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With dermatologist- and makeup artist-approved picks.
Photo:Real Simple
The formula is thin and watery.
The conical brush coats lashes evenly for a bold, voluminous look.
It smudges and can be flaky.
PHOTO: Amazon
At only $5, you cant get more budget-friendly than Essences Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara.
This editor-favorite visibly gives your natural lashes a dramatic, full look, creating the effect that yourewearing falsies.
The conical-shaped brush defines each lash and adds volume without clumping.
PHOTO: Real Simple
It doesnt add much volume.
LOreal Pariss Telescopic Mascara is a favorite of Badros for its lengthening formula that gives visibly longer lashes.
The patented flexible Precision Brush is shown to lengthen lashes by up to 60%.
The formula is fragrance-free and ophthalmologist-tested, meaning its ideal for those with sensitive eyes.
Youll be stunned that theyrenotlash extensionsby how natural and elongated this mascara makes your eyelashes appear.
It dries out quickly.
This mascara is great if youre looking for volume.
The brand also promises up to 24 hours of wear.
Infused with flower oils, this formula will leave your lashes feeling softer and supple after each use.
It tends to smudge a bit by the end of the day.
In other words, this mascara is ideal for those with eye sensitivities or who wear contact lenses.
It can be hard to take off without the right makeup remover.
CoverGirls Lash Black Volume Waterproof Mascara is one of the few waterproof mascaras thatactuallyholds up.
The wand picks up a lot of product and can be messy to apply.
Its also ophthalmologist-tested, making it suitable for those with eye sensitivities.
It transfers and can be flaky.
The formula achieves 16 hours of wear, enough to last you the full workday and beyond.
The formula can be flaky.
Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara
It visibly elongates and conditions the lashes.
Its not very buildable.
The long-lasting, lengthening formula will give your natural eyelashes the look of lash extensions.
For one, theres a difference betweenlengtheningandvolumizingmascara.
That said, youll need a specialmakeup removerto wipe it off.
This key in of mascara is also gentler on your lashes and easier to remove.
PHOTO: Ulta
Propylene glycol is another common mascara ingredient to avoid.
It helps prevent mascara from drying out, but it is a common irritant.
For green eyes, Badro suggests a purple mascara because it can accentuate the green tones.
PHOTO: Real Simple
A deep burgundy, on the other hand, can create the illusion of brighter eyes.
Brush
Another factor to look at when shopping for mascara is brush shape.
Astraightbrush is classic and great for achieving a defined, lengthened look, Paljevic says.
It helps to elongate and define each lash, Badro adds.
Meanwhile,curvedandhourglass-shapedbrushes are ideal if youre wanting more volume.
These brushes tend to have a lifting effect.
Taperedandconicalbrushes are very similar in shape, Paljevic says.
These brushes are great for achieving elongated lashes.
They also allow you to get to those hard-to-reach areas, like the corner of the eye.
Regular, non-waterproof mascara will easily be removed with makeup removers, such as micellar water.
My go-to product isGarnier Micellar Cleansing Water, Paljevic says.
A waterproof mascara, on the other hand, is not easily removed by water-based makeup removers.
An oil will break down these stubborn formulas best, Dr. Hilal-Campo says.
Repeat until the pad comes away clean.
Questions You Might Ask
Does mascara expire?
Mascaralike all makeup productshas anexpiration date.
Someone else using your mascara is also a solid case for changing out your product.
Never share eye makeup!
This is how you get eye infections.
What kind of mascara is easiest to remove?
Tubing mascara is the easiest mascara to apply and remove, according to our experts.
This key in of mascara doesnt need any cleansers or oils to break down, Dr. Hilal-Campo says.
Is it worth it to spend more on mascara?
Whether or not you should spend more on mascara depends on personal preference.
PHOTO: Ulta
Mascara is like a wardrobe, Paljevic says.
Even professional makeup artists like Paljevic admit to buying mascara at the drugstore in an emergency.
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PHOTO: Ulta
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