Top 5 Best Mascara of the Year? I Put 5 Top-Rated Tubes to the Ultimate Wear Test 💧
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All reviews are based on personal experience and not professional advice. Results may vary.
Why These Ingredients Matter 🧪
Before diving into the reviews, I realized something important during my testing: the formula is just as crucial as the wand. Many of the best mascaras now include conditioning agents like Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5). I found that formulas with these conditioning ingredients didn't just coat my lashes—they kept them from feeling like brittle twigs by the end of the day. It helps lock in moisture, which is a lifesaver if you wear waterproof makeup daily.
(By the way, if dull skin is also an issue, check out Dull Skin SOS: I Tested 5 Viral Face Products.)
Quick Look: My Top 5 Picks 👀
- ✅ Maybelline Hypercurl: Best for holding a stubborn curl all day long.
- ✅ L’Oreal Panorama: Best for that clean, fanned-out "butterfly lash" effect.
- ✅ e.l.f. Big Mood: Best for massive, bold volume on a budget.
- ✅ essence Lash Without Limits: Best for extreme length and definition.
- ✅ Rimmel Retroglam: Best for a thick, 60s-style mod look.
1. Maybelline New York Hypercurl Mascara 🖤
I have naturally straight lashes that refuse to cooperate, so I was skeptical about the "Hypercurl" claim. But honestly? This little pink and black tube is a beast. The wand is slightly curved, which made it super easy for me to get right to the root of my lashes and push them up.
The formula is on the drier side, which I actually prefer because it locks the curl in instantly rather than weighing it down with wet product. I wore this for a full 12-hour day, and while my foundation had faded, my lashes were still pointing toward the ceiling.
Why I Loved It 👍
|
The Downside 👎
|
2. L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Panorama Mascara 👁️
This mascara has been all over my social media feed, so I had to grab it. The first thing I noticed was the brush—it has multiple levels of bristles. When I combed it through, it didn't just clump my lashes together; it separated every single hair.
It gave me that wide-eyed, "clean girl" aesthetic. It’s not about chunky volume here; it’s about making your eyes look huge. I found it smudge-free, even after a sweaty gym session. It feels lightweight, almost like I'm not wearing anything on my eyes.
Why I Loved It 👍
|
The Downside 👎
|
(Love bold eyes? Read my review here: My Top 5 Smudge-Proof Kajals for Bold Eyes)
3. e.l.f. Cosmetics Big Mood Mascara 💜
The name "Big Mood" is accurate. The brush on this thing is an hourglass shape and it is massive. I was a bit intimidated at first, thinking I’d get mascara all over my eyelids (which did happen once), but once I got the hang of it, the volume was instant.
One coat of this equals three coats of a normal mascara. The formula is creamy and infused with Jojoba wax, so my lashes felt soft, not crunchy. It gives a very bold, dramatic look that screams "I am wearing makeup."
Why I Loved It 👍
|
The Downside 👎
|
4. essence Lash Without Limits Extreme Length 📏
I picked this up on a whim because the packaging looked fun, and wow, I was pleasantly surprised. The wand is long and flexible, which is great for combing through lashes to elongate them.
I noticed it didn't give me crazy volume, but the length? Incredible. It literally stretched my lashes out to my eyebrows. The "Ultra Black" pigment is very deep, which I love. It held up well during a long work day without flaking.
Why I Loved It 👍
|
The Downside 👎
|
Curious about mascara ingredients? Learn more about the benefits of Panthenol here: Healthline: What Is Panthenol?
Check price on Amazon India 🇮🇳 Check price on Amazon US 🇺🇸 Check price on Amazon UK 🇬🇧5. Rimmel Scandaleyes Retroglam Mascara 💃
This one threw me back! Rimmel promises a "Retroglam" look, and I totally get it. It’s designed to give you that wide-eyed, Twiggy-style lash. The hourglass brush is unique—it deposits a lot of product in the center lashes to open up the eye.
I found the texture to be thicker than the others. It coats the lashes heavily, which is great if you like that mod, heavy-lash aesthetic. It didn't flake on me, but it definitely felt heavier on my eyes than the L'Oreal Panorama.
Why I Loved It 👍
|
The Downside 👎
|
Compare the Mascaras 📊
| Product | Best For | Wand Type | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maybelline | Holding Curl | Curved C-Shape | Drier/Wax |
| L'Oreal | Clean Definition | Multi-level Bristle | Lightweight |
| e.l.f. | Max Volume | Large Hourglass | Creamy/Thick |
| essence | Extreme Length | Flexible Conical | Wet/Inky |
| Rimmel | Thick Lash Line | Hourglass | Dense |
How to Choose the Best One for You 🧭
Buying mascara is personal. If you have straight, stubborn lashes like mine, prioritize a drier waterproof formula like Maybelline to hold the lift. If your lashes are short, look for "lengthening" wands like the essence one with spaced-out bristles. For those who want drama and density, go for the big, fluffy brushes found in e.l.f. or Rimmel.
(Complete your look with the perfect palette: My Top 5 Pigmented Eyeshadow Palettes)
Final Thoughts 💭
After testing these five, I’m officially retiring my expensive department store mascaras. Whether you need the curl-locking power of Maybelline or the clean definition of L'Oreal, the drugstore aisle has stepped up its game. My personal daily driver? The Maybelline Hypercurl purely because it refuses to quit on me.
Go grab a tube and let your eyes do the talking! ✨
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Which mascara is best for volume and waterproof?
In my testing, the Maybelline Hypercurl offered the best balance of holding volume while remaining completely waterproof through sweat and rain.
Is it bad to wear mascara every day?
Not necessarily, but it can dry out your lashes. I recommend using a formula with conditioners like Panthenol (found in many modern mascaras) and always removing it gently.
Can you swim with mascara on?
Only if it is labeled waterproof! From this list, the Maybelline and L'Oreal Panorama Waterproof versions are your best bets for the pool.
Which mascara is 100% waterproof?
The Maybelline Hypercurl is extremely water-resistant and requires an oil-based cleanser to remove completely.
What is the best mascara at the moment?
Currently, the L'Oreal Panorama is having a huge viral moment for its ability to separate lashes and create a "clean girl" aesthetic.
What is "ghost mascara"?
Ghost mascara usually refers to clear mascara or very natural-looking mascara that lifts and separates lashes without adding heavy black pigment.
Last Updated: 14 December 2025
0 Comments