash to accompany that smokey eye or bold eyeliner, then Elf’s lash xtndr will be the way to go. Don’t be fooled by the simple tapered spoolie, those miniature bristles get in between every single lash to ensure thickness and length exactly where you want it. Think: a bold lash line and fluttery, floaty tips. With all this for less than £7, you’d think there had to be a catch? Well, there is – but it’s avoidable.
If you suffer oily under-eyes, you might see some product smudging under the bottom lashes; however, if you’re one to top up on setting powder anyways, a quick dusting under each eye shouldn’t prove a hardship. After trying this out myself, I was able to negate the issue entirely.
Buy now £6.93, Amazon.co.uk
Your mascara questions answered
What is the best mascara?
While it was a photo finish between Benefit’s fan fest mascara and Milk Makeup’s kush high roll, the latter just pipped the former to the post, thanks to Milk’s ability to volumise, define and curl. The fan fest was a close second, and it’s the best mascara for fanned-out lashes as well as being the best waterproof mascara on test. Honourable mentions go to Maybelline’s great lash for its sheer affordability and wow-worthy results, as well as Givenchy’s l’interdit couture as a premium – but definitely worth it – pick for a wispy, fluttery finish.
How to apply mascara
Taking us through her MUA-approved steps for flawless mascara application, Parmar says to:
As for mishaps, Parmar recommends using a clean spoolie to seperate clumped lashes. If you happen to smudge around the cheeks/nose, she says: “Wait until it dries and brush off with a clean spoolie – it’s super easy.”
How to choose the right mascara for you
A good mascara won’t smudge and it won’t weigh down the lashes, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. While oil-based mascaras (waterproof mascaras usually fall into this category) are the best for height and curl, the natural oils on our skin can break down these formulas and cause them to flake or smudge around the eyes. Not to mention oil-based mascaras can be tricky to remove. On the flipside, water-based mascaras are gentler on sensitive eyes and easier to remove, but these formulas often weigh down the lashes, undoing any height gained from using a lash curler.
The solution? Tailor your mascara to your skin type and usage. For daily application, a water-based mascara will be less harsh on the lashes and easy to remove with most face washes, from micellar water to cream cleansers. For a night out on the town and a full face of glam, an oil-based mascara will give your eyes a dramatic fanned-out finish. For the oily skin types among us, just make sure to set the skin around your eyes with a loose powder.
As for brush types, most mascaras can be divided into two categories: fibre and plastic/silicone. In layman’s terms this essentially describes the fluffy, soft bristle-type wands versus the spiky hard ones. Each brand will likely have its own signature spoolie name but you can generally tell which category you’re dealing with just by looking at the wand.
What’s the difference between them? A fibre brush normally makes short work of volumising and creating a bold, feathery lash line. Meanwhile, plastic/silicone spoolies are the kings of definition and make accessing the ins and outs of your lashes feel easy, from the roots to the tips.
Top tips for making the most of your mascara
The shelf life of an average mascara is two to four months, so, to get the most out of it, follow these tips:
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