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15 best mascaras for length, volume, and zero clumps, starting at £3.99 – tried and tested
This way for lash extensions in a tube!
People stop me pretty regularly to ask about my lashes – usually assuming I’m wearing lash extensions and wanting the name of the salon. Plot twist: I’ve never had extensions. What they’re actually seeing is some makeup magic.
Sure, lash serums have helped keep my lashes healthy and conditioned, which can make them look a little longer and fuller. But the real reason they look borderline fake? A standout mascara – especially one with the right brush. The wand makes a huge difference depending on what you’re after, whether that’s length, curl, or major volume.
That said, I didn’t magically know which formulas were worth it. Over the course of my career as a beauty editor, I’ve tested hundreds of mascaras to figure out which ones actually deliver. And I’ll say this upfront: mascara is deeply personal – right up there with foundation and nude lipstick. The best one for you depends entirely on what you want your lashes to do, which is exactly why this list exists.
Ahead, you’ll find the highest-rated mascaras I’ve personally tested, along with standout picks loved by other Cosmo staffers. First, a quick-hit list before we dive into the full lineup:
The best mascaras, tested by Cosmo editors:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Best mascara for lengthening and curling
L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Extensionist Lengthening Curling Mascara
Read review - 5
Keep scrolling for the complete breakdown of the best mascaras – from brands like Ilia, Maybelline, L’Oréal, and Tower 28 –plus the key tips to know before you add a new tube to your cart (or your makeup bag).
Pros
- Doesn't smudge and is flake and clump-free
- Volume, length and curl is super buildable for lots of drama
Cons
- If you prefer more of a minimal look, this mascara might not be for you
- On the spennier side
If there's one thing mascara launches love more than a claim, it's a big claim – and Lancôme's brand new Lash Idôle Curl Goddess arrives armed with some ~slightly~ unhinged stats. The brand promises up to 800% more volume and 150% more curl, which, frankly, sounds less like makeup and more like a hostile takeover of your lashes. Modesty? Lancôme doesn't know her.
But spoiler, this one actually delivers...
Glowing customer review: "I received this product complimentary for testing purposes as part of the Lorealistar community. The tube itself is stunning and already takes pride of place on my dressing table. It's actually very good value for money for the quality of the product - the applicator is great, nicely separating and curling the lashes (I really do feel like a curl goddess) with a great depth of pigment. There's little in the way of clumping or smudging. I love it!"
Features at a Glance
| Benefits | Adds extreme volume and curl |
|---|---|
| Shades | Two (divine black, black) |
| Waterproof? | No |
One Cosmo staffer says, "In practice, one swipe feels like a mini lash lift: even my straightest corner lashes quivered skyward, and a second coat built on that volume without the dreaded clumpage. The brush's weirdly genius twist (imagine if a mascara wand did Pilates) catches the tiniest hairs you forgot you had, leaving them looking longer, lifted, and properly defined.
"And the 'fast-setting curl complex,' as the brand puts it, genuinely locks in shape – no wet transfer to be found here, folks. Wear is solid, too; Lancôme doesn't break their promise of drama that lasts (we're talking all day without droop or flake)."
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Tapered brush makes it easy to reach inner- and outer-corner lashes
- Lifts even the straightest lashes
Cons
- The finish is subtle, so it requires multiple layers if you want more drama
The Rimmel Thrill Seeker Mega Lift Mascara really delivers those sky-high, lifted results. It’s not about bold, dramatic lashes like the OG Thrill Seeker, but if you want a formula that lifts, gives your lashes a natural-but-not-subtle finish, and only costs you £12.99, the Mega Lift is a winner.
Glowing customer review: "I LOVE THIS MASCARA! I have very straight stubby lashes. And I’ve used a lot In the past and never got the results I’ve wanted. But this mega lift delivers. The payout from the products on to the wand is perfect. Doesn’t leave your lashes clumpy. It lengthens them and gives them the best lift make my lashes look like had a lash lift. Perfect for all day wear without any flaking which is a bonus."
Features at a Glance
| Benefits | Tapered brush for easy use |
|---|---|
| Shades | Two (black, brown) |
| Waterproof? | No |
One Cosmo staffer says, "If you’ve tried the original Thrill Seeker Mascara, you’ll know it’s all about bold, dramatic lashes. The Mega Lift, on the other hand, is designed to lift and volumise with a lighter effect, creating the look of wispy lashes.
"After one coat, it felt like my lashes had a mini lash lift. With just a flick of my wrist, my lashes looked longer, lifted, defined, and fluttery. When I decided to layer for extra volume, I was pleased that my lashes didn’t feel heavy – thanks to the carefully selected waxes in the formula, designed to give weightless volume.
"Better yet, the lightweight formula means my lashes never clumped or felt stiff, no matter how many layers I applied."
Pros
- Celeb-approved mascara
- Doesn't sweat off in heat
Cons
- On the pricier side
If there's one beauty brand we trust implicitly with our faces, it's Makeup By Mario. Its founder, Mario Dedivanovic, has worked in the industry for decades, not to mention that his resumé includes having worked on some of the world's most famous faces – I'm talking Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry and Kate Bosworth, to name a few. Mic drop.
