Best mascara 2022: For long, full lashes with volume

Best: For fanned-out lift and volume

Rating: 10/10

With such an impressive back catalogue of game-changing mascaras, we can’t believe this brand has outdone itself again with this new offering. The next-level brush makes easy work of coating each and every lash thanks to the 250 different bristle sizes and 360 micro-bristles. Its curved shape fits perfectly into the upper lash line, allowing for root-to-tip coverage. In just one stroke your lashes look volumised and lifted, but the flexible jet black, gel emulsion allows you to add as many clump-free layers as you desire for a more full-on look.

Read the full Lancôme lash idôle mascara review

Best: Vegan formula

Rating: 8.5/10

This vegan beauty and wellness brand has just arrived in the UK, and after trying a few products from the collection, we were seriously impressed with this volume and lengthening mascara. It uses tiny plant fibres that adhere to lashes for a more full-bodied effect. The big, hourglass brush makes it easy to layer on for a bolder look with a glossy finish, and the weighty glass tube with the pretty pastel gradient packaging adds to the luxe feel.

Unfortunately, the Pacifica formula is currently out of stock, but you can sign up to be notified when it returns.

Best: For beauty obsessives

Rating: 8/10

The celeb go-to make-up artist that all beauty buffs follow on Instagram has added this high-impact mascara to his namesake make-up brand. It’s perfect for those who are looking for everyday drama, as it lifts lashes and builds quick volume without clumping, or with any crispiness that you can get with other intense lash formulations. Expect your flutter to be bigger and bolder, but still lightweight with a rich inky finish.

Best: For daywear

Rating: 8/10

From legendary make-up artist Bobbi Brown’s new beauty brand, this wand sits on the more natural side of the mascara scale. The oversized, curved brush creates beautifully separated thicker lashes with lift after just one coat to create that ‘no make-up, make-up’ look – add a few more strokes to create natural clump-free thicker lashes. Plus, it’s enriched with lash- strengthening vitamin B and conditioning vitamin E to keep your flutter healthy.

Best: For eye-opening curl

Rating: 9/10

Straight lashes, this one’s for you. Make-up artists will tell you how transformative it is to add an eyelash curler to your routine. While you can get the same effect with advanced mascara formulas, this is the first we’ve found where the curl actually stays in place. A flick of the wand and it thickens lashes beautifully – then set the curl by pressing it against the lashes with the curved brush. It’s simple to use and super effective.

Read the full Dior diorshow iconic overcurl mascara review

Best: For definition and separation

Rating: 9/10

Finally, Victoria Beckham has turned her attention to lashes with this much anticipated and innovative formulation. A small, thin and slightly curved brush makes it easy to get to the tiniest lashes without any smudging, and its manoeuvrable formula makes it easy to create a naturally defined and well-separated look. This doesn’t budge once in place – not even at the gym, where we tested its sweat-proof claims – but it still washes off with water at the end of the day. It’s effortlessly elegant, just like VB herself!

Read the full Victoria Beckham future lash mascara review

Best: For lash conditioning

Rating: 8/10

Dry, brittle or fragile lashes should reach for this moisturising mascara. Think of it as a leave-in-conditioner for your flutter that leaves each hair soft and supple with its balmy texture. The lash-caring formula was also designed with sensitive eyes in mind, so you’ll find no chance of any irritation. It builds natural volume with a fine and flexible bristle brush and because there’s no stiffness it makes easy work of separating lashes for a fuller clump-free look. We found there’s no running or smudging throughout the day, even though it’s easy to take off at the end of the day with zero rubbing required.

Read more: 9 best waterproof mascaras for lengthened lashes that won’t flake or smudge

Best: For buildable volume

Rating: 9.5/10

Reach for this volume-boosting formula that thickens and curls lashes in just one coat, but layer on lashings of the clump-free ink and you can create next-level drama that looks like you’ve naturally grown thicker, fuller lashes. The luxe, Instagram-worthy rose-gold tube is also infused with lash conditioning ingredients, so no matter how many layers you add, your lashes stay soft and supple.

