The 12 Best Bottom-Lash Mascaras

By
Maya Allen
former byrdie editor maya allen headshot
Maya Allen
Maya Allen is a beauty editor with over five years of experience covering hair, makeup, skin, and nails. She is currently the beauty director for InStyle Magazine.
Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on 05/11/22
Reviewed by
Ashley Rebecca
Ashley Rebecca
Reviewed by Ashley Rebecca
Ashley Rebecca is an NYC-based makeup artist and a regular contributor for Byrdie covering makeup, skincare, and haircare.
About Byrdie's Beauty & Wellness Board
Makeup Artist
3 different mascaras

Byrdie / Cristina Cianci

So, we have a love-hate relationship with bottom lashes. Wearing mascara is a commitment in itself, but applying a formula to our lower lid is a whole other ball game. The smudging and smearing that inevitably happen do not do lower lashes justice, with runny mascara quickly turning into what we'll affectionately call raccoon eyes. It tends to happen most frequently after a long day or a night out, then you catch yourself in the mirror and realize all the mascara on your lower lashes has fallen underneath your eyes and created the unsightly look of dark circles. (It's okay, though—we've all been there). But the payoff when lower lashes are done right? Unparalleled.

To avoid this dreaded scenario, it's best to stick with waterproof, non-budge mascaras that can stand the test of time under any conditions. Still, applying mascara to your lower lashes is an art form, and most of the work comes from the brush. To make things easier in your journey to find the best bottom-lash mascara (or two) for you, we've rounded up 12 that are proven to treat both sets of your lashes right. After all, your lower lashes need love, too.

01 of 12

Pixi by Petra Lower Lash Mascara

The Best Bottom-Lash Mascaras: Pixi Beauty Lower Lash Mascara
Pixi by Petra Lower Lash Mascara $11.00
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When it comes to applying mascara to your lower lashes, the trick is in the brush. What makes this Pixi mascara (made specifically for your bottom lashes) so amazing is its super-precise, teeny-tiny brush. This stick-thin applicator makes applying mascara to your baby lashes a breeze. Not to mention its beeswax and carnauba wax formula, which nourishes your lashes and keeps the smudging at bay.

02 of 12

Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara

The Best Bottom-Lash Mascaras: Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara
Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara $29.00
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If the name of this hardworking mascara doesn't convince you this stuff is the truth, I'm not sure what will. According to the brand, your lashes will look good for 15 hours because of this product's Smudge-Shield Technology, which can withstand heat and humidity.

To avoid any mishaps, it's best to stick with a mascara that doesn't move. "Double wear," "zero smudge," and "lengthening" are all keywords to look out for when coating your lower lashes.

03 of 12

Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara

The Best Bottom-Lash Mascaras: Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara
Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara $32.00
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Lower lashes are super-fine, so it takes a precise brush to work its magic in order to evenly separate, curl, and define each lash. This holy-grail Chanel mascara delivers that and more with its uniquely shaped applicator. It's also waterproof, so it'll lock your lashes in place for hours on end.

04 of 12

By Terry Terrybly Waterproof Mascara

The Best Bottom-Lash Mascaras: By Terry Mascara Terrybly Waterproof Serum Mascara
By Terry Terrybly Waterproof Mascara $48.00
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This innovative, serum-based mascara fits the bottom-lashes bill. Just one coat will give you glossy, lifted lashes. If you're into the falsie effect in a flash, this mascara is for you. The brush carries just enough mascara to volumize your lashes from the root to the tip in seconds. Plus, it's waterproof, which is the secret weapon when it comes to smudge-free bottom lashes.

05 of 12

La-Roche Posay Toleriane Waterproof Mascara

The Best Bottom-Lash Mascaras: La-Roche Posay Respectissime Waterproof Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
La-Roche Posay Toleriane Waterproof Mascara $25.00
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I haven't turned back since the moment I converted to this drugstore gem. I only have about 30 seconds to apply my mascara during my rushed mornings, and this formula never fails me. The waterproof formula gives my bottom lashes the ultimate boost, and the gentle, fragrance-free formula is specifically made for sensitive eyes. Translation: You won't have to worry about it making you cry.

06 of 12

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

The Best Bottom-Lash Mascaras: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara $14.00
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This brush was crafted to offer exactly what your bottom lashes need: fast-working precision. It's compact enough to grasp your lashes with no clumping involved. Plus, how can you beat the price point?

07 of 12

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara

The Best Bottom-Lash Mascaras: Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara $27.00
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We have a warm place in our hearts for Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. It's a cult favorite for a reason, and this waterproof version lives up to its reputation. For a night out, when you want your bottom lashes to up your selfie game, reach for this water-resistant formula that won't smear after a long night.

08 of 12

Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara

Lancome Dole Lash Mascara
Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara $27.00
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With Zendaya as its poster girl, trying Lash Idôle Mascara by Lancôme was a no-brainer. We love the product's sleek and sexy design, which is in step with its results: long, tantalizing lashes. The applicator brush comes with 360 micro-bristles that coat every lash with a light, albeit long-lasting, gel formula. Pro tip: Try the travel-sized version for better control and easy application.

09 of 12

L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara

L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara
L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara $10.00
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If you're looking to feign falsies, then look no further than L’Oreal Paris' Iconic Telescopic Original Mascara. Its double-sided brush works to define, lift, and lengthen lashes—by an impressive 60 percent, we might add—and comes in four shades, with Blackest Black being our fave.

10 of 12

Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

Maybelline New York Sky High Washable Mascara
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara $8.00
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Reviewers agree that the budget-friendly Lash Sensational can serve as a dupe for luxury mascaras. Formulated with bamboo extract, it serves up long, lush lashes—at an affordable price point, no less. In case that's not enough, it's safe for those with sensitive eyes (both with or without contact lenses).

11 of 12

It Cosmetics Hello Lashes+ Volumizing Mascara with Lash Serum

It Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara
It Cosmetics Hello Lashes+ Volumizing Mascara with Lash Serum $26.00
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Hello Lashes+ will have you saying hello, beautiful when looking into the mirror. The volumizing mascara is formulated with nourishing ingredients—biotin, argan oil, and jojoba oil—and comes with a 360-degree lash-wrapping applicator so no lash goes unbrushed. It can wear up to 24 hours but is easily and gently removed with nothing more than warm water.

12 of 12

Urban Decay Lash Freak

Urban Decay Lash Freak
Urban Decay Lash Freak $13.00
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Urban Decay's Lash Freak is our answer to underwhelming lashes. The long-wear formula—which is both cruelty-free and gluten-free—will hold up all day, even to intense heat and sweat. It lifts, defines, and volumizes lashes, resulting in a bold and dramatic look.

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