The Best Mascaras at MECCA Right Now
April 23 | 3 minute read
Words by The MECCA Memo
If there’s one product that’s always worth the swipe, it’s mascara. It’s the finishing touch, the instant eye-opener, the shortcut to looking put together in seconds. The one product most people won’t leave the house without (second to sunscreen, of course).
But with countless wands, formulas and finishes (not to mention the fact you’re supposed to replace it every few months) mascara might just be one of the trickiest categories to navigate – but also an excellent product to experiment with. There are wands that lengthen like extensions, others that thicken like falsies, tubing formulas that refuse to run and even those that double as lash-enhancing treatments.
Whether you’re a strictly one-mascara-forever person or a lash-wardrobe-for-every-look type, these are best you can buy right now.
Best new mascara
Ribbon Wrapped Lash Extreme Lengthening Mascara
Best tubing mascara
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara
It was Kevyn Aucoin who first introduced the world to tubing mascara, and this formula proves exactly why it became so iconic. This award-winning mascara is very good at its job: it volumises and lengthens every single lash, wrapping each one in a tubing formula that doesn't flake, clump or smudge (great for oily eyelids or watery eyes) and comes off incredibly easily with water (no tugging required!). Every mascara lover needs to try this at least once in their life – we have a feeling you won’t go back.
Best volumising mascara
MECCA MAX Max Vol. Tubing Mascara
Did someone say volume? You'll reach new heights with this high-impact tubing mascara in your kit. The buildable formula (helped along by the perfectly crafted brush) includes film-forming polymers to lengthen and hold, while allowing you to choose your volume level: one coat for fluttery lashes, two for a fuller, fanned-out look and three for statement-making lift and length.
Best all-rounder mascara
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
A global bestseller and MECCA team favourite – for good reason! This overachiever does everything: lengthens, volumises, lifts and separates, leaves lashes looking blacker-than-black and has a buildable formula and hourglass-shaped wand that together deliver clump-free coats that feel completely weightless. It’s the one mascara every beauty bag needs. Actually, you need two: the chocolate brown shade is a must for your no-makeup makeup days.
Best mascara for sensitive eyes
Tower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara
The Californian brand known for saving sensitive skin is also rescuing our teary, itchy eyes with this vegan-friendly mascara that’s ophthalmologist-tested and contact lens-safe. Although the formula is gentle, it still does all the things we demand of a really great mascara: it volumises, lengthens and defines without any smudging, clumping or flaking. For a more natural, everyday look, try the shade ‘Drift’ (a gorgeous espresso brown).
Best waterproof mascara
M·A·C Cosmetics Extended Play Gigiblack Lash Mascara
This smudge-proof formula is the one you’ll be wearing to hot Pilates, a pool party or that movie that always gets the tears flowing. The staying power of this formula is next-level, able to withstand tears in the rain... and sweat, and humidity, and whatever else you throw at it for up to 16 hours. But it doesn't stop there – when it’s actually time to take it off, the formula dissolves easily in warm water. We also love the tiny brush, making it possible to reach lashes in the corners of the eye easily.
Best lengthening mascara
ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara
It's the creamy formula – made with shea butter and beeswax – and the clever dual-sided brush that allows you to build serious length. One coat offers believable lift and separation that'll have people wondering what you've done to your lashes; multiple coats deliver graze-your-brows length that'll really have them talking. Use the shorter side of the brush to curl and volumise and the longer side to really lengthen and define.
Best brown mascara
MECCA MAX Whip Lash Tubing Mascara
You could blame the trend cycle, or the surge in searches and TikTok views for ‘brown mascara’ over the past year, but it’s the glossy mousse-like formulation (along with the perfect deep brown hue) that makes this a must-have for every makeup bag. It lifts, defines and sculpts lashes in just a few swipes – and thanks to the tubing formula, wipes off in less time than it takes to apply it. The problem with cult-loved products is that they’re notoriously difficult to get your hands on – so if you do happen to see this in-stock, we recommend you run.
Best dramatic mascara
Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara
Best buildable mascara
Westman Atelier Eye Want You Mascara
