:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheresaHolland_Headshot_2020-8c13b32507674083ade8019565ea9e96.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-fiber-mascaras-4768906-primary-42abf9f196df4728a454112446ec3011.jpg)
Byrdie / Lecia Landis
If you like the full, fluttery look of false eyelashes but aren't thrilled about glue-on strips or the price of extensions, you might consider fiber mascara. Nicole Pigott, a brand manager for Rocasuba, Inc. a company that develops cosmetics, explains that fiber mascara formulas contain natural or synthetic microfibers (almost like teensy-tiny shreds of thread) made of rayon, nylon, silk, cellulose, or sometimes collagen."These fibers attach to the lash hair for a bulked-up effect and a more lengthened look," Pigott tells Byrdie.
Fiber mascara is similar to tubing mascara in that it coats the hairs with a plasticky material. However, it also usually contains the creamy waxes and silicones you'd find in regular mascara, so you'll get the best of both worlds.
We conducted hours of research on the best fiber mascaras and tried some of the top-rated formulas out there. Our testers took note of how the mascara went on, how it held up throughout the day, and how easily it came off. Our team then combined these results with our own research of fan favorites plus makeup artist-recommended picks to create this roundup.
These are the best fiber mascaras for extra-long, doe-like lashes.
Best Overall
DHC Perfect Pro Double Protection Mascara
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DHC-Perfect-pro-Double-Protection-Mascar-6a9f2a28a33c4228b35416ad6b5f50e8.jpg)
Amazon
Fine-bristled brush
Doesn't flake
Easy to remove
Contains PEGs
There are many great options available, but DHC Double Protection is in a league of its own. This Japanese mascara calls on polymer fibers to create a strong, flexible coating around each lash while adding length and fullness.
The fine-bristled brush ensures smooth, clump-free application on even your smallest, finest hairs, and a single sweep offers highly pigmented black color. We also like that the moisture-resistant formula is unlikely to smudge, smear, or flake but still washes off easily with warm water.
Price at time of publish: $19
Size: 0.2 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No (water-resistant) | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Budget
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/71JKC7rsK2L._SY879_-eb7d88627f4c45028232c69590df1a2c.jpg)
Amazon
Affordable
Sculpted length
Resists smudging
Hard to remove
On a budget? Lash Princess is a solid choice. Promising a false-lash effect for only a few bucks, this waterproof mascara coats your hairs with tiny nylon fibers and a blend of waxes to bulk, sculpt, and lengthen.
Price at time of publish: $15
Size: 0.4 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Drugstore
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LOralVoluminousXFiberMascara-8936a85fec2c4850be766ba823dba2c2.jpg)
Ulta
Affordable
Primer included
Volumizing
Contains PEGs
Prone to flaking
L'Oréal X Fiber is your best bet from the drugstore. This dual-ended tube has an adhesive gel primer on one side (step one) and a nylon-infused black mascara on the other (step two) to deliver ultra-dramatic lashes with maximum volume.
Price at time of publish: $11
Size: 0.4 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Premium
Dior Diorshow Lash-Extension Effect Volume Mascara
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DiorDiorshowLash-ExtensionEffectVolumeMascara-e72fb3ea5c44495191266e67c327ac10.jpg)
Amazon
Strengthening
Buildable volume
Award-winning product
Pricey
Contains fragrance
Diorshow has many devoted fans, and for good reason. This iconic mascara now contains silk protein and nylon microfibers to strengthen and lengthen, while the beloved jumbo brush offers buildable volume.
Price at time of publish: $35
Size: 0.3 ounces | Shades: Black, brown, blue | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Wand
MAC Cosmetics Magic Extension 5MM Fibre Mascara
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mac_sku_SNH801_1x1_0-f5ee14ff12174951b57290af7411ebd3.jpg)
MAC Cosmetics
Curling brush
Exaggerated length
Highly pigmented
Contains BHT
"When choosing a mascara, the wand is very important," says makeup artist Andreea Ali. In addition to the perfectly tapered brush that provides a curling effect from root to tip, this mascara leans on 5-millimeter-long fibers to provide exaggerated length.
