The Best Mascaras at MECCA Right Now
April 9 | 3 minute read
Words by The MECCA Memo
Mascara often tops people’s ‘one product I won’t leave the house without applying’ list (after sunscreen, of course), though it’s not always a one-size-fits-all. There are thin and thick wands, or bristle and fibre wands; waterproof formulas and tubing formulas, or those spiked with lash-enhancing serums. Whichever you choose, mascara is a literal eye-opener.
Applied in a single coat or loaded up in layers, mascara will tint your lashes (black, usually, but also whatever colour you like), and then do something else: add volume, curl, lift or length, separate and define, or offer waterproof wear for reduced smearing. And because mascara is a product we should all be replacing regularly (the dark and wet environment of a mascara tube is a breeding ground for bacteria), it’s an excellent product to experiment with across different brands and formulas.
So whether you're a strictly one-mascara-forever kind of person, or a one-for-every-occasion mascara wardrobe type, we've rounded up the best you can buy right now.
Best new mascara
Too Faced Ribbon Lash Mascara
Best tubing mascara
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara
This award-winning mascara is very good at its job: it volumises and lengthens every single lash, wrapping each individual last in a tubing formula that doesn't flake, clump or smudge (great for oily eyelids or watery eyes) and comes off incredibly easily with water (no tugging required!). Every mascara lover needs to try this at least once in their life – we have a feeling you won’t go back.
Best voluminising mascara
MECCA MAX EYE MAX Mega Volume Mascara
Did you say you want volume? You'll get Bambi-levels of it with this smooth and buildable formula that delivers a full-on and fanned-out effect. Bonus points for the conditioning formula that keeps lashes soft and never crunchy (hey, panthenol and glycerin).
Best all-rounder mascara
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
A global bestseller and MECCA team favourite – for good reason! This overachiever does everything: lengthens, volumises, lifts and separates, leaves lashes looking blacker-than-black and has a buildable formula and hourglass-shaped wand that together deliver clump-free coats that feel completely weightless. It’s the one mascara every beauty bag needs. Actually, you need two: the chocolate brown shade is a must for your no-makeup makeup days.
Best mascara for sensitive eyes
Tower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara
The Californian brand known for saving sensitive skin is also rescuing our teary, itchy eyes with this vegan-friendly mascara that’s ophthalmologist tested and contact lens safe. Although the formula is gentle, it still does all the things we demand of a really great mascara: it volumises, lengthens and defines without any smudging, clumping and flaking. For a more natural, everyday look, try the shade ‘Drift’ (a gorgeous espresso brown).
Best waterproof mascara
M·A·C Cosmetics Extended Play Gigiblack Lash Mascara
This smudge-proof formula is the one you’ll be wearing to hot pilates, a pool party or that movie that always gets the tears flowing. The staying power of this formula is next-level, able to withstand tears in the rain... and sweat, and humidity, and whatever else you throw at it for up to 16 hours. But it doesn't stop there – when it’s actually time to take it off, the formula dissolves easily in warm water. We also love the tiny brush, making it possible to reach lashes in the corners of the eye easily.
Best lengthening mascara
ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara
It's the creamy formula – made with shea butter and beeswax – and the clever dual-sided brush that allows you to build serious length. One coat offers believable lift and separation that'll have people wondering what you've done to your lashes; multiple coats deliver graze-your-brows length that'll really have them talking. Use the shorter side of the brush to curl and volumise and the longer side to really lengthen and define.
Best brown mascara
MECCA MAX Whip Lash Tubing Mascara
You could blame the trend cycle, or the surge in searches and TikTok views for ‘brown mascara’ over the past year, but it’s the glossy mousse-like formulation (along with the perfect deep brown hue) that makes this a must have for every makeup bag. It lifts, defines and sculpts lashes in just a few swipes – and thanks to the tubing formula, wipes off in less time than it takes to apply it. The problem with cult-loved products is that they’re notoriously difficult to get your hands on – so if you do happen to see this in-stock, we recommend you run.