Best: For doing it all

Rating: 9/10

Hyped on social media with a huge waiting list when it first launched, the third mascara from the make-up artist’s brand was well worth the wait. What sets it apart is that it promises and delivers on weightless volume, length and lift for the perfect all-rounder mascara. Use the flat side of the paddle-shaped brush to load and lift lashes, and the comb side for even distribution. Expect high-impact lashes with an intense black, glossy finish that holds all day.

Read the full Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk push up lashes mascara review

Best: For lift, curl and strength

Rating: 9/10

If you rely daily on your eyelash curlers, you’ll do well to replace your existing mascara with this new formulation. The uniquely shaped, curved brush has a hollow core and a rounded tip that’s designed for lift and curl with eye-opening results, and the formulation is also made up of lash-lifting and strengthening ingredients. We found the soft, dense fibres naturally flex to coat each lash with just one stroke that’s easy to layer without clumping for thicker results. Long-wearing and flake-free, even in the summer heat, we predict a new bestseller for the brand

Best: For instant volume

Rating: 8/10

From the brand created by possibly the most influential make-up artist on the planet, Pat McGrath knows what a brilliant mascara should look like. The large, contoured brush is built for speed, as it delivers slick body in just one stroke – perfect for mornings when you’re short on time. Build up a few more layers for extra intensity that’s perfect for when glamour is called for.

Best: For those on a budget

Rating: 8/10

For a purse-friendly volumising mascara, try this for a fuller, thicker flutter. Wiggle the oversized brush through lashes for a smooth, even finish that you can layer evenly. No matter how many coats you apply, this stays clump-free, with a natural look. Expect it to stay in place throughout the day too – and all with change from a tenner. A true high street hero!

Read the full Rimmel scandaleyes reloaded mascara review

Best: For lengthening

Rating: 8/10

With such a well-loved collection of mascaras, Benefit is always ahead of the game and this new launch is no exception. The state-of-the-art brush has a magnetically charged core that pulls the magnetic mineral-enriched formula up and out to the tips of lashes, making them appear longer. We were wowed by how well this lifted and lengthened after just one stroke. And if you layer it, it builds volume with no dreaded clumping.

Read the full Benefit they’re real! magnet extreme lengthening mascara review

Best: For intense drama

Rating: 8/10

For those looking for full-on volume, you’ll love how effortlessly the over-sized brush creates a bigger, bolder finish. Wiggle this formula in – from the roots at the lash line to the tips – with two coats for a bold, wearable look. To really add some va va voom, keep layering on without smudging or clumping. Expect it to feel weightless and soft, with no stiff or crispy lashes in sight.

Best: For staying in place all day

Rating: 9/10

Part of the brand’s bestselling line-up, we’ve turned back to this mascara time and time again for its long-wearing, flake- and smudge-free formula. Its true black, kohl-pigmented colour seamlessly glides over and covers each lash from root to tip with just one coating – expect a well-separated and elongated look perfect for daytime. Layer on the workable formula and you’ll create a bolder, fanned-out flutter that’s ideal for a night out.

Best: For lash strengthening

Rating: 8/10

Lashes in need of a little TLC will love this formula infused with a plant-based serum that’s rich in amino acids and potent peptides for a soft, supple and strong flutter. Once you get the hang of the clever three-in-one brush, you’ll see how easily the flattened part of it lifts lashes – designed to mimic the classic make-up artist trick of using a spoon. A good all-rounder for volume, length and definition too.

Best: For customising

Rating: 7.5/10

Seasoned beauty fanatics will love the variety of lash looks you can create with this genius double-ended brush. One side is built for volume, with its larger, slightly curved bristle brush and formula that’s easy to layer on, while the flip side uses a smaller, thinner brush and lengthening fibers to elongate and curve. Use separately depending on the finish you want to achieve, or both for high impact lashes. Just be sure to work the formulas together quickly before it sets.

