I’ve always really liked my long lashes (they actually happen to be my favorite feature), so I’m not entirely sure why I opted to get lash extensions a few years back when I first moved to L.A. I had an arsenal of tried-and-true mascaras I was actually completely satisfied with, but the perpetually curious beauty investigator in me just had to try the buzzy treatment for myself.
Long story short: I kind of hated them. Sure, my lash extensions looked fantastic and they saved me time and effort each morning, but I found that they irritated my eyes. I also had trouble removing the other makeup I liked to wear (like concealer) and was—perhaps irrationally—extremely paranoid I’d contract a horror story–level infection that would cause all of my lashes to fall out forever. (I guess I had watched one too many extension-gone-wrong vides on YouTube.)
So, after only two weeks in, I promptly got my extensions removed and have never looked back. In lieu, I’ve swapped in lots of great mascara formulas—many of which are infused with volume- and length-boosting fibers. As the years have worn on, I’ve noticed a pattern where I receive an influx of lash compliments whenever I’m wearing a fiber-infused mascara, and I’ve even had complete strangers at the gym ask if I had extensions.
Being the mascara fanatic that I am, I’m sharing all of my favorite fiber formulas—from drugstore to prestige. Keep scrolling for the 12 best fiber mascaras that’ll convince you to forgo the extensions.
There are lots of TikTok-viral beauty products that just don’t live up to the hype, but this affordable mascara from Maybelline is not one of them. Although the flexible rubber brush is a little bit polarizing, I happen to love it, and I feel it helps me get to every last tiny lash. Plus, the name really isn’t an exaggeration—you get über noticeable, very fanned-out length thanks to the addition of bamboo extract and fibers. Pros: Affordable, comes in multiple shades and waterproof, fanned out length, lightweight, no flaking or smudging. Cons: Not as great for volume, dries quickly which makes it less buildable. Customer Review: “This is the best máscara i have ever tried! It last all day and makes my lashes look amazing!”
I love this mascara so much, I wrote a dedicated ode to it. It doesn’t smudge or flake, and it’s truly one of maybe three mascaras I consistently keep stocked in my makeup bag. I used to be someone who loved super-clumpy and dramatic lashes, but after discovering and trying Lash Slick, it turned me into the complete opposite type of person—someone who craves separation, lift, curl, and extension-like length with no clumps in sight. And yes, Glossier’s epic formula delivers all of the above and more. It features key ingredients like provitamin B5 and biotinoyl tripeptide-1 to keep your natural lashes as healthy and lush as possible, and the extension-esque length you get is all thanks to the mascara’s Japanese fiber technology. Pros: Affordable, gives lots of length, separation, definition, two shade options, smudge and flake-proof. Cons: Not as great for volume. Customer Review: “This is my favorite mascara that I’ve ever owned, it doesn’t clump on the end of the applicator, and the bristles are finer than Mickey.”
It’s hard to beat a $5 price point, and really, the results you get from this Internet-famous mascara warrants a price tag at least four times that. The iconic conical-shaped fiber brush gives you length and volume that rivals extensions or falsies, and the formula is also cruelty-free and ophthamologist-tested making it a great option for anyone who runs sensitive. Pros: Affordable, provides length, curl, volume, comes in waterproof, good for sensitive eyes. Cons: May smudge or flake, dries out quickly, more difficult to remove. Customer Review: “This mascara is the best mascara I’ve ever used. I have tried the most expensive to the least expensive and this by far is the best of the best and it’s very inexpensive. If you have mature lashes like mine and very thin and sparse you should definitely try this along with the curl and volume tube.”
Don’t sleep on Lancôme mascaras, people. I have a handful of favorites from the brand, and this fiber option is one of my favorites. Not only is it infused with a special balm and amino acid-infused serum (for healthier, stronger natural lashes in the long-term, too) but it delivers epic length and volume, and also layers and builds well without getting too wet, heavy, and clumpy. Pros: Serum-infused for extra conditioning, adds buildable volume and length. Cons: Expensive, not as great for curl, no waterproof of additional shade options. Customer Review: “Simply the best mascara from Lancôme. It goes on effortlessly and stays on for a 12 hour shift of a hectic RN. No flaking, no runs or raccoon eyes! Love it! Thank you Lancome!!”
Key nylon fibers are the hero of this mascara—they latch on to the lashes almost like mini lash extensions, giving you instant, buildable length, volume, and curl. Pros: Provides length, curl, and volume, ophthalmologist tested and safe for contact lens wearers, defines, separates, doesn’t clump. Cons: Expensive, the large size of the brush can cause transfer during application, may smudge or flake, no waterproof or alternate shade options. Customer Review: “I use this over L’Oréal’s Voluminous Lash Primer, and I’m blown away. It’s like I had never used mascara before. It’s like middle ground between mascara on my short, blonde straight lashes and full blown falsies. I will be buying this in full size. It’s amazing and effective.”
Infused with lash-building fibers, this cult-loved mascara is one of the absolute best for anyone looking for rich, ultra fluttery lashes. Created by the legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, the small size of the brush ensures you can really add depth at the roots of your lashes while also coating every, super-teeny lash for unparalleled, clump-free volume. Pros: Provides volume, easy to remove, won’t clump, doesn’t irritate eyes, small wand for mess-free application. Cons: Expensive, may dry out quickly, not as great for people who naturally have super-short lashes, no waterproof or alternate shade options. Customer Review: “I absolutely love this mascara. It’s not clumpy, it’s easy to take off, it’s non irritating, and it doesn’t smear. I have spent loads of money on other expensive, prestige mascaras, but none of them worked for me. I highly recommend this.”