And one thing these A-listers all have in common is long, fluttery, red carpet-worthy lashes. Enter: Makeup by Mario Master Mascara Volumising & Lift Super Black, the genius product behind the wow-factor lashes.
The formula adds volume without thickness for a defined, intentional finish, but the standout feature has to be the brush; it's subtly tapered, meaning it catches even the finest hairs for an even look.
Glowing customer review: "I really enjoyed using this mascara. The formula is smooth and easy to build, starting with a natural look with one coat and adding more volume with additional layers. It separates lashes nicely, gives great length, and stays in place throughout the day without smudging or flaking. My lashes look fuller and more defined."
Features at a Glance
| Benefits | Lengthening, fanning and volumising |
|---|---|
| Shades | Two (the perfect brown, super black) |
| Waterproof? | The brand doesn't claim waterproof properties, but having put this formula through it's paces, we can confidently say it's sweat-proof! |
One Cosmo staffer says, "It's basically like having the Kardashian glam squad in your vanity bag when you use Makeup By Mario, as the makeup artist is known for his work on Kim.
"This mascara does it all: lengthening, fanning and volumising on even the shortest lashes. Having tested this during super-muggy weather, I can confidently say it doesn't budge or flake in humidity, or when met with sweat."
L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Extensionist Lengthening Curling Mascara
This has to be one of the best new mascaras to hit the high-street shelves. We all know L’Oreal is no stranger to an exceptional formula, but this has to be one of their best yet. Made from 300 plastic bristles, the wand clings onto each and every lash to add major length and definition. Without ever looking clumpy or heavy, it’s the type of formula that creates the look of fanned out, fluttery lashes with a bit of added volume, too.
Glowing customer review: "Really enjoying using this mascara, gives the lashes good coverage without being clumpy. It lasts all day without ending up all round the eyes."
One Cosmo staffer says, "The Extensionist mascara has my ideal type of brush – dense, plastic, short bristles that don’t flick product onto my eyelids. In fact, this brush is made out of over 300 individual bristles to separate and curl each lash. So when the brand promises extension-like results, I believed every word.
"Even after a few quick strokes, I was amazed at how well the wand clung onto my lashes to lift and define. As the formula is fairly thin, feel free to layer up as much as you like, and it will not clump. Trust me, I put on about 10 coats, and no clumping was in sight. No matter how far you go, the result will always be super fluttery lash-lift-like lashes."
Pros
- Comes off easily with just warm water
- Available in a bunch of shades
- Lengthens and separates so well
Cons
- Can get flaky if you use too many coats
Maybelline's Sky High Mascara is kind of an overachiever. It uses tiny bamboo fibres to add a ton of length and volume to teeny-tiny lashes, and it has a slim, flexible brush with a tapered tip that makes application quick, easy, and mess-free. Every time I use it, I'm shocked at how incredible my lashes look for such minimal effort. Did I mention it comes off easily with just warm water, too? Obsessed.
Glowing customer review: "I came across this mascara through someone reviewing it on tiktok and thought I’d give it a go myself. So glad that I gave this one a chance!! It’s now my go-to mascara as I refuse to use mascara from any other brand. This one lasts so long and keeps my lashes lifted the whole day! Also, super easy to remove. Would definitely recommend."
| Benefits | Volumizes, lengthens, defines, curls |
|---|---|
| Shades | 10 (multiple types of black, brown, blue, green, burgundy, brown-black, deep purple, glitter) |
| Waterproof? | No (but comes in a waterproof formula) |
One Cosmo staffer says, "I've gone through so many tubes of this mascara, I can't even conjure up an appropriate number. It's just the simplest, most reliable mascara I've ever tried. It never lets me down in the length department, is easy to remove, holds a curl for hours, and doesn't make my lashes feel dry and clumpy. I always have at least one – if not five – in my stash at all times."
Pros
- Wand is small enough to get into the inner corners of your eyes easily
- Helps nourish lashes with panthenol
- Long-wearing formula
Cons
- Provides a very natural lash look, so not for you if you want more volume
Loved by Sabrina Carpenter, this lengthening mascara is a huge hit amongst our team for its long wear and sensitive-eye friendly formula.
Glowing customer review: "Sick of buying Mascaras that don't live up to expectations...This mascara is simply the best, glides on, no clumps & makes the lashes look longer, I absolutely love, love,love! So glad I found Sweed lashes cloud Mascara 💟"
Features at a Glance
| Benefits | Lifting, lengthening, separating |
|---|---|
| Shades | 2 (black and brown) |
| Waterproof? | No |
One Cosmo staffer says, "My first impression was the precision of the wand – it separates my lashes really nicely, which is one of my biggest qualms when judging a formula. There's nothing I hate more than clumps and chunks. It also adds tons of length and volume with just a few swipes, as you can see below, making it ideal for my everyday 10-minute makeup routine before work. And as a beauty editor with many events, from early breakfast meetings to late-night dinners (plus the office in between), the Cloud Mascara lasts until the very end of my long days without flaking."
