The Real Ones And The Flops
Mascara shelves at drugstores can feel like a guessing game. So many options, all claiming to be "the one." Some formulas impress you, maybe by holding up through a full day, while others disappoint, by giving up before lunch. To make the decision easier, we sort through the mess and the greats. Let's start with the worst ones first before moving on to the ones that truly stand out.
L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara First Impressions by Yana Irbe
1. Wet N Wild Megaplump Mascara
Promises of plump lashes fall flat fast here. Instead of a definition, you'll fight globs and uneven buildup from the first swipe. This mascara often dries stiff, demanding daily lash combs. Users with short lashes might struggle the most, as length gets lost in the bulk.
Wet 'n Wild Megaplump Double Threat Mascara by Boozyshop
2. NYX Worth The Hype Mascara
Expectations soar with that name, but the application brings reality crashing back. The formula often dries too quickly, which leads to stiff and brittle lashes. Those seeking a fluttery definition won't find it here. One coat feels lacking, but two coats look like tar.
NYX WORTH THE HYPE??? | mascara demo, review + wear test by Jessica Van Heerden
3. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
Here's a 'classic' that refuses to retire. Launched in 1971, its neon tube is instantly recognizable. However, nostalgia doesn't equal quality. Smudges happen fast, especially in warmer months, and the brush is too basic for detailed work. Innovation has left this one in the dust.
Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara Makeup Review by SammyLu Reviews
4. Revlon Volumazing Mascara
It looks volumizing on the shelf but delivers disappointment. The formula tends to overcoat and dry tackily, and this attracts dust. Frequent smears under the browbone make this one impractical for long wear. A mistake for oily eyelids or summer wear.
REVLON VOLUMAZING MASCARA REVIEW + GIVEAWAY | QUEENSHIRIN by queenshirin
5. Kleancolor Volumizing Mascara
Users frequently report inconsistent texture and clumping. Some also claim a strong chemical scent straight from the tube. Quality control remains questionable across batches. If your eyes are sensitive or you wear contacts, this mascara might cause more irritation than enhancement.
PROBAMOS NUEVOS PRODUCTOS DE KLEANCOLOR by VelyBeauty
6. Covergirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
Though it's marketed as gentle and vegan, many users found the performance underwhelming—thin application, no buildability, and quick fading. Expect some payoff trade-offs when switching to "clean" for ethical reasons. However, for visible lift, this one barely shows up on camera.
Covergirl Lash Blast CLEAN Mascara! First Impressions! by Blondie Brand
7. Almay Multi-Benefit Mascara
Claiming multiple benefits, it offers barely one. Smudging appears within hours, and the length payoff is minimal. Sensitive-eye users hoped for gentle wear, but flaking ruins that, too. If you want a true multitasker, you won't find it here.
Best In Beauty | 2016 {EYES} by GlamourbyLexi
8. L'Oréal Unlimited Mascara
Its flexible wand intrigues users. However, users report spidery lashes and formula clumping at the base. Precision suffers due to the bendy neck, especially on smaller eyes. Consider it a design-first, results-last product. Sometimes, innovation just over-engineers the simple act of brushing lashes.
L'OREAL UNLIMITED (BENDABLE) MASCARA ... WHAT?! by Yana Irbe
9. Rimmel Wonderlash Mascara
Argan oil sounds promising, but the formula applies wet and slides off by midday, especially on oily lids. If you're counting on lash separation, prepare for disappointment. This one's better left unopened if flake-free wear is high on your priority list.
Quick Review: Rimmel Wonder'Lash Mascara | Bailey B. by Bailey B
10. Wet N Wild Max Volume Plus Mascara
The pigment reads soft, the texture runs watery, and the lift barely lasts an hour. Lashes droop fast without primer underneath. On sparse lashes, it fades into invisibility. It feels more like a practice mascara than a polished beauty tool.
Wet n Wild MAX Volume PLUS Mascara 12hr Wear Test & Review | CORRIE V by Corrie V
While some tubes belong in the trash, a few are total game-changers. Here's where the lash love really starts.
1. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
TikTok turned this into a cult favorite, and for good reason. Its flex brush hugs every lash, building sky-high length with zero clumps. Great for straight lashes needing curl hold. For best lift, curl first and let each layer dry slightly before stacking.
2. L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
Soft, wavy brush meets dense black formula—that's where the volume magic happens. A budget-friendly dupe of a popular high-end volumizing mascara, this one thickens quickly without flaking. You'll want a good remover; it clings more than you may expect.
L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara First Impressions by Yana Irbe
3. Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
At under $5, it sounds too good to be true. However, it delivers. The slim, cone-shaped wand reaches inner corners with ease, fanning lashes outward, and the volume builds fast, so start light. This one's proof that low cost doesn't mean low impact.
lash princess false lash effect mascara by essence cosmetics
4. Maybelline The Falsies Surreal Extensions Mascara
Fiber-enhanced and lightweight, this mascara gives lashes that subtle "wait—are those real?" lift. It works best in two coats, especially when fanned out with a lash comb. Great for everyday wear when you want a bit of extra wow without the stiffness.
5. L’Oréal Telescopic Original Mascara
The ultra-skinny wand lengthens even the tiniest lashes without clumps or overload. Perfect for separating straight lashes or reaching outer corners with control. It's especially popular for lower lashes. Here, it’s all about crisp, clean lines and hyper-defined finesse.
6. Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara
Say yes to length plus growth support. This formula includes lash-conditioning ingredients like peptides and biotin. Results aren't instant, but consistent wear may boost strength over time. You’ll get a subtle look at first, but pair it with a primer, and you'll see why it's a sleeper hit.
{MMM}: Rimmel London LASH ACCELERATOR ENDLESS Mascara First Impression/Demo!!♡ by Savannah Alyson
7. L’Oréal Panorama Mascara
Designed for wide-eyed volume, Panorama lifts and spreads lashes for a fan-like effect. The curved brush fits most eye shapes, making application easy for beginners. Users enjoy soft bristles, intense black pigment, and fanned-out flair. It's a strong pick for daily glam.
I Tried L'Oreal's New Panorama Mascara (Application, Wear, Removal) by Allie Glines
8. Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara
Coconut scent meets creamy glide in this mascara. It offers a fluttery finish with buildable volume and works well with dry lashes or those prone to brittleness. You may notice how weightless it feels all day. Also, the brush feels plush and gentle.
MAYBELLINE TOTAL TEMPTATION MASCARA- Review, Demo and Comparison by Prakriti Singh
9. Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes Tubing Mascara
Smudge-proof and tear-friendly, this tubing formula forms tiny "sleeves" around each lash. Removal is easy: warm water and gentle pressure. Ideal for long days, rainy weather, or eye rubbers. Say goodbye to panda eyes, as the formula sticks around only when you want it.
10. Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara
This one means business. The curved plastic comb wipes out clumps before they start. It’s great for layering—no spidery buildup in sight. A solid pick for glasses wearers, too, since lashes stay lifted without smudging up your lenses.
My Favorite Mascaras and Mascara Routine! by Mallory Parham Riddaugh