Best: Waterproof mascara

Rating: 7.5/10

For make-up designed to keep you looking your best when you exercise, turn to this beauty brand made for active people in mind. The thin, curved brush lifts and lengthens lashes for eye-opening results that stay budge-proof. We put it through its paces, trialling it through numerous classes, gym cardio sessions and even the local pool without any smudging or smearing insight. It’s a top pick for those that eye rub throughout the day too.

Best: For definition and volume

Rating: 9/10

Make this recently launched formula your go-to if you’re looking for long-lasting length and volume with a natural finish. The cone-shaped bristle brush makes easy work of defining each and every lash, thanks to the thin tip that gets into corners, and it also works lower lashes brilliantly.

We couldn’t get enough of layering this clump-free formula for a fuller look, without the fakeness other mascaras give off. Plus, it’s infused with lash-enhancing ingredients for healthy growth.

Best: For false-lash effect

Rating: 9/10

What was once a cult classic has become the US’s number-one-selling prestige mascara. This cheekily named formula has a reputation for creating drama that’s still hard to beat. Stay clear if you prefer a neat and natural finish, as this one is all about the false-lash effect. Its large, hourglass-shaped brush covers lashes effortlessly from root to tip: just one coat magnifies, but work through a few times for a fuller, bolder finish with a curl that lasts. Does it live up to its name? Don’t be so silly… but it does try.

Best: For day to night

Rating: 8/10

Whether you’re looking for a little drama, or a more refined day finish, this wand is great for creating different looks. Once you get to grips with using the two-sided “flat-to-fat” brush, you see how cleverly Fenty’s mascara works. Layer lashes with the fat side of the brush for volume and lift, and the flat side for definition and curl. We love the mini option and the subtle burgundy and forest green shades that make eyes pop.

Best: For no make-up, make-up look

Rating: 8/10

This is our pick for those that like their make-up to look subtle. Think of this as a slight enhancement to your lashes – it darkens and creates cleanly separated lashes, giving a slight lengthening effect. The wand is thin with a fine tip, making it easy to highlight all lashes, and even a few coats will leave the most natural flutter. It also conditions hairs over time with vegan biotin, leaving them soft to the touch. Simply wash off in the evening with warm water.

Best: For fullness

Rating: 7.5/10

When it comes to lashes, if you’re looking for “the bigger the better”, then this one is for you. With a large, hourglass brush designed for creating volume and a thick-consistency formula, one swipe and you’ve got yourself a bolder and fuller look. Carry on applying for an extreme fat-lash effect. Be warned: this isn’t for those that like a natural finish.

Best: For Length and volume

Rating: 8/10

One Maybelline mascara is sold every seven seconds in the UK, and with such an impressive collection of popular wands, we were surprised to find that the brand’s latest formula outshines the rest, and is our favourite yet. The long, thin and flexible brush head combines a formula of bamboo extract and fibres that builds volume and length with each stroke, but also separates lashes for a fanned-out look.

Best: For natural-looking volume

Rating: 8.5/10

From Drew Barrymore’s beauty brand, this wand is seriously impressive at building thicker lashes with only one or two coats – you don’t need any more. The spiked brush effortlessly creates separation, fanning out lashes with added lift. It’s perfect for those looking to build speedy everyday volume that still looks super natural. It’s a purse-friendly option with the performance of a more expensive tube.

Best: All-in-one

Rating: 8.5/10

If your lashes need a little help in every department – we’re talking adding body both in thickness and length, but also creating definition and separation – this is the tube for you. We found one coat looks beautifully natural for the day, but a few strokes create a more glamourous flutter. Plus, the added conditioning ingredients keep lashes light and flexible.

Best: For swapping with your falsies

Rating: 7.5/10

If you’re looking for something to compete with your stick-on lashes or favourite lash treatment, this is the mascara for you. The formula contains 5mm-long fibres that adhere to your natural lashes, crosshatching at the stroke of the brush to create a fuller, thicker and curled flutter. You can brush on as much volume as you crave – one stroke boosting length and volume and two or three creating a more full-on dramatic effect. Expect lashes still to feel lightweight and flexible and for the formula to stay in place throughout the day with no flaking.

Read the full Mac magic extension mascara review