Pros
- Available on the highstreet
- Comes in so many shades
Cons
- Not as lengthening as others on this list
If you’re looking for a great brown mascara – especially one you can easily grab at the drugstore – L’Oréal Panorama is a standout. The rich brown shade gives lashes a softer, more natural-looking definition than classic black, making it perfect for everyday wear. The formula still brings the drama where it counts, too, adding fluffy volume and a bit of length when you layer on a few coats.
Glowing customer review: "Great separation, lasts long, and done not run if you have watery eyes. Volume is great, but I have had a lash lift treatment; not clear how this would work on my naturally straight lashes"
Features at a Glance
| Benefits | Volumizing, lengthening, lifting |
|---|---|
| Shades | 7 (multiple blacks, brown, burgundy, and navy) |
| Waterproof? | No |
One Cosmo staffer says, “If you’re a brown mascara lover who wants to add both volume and length to your lashes (many formulas make you sacrifice one for the other), I cannot recommend this mascara enough. It doesn’t flake or smudge even when my eyes are tearing from NYC’s frigid winds. Plus, it separates my lashes so nicely and is a true brown that isn’t too harsh on my lighter-coloured eyes.”
Prada Beauty Pradascope Lash Lifting & Lengthening Mascara
Pros
- Wand helps grip and coat every single lash
- Bristles on only one side makes this surprisingly simple to apply
Cons
- Most expensive mascara on this list
While mascara doesn't necessarily seem like the most apt place to splurge, Prada's just makes sense. Of course, there's the stunning packaging, but most of all, the brand took an innovative route when developing the 180-degree "lift and grip" wand. It was designed to grab each lash from root to tip, helping create clean separation, length, and lift in just a few swipes. The flexible micro-film formula coats lashes evenly without clumping and can be layered for more drama while still feeling lightweight.
Glowing customer review: "THIS MASCARA! This one is just WOW!!! If you're thinking about it, stop thinking and add it to your basket. Its so great!! Doesnt clump, totally buildable and you can even top it up later in the day without it getting clumpy or spider legs likey! I have tried so many mascaras and ive finally found 'the one'."
Features at a Glance
| Benefits | Lifting and lengthening |
|---|---|
| Shades | 2 |
| Waterproof? | No |
One Cosmo staffer says, "I’ve really been enjoying this mascara. I love how it looks when applied with a lighter hand – it just gives me super glossy, long lashes. I also like how the buildable, unclumpy formula can create a more dramatic look if desired. However, if you need something built for the elements or a subtler shade for your lashes, this might not be the right fit for you. Overall, I think of it a lot like the Prada nylon re-edition shoulder bag. It’s sleek, classic, versatile, but still a luxury – and it looks most iconic in black."
Pros
- The least expensive mascara we tested
- Doesn't smudge or flake in my experience
Cons
- Some reviewers didn't love how crunchy it made their lashes feel
My broke college self could really only afford this mascara, but it wasn't a prob because it's legit so good. Even now, when I have a drawer filled with expensive mascaras, I often reach for this formula, because it's so reliable. It makes my lashes look long and thick, but the best part is that it legit does not smudge or flake. I mean, just read through the 245,000+ five-star reviews and try not to be influenced.
Glowing customer review: "This is the absolute BEST Mascara, everything is perfect...The Wand, consistency, everything. Having tried the high-end Mascaras over the years(Which tend to dry out pretty fast) finding this through excellent reviews is the one for me in future. Wilko used to stock it, but now Primark have an Essence Make-Up Stand in their stores, totally unconnected to Primark, so I know where to purchase. This Mascara I give 5* all round."
| Benefits | Lengthens and volumizes |
|---|---|
| Shades | 2 (black and brown) |
| Waterproof? | No |
One Cosmo staffer says: "Out of all the affordable mascaras I've tried, Essence’s definitely takes the cake. Whether I want length, volume, a tint of brown, or literally anything else, I can snag an Essence mascara that gets the job done for less than £5."
Pros
- Double-sided brush offers both long and short bristles
Cons
- A lot of testers say the scent is a bit overpowering
If you're looking for a mascara that lifts, lengthens, holds a curl, and separates your lashes, this is your MVP. The dual-sided wand has staggered bristles on one side to help you really load up your lashes, along with long, comb-like teeth on the other side so you can brush out any clumps while defining each lash. Oh, and the formula—like all Ilia products—is clean, eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and made without potentially sketch ingredients.
Glowing customer review: "Holy grail mascara! Incredible volume and length – no need to worry about clumping or flaking."
| Benefits | Lifts, lengthens, curls, separates |
|---|---|
| Shades | 2 (black and brown) |
| Waterproof? | No |
One Cosmo staffer says: "On my brown mascara journey, I’ve tested a ton of formulas, and Ilia’s is a total standout. It’s the same buildable, non-clumpy, and long-lasting Limitless Lash formula I’ve used and loved for years, but now in a chocolatey brown hue that’s ultra flattering. This is definitely a soft-lash mascara, so don’t expect anyone to think you’re wearing extensions or falsies after applying it… But that’s exactly why I like it. It’s fairly effortless as far as eye makeup goes, and gives your lashes a little extra something without being too in your face, which is in line with my personal makeup style these days."
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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