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If I’m being honest, I’ve never been into doing that much to my lashes. Magnetic lashes are way beyond of my makeup skillset, lash extensions have always felt like too much effort and money, and an eyelash curler and I are not exactly BFFs after a lifetime of pinching. And because of that, all of my lash energy has instead gone into testing and reviewing all the best lengthening mascara options over my makeup-wearing lifetime to find products that'll give me longer-looking lashes without any flaking, smudging, or clumping. Lucky for you, I'm here to share my findings.
Sure, there’s always space for some smudge-proof tubing mascaras for folks with oily eyelids (hi, it's me) or clear mascaras for when you wanna go ~au naturale~, but I personally want my go-to daily mascara to give me fluttery, extension-worthy length all the time—which is where lengthening formulas come in. Feel the same? I got you. Ahead, the 17 best lengthening mascaras tested and reviewed by our beauty editors (and selected with the help of celeb makeup artist Renée Loiz) for lashes so good, you won’t wanna wear any other makeup.
✔️ FYI: We updated this article in August 2023 to add a few internet-famous products, delete outdated oldies, and give you the most up-to-date info on lengthening mascaras, with more expert advice and reviews to help you find the lash-enhancing mascara of your dreams.
Our top picks for the best lengthening mascaras of 2024:
Now for the 17 best lengthening mascaras, according to Cosmo's beauty editors—plus, expert tips and tricks to keep in mind when shopping for a new mascara.
1
Best Overall Lengthening Mascara
Benefit They're Real! Lengthening Mascara
Pros
- Helps to separate and thicken even the tiniest lashes
Cons
- Reviewers say you need a good makeup remover to get it off
We can’t talk about lengthening mascaras without talking about this cult-fave from Benefit. And if you haven’t tested it yet, trust me, it belongs in your makeup bag. “I’m obsessed with this formula," says former deputy beauty director Chloe Metzger. "It seriously makes my bb lashes look falsies-level long, and it also thickens and volumizes without flakes." And thanks to a combo of beeswax and polymers, this mascara will hold your lash length all damn day.
- Size: 0.3 oz
- Waterproof? No
THE REVIEW: According to one reviewer, "This truly is the BEST mascara on the market; there is nothing better than this!!! It is an awesome product and gives you such thick, lush-looking lashes—never clumpy or sticky! It almost looks like beautiful, artificial lashes because it makes your lashes so luscious. I won't use any other mascara!!!!"
Pros
- Provides amazing lift and length at an affordable price
Cons
- Can be difficult to remove, per some testers
JSYK, I've been using this mascara almost exclusively for the past three years, and no, I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. For a mere $5, this formula will give you that false-lash effect without the falsies, thanks to its conical-shaped spoolie, which helps to add length and volume to your lashes without clumps and globs. It's no wonder this fan-fave has racked up over 200,000 five-star reviews on Amazon!!
- Size: 0.32 oz
- Waterproof? No
THE REVIEW: "I tried this on a whim after a social media review but was skeptical because of the price point—not anymore! I will never go back!" notes one tester. "I love this mascara so much. It adds volume and length, doesn’t clump, and doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes. I already recommended it to everyone I know."
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3
Best Natural-Looking Lengthening Mascara
Milk Makeup RISE Mascara
Pros
- Lightweight wax formula creates natural-looking length
Cons
- May not be the best fit for those with shorter lashes
If you hate the look of thick, clumpy lashes, you'll want a product that gives all the length with none of the weight. Enter: RISE Mascara. Of all the lengthening mascaras I've tested, the formula in this bb—which includes four vegan waxes that give each lash weightless length, curl, and lift—makes my lashes look the longest...and yet the result is totally natural-looking. Oh, and it also comes in a waterproof version if you need staying power.
- Size: 0.28 oz
- Waterproof? No
THE REVIEW: "I absolutely love this mascara. It is my favorite," writes one tester. "It lengthens and curls my lashes like no other mascara has ever done before. I know it's pricey, but it's worth it! I've never seen a mascara actually curl my lashes before—I don't even have to beforehand. You need to try it!"
4
Best Clean Lengthening Mascara
ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara
Pros
- Keeps lashes feeling soft and weightless
Cons
- Some reviewers wish it provided more volume
This clean beauty pick is filled with shea butter and keratin for ultra-soft (not stiff!) lashes—and if you’re sensitive to strong fragrances, DW, because it's also completely fragrance-free. Loiz says this formula won't irritate sensitive eyes, and according to deputy beauty director Lauren Balsamo, “This is the only clean mascara that gives my short lashes tons of length without clumping or flaking."
