My eyelashes and I have always had a bit of a rocky relationship since I first got into makeup around age 15. I wouldn’t say my eyelashes are straight, but they are pretty short—and sometimes they look practically non-existent, which really isn’t ideal as someone who thinks that mascara really complements the colourful eye looks that I love to do. I’ve flirted with the idea of getting a lash-lift, but the fact that they aren’t permanent combined with a slight fear of my lashes becoming damaged means I’ve never gone much further than scrolling through other people’s experiences over on TikTok.
However, over the past few years, I’ve made it my mission to find mascaras and other lash products to help make my short lashes look longer, and thankfully, through a lot of research and recommendations, I’ve managed to do exactly that.
Before we get on to my list of best lengthening mascaras, however, I have to give a shout-out to one of my biggest eyelash saviours: Revlon Tripple-Stepped Eyelash Curler (£10). Using this has proved to be an amazing first step at giving me the eyelashes of dreams. I use it on days that I find my lashes need a little lift, and the only reason I don’t find myself reaching for it on the daily is that it somehow keeps my lashes curled for several days. It's a serious game changer.
Following the curling action, I then go in with one of favourite mascaras—and this is where the real magic happens. From curling, volumising and clump-free length, all of these mascaras have one thing in common: They make my short lashes look longer.
Ahead, the 12 best lengthening mascaras I've tried:
E.l.f. Cosmetics always slays with the best affordable mascaras, and this one is no exception. It provides so much length and volume in just a few coats. The wand really grips the lashes from the root to the tip to really amplify the volume, and I’m obsessed with the chic black-and rose gold packaging.
This is one of the most innovative mascaras on the market thanks to its cool twist brush that allows you to keep adding extreme volume and length. It’s formulated with ingredients from jojoba, olive and avocado oils to help keep the lashes nourished and should be a go-to for anyone whose ready to take their lashes to the next level.
The showstopper mascara is such a great addition to any makeup collection. It’s lightweight and long-lasting and offers an intense black pigment to the lashes. The packaging is also so cute and the perfect size for carrying around.
Is there anything Pat McGrath Labs can’t do? Probably not, to be honest. The FetishEyes Mascara gives the lashes major length in just a few buildable strokes.
Like many people, I also swear by the wonders of super-affordable mascaras, as they can be just as good as higher-priced ones, and Essence wonderfully shows this with its Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara. The fibre brush provides lashes with length and dramatic volume as well as a false-lash effect.
I discovered this mascara on a whim a few months ago, and despite not knowing whether it would take to my lashes or not, it has become a key staple in my makeup routine for a full-coverage lash look. Often when I’m using another mascara and find that after many strokes it isn’t adding much to my lashes, I’ll go in with the Warrior Princess Mascara over the top and instantly find it does exactly what I want.
I hear the No Smudge Mascara being raved about so much, and it’s clear to see why. It’s amazing for curling and lengthening the lashes without the hassle of smudging, clumping or flaking.
I bought this on my last holiday, which was to Paris, so it holds a lot of nostalgia for me not only because that was one of the most amazing holidays but also because since then, it’s become one of my trusty go-to mascaras to help build volume and add a noticeable amount of length. It also has two different size brushes on each side to help get into all the nooks and crannies.
MAC got it spot-on with this incredible mascara that lengthens, lifts and amps up lashes. It has a tapered 5D brush that helps to add extra-extra volume.
This cruelty-free mascara from Lush works wonders to help you achieve your desired lash length. I always reach for this in a rush, as it’s so trusty and extremely buildable.
Iconic London did not come to play with this mascara. It may be small, but it is most certainly mighty. In three easy steps, it lifts, lengthens and adds volume to the lashes for an instant false lash look.
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