How do lengthening mascaras work?

This depends on the particular formula. Many use tubing technology, which features little tubes that wrap around each lash. Others rely on thin brushes with uniquely designed and placed bristles to help completely coat each and every lash for maximum length.

How do you apply lengthening mascara?

The same way as you would any other mascara. Make sure your lashes are nice and dry (free of any eye cream or other residue) and start by curling them if you so choose. Wiggle the wand through your lashes, starting at the base, and working all the way to the tip. Do both eyes, then repeat if you want another coat.

Do lengthening mascaras expire?

The short answer? Yes. Just like any other mascara, it can start to go bad in as little as three to six months, which means this is one product you really should be replacing on the regular.

The 13 Best Lengthening Mascaras of 2023

We have yet to meet someone who doesn’t want longer lashes. It’s a seemingly never-ending, universal quest, as evidenced by the dizzying amount of mascaras on the market, not to mention alternative options such as falsies and extensions. On that note, extensions undoubtedly deliver the most dramatic results, though require lots of time, upkeep, and can be pricey. Falsies are great, but the struggle is real when it comes to gluing on a strip. This brings us back to mascaras, the easiest, most effective, fastest way to add length to your lashes.

We conducted hours of research on the best lengthening mascaras, to separate the ones that actually deliver on their lash-lengthening claims. We also tried out a couple selections, having our product testers try out formulas at home for weeks at a time. After considering dozens of options and evaluating formulas on their results, we landed on these top-rated picks. Although we were researching for the best lengthening formulas, we also considered how these picks stack up when it comes to volume, curl, and definition. Also on our radar was the brush shape and size, how easy a mascara is to remove, whether or not it's waterproof and bonus points for a clump-free application.

Here, the best lengthening mascaras at every price point.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Glossier Lash Slick at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Volumizing:

Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Long-Lasting:

Hourglass Instant Extensions Mascara at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Natural Effect:

MERIT Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Thickening:

Jones Road The Mascara at Jonesroadbeauty.com

Jump to Review

Best Buildable:

Pat McGrath Labs FetishEyes Mascara at Sephora

Jump to Review

Best Lifting:

Mary Kay Lash Love Fanorama Mascara at Marykay.com

Jump to Review

Best All-in-One:

Kjaer Weis Im-Possible Mascara at Kjaerweis.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

4.5

Glossier

View On Sephora View On Glossier.com

Glossier Lash Slick Review

What We Like

Great for sensitive eyes
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Only comes in one shade

This mascara is a go-to for Byrdie Editorial Director Hallie Gould, and it also happens to be one of the brand’s best-rated products—and for good reason. Tiny fibers make for natural-looking length and lift, and the finish is gorgeously glossy. Also nice: It is dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested, a great pick for those with sensitive eyes.

Price at time of publish: $18

Shades: 1 | Size: 0.29 ounces | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Glossier Lash Slick Mascara — Byrdie / Avery Stone

What Our Editors Say

"If you love your mascara to have a thickening, volumizing effect, then this probably isn't the one for you. But if a natural, off-duty look is what you're after instead, you can't go wrong with Lash Slick. Its innovative formula, clump-free applicator, and chic packaging are all major wins in our book." — Byrdie Editors

Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon

What We Like

Also adds lift and curl
Affordable
Comes in three shades

What We Don't Like

Not clean or cruelty-free

Maybelline is arguably best known for an amazing line-up of mascaras. And nothing against the iconic Great Lash or other stand-outs in the portfolio, but this one takes the cake for delivering XL length. It offers gorgeous lift and curl, too, thanks to a double-curved brush. The black shade is great, but try the blackest black if you really want to up the drama factor.

Price at time of purchase: $8

Shades: 3 | Size: 0.32 ounces | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

4.2

L'OrÃ©al Paris Telescopic Original Mascara

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walmart

What We Like

Ophthalmologist- and allergy-tested
No clumping
Affordable

What We Don't Like

Dries out fairly quickly

Look closely, and you’ll see that the brush on this mascara has two different sides. Use the flat side first; it imparts major length, leaving lashes looking up to 60% longer, according to the brand. Then turn it over and use the comb side to brush through lashes; it separates each and every one, ensuring there are no clumps and lashes look even longer.

Price at time of publish: $8

Shades: 3 | Size: 0.27 ounces | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

4.2

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales

What We Like

Moisturizes
Also adds volume

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara Review

Your search for a mascara that both lengthens and volumizes ends here. The tubing formula coats each and every lash in tiny tubes that make them look both fuller and longer without any clumping. Added jojoba oil also leaves lashes looking healthy and glossy for an end result that’s very natural-looking, making this formula choice for every day.

