I don’t know about you, but I have some serious envy of people with naturally long eyelashes. They have no idea about the struggle of finding a high-quality lengthening mascara that creates the appearance of long, separated lashes without being too chunky and thick. Mascara not only enhances just about any makeup look, but it also brings attention to your eyes and helps them look wider, brighter, and well, more awake.
Sure, falsies and lash extensions are always an option, but they’re expensive and frankly, kind of a hassle. Fortunately, the right lengthening mascara can be a quick and easy alternative that doesn’t break the bank or require an obscene amount of patience and skill to apply. Of course, lengthening mascara won’t make your lashes grow longer (sad, but true) — that’s what eyelash serums are for. However, they typically have small rayon or nylon fibers that cling to the root of the eyelash and work their way up to the tip to create the appearance of longer lashes. Besides creating the look of longer lashes, many mascaras also contain curling properties to help eyelashes curve upwards for an extra voluminous look.
Yes, most of us want some extra lash length, but it’s important to take your eye shape and other facial features into consideration when you’re looking for the right formula. For instance, if you have hooded eyes, you might want to opt for a water-proof lengthening mascara to prevent transfer. The same goes for sensitive eyes, in which you’ll probably want to find a hypoallergenic one and stick with that.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the best lengthening mascaras for longer-looking lashes, from vegan formulas to those infused with plant-based length serums. Whether you’re looking for an affordable find or a higher-end mascara, we’ve got you covered.
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Courtesy of Maybelline New York.
Maybelline Sky High Washable Mascara
This high-quality, drugstore mascara creates ultra-defined, fluttery lashes with the help of its exclusive flex tower brush. Designed to volumize and extend every lash, the bamboo-infused formula evenly coats lashes for a lightweight and bold finish.
Buy: Maybelline Sky High Mascara $8.99
Courtesy of ColourPop.
ColourPop BFF Mascara
This affordable cruelty-free and vegan mascara lengthens lashes using a special nylon fiber brush designed to coat lashes from root to tip. This clump and flake-free formula, helps you achieve those long, voluminous lashes with just a few swipes. It’s also available in a wide variety of fun colors: blue, purple, red, teal and magenta.
Courtesy of BareMinerals.
BareMinerals Strength & Length Serum-Infused Mascara
Infused with Red Clover Flower plus strengthening peptides, this mascara lengthens and enhances lashes for a visibly longer and fuller look instantly and over time with continuous use. Free from additives, this long-wearing, waterproof mascara takes every makeup look to the next level. Say goodbye to short-looking lashes with this mascara.
Courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara
This mascara’s micro pro precision paddle brush loads, combs and lifts lashes to enhance length and fullness. Infused with keratin, lashes are conditioned to create a thicker look and feel with each use. The jet black pigment sets apart this mascara from others making it a must-have in your makeup bag.
Courtesy of Flower Beauty.
Flower Beauty Warrior Princess Mascara
The brand’s exclusive royal hourglass brush coats lashes from root to tip creating a high-volume, elongated look. Achieve your desired look with its clump-free and buildable formula that stays on when you need it most. With a price tag of $10, this cruelty-free mascara offers high-quality results at a reasonable price point.
Buy: Flower Beauty Mascara $10
Courtesy of IT Cosmetics.
IT Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara
Using exclusive Lash Stretch Technology, with just one coat, this formula works to stretch, volumize and lengthen lashes for a fuller lash line appearance. Its black pigment contains collagen, biotin, and peptides which condition with each layer and help ensure strong and soft lashes. For those with contacts or sensitive eyes, this mascara is ophthalmologist-approved.
Courtesy of Nudestix.
Nudestix Lengthening Mascara
Free of parabens, this long-wearing mascara is formulated with a tri-peptide booster complex designed to create longer and thicker lashes. Made for sensitive eyes, achieve your desired length with this oil-free and vegan formula.
Courtesy of Benefit.
Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
This water-resistant formula lengthens and curls lashes for an eye-opening, instant-pick-me-up kind of look. For up to 12 hours, this cult-favorite, ink-black mascara stays on and provides a satin finish ideal for many makeup looks.
Courtesy of Huda Beauty.
Huda Beauty Legit Lashes Mascara
Featuring two full-size wands, this mascara is designed to create the appearance of long, curly, voluminous lashes. The formula is made with gripping waxes and fibers for an instant length boost and a major curl that will stay all day and a two-in-one dual-ended brush applicator for precision.
