Before You Buy: We Rank the Best and Worst Mascaras
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Best
Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die For, $22
While this mascara might not come in a flirty bottle or bright fruit punch color, the packaging says nothing about the product itself. Housed in a sleek black bottle, this mascara wins raves for a formula that doesn't clump or smear. Ingredients like macadamia seed oil, aloe and four different vitamins make this a must-have for sensitive eyes and those seeking healthier looking lashes.
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Worst
Stila Forever Your Curl Mascara, $22
Advertised as a long-wearing mascara that features "lash-curl" memory technology, this mascara was detested for its thin brush with lashes that clung together into clumpy messes. Many reviewers mentioned looking like a "raccoon" and "panda" after trying out this black mascara and others cited itchy eyes and limp lashes.
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Best
The glamorous gypsy gold and red packaging of this mascara is sure to delight a girly girl but the real proof is in the pudding. This water-resistant formula is a fan favorite for its flake-free, smudge-free formula that gives lashes a dose of protein and collagen. Reviewers coveted this cosmetic wonder for its sexy and vamp-producing lashes that had staying power.
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Worst
One reviewer claimed this mascara made their lashes feel gummy and plastic. Others felt their lashes experienced no lengthening or thickening and many reviewers demanded a return to a previous formula. This loathed mascara also was dissed for its sticky, clumpy and rubbery results.
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Best
Kevyn Aucoin the Mascara: Volume, $28
The desire for dramatic lashes is fulfilled with this potent, pitch black mascara. Reviewers raved about how quickly it dries, while the brush wand allows for nabbing even the smallest and peskiest little eyelash hairs. Users of this bright red packaged mascara noticed shinier eyes and loved the easy warm water removal.
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Worst
Almay One Coat Nourishing Mascara, $5.99
This lash lengthener was deemed sticky and drying by many reviewers. Despite claims of a "Triple Impact Brush" and 50% fuller, longer and curvier lashes, this drugstore aisle find was considered messy, cakey and difficult to remove.
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Best
Maybelline New York XXL Extensions Washable Mascara, $12
Promising 85% longer lashes, this 2-part system comes with a taming microfiber basecoat followed by a length extending topcoat. Reviewers gushed over this mascara and its ability to create defined, full and super thick lashes. As if brushing on lash extensions, this cult favorite is also safe for contact lens wearers.
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Worst
Revlon 3D Extreme Mascara, $5.99
The promise of bold, dramatic lashes with "beautiful separation" appeared to many reviewers to be hype and not reality. Beauty testers were underwhelmed with this formula, which created gobs of mascara mush and mess, or as some called it, "goop." A few reviewers claimed eye irritation and others despised the lack of bristles on the mascara wand.
