Standing in the beauty aisle, it’s easy to feel confused—unable to discern between the many options available, offering similar, yet somehow different concerns. Mascaras in particular keep me puzzled: what separates the best lengthening mascaras from volumizing or lifting formulas?
With so many types of mascaras available, even I, as a beauty writer, sometimes wonder what it all means. But experts say these aren’t just buzzwords—they’re essentially a quick guide to what each formula will do for your lashes. “Lengthening mascaras are formulated to visually extend the lash rather than thicken it,” pro makeup artist Catrina Breitweiser tells Vogue. “They typically use lighter formulas and specialized brushes to separate and elongate each lash, as opposed to volumizing mascaras, which focus more on density and fullness.”
Vogue’s Favorite Lengthening Mascaras
Suddenly, it all clicks—as someone with a thick spider-lash phobia, perhaps I’ve preferred lengthening mascaras all along for a more natural enhancement than a full-on falsie effect, or as Breitweiser describes that “effortless, wide-awake, long lash look.” Fellow pro makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre agrees, sharing that she relies on these formulas for clients who want added definition without heaviness. Below, shop the nine best lengthening mascaras, backed by experts and editors alike. You’re just a few swipes away from your most fluttery lashes yet!
In This Story
- What is a lengthening mascara?
- How do lengthening mascaras work?
- How To Apply Lengthening Mascaras
- Who should use a lengthening mascara?
- How We Tested
- Meet The Experts
Best Overall: Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara
- Why We Love It: Ilia’s lengthening mascara is 99% naturally derived, with a dual-sided brush that grabs every lash from inner to outer corner. “There’s no flaking or heavy buildup, just lifted, healthy-looking lashes that feel like a natural extension of your own,” celebrity makeup artist and licensed esthetician Dionne Phillips previously told Vogue. “It’s perfect for my sensitive-eyed girls or lash clients who want a break from extensions but still want the drama.” The result is a your-lashes-but-better.
- Editor’s Experience: “I’ve been gravitating towards a no-mascara look, and Ilia’s hits the sweet spot. The rich brown shade imparts barely-noticeable color that subtly brightens my gaze, while lifting and separating each lash with just a few swipes. For that reason, it’s become my everyday go-to.” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Key Ingredients: Arginine, shea butter, and beeswax, glycerin, carnauba wax
- Benefits: Lengthening, clean formula
- Waterproof Option: No
- Shades: 2 (soft black, and rich brown)
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and buildable formula | Not for dramatic volume |
| Dual sided applicator |
Best Drugstore: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
- Why We Love It: Maybelline’s viral formula is a triple threat: lengthening, lifting, and volumizing, all at a drugstore price point. What’s behind all the fuss, of almost 180k glowing reviews on Amazon? The mascara features a thin, flexible nylon brush that defines lashes from root to tip. It’s also pro-approved—celebrity makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan Fisher calls her personal go-to. “It gives my lashes insane volume without the hassle of smudging or flaking, and it stays put all day long,” Deenihan Fisher previously said. Ophthalmologist-tested, the formula is approved for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, creating length and volume without weighing lashes down. It’s also priced affordably enough to stock in every bag without regret. “I have always been a fan of Maybelline mascaras for drugstore options, and this one is your best bet,” Stevi Christine, a celebrity makeup and brow artist said.
- Editor’s Experience: “I can’t think of a more reliable drugstore mascara formula—whether you go for the waterproof or regular formula. Just a few squeezes of my lash curler, and two coats keep my lashes lifted and lengthened all day (a rarity for my lashes which typically grow straight down).” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Benefits: Lengthens, volumizes
- Key Ingredients: Bamboo extract and fibers
- Waterproof Option: Yes
- Shades: 7
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Lengthening and defining | Formula can get a bit spidery with over application |
| Lightweight and long-wearing |
Best for Mature Skin: Chanel Inimitable Mascara
- Why We Love It: Chanel’s mascara is a failsafe pick for celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose, whose clients include icons like 88-year-old Jane Fonda. Why? For it’s ability to volumize, lengthen, and curl with ease. “This is my mom’s favorite mascara,” Barose previously shared. “It has the perfect slim brush and a rich formula that adds drama to the lashes in one clump-free coat.” Plus the formula is fast-drying, to prevent flaking and smudging, with a small fiber brush that coats each lash while keeping clumping at bay.
