All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Over time, I've learned that one word will make my girlfriends and co-workers come running—mascara. Somehow saying "sheet mask" or "cream blush" doesn't have the same effect. The only thing that rivals free mascara is free wine (understandably). It's because mascara is often the one makeup product women can't leave home without. It can help you look more awake, and it darkens lashes that are less noticeable (this is especially useful for blondes and redheads). If you need proof of the power of mascara, you've got to see the photos below.
I asked SELF staffers to test out some of the bestselling mascaras on the market. The tubes I selected were based on bestseller lists from sites like Amazon, Sephora, and Ulta. These are the ones that women buy again and again. We tried curling, volumizing, and lengthening formulas, as well as drugstore and prestige picks. Each woman tested out the mascara on one eye only, so you can truly see how a few coats can completely change your lashes. Scroll down to see how each formula looks in a closeup, side-by-side comparison.
The curved wand and inky color of this mascara made our editor Amy's blonde lashes truly stand out. "My lashes tend to get clumpy very easily, but this wand actually let me get some good volume without too much clump," she says.
Try it: $5, amazon.com
They're Real is one of those mascaras that has reached holy-grail status. While Alexis has tried lash extensions in the past, you can see how the mascara added length to her natural hairs. "I liked this mascara because it gave my eyelashes amazing length, and after applying two coats, there were no signs of flaking or clumped lashes," she says.
Related: 11 Mascara Mistakes You Need To Stop Making
Try it: $24, sephora.com
Blinc mascara is one of the top picks on Amazon, and it has an innovative application method. It comes with a primer that you apply first before layering on the mascara. "I put this stuff through heat, humidity, water, rain, and sweat to see how well it holds up, and it almost never came off or smudged. It made my lashes look long and well separated," says Claire.
Try it: $26, amazon.com
This drugstore favorite gave Bari's lashes a lift, creating a curled and wide-eyed look. "The copy on the package promised dramatic-looking volume, and I think it delivered," says Bari.
Try it: $5, amazon.com
This three-step mascara involves putting on a tinted gel, then adding a layer of feathery fibers on top before adding another layer of the gel. "I have long lashes but they are not very thick, and the fibers really bulked them up. I also wear contact lenses, and this formula was gentle enough for my eyes—which is big for me because some mascaras can be really irritating," says Whitney. You can see the huge difference below!
Try it: $15, amazon.com
This CoverGirl mascara in the orange tube is one of the favorites of bloggers and makeup artists alike. It's gained bestseller status because it darkens and plumps lashes. "This mascara gave my lashes a little extra oomph and went on evenly, which I love," says Audrey.
Try it: $5, amazon.com
If you're looking for a more natural look, this mascara emphasizes the lashes without making them too dark. "This mascara looked like something I could wear everyday or when I’m going for a 'no-makeup' look," says Nina. "And once it was on, that stuff was NOT coming off! I worked out in it, then showered, then washed my face again before bed, and there was STILL mascara on my lashes the next morning."
Try it: $22, sephora.com
Need something to make your light-colored lashes stand out. This primer plus mascara duo will make even the smallest hairs noticeable. And according to our tester, you can pile on the layers without clumping. "This mascara definitely lengthened my lashes and had some amazing staying power, which I love," says Alexa.
Try it: $8, amazon.com
You've likely heard whispers about Better Than Sex before. It has a cult following on every site that sells the formula. "Personally, I loved the brush. It’s got an hourglass curve to it, and it applied the mascara evenly on my lashes," says Haley. "The brush and mascara made my lashes look hella long. I also liked that I didn't have to load on the mascara to see a difference. Just one coat was enough!"
Try it: $23, ulta.com
This natural mascara offered the most dramatic difference, for sure. It gets tons of points for its lengthening prowess. "I got a ton of compliments on the drastic transformation," says Dana. "My eyelashes (usually very short and thin) doubled in length. Plus, my eye area is quite sensitive, so I was thrilled that it’s organic and didn’t irritate my skin at all."
Try it: $8, amazon.com
This side-by-side comparison shows how black mascara can really frame bright, blue eyes. "My lashes looked much more defined, and I got really nice volume as well," says Cheryl. "When I got home, my mom was like, 'OMG! Your eyes look amazing,' so I guess my lashes really stood out."
Try it: $5, amazon.com
If you have lashes that are straight, you can use this mascara to make the hairs more noticeable. "My lashes definitely got longer and darker, and I liked that the brush had a pretty even distribution on my lashes (sometimes I find that brushes tend to clump all of my mascara near the roots)," says Jocelyn.