Price at time of publish: $30

Shades: 1 | Size: 0.18 ounces | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

What Our Testers Say

“For those with shorter eyelashes, the brush really helps to define and elongate without a messy application.” — Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester

4.2

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara Review

What We Like

No clumping
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Hard to remove

This formula may be brand new, but we’re already obsessed. Byrdie Senior Editor Holly Rhue loves it, as does actress Daisy Edgar-Jones, who recently partnered with the brand. As the name suggests, it delivers a legit extension-esque look with just one coat, so much so that we audibly gasped when we first tried it. Credit lightweight fibers and a film-forming technology that also helps ensure it stays smudge-proof all day. Though FYI, it does require a little bit of elbow grease to remove.

Price at time of publish: $29

Shades: 1 | Size: 0.35 ounces | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

hourglass unlocked extension mascara — Byrdie / Ashley Rebecca

What Our Testers Say

"While applying the first coat helped to add length and definition to my eyelashes, I kept going to achieve the thickness and fullness I was after. I really like the wand and how short the bristles are, which made it easy to avoid any kind of clumping." — Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Kohls.com View On Meritbeauty.com

What We Like

Subtle, natural effect
No clumping

What We Don't Like

Expensive

This newish brand is all about keeping your makeup routine simple, clean, and minimal, and this mascara does indeed check all of those boxes. The tubing film formers in the formula define, lengthen, and separate lashes in one fell swipe, leaving them looking fluttery and enhanced, but never overly so. It’s our go-to for those ‘no makeup makeup’ kind of days, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s also super clump-proof.

Price at time of publish: $26

Shades: 1 | Size: 0.275 ounces | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

What Our Editors Say

"I'm a big fan of all things MERIT, and this mascara is no exception. I love a defined eye that's not overdone or spidery the way some lengthening formulas can get. I also feel good knowing that what I'm putting on my eyes is clean and natural." — Jill Di Donato, Senior Commerce Editor

4.2

Jones Road

View On Jonesroadbeauty.com View On Libertylondon.com

Jones Road The Mascara Review

What We Like

Buildable
Non-smudging
Also adds lift and separation

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Can sometimes clump on the brush

While this pick—from beauty legend Bobbi Brown’s latest brand—definitely does bulk up even the puniest of lashes, it also does so much more (hence the name). The multi-tasking mascara lengthens, too, hence its appearance on this list, but also separates and lifts. Plus, it’s beautifully buildable, so you can easily customize it to your liking. Bonus points for the curved brush, which helps you capture even the tiniest corners on the inside and outside of every lash for maximum impact.

Price at time of publish: $26

Shades: 1 | Size: 0.3 ounces | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

What Our Testers Say

"I didn’t have to put in too much effort to get immediate lift and curl." — Joline Buscemi, Product Tester

4.2

Pat McGrath Labs

View On Sephora View On Bergdorfgoodman.com View On Harrods.com

What We Like

Buildable
Nourishes and strengthens lashes
Creates a dramatic, fanned out look

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Anything that comes from legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath is destined to be gold, which holds true for this runway-approved lengthening mascara from her eponymous cosmetics line. Described as "lash extensions in a tube," this mascara will build, define, and elongate each individual lash sans clumps thanks to its proprietary staggered brush. At the same time, the formula nourishes with peptides and panthenol.

But what we love most about this formula is the fact that it's buildable: One swipe will deliver a feathery, fanned-out look, but you can build it up to your desired effect, no matter how extreme.

Price at time of publish: $32

Shades: 1 | Size: 0.27 ounces | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Mary Kay

View On Marykay.com

What We Like

Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
Good value
Also adds lift

What We Don't Like

Only comes in one shade

This newbie features the same beloved Lash Love formula from the iconic brand but with an entirely new brush that ups the lifted, fanned, extra fluttery effect. The hourglass-shaped brush features zigzagged rows of silicone bristles to cover each hair from root to tip and each and every lash, too. In fact, the brush actually has three distinct ‘zones’ that help you coat, comb, and fan lashes respectively, making for a supremely lengthened and lifted end result.

Price at time of publish: $16

Shades: 1 | Size: 0.28 ounces | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Kjaer

View On Kjaerweis.com

What We Like

Multi-tasking formula
Certified organic
Refillable

What We Don't Like

Expensive

There’s really not much that this mascara can’t do, choice for anyone who wants to enhance their lashes overall. It lifts and volumizes just as well as it lengthens (credit a dual-sided brush which is both curved and flat), which is even more impressive considering that it’s the first certified organic mascara, too. (See our previous point about finding clean mascaras.) Our favorite part? It’s refillable, so you can minimize your impact on the environment while maximizing the look of your lashes.