- Key Ingredients: Polymers, rice bran wax, beeswax, carnauba wax
- Benefits: Lengthening, curling, ophthalmologist-tested, safe for contact lens wearers
- Key Ingredients: Polymers, rice bran wax, beeswax, carnauba wax
- Waterproof Option: Yes
- Shades: 2
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Naturally defined, lengthened, and lifted lashes | A pricier pick |
| Fast-drying formula |
Best Tubing: Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
- Why We Love It: Think of this pick as fluttery lash extensions in a bottle. “This Hourglass [mascara] is ruling my world lately,” pro makeup artist Pilar DeMann previously told Vogue, calling it the absolute best. The vegan formula tubes, lengthens, and volumizes by coating each lash in lightweight fibers and film-forming polymers for striking definition. Beyond the tubing polymers, Japanese camellia extract moisturizes and strengthens lashes while antioxidant-rich ingredients provide added benefits. Its flake-free, long-lasting performance makes it ideal for beauty lovers of any age—DeMann even joked that her 15-year-old daughter stole it from her makeup bag.
- Editor’s Experience: “The best mascara in the world now comes in brown—that’s the headline. The mascara, previously available only in black, holds up through long days spent staring at a screen, the occasional weary eye rub, and (believe it or not) raucous weddings. The formula is slippery-smooth, coating lashes in just one or two swipes. As a lengthening mascara, it’s easily buildable, though too many coats can invite spider-leg territory. It’s the only mascara I use, and for good reason—it’s brilliant. Next!” —Morgan Fargo, beauty wellness editor, British Vogue
- Key Ingredients: Camellia japonica flower extract, shea butter, castor seed oil
- Benefits: Lifting, defining, lengthening, cruelty-free, vegan, contact lense safe
- Waterproof Option: No, water-resistant
- Shades: 2
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Dramatically lengthening and lifting | Can get a bit spidery if over-applied |
| Vegan and cruelty-free | |
| Easy removal |
Best Minimalist: Merit Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara
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- Why We Love It: Merit offers a tubing mascara formulated entirely with clean ingredients. The formula combines rice bran, candelilla, and carnauba wax with advanced tubing technology for smooth, clump-free application. Olive oil esters enhance the formula by conditioning lashes while adding subtle shine. It’s no wonder D’Amelio Ventre relies on it for creating natural, minimalist beauty looks; “this delivers clean length and definition with no flaking, making it ideal for long wear and sensitive eyes.” Plus, it’s a favorite of Billie Eilish’s, as seen in her viral TikTok GRWM.
- Benefits: Lengthening, defining, easy removal, clean formula
- Key Ingredients: Rice bran wax, olive oil esters, candelilla wax, carnauba wax
- Waterproof Option: Water-resistant
- Shades: 1
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Water-resistant and easy removal | Some experience slight smudging |
| Non-clumping and clean formula |
Best Natural Looking: Tower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening Mascara
- Why We Love It: Those with sensitive eyes will appreciate Tower28’s gentle, vegan formula. “This mascara offers a beautiful balance of length and softness and works well for everyday glam or clients who want lashes that feel natural and flexible,” says D’Amelio Ventre. That surprisingly natural finish is what makes this pick a cult favorite—it never feels crunchy or looks spidery. Plus, its unique wand (a curved nylon brush, with a spiked ball edge) helps keep the formula clump-free.
- Editor’s Experience: “Revisiting this mascara reminded me why I loved it in the first place. I can’t stand the spidery, clumpy look that heavy mascaras create. This formula delivers exactly what I want: a curl that holds while keeping lashes naturally defined and subtle. Even better, it maintains lift on my straight lashes all day long.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Benefits: Contact lens-safe, vegan, sensitive eye safe, clinically-tested, hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested
- Key Ingredients: Carnauba wax, synthetic wax, sunflower seed wax, olive oil, castor seed oil, tocopherol
- Waterproof Option: Now, water-resistant
- Shades: 2
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Lightweight feel and soft finish | Not for more dramatic, or defined lists |
| Vegan and nourishing formula | |
| Easily washable formula reduces breakage |
Best for Short Lashes: Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting Volumizing Mascara
- Why We Love It: This Lancôme mascara features a lightweight gel formula and curved wand that make even short lashes noticeably fluffier and more lifted. Celebrity makeup artist Ermahn Ospina regularly uses it on clients: “This mascara visibly lifts the lashes from the roots as you apply it, giving them great definition and volume with just one coat. Lashes look silky, and it dries quickly. I count on this mascara whenever I create an impactful eye-makeup look,” he previously told Vogue.
- Benefits: Lifting, volumizing, waterproof
- Key Ingredients: White tea extract
- Who It’s For: Someone with short or thin lashes looking for volume and lift.