You need Milk Makeup’s buzzy, cannabis seed oil-infused mascara if you’re someone who wants dramatic volume, without the wet, droopy, mess, most high-volume formulas can leave behind. Together, the the formula’s hollow heart-shaped fibers and the brush’s unique crisscross bristles thicker lashes and a fuller-looking lash line sans clump. Pros: Maximum, albeit natural-looking volume and thickness, no clumps, buildable, vegan, natural ingredients, highly conditioning for healthier lashes longterm, comes in waterproof. Cons: Not as much length, expensive, no other shades available. Customer Review: “I LOVED this mascara. I usually don’t love big mascara brushes, because they tend to deposit too much product on my lashes, but this one is different. It deposits the perfect amount of mascara in every swipe. The formula is so smooth and buildable, and my lashes were instantly lengthened and defined. It provided the most natural-looking result out of any mascara I tried. Like I said, I loved it.”
But really, this mascara is lie lash extensions in a tube. MAC makes tons of fantastic mascaras with devout followings, but this one is a standout if you’re after incredible length, in particular. The formula utilizes 5mm-long fibres that deliver the look of false lashes with next-level volume and lots of fluttery length. Pros: Lots of length and volume. Cons: Some reviewers say it has a strong smell, doesn’t provide a lot of curl or lift, fibers can fall and potentially irritate the eyes, may flake, expensive. Customer Review: “My lashes are fuller and longer! I’m so pleased with Magic Extension! First time using, I received several compliments! No False Lashes for me!”
This vegan fiber mascara is uniquely made with upcycled orange peel fibers for an immediate hit of volume. We also love that it’s enriched with strategic fortifying ingredients for noticeably thicker, denser lashes in as fast as eight weeks. Pros: Easy to remove, smudge and flake-proof, water resistant, ophthalmologist-tested and dermatologist-tested, gentle on the eyes, good for sensitivity, Conditions for fuller natural lashes long-term. Cons: Expensive, large blush can be messy during application, not super buildable, may clump. Customer Review: “When I first opened the tube, I did not think I was going to like it. My first two applications were a little clumpy. However, the application has gotten much more even as I get used to the larger size of the brush. On my first day wearing it at work, one of my coworkers complimented me on how beautiful my eyes looked. This made me so happy. When I remove it at night, it comes off cleanly. There are no residual smudges as with other mascaras I have used in the past. This will be my exclusive mascara from now on. Love it!”
We love a drugstore price, and this fiber mascara from CoverGirl comes highly recommended. The big curl brush delivers satisfying curl and volume, instantly. Pros: Long-lasting curl and volume, easy on sensitive eyes and safe for contact wearers, comes in waterproof and alternate shade options, easy to remove, smudge-proof. Cons: Some reviewers said it had a strong smell, may clump and dry out quickly. Customer Review: “I have been through a queen’s ransom in expensive mascara in my life. I have the shortest, wispiest lashes in the world and they’re light in color. Extensions look like a joke on me and every single mascara I’v ever used make my fine lashes stick together or hang heavy with globs of product. This wand is just perfect and carefully combs out each lash while coating it, perfectly. The mascara goes through the day without flaking and looks great, but just disintegrates with hot water and a hand-towel. All that for 8 bucks? This mascara is hands-down the best I’ve ever used for 25% of what I was paying for the last so-called “extension miracle.”
To encourage your natural lashes to live their healthiest, longest life, I’m all for a luxe lash-enhancing serum. This one from Grande Cosmetics is my favorite since it’s one of the few formulas I’ve tried that doesn’t irritate my eyes and has actually given me visible results. It’s infused with all kinds of good stuff like vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids, which promote longer, thicker lashes. I saw results after about one month. This guy will also help restore lash health if you’ve previously been committed to lash extensions.
Eye drops are never a bad idea, and as someone who deals with perpetual dryness and quick-to-irritate eyes, I love to have soothing and brightening eyedrops handy at all times. Plus, I’m convinced clear eyes help make your eyes pop even more. Lumify makes the industry favorite.
If you’re not already using a lash curler, you truly don’t know what you’re missing. My lash curler is one of my single, most-prized beauty possessions, and even if it’s the one thing I do before I leave the house, it’s a clutch step that instantly makes me look more awake and bright-eyed. And, of course, if you curl your lashes prior to using a fiber mascara, your results will be all the more glamorous. This one from Tweezerman is my go-to model.
I’ve already mentioned this one (and supplied lots of coordinating options up top!), but combing a lush primer through your lashes before you add your mascara will make them look even longer and thicker (further encouraging that falsie and extension effect).
Just like a primer can condition and bulk-up your lashes pre-mascara, one of my secret tips for getting super-long, extension-esque lashes is to use a glossy, definition- and curl-enhancing mascara on top of your fiber mascara as a topcoat. I love this formula from Dior. After my fiber mascara has set, I’ll add one to two coats of this one to seal in the length and lock-in attention-grabbing curl. It works like a charm.