Price at time of publish: $26
Size: 0.4 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Bottom Lashes
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kevyn-aucoin-the-volume-mascara-19d70e2c12a14130b2a732d8565d0361.jpg)
Amazon
Skinny brush
Doesn't smudge
Easy to remove
Pricey
This mascara from Kevyn Aucoin has a skinny brush that's perfect for coating your bottom lashes. And since the volume-building polymer fibers primarily offer a tubing effect, you won't have to worry about smears or smudges in the tricky under-eye area. Although this pick is expensive, its quality formula is a hit with makeup artists, which makes it a win in our book.
Price at time of publish: $31
Size: 0.2 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No
What Our Testers Say
“I immediately noticed was that the formula did add more volume to my lashes, and they stayed that way throughout the day.” —Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester and Makeup Artist
Best Dual-Ended
Omolewa Dare to Dream Big Volume Dual End Mascara
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/OmolewaDaretoDreamBigVolumeDualEndMascara-fea8314588cf488bad10bacf0b7d2dbf.jpg)
Omolewa
Two brush sizes
Resists smudging
Doesn't flake
Contains PEGs
Omolewa makes an excellent dual-ended option. While both sides contain the same fiber-infused formula, you'll have a larger brush on one side for your upper lashes and a skinner wand on the other for the bottom row.
Price at time of publish: $22
Size: 0.4 ounces | Shades: Black, blue | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Volumizing
Milk Makeup Kush High Volumizing Mascara
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MILK-Makeup-KUSH-Volumizing-Mascara-5bc6d854bb584a75b9f1384bfc3b0347.jpg)
Amazon
Heart-shaped fibers
Bulks and thickens
Noticeable results
Slightly clumpy
"Volumizing formulas are great for everyone," says makeup artist Tony Tulve. "It's the quickest way to bring instant attention to the eyes." We like Milk's Kush formula, which calls on hollow heart-shaped fibers to bulk and thicken each individual hair.
Price at time of publish: $26
Size: 0.3 ounces | Shades: Blackest black | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Our Experts Say
"A good volumizing formula will add smokiness to the eye; the fuller lashes add natural shadowing and definition."—Tony Tulve, makeup artist
Best Curling
Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fenty-beauty-by-rihanna-full-frontal-volume-lift--curl-mascara-d88234fbb1234e62bbed8214c982eb66.jpg)
Sephora
Volumizing
Sculpted definition
Easy to remove
Contains BHT
Fenty's Full Frontal mascara is infused with nylon to pump up the volume and add length while keeping your lashes flexible. The unique formula and flat-to-fat brush also offer sculpted definition and sky-high curl.
Price at time of publish: $23
Size: 0.4 ounces | Shades: Black, green, burgundy | Waterproof: No (water-resistant) | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Lengthening
Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/IllegalLengthFiberExtensionsMascara-5c3f9e4246e0fb00014e8ccc.jpg)
Ulta
Affordable
Doesn't flake
Easy to remove
Contains PEGs
As its name suggests, Maybelline Illegal Length delivers visibly longer lashes. The fiber-infused formula not only coats each hair but also builds onto the tips to create the look of eyelash extensions.
Price at time of publish: $12
Size: 0.2 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Waterproof
Smashbox Full Exposure Lash Volumizing Mascara
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SmashboxFullExposureLashVolumizingMascara-c0685d5018b74a6ba4128228ed10b846.jpg)
Ulta
Sweat/humidity-resistant
Volumizing
Lengthening
Contains BHT
Hard to remove
Prefer a waterproof formula? Smashbox Full Exposure is a solid choice. This fiber-rich mascara delivers thicker, fuller, longer-looking lashes with each swipe, coating every hair with its perfectly tapered brush.
Price at time of publish: $28
Size: 0.4 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Buildable
LORAC Pro + Fiber Mascara
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LORACCosmeticsProFiberMascara-610713a0746745b9a8548bfffae25d4d.jpg)
Amazon
Flexible formula
Volumizing
False look
Prone to flaking
Though mascaras often get clumpy when you apply multiple coats, this is a non-issue with Lorac. The brand's fiber formula offers flexible, buildable volume and noticeably fuller, false-look lashes.
Price at time of publish: $24
Size: 0.5 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Hybrid
RapidGlam RapidLash Enhancing Mascserum
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2596228-396abdd6da9a4048bf7104ab59975100.jpg)
Ulta
Built-in primer
Lengthening
Fortifies lashes
Pricey
Pigott stands behind this serum-mascara hybrid. "The fibers in RapidGlam are extremely fine, non-irritating, and ideal for building a longer-looking, fuller appearance," she tells Byrdie. "They don't poke and protrude but blend beautifully into the formula and adhere smoothly onto the lashes."
