10 of the best lengthening mascaras for fuller, longer lashes
Jazzria Harris
Beauty & Skincare
Reading time: 5 minutes
Swipe your way to longer-looking lashes with these magic mascaras
No time for falsies? No worries. If you’re on a mission to achieve longer and fuller-looking lashes then you’re only a sweep of mascara away. From lengthening formulas and clever wands to mascaras with added lash-loving ingredients, it’s never been easier to fake your way to a fuller flutter.
Whether you opt for a new launch or a cult classic, there’s a lengthening mascara to suit all budgets and beauty needs. Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up 10 of the best lengthening mascaras. We also quiz celebrity make-up artist Enya Sullivan for her top tips on choosing the right one for you.
Read on for everything you need to know.
What should we look for in a lengthening mascara?
Enya says, “Be sure to look closely at the formula you’re using. Anything that includes lengthening fibres (tiny pieces of rayon, silk or nylon) will help elongate lashes.”
Your wand of choice can take lash lines to the next level. “The shape of the brush is also important,” Enya highlights. “Avoid bristles that are too densely packed as these will add thickness rather than length. Silicone wands are especially great.”
What’s the best way to apply mascara?
Help mascara work even harder for you by nailing the technique. Enya says, “Always get right into the base of the lashes and pull the wand upwards to the tips. Don’t forget the tiny lashes at the inner corner of your eye, as these will give you that wide-awake look.”
Prone to smudges? There’s a hack for that: “If you’re nervous about applying mascara, my top tip is to place a mirror underneath your chin. Look down into it to get really good, clear leverage underneath the lash.” Genius.
What’s the best way to remove mascara?
Great news for the time-short: a good cleanser can play double duty. “To remove mascara, I like to use a melting cleanser,” Enya tells us. “I swear by the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, which removes even waterproof mascara.”
We also love No7's Radiant Results Revitalising Eye Make-up Remover for its gentle, fragrance-free formula and deep cleaning credentials that help sweep away the smokiest of eyes.
10 of the best lash-lengthening mascaras you can buy at Boots
So, now you’re armed with all the info, read on for our favourite lash-lengthening mascaras that are sure to have your lashes reaching new heights in no time.
Best for lengthening & conditioning
Try: Estée Lauder Turbo Lash High Powered Volume & Length Mascara
• Contains a conditioning blend of oils
• Smudge and clump-resistant
Infused with nourishing oils, including argan and castor, this mascara conditions lashes as it colours. Lashes will appear lifted and feel amazing, too. For the best results, use alongside the matching night Revitalizing Lash + Brow Serum. Simply apply the serum nightly, (once you’ve removed all mascara), to give lashes a treat and luxurious treatment in one.
Best for a fan-like flutter
Try: Benefit Fan Fest Mascara
• Full-flex fibre brush
Definition: check. Separation: check. Length: check – this mascara serves up a bevy of lash-boosting benefits. Great for creating the kind of effortless fan-effect that looks delicate and almost doll-like, its curved, bristled brush will leave you wide-eyed in more ways than one.
Best for length & volume
Try: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Cosmic Black
• Super black pigment
• Flex tower brush
The original Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara gained a huge following on TikTok thanks to its ability to give an instantly false-lash-effect look. The latest Cosmic Black version is just as good, giving an even richer jet black pigment – with the same lifting formulation – for a super impressive flutter.
Best for short lashes
Try: L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Lift Mascara Extra Black
• Exclusive two-sided brush technology
• Flake-proof
• Smudge-proof
L’Oréal Paris’ Telescopic Lift Mascara features one of the smartest brushes we’ve seen – ideal for achieving a multitude of lash looks. One half of the wand features a curved edge and shorter bristles to coat and load colour onto lashes, while the other, longer side, separates and lengthens. As if that wasn’t clever enough, each bristle also features a small hook to ensure every lash is coated. Now that’s one hardworking mascara.
Best for lengthening & defining
Try: Shiseido ImperialLash MascaraInk
• Smudge-proof
• Ophthalmologically tested
Silicone brushes are praised for their ability to separate lashes as well as easily distribute pigment without any unwanted clumping. This mascara from Shiseido does just that, while the ultra-fine pigments provide weightless colour to ensure lashes aren’t heavy or weighed down. It may be on the higher end of the price scale but trust us, this mascara is worth every penny.
Best budget lengthening mascara
Try: 17. Extreme Extension Lengthening Mascara
• Available in three shades
• Ophthalmologically tested
• Vegan-friendly*
• Cruelty-free
If you’re looking for a purse-friendly formula, we’re not sure it gets any better than 17.’s Extreme Extension Lengthening Mascara. The conical wand is ideal for coating both the inner and outer lashes in one swipe, without any unwanted product ending up on your nose or around your eyes.
Best for lengthening & thickness
Try: Nudestix Lash Lengthening Mascara
• Contains peptides
• Vegan-friendly*
We love a mascara that has other lash benefits and this one from Nudestix delivers, and then some. Alongside an ultra creamy formula that lifts lashes and makes them appear thicker, it also contains a lash treatment to support them on their growth cycle, making them feel stronger over time.
Best for a bold look
Try: Milani Highly Rated Anti Gravity Mascara 11.5ml
• Vegan-friendly*
• Cruelty-free
For an ultra glam look, Milani’s Highly Rated Anti Gravity Mascara is hard to beat. The hourglass-shaped wand hugs lashes to coat them evenly while also boosting lift and volume. Plus, this mascara stays put for the long haul, meaning if you’re on a night out it’ll still be there by the time the DJ plays the final track.
Best longwear lengthening mascara
Try: No7 Extreme Length Waterproof Mascara 7ml
• Flexible, slim bristles
Waterproof mascaras are a must in the summer months as sweat, humidity and (if you’re lucky enough to be heading away somewhere sunny) a trip to the beach, can all cause traditional mascaras to smudge, flake or run. This waterproof formula from No7 not only stands the test of time, it also lifts and lengthens for a false-lash-effect look. When tested, 88% of people agreed after that one coat, this product left their lashes looking longer.^
Best for lengthening & lift
Try: Sculpted By Aimee My Mascara Volume & Length Black 12ml
• Vegan-friendly*
• Cruelty-free
For instant impact, Sculpted By Aimee’s My Mascara is the answer. Featuring a curved wand for precision and lengthening, the ultra black formula can be applied right up to the lash line with minimal effort. As if that wasn’t enough, the mascara is also infused with vitamin B5 to keep lashes nourished and hydrated, and ensure they stay looking their best long after application.