- Waterproof Option: No
- Shades: 1- Glossy Black
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Curved wand aids in lash lifting and separating | Some experience a bit of flaking |
| Long-wearing and smudge resistant |
Best Clump-Free and Affordable: L’Oréal Telescopic Mascara
- Why We Love It: Another cult-favorite drugstore formula is L’Oréal’s Telescopic Mascara. It’s known for its precision nylon brush—more like a flat comb than a fluffy spoolie—that thoroughly coats, lifts, and lengthens each individual lash. Of its many fans, model Angelina Kendall counts it among her favorites—describing her lashes as “growing down to the floor,” during her Vogue beauty secrets, this formula and the occasional lash lift is a game changer in her beauty routine.
- Benefits: Lengthening, lifting, ophthalmologist-tested, allergy-tested
- Key Ingredients: Paraffin, beeswax, carnauba wax, jojoba oil, panthenol
- Waterproof Option: Yes
- Shades: 2
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Unique wand to prevent clumping | Not for those seeing volume |
| Affordable price point | Some report minor flaking |
| Lengthening and curl holding |
Best for Lash Separation: Refy Lash Sculpt
- Why We Love It: Refy’s mascara features a wand unlike anything you’ve seen before—the patent pending comb is curved to fit the natural shape of the eye, and features tiny nylon bristles for precise lash separation. Applicator aside, the formula is nourishing too, thanks to a blend of botanical-derived waxes, vitamin E, and panthenol. It’s the perfect choice for someone who prefers a more natural finish, adding definition and length without thickness.
- Benefits: Lengthening, clump-free, vegan, cruelty free, fragrance free, paraben free.
- Key Ingredients: Acrylates copolymer, paraffin, synthetic beeswax, glycerin, carnauba wax, candelilla wax
- Waterproof Option: No
- Shades: 2
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Natural, lengthened finish | Curved brush wand may take a bit of adjusting |
| Easy lash separation to limit clumping |
Everything You Need To Know
What is a lengthening mascara?
“A true lengthening mascara is designed to visually extend the lash beyond its natural endpoint rather than thicken or curl it,” says D’Amelio Ventre, though there are hybrid formulas which blend the various benefits. “Unlike volumizing mascaras, which rely on heavier waxes and dense pigments to bulk up the lash, or lifting formulas that focus primarily on curl retention, lengthening mascaras are typically built with lightweight polymers or tubing technology that coat and elongate each individual lash.”
How do lengthening mascaras work?
“Most lengthening mascaras use fibers or stretchable polymers that coat and extend the lash from root to tip,” explains Breitweiser. “The key is even distribution, when lashes are separated and defined, they naturally look longer—separated lashes always read longer than clumped ones.”
How To Apply Lengthening Mascaras
Before actually applying a mascara wand to your lashes, D’Amelio Ventre emphasizes that using an eyelash curler is essential, especially for straight or downward-growing lashes. “ A good lash curl instantly opens the eye and allows the mascara to visibly extend the lash rather than fight against its natural direction,” she says. “This step alone can completely change the result, even before the product is applied.”
Next, Breitweiser recommends always starting at the root of the lash and slowly wiggling the wand upward in a controlled motion, focusing on separation rather than heavy layering—no more than one or two coats is ideal.
Who should use a lengthening mascara?
Per Breitweiser, lengthening mascaras are great for anyone with shorter, straighter, or sparse lashes, as thicker formulas may clump or weigh them down. They’re also ideal for anyone who prefers a clean, lifted look. D’Amelio Ventre agrees, adding that lengthening formulas are excellent for mature eyes, as they “enhance the eyes without weighing the lashes down or emphasizing texture.”
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from celebrity makeup artists to lash extentionists—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to lengthening mascaras, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, wand shape, benefits, whether it’s waterproof, and additional features. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet The Experts
- Catrina Breitweiser is a pro makeup artist with over 20 years experience. She’s also the founder of Makeup by Catrina and MBC Cosmetics.
- Lauren D’Amelio Ventre is a celebrity makeup artist, beauty educator, and founder of The Art of Enhancement, D’Amelio Cosmetics, and La Ve Da Beau
- Pilar DeMann, founder of Pilar Beauty, is a professional makeup artist and beauty and brow expert based in Connecticut.
- Kelsey Deenihan Fisher is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Reese Witherspoon and Ellen Pompeo.
- Ermahn Ospina is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Walton Goggins and Amal Clooney.
- Dionne Phillips is a celebrity eyelash extension expert, makeup artist, licensed esthetician, and founder of D’Lashes Lash Wellness Spa Beverly Hills.