Price at time of publish: $35
Size: 0.15 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best High-Drama
Dejavu Fiberwig Ultra Long Mascara
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DejavuFiberwigUltraLongMascara-6f9126fd80b246e6a0ec7d2a97ec0208.jpg)
Japanese Taste
Thickening
Lengthening
False look
Slightly messy
If it's thicker, fuller, longer lashes you're after, this Japanese mascara won't let you down. Fiberwig coats each hair with a smooth, plasticky film to create the look of high-drama, full-flutter extensions.
Price at time of publish: $24
Size: 0.3 ounces | Shades: Black, brown, navy | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Short Lashes
EM Cosmetics Pick Me Up Volume + Length Mascara
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PickMeUpVolume-9b739fddd55645e2ae8d5b87eb455751.jpg)
EM Cosmetics
Lifts and lengthens
Encourages lash growth
Doesn't flake
Pricey
If your eyelashes are naturally short or growing back, this one's for you. True to its name, Pick Me Up Mascara lifts and lengthens with lightweight fibers and tubing technology while fortifying the hairs with vitamins and plant proteins to encourage healthy growth.
Price at time of publish: $24
Size: 0.2 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
The best fiber mascara is undoubtedly DHC Perfect Pro Double Protection Mascara, a polymer-infused formula that creates strong, flexible fullness while adding noticeable length . But if you're looking for something a bit more affordable or prefer waterproof mascara, Essence Lash Princess False Effect.
Meet the Expert
- Nicole Pigott is a brand manager at Rocasuba, Inc., a developer and distributor of cosmetics and wellness products.
- Andreea Ali is a professional makeup artist based in Paris, France.
What to Look for in a Fiber Mascara
Ingredients
When selecting a fiber mascara we suggest looking for a vegan formula that’s free of potentially harmful ingredients like phthalates and formaldehyde. Since fiber mascaras are more prone to flaking—and thus potentially entering your eye—you'll want to be very mindful of the ingredients.
Formula
Opt for a formula that is medium weight so that your eyelashes don’t get weighed down. Thick mascaras are known to clump, whereas thin mascaras don’t hold onto the lashes, especially when infused with fibers.
Brush
Everything goes back to the brush when choosing a mascara. You’re going to want a brush that separates the eyelashes and infuses them with volumizing fibers. A tapered brush does a good job of grabbing lashes at the root to create volume and length.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a contributing commerce writer at Byrdie. For this story, she compiled insights and product recommendations from three experts, including two makeup artists and a brand manager for a cosmetics distributor. She pored over ingredients lists on dozens of mascaras, combed through reviews, and looked at remarks from our home testers before narrowing down the final products. She has tried mascaras from several brands on this list and is particularly fond of DHC, Kevyn Aucoin, Dejavu, Milk, and Dior.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-primary-best-volumizing-mascaras-4586985-final-2ea9d6ad050a4f219928df62c6038129.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-white-eyeliners-4764131-recirc-54c0b29818a24affa4685a054eaf6fd4.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-clear-brow-gels-4783173-recirc-3078667756c14bb7b437d4dc77049f22.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-primary-best-natural-mascaras-4774156-365488bb0a8b454d90b4c6dbe1e2b63b.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-best-drugstore-bronzer-recirc-v1-01467b0a87dd4d328568acb21d8438a7.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-foundation-for-dry-skin-71d4fe4dcacc42528e0d094dabf8989c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-14-best-bronzers-4770961-recirc-246934906c004d129eae919df8c1e550.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-recirc-best-lengthening-mascaras-4586696-725c2eb210844fd69ce037520a08f40f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/byrdie-best-makeup-brands-tout-2f1762a597614385b2782fd44e9a0015.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-527994039-0eee151ea17f48f1b45d477097316e46.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Gel-Eyeliners-Byrdie-Tout-a6423494a68c49f5bf5dda25096b7a18.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-16-best-purple-shampoos-for-blonde-hair-4587044-primary-1181b45294f744f8bd6a4a0e238494d8.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Recirc-Best-Concealers-for-Sensitive-Skin-edit-aab72f3154ef4971a50e222b946e8466.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BYRDIE-primary-best-bb-creams-4159962-4d9e229109e2452fbb550d81c33f25b2.jpg)