- Size: 0.27 oz
- Waterproof? No
THE REVIEW: "I really like this for an everyday look," one reviewer notes. "It doesn't clump or look totally fake. It defines and builds lashes nicely for everyday makeup. It was easy to remove and didn't irritate my eyes (I wear contacts so this is sometimes an issue). It is not waterproof, but it didn't come off when I was working out."
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Pros
- Gentle and less likely to irritate sensitive eyes, according to reviews
Cons
- Dry-style formula isn't the easiest to apply
The problem with a lot of waterproof mascaras: They contain dimethicone, which can be drying for your lashes. However! That's not the case with this unique dry-style mascara, which uses a blend of oils and waxes to give you long-lasting, waterproof coverage. It's safe for sensitive eyes, great for adding length, and formulated to encourage hair growth and strength.
- Size: 0.35 oz
- Waterproof? Yes
THE REVIEW: "I have super-sensitive eyes but wanted a waterproof mascara with clean ingredients, and this one is the best," one review reads. "It does not flake at all, is not clumpy upon application, and comes off relatively easy considering it's in the waterproof category. It definitely has that feathery lash look. I am super picky with ingredients, as well as how it performs, and this checks all my boxes."
6
Best Buildable Lengthening Mascara
Pat McGrath Labs FetishEYES Mascara
Pros
- Allows to you build coverage without worrying about clumps
Cons
- Brush makes it a lil tricky to apply product to bottom lashes
A lot of mascaras we tested claimed to be lengthening or volumizing, but ended up just feeling clumpy and dry. This lengthening mascara, however, is formulated with a dose of panthenol (aka vitamin B5) to give it a bit of slip, leaving us with a smooth, length-boosting finish no matter how much we piled on. "This is a kit staple of mine," says Loiz. "It doesn’t flake and glides effortlessly through lashes, adding just the right amount of drama."
- Size: 0.27 oz
- Waterproof? No
THE REVIEW: "This is hands-down the best mascara I have ever used," writes one reviewer. "It's light, not flaky at all, [and] lasts all day. Easy to remove. It added insane volume to my already long lashes. The brush is perfect—not too big and not too thin. This is exactly what I was looking for!!!"
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Pros
- Water-resistant formula helps eliminate smudging and flaking
Cons
- Doesn't provide much volume, according to testers
Tapered bristles are truly the best way to reach the lashes in the corners of your eyes without getting mascara all over your face, and luckily, this lengthening mascara has 'em. Even my smallest lashes stood out during testing, which was v impressive. Plus, the formula is loaded with vitamin E (to moisturize) and kaolin (a thickening clay) to keep the formula from flaking or smudging away.
- Size: 0.17 oz
- Waterproof? No, just water-resistant
THE REVIEW: "I love this mascara," one tester notes. "I have monolid eyes, so finding a mascara that doesn't smudge or flake has been a challenge. It's easy to put on. It's not clumpy and dries quickly. It lengthens the lashes without the dramatic look, so it's good for everyday. It easily comes off with warm water, but I've worn it all day for work, travel, etc. without any problems. The price might seem a lot, but it's totally worth it."
Pros
- Works to separate and define lashes without adding weight
Cons
- May not work as well for folks with stick-straight lashes, as it doesn't provide much curl
Want a mascara that won't feel heavy on your delicate lil lashes? This TikTok-famous mascara is for you, babe. The buildable formula contains nourishing, lash-loving ingredients—like shea butter and castor oil—to support lash growth, all while it gives lashes a lengthened, lifted, fluttery lewk. Plus, the micro-fine bristles on that silicone spoolie reeeeeally work to define each lash.
- Size: 0.2 oz
- Waterproof? No
THE REVIEW: "I've am a mascara junkie and have probably over 50 different brands and types of mascara, and I have NEVER had one like this!!" one review reads. "It's so light and smooth and weightless. It gives perfectly coated and separated natural-looking lashes! This is the mascara that you've always wanted, but could never find!! I'm honestly blown away at how this perfectly separates every single lash."
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Pros
- Incredibly easy to apply and remove
Cons
- Goes on very wet, so you'll need to give it some time to dry
The real MVP of this lengthening mascara is the spiky little bristles on the brush. They separate and grip your lashes, fully coating them and making them look extra long. Even better, it's also a tubing mascara, meaning the formula is filled with polymers that wrap each lash in a "tube" to lengthen and thicken, rather than just being painted to one side of your lashes.
