My Personal Mascara Favorites

One of my most frequently asked questions on Instagram stories is what mascara I use… and though I’ve shared a few in my makeup routine, it’s never a quick answer so I thought I’d round up my top five favorites in one post for you for easy access. Mascara has the ability to literally transform my short blonde lashes, and subsequently my whole face, so it’s my number one makeup product that I could not function without (dramatic of me, I know, but I don’t leave home without it).

Each one I use seems to bring a little something different to my lashes, and excels in a particular category, so I’ve honed in on these top five to make it easy: my favorite primer mascara, waterproof mascara, gentle mascara, splurge mascara, and inexpensive mascara! I’ve tested and tried out more tubes of mascara than I’d care to admit, and believe that you seriously cannot go wrong with ANY of these. xx

Favorite Primer Mascara— L’Oreal Paris Makeup Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lengthening 2 Step Mascara ($9.48)

A ton of these mascaras have a cult following, but this one in particular so many beauty gurus swear by– particularly the primer side of it (it contains both a white primer and a black mascara in the tube). This is the first step I do in my mascara routine (unless I’m curling my lashes first, and I don’t currently have an eyelash curler that I would recommend over others), and I use the primer to elongate and prep my lashes for dark mascara. The primer goes on white but then dries clear, and has been proven to make lashes look 80% longer… I believe it! It completely separates my lashes and makes them at least double in length, so they are the perfect base for a darker mascara. And if you want to save money and room in your makeup bag, definitely give the mascara side of the tube a try as well. It’s a really strong black, even though this tube is my favorite because of the primer!

Favorite Waterproof Mascara– Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara ($6)

I purchased this mascara a while back because it had amazing reviews and over 22k ratings on Amazon, and then I tested it out in full on our trip to St. Maarten. And let me tell you– this stuff does not come off. Through dips in the pool and ocean, snorkeling, and showering– unless I used true makeup remover on it, it would completely stay in place and keep my lashes looking fresh! This was particularly convenient because my makeup didn’t run at all throughout the trip, and I didn’t have to reapply it after a quick shower or swim in the ocean. It definitely gave my lashes nice volume, and didn’t clump, which I appreciated as well! 100% worth picking up for the summer activities ahead, or any trips that will require you to be in and out of the water.

Favorite Gentle Mascara– Thrive Cosmetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara ($24)

This mascara is a TikTok star, and I’ve been seeing ads for it everywhere, so I knew I wanted to test it out. And it definitely lives up to the hype! It’s powered by ‘Flake-Free Tubing Technology’ that really allows each lash to be lifted and brought upwards, without leaving any flakes or clumps behind. It’s also formulated with plant stem cell technology that makes your lashes look longer and healthier. Beyond that, it’s super gentle and safe for sensitive eyes and people who wear contacts (me!)– and can be washed off with soap and water, no makeup remover needed! It’s an Allure ‘Best of Beauty’ winner for 2020 and an all-around fan favorite.

Favorite Splurge Mascara– Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara ($26)

This is the most expensive tube of mascara in this roundup but it’s WORTH IT. It’s another Allure ‘Best of Beauty’ award winner and has over 460k loves on Sephora. It’s been the #1 best selling ‘prestige mascara’ in America and even has a name that speaks for itself. I can always count on this mascara to bring va-voom type volume to my lashes that curls them up and gives me a false lash type of look. I reach for this whenever I’m going to a party or taking photos, and love that there’s nothing dainty or wispy about it! The formula is infused with collagen as well, so it nourishes your lashes without sacrificing dramatic volume. It also comes in a mini size for $14 if you want to test that out first!

Favorite Inexpensive Mascara– Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara ($5)

It’s difficult to beat the price and value of this mascara, which also specializes in the ‘false lash’ effect that can really make it look like you’re wearing fake lashes. I tried his out years ago, for a partnership with Essence, and have been a repeat purchaser ever since. This is usually the final mascara I’ll add in for a finishing touch in my makeup routine, because it seems to elongate and separate my lashes like no other. It has nearly five stars and over 156k ratings on Amazon, so it’s safe to say that I’m not alone in this thinking! If your lashes are already thick but you’re looking for length, scoop this up asap (it is only $5 anyways) and I promise it will get the job done!