Looking for the best mascara this 2025? With new tubing formulas and TikTok favorites hitting shelves, it’ll be tough to know what actually works.
We sought crowd favorites and new launches for a comprehensive critique ranging from budget picks at Target to prestige icons at Sephora. If you’re deciding between splurging on Dior or sticking with Maybelline, this guide has you covered.
Snap Guide
- Best Overall: Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl
- Best Drugstore: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High
- Best Clean: ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara
- Best Tubing: Blinc UltraVolume Tubing Mascara
- Best Luxury: Pat McGrath Dark Star Mascara
- Best for Sensitive Eyes: Clinique High Impact
Best Mascara 2025 Comparison Table
| Product | Wear Time | Best For | Dupe |
| Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl | 10 hrs | Curl + drama | L’Oréal Lash Paradise |
| Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High | 9 hrs | Budget length | e.l.f. Lash Xtender |
| Pat McGrath Dark Star | 7 hrs | High-volume luxe | L’Oréal Telescopic |
| ILIA Limitless Lash | 8 hrs | Clean + sensitive eyes | Honest Beauty Extreme Length |
| Blinc UltraVolume Tubing | 12 hrs | Smudge-proof | Thrive Causemetics Lash Extensions |
| Clinique High Impact | 8 hrs | Sensitive eyes | Neutrogena Healthy Volume |
Our Review Criteria
We evaluated each of the best mascara 2025 contenders by testing across real-life scenarios:
- All-Day Wear: Minimum 8 hours of office-to-dinner use.
- Smudge & Flake Resistance: Tried on oily lids and humid weather.
- Application Experience: Smooth, clump-free, buildable?
- Removal: Easy on lashes vs. tugging with remover.
- Value & Dupes: Compared high-end models to drugstore dupes.
Meet the Best Mascaras of 2025
We went through various formulas to find the ones that deliver: drugstore staples, prestige favorites, and viral newcomers. Each pick earned its place by excelling in lash impact, performance, and overall value.
Whether you’re looking for drama or just want a clean beauty upgrade, your perfect match is here.
Best Overall Mascara
If you want show-stopping lashes with an all-day curl, this is Dior’s crown jewel. It’s the mascara to keep you ready for red-carpet ready drama.
- Key Features: Intense curl, luxe feel, 10-hour wear
- Best Dupe: L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise
- Wear Test: 10 hours with zero smudge on oily lids
Best Drugstore Mascara
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High
TikTok made it viral, but our wear test proved the hype is real. This drugstore hero delivers length and lift that rivals mascaras triple its price.
- Key Features: Extreme length, budget-friendly, viral-approved
- Best Dupe: e.l.f. Lash Xtender Tubing Mascara
- Wear Test: 9 hours, light touch-up needed
Best Luxury Mascara
Known for runway-level volume, this mascara is as bold as its legendary creator. It’s not subtle, and it won’t let you down if you want drama.
- Key Feature: Intense pigment, high-drama volume
- Best Dupe: L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara
- Wear Test: 7 hours, touch-up required
Best Clean Mascara
For clean beauty lovers, this lightweight, conditioning formula gives fluttery definition without irritation. It’s the go-to pick for sensitive eyes.
- Key Feature: Vegan, clump-free, lash-conditioning
- Best Dupe: Honest Beauty Extreme Length
- Wear Test: 8 hours, soft removal
Best Tubing Mascara
Blinc UltraVolume Tubing Mascara
If smudging ruins every mascara you try, tubing formulas like Blinc are a game-changer. The tubes slide off with warm water, making removal gentle and mess-free.
- Key Feature: Smudge-proof, easy warm-water removal
- Best Dupe: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions
- Wear Test: 12 hours, zero flakes
What to Look for in a Mascara
Not all mascaras are created equal. Before you buy, keep these factors in mind:
- Formula: Do you need length, volume, curl, tubing, or waterproof performance?
- Wand Shape: Curved wands enhance curl, skinny wands build length, and fat bristles add volume.
- Wear Test: How long does your mascara last without smudging, flaking, or fading?
- Removal: Tubing types are easy to remove with warm water, while waterproof types last longer but are tougher to remove.
Best Mascara by Lash Type
Sparse, straight, short, or sensitive lashes benefit from different styles:
- Short Lashes: Go for mascaras with plastic comb wands.
- Sparse Lashes: Choose a volumizing formula with fiber or wax.
- Straight Lashes: Always curl lashes before application, then use a waterproof or tubing formula to lock in curl all day.
- Sensitive Eyes: Look for hypoallergenic or clean mascaras and avoid waterproof formulas.
Find Your Mascara MVP in 2025
Finding the best mascara 2025 doesn’t have to be hit or miss. By focusing on formula type and performance, we narrowed down the best mascaras, regardless of your lash type and budget.
Try one of our picks, test a dupe, and see the difference for yourself. Then, tell us what you think! We’d love to know your mascara pick this 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tubing mascara better than waterproof?
Tubing holds curl and resists smudging but removes easily with warm water. Waterproof is stronger but harsher on lashes.
How often should I replace mascara?
Every 3 months to avoid bacteria buildup.
Can I layer two different mascaras?
Many pros use a lengthening mascara first, then finish with a volumizing one for a custom lash look.
How do I stop mascara from clumping?
Wipe excess product off the wand before applying, and build in thin coats instead of one heavy swipe.