- Size: 0.28 oz
- Waterproof? No
THE REVIEW: As one tester notes, "This mascara truly is a holy grail product. I have never liked the way my eyes looked when I just wear mascara. But with this mascara, it's so lifting, and makes my lashes look long and full without clumping. It lasts all day with minimal flaking. As a bonus, it's super easy to remove. I swear my actual lashes seem healthier, too, so the nourishing formula must be working."
10
Best Volumizing Mascara for Length
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
Pros
- Can create the appearance of thicker, fuller lashes in one coat
Cons
- Formula may get clumpier over time, per some testers
Yep, ofc we had to include Alix Earle's go-to mascara. The hourglass spoolie on this one allows you to plump and separate lashes with minimal clumping, giving you increeeedible definition and curl with just one coat. It includes water-resistant, film-forming polymers that'll give ya long-lasting coverage along with volume you have to see to believe (and it also comes in a washable formula, if that's more your thing).
- Size: 0.27 oz
- Waterproof? Yes
THE REVIEW: According to one reviewer, "I love this mascara. I've tried a lot of different brands, and this one holds up the best. I have noticed that the waterproof wears a lot better than the other one. The brush applicator is perfection and it never goes on clumpy. I have VERY fine lashes and this makes them look fuller and longer. Worth the money."
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Pros
- Gives you the appearance of thicker, fuller lashes
Cons
- Def not the cheapest option
The shorter bristles on the wand of this lengthening mascara work to grab each lash from root to tip, so you can really load on the formula for a thick, volumized finish. As a bonus, this thickening formula contains panthenol, which means this bb will help condition your lashes with every application. We stan a double-duty product!!
- Size: 0.32 oz
- Waterproof? No
THE REVIEW: "I am in love!" writes one tester. "I had been having a hard time finding a mascara I liked when a friend recommended this one to me. I usually have to put on two coats to get my lashes to the length I want—with this mascara, I am able to use just one. I use it every day, and the tube has already lasted so long. Never using another mascara again!"
Pros
- Ingredients work to nourish and strengthen lashes
Cons
- Not as volumizing as some would like
"I have teeny tiny baby lashes—argh!—but in my dreams, they're healthy, lush, and thriving," says beauty editor at large Julee Wilson. "Since using this magical tube of mascara, I’m 10 times closer to living my dream. The curved brush lengthens, while the peptide and castor oil formula moisturizes. Basically I look like I have fully/longer lashes, while the mascara is actually working to make that actually happen." I mean, what more is there to say?
- Size: 0.3 oz
- Waterproof? No
THE REVIEW: As one review reads, "With some mascaras, I have to go over the same area several times, risking lumps and clumping. Here, I use one pass and my lashes are darker, thicker, and slightly longer-looking. And I love how this does not interfere with my contact lenses. My lashes look consistently healthier and more lush for having used this. I would buy this again and again!"
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13
Best Curling Mascara for Length
Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara
Pros
- Wand is shaped to lift lashes with each coat
Cons
- Requires multiple layers for a dramatic lash look
Calling all folks with stick-straight lashes: This one's for you. Lightweight and buildable, this formula (which contains nourishing panthenol and castor oil) comes with a flexible, curved wand that visibly volumizes, lengthens, and curls lashes—and without ever looking crunchy or clumpy, either. As Loiz explains, "I love this formula because it lengthens and curls lashes, so it’s perfect for those with straighter lashes."
- Size: 0.29 oz
- Waterproof? No
THE REVIEW: According to one reviewer, "It worked perfectly for my fussy eyelashes. It managed to hold a curl all day, which is something I struggle with regarding other mascaras. It doesn’t clump, and it requires little effort to clean up if you make a mistake. This is liquid gold."
14
Best Double-Ended Lengthening Mascara
Huda Beauty Legit Lashes Double-Ended Mascara
Pros
- Two spoolies can be used separately or together for maximum drama
Cons
- Some reviewers found that it smudges easily
This dual-sided mascara allows you to get the best of both worlds: thick, voluminous and super-long lashes. The lengthening formula is spiked with fibers, which are the magic ingredients for long-lasting length. Start with the lengthening side (aka that weird-looking skinny brush) to draw out each lash, then build on it with the volumizing side for an added oompf.
- Size: 0.28 oz x 2
- Waterproof? No
THE REVIEW: "I can honestly say—after years of searching for the best mascara—I have finally found my absolute favorite mascara!" reads one review. "The lengthening wand is the perfect size to grab those little lashes at the outer corner. The lengthening also had tiny fibers that elongated my lashes. The volumizing made my lashes so thick and fluffy without looking clumpy. Some of the reviews mention flaking/smudging but I haven’t experienced either of those."