Price at time of publish: $26

Shades: 1 | Size: 0.24 ounces | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.8

Dermstore

View On Sephora View On Credo Beauty View On Iliabeauty.com

ILIA Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara Review

What We Like

Also adds volume
Non-smudging
Buildable

What We Don't Like

Expensive

We’ve sung the praises of this mascara hundreds of times but will continue doing so because it’s just that darn good. There’s the clean formula to talk about; mascaras are notorious for containing lots of potentially questionable chemicals, making this even more noteworthy. It relies on a litany of natural ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, aloe, jojoba seed oil (you get the picture) and imparts both gorgeous length and volume with its dual-sided brush. Easily buildable and clump-free, it stays put all day but still comes off super easily with just soap and water.

Price at time of publish: $28

Shades: 1 | Size: 0.27 ounces | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

close up of ilia limitless lash mascara applicator — Khera Alexander

What Our Testers Say

"When I opened the ILIA mascara, I was immediately drawn to its design: I don’t use mascaras that have a brush on one side and a comb on the other too often. I immediately knew this product placed emphasis on having clearly defined, separated lashes." — Khera Alexander, Product Tester

Beauty Bakerie

View On Amazon View On Beautybakerie.com

What We Like

Also adds volume
Waterproof
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Can feel a bit stiff

For those instances when you know the likelihood of mascara smears and smudges is high (a summertime wedding, beach day, a viewing of The Notebook), opting for a waterproof formula is ideal. More specifically, make it this one. It adds a ton of length and definition, and once dry isn’t going anywhere. Cue the waterworks.

Price at time of publish: $18

Shades: 2 | Size: 0.34 ounces | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.6

Thrive Causemetics

View On Thrivecausemetics.com

What We Like

Contains hydrating and strengthening ingredients
Bigger size than most

What We Don't Like

Can be hard to remove

Once hard to find in the beauty world, tubing technology is now mainstream, and there are plenty of tubing mascaras you could choose from. But we strongly suggest you go for this one, a fave among beauty editors. Film-forming polymers (AKA little tubes) coat lashes from root to tip, making them look noticeably longer and more defined. (And the tapered, conical brush helps you reach every lash.) Plus, the formula is also chock full of hydrating and strengthening ingredients to improve the condition of your lashes over time.

Price at time of publish: $24

Shades: 2 | Size: 0.38 ounces | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

In your quest for longer lashes, a good lengthening mascara is your best friend. Our best overall pick is Glossier Lash Slick, which gets the stamp of approval from dermatologists, ophthalmologists, as well as Byrdie editors. For a more affordable pick, consider the drugstore favorite, Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara, which takes your lashes to new lengths while delivering a clump-free application.

Meet the Expert

Erika La Pearl is a celebrity makeup artist whose clientele includes Cardi B, Kandi Burruss, and Marlo Hampton.

What to Look For in a Lengthening Mascara

Long-Lasting

First and foremost, celebrity makeup artist Erika La Pearl recommends lengthening mascaras that are long-wearing and smudge-proof. “It’s super important to not have to worry about your mascara running throughout the day, especially when you’re in high humidity,” she says.

Buildable

Another must from La Pearl is a formula that’s buildable and customizable; this way, you can adjust the intensity and length of your lashes with each application. She also stresses the importance of a formula that can be layered on without clumping—no one wants their lashes to look clumpy!

High-Impact Wand

If you’re looking to add major length, La Pearl recommends products with high-impact wands that will help shape your lashes and evenly distribute product sans clumping with each application.

FAQ

How do lengthening mascaras work?

This depends on the particular formula. Many use tubing technology, which features little tubes that wrap around each lash. Others rely on thin brushes with uniquely designed and placed bristles to help completely coat each and every lash for maximum length.
How do you apply lengthening mascara?

The same way as you would any other mascara. Make sure your lashes are nice and dry (free of any eye cream or other residue) and start by curling them if you so choose. Wiggle the wand through your lashes, starting at the base, and working all the way to the tip. Do both eyes, then repeat if you want another coat.
Do lengthening mascaras expire?

The short answer? Yes. Just like any other mascara, it can start to go bad in as little as three to six months, which means this is one product you really should be replacing on the regular.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. In the nearly 15 years she’s spent working as a beauty editor, she has yet to meet a mascara she won’t try—she’s constantly on the quest to find her favorite formula. Her lashes are blond and short, meaning she loves lengthening formulas and is currently rotating through many (Jones Road, Kjaer Weis, Hourglass, Glossier, Merit) featured on this list.

The 12 Best Mascaras of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Updated by Jill DiDonato

Best Overall

Glossier Lash Slick

Best Budget

Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara

Best Drugstore

L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara

Best Volumizing

Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara

Best Long-Lasting

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

Best Natural Effect

MERIT Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara

Best Thickening

Jones Road The Mascara

Best Buildable

Pat McGrath Labs FetishEyes Mascara

Best Lifting

Mary Kay Lash Love Fanorama Mascara

Best All-in-One

Kjaer Weis Im-Possible Mascara

Best Clean

ILIA Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara

Best Waterproof

Beauty Bakerie Eyelash Icing Mascara

Best Tubing

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara

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