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15
Best Serum-Infused Lengthening Mascara
bareMinerals Strength & Length Serum-Infused Mascara
Pros
- Creates natural-looking length while strengthening lashes
Cons
- Dual-sided brush isn't super intuitive
While I’d love to imagine a world in which every lash serum magically grows my lashes overnight, only prescription-strength serums can do that (same with eyebrow serums, BTW). So the next best thing? This serum-infused mascara that uses peptides and black currant oil to support stronger, healthier lashes each time you use it.
- Size: 0.27 oz
- Waterproof? No
THE REVIEW: "One of my favorite mascaras I've tried," writes one tester. "Almost serum-like in texture, [it] lengthens and separates nicely with minimal clumps. Not seriously volumizing, but I'm here for the natural look. Also with this formula, my lashes feel hydrated rather than dull and dried out at the end of the day—almost as if this doubles as a lash treatment."
16
Best Long-Wear Lengthening Mascara
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara
Pros
- Able to hold up all day without running or smudging
Cons
- May require several coats to get volume
There are exactly one-million celeb beauty brands on the market, and not all of them are worth the hype. But, IMO, Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez def is, and so is this lengthening mascara. One swipe of this buttery, castor oil-packed formula defines each lash, and the definition actually lasts. I coated my lashes at 8 a.m., and after a full day of commuting on the train, my lashes still looked jet-black, long, and flake-less.
- Size: 0.45 oz
- Waterproof? No
THE REVIEW: As one review reads, "I am very picky with my mascaras, so I started off with the travel size. All I have to say is that I WILL be purchasing the full-size when I run out. I work in 98- to 100-degree weather, and though my face was pouring sweat, this mascara did NOT run or smear under my eyes."
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Pros
- Available in both black and brown
Cons
- Can go on a lil clumpy, according to some reviews
According to Loiz, anyone looking for "mega, mega long lashes" should reach for this drugstore fave. "One coat is really all you need," she says. "This formula is waterproof and doesn't budge!" Infused with bamboo extract and fibers, this one will give you I-can't-believe-they're-not-falsies lashes that aren't likely to flake or smudge, and though this one is made to stay put all day, it comes off easily with waterproof makeup remover.
- Size: 0.24 oz
- Waterproof? Yes
THE REVIEW: According to one tester, "Had my doubts about this mascara, but wanted to see what the buzz was about. This mascara is no joke. Amazing long, full, fanned out lashes in one coat—no kidding. Two coats takes it to the next level. I have received sooo many compliments since using this mascara everywhere I go."
How does lengthening mascara work?
As the name implies, lengthening mascara works by creating the appearance of longer lashes, and this can be achieved in different ways. For instance, some lengthening mascara options use tubing technology, which wraps each lash in water-resistant, tube-like polymers. An example of this: EM Cosmetics Pick Me Up Volumizing + Lengthening Mascara.
Others use teeny-tiny silk, nylon, or rayon fibers that stick to your lashes to temporarily amp up your lash length and volume (such as Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Mascara). "The more coats of mascara you apply, the more those fibers extend," makeup artist Renée Loiz tells us.
And then there are the lengthening mascaras that simply rely on thin brushes and spaced-out bristles to carefully coat each lash and help it reach its full potential, like ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara. These will give you the most natural-looking length if you're going for a no-makeup makeup look.
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How to choose the best lengthening mascara
Look at the ingredients
According to Loiz, if you want long-lasting coverage, you should look for mascaras with polymers. "Copolymers coat the lashes and form a film around them," she says. "Other ingredients to look for are synthetic fibers, like nylon or rayon." And ofc, it's always helpful to look for formulas with conditioning ingredients (such as panthenol or castor oil) to keep lashes soft.
Consider the formula
Thick mascaras, while great for adding volume and thickness, aren't so great for length alone. Why? They have a tendency to clump and can be harder to spread evenly throughout your lashes. Look for formulas that contain waxes, nourishing oils, or tiny fibers (think: fiber mascaras) that grip to each lash to hold the product on without getting too thick or stiff.
Check out the wand
The key to getting longer-looking lashes, regardless of the formula, is picking a mascara wand with bristles that aren't packed too densely together. Bristles that are spread farther apart (which is often the case in silicone brushes) can separate and define your lashes, coating them evenly with mascara in the process.
Meet the expert
Renée Loiz is a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with celebrities like Quinta Brunson, Cynthia Erivo, and Sherry Cole, among others. She is also the founder of Color May Vary, a Black-owned beauty guide.
Corinne Sullivan
Editor
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
Sami Roberts
Sami Roberts was the previous beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan. Keep up with her cat-filled life in New York on Instagram.