By now, you probably know me as that one editor who never shuts up about mascara. Sure, I could blame it on my career and the fact that it’s just in the DNA of my job to write to the point of breathlessness about all of the best beauty products. But in all honesty, mascara, and anything lash related, just has an extra-special place in my heart. A: It’s the one makeup product I’d bring with me on a desert island. B: Even though I have naturally long lashes, they’re super straight and droopy, so finding a mascara that enhances their length while still excelling in the lift and curl department has become a personal passion project. And C: Mascara was the gateway drug for my love of beauty back in high school (full disclosure, my favorite wands and go-to lash aesthetic haven’t really changed). Oh, and something else that hasn’t really changed? Where I shop for all of the best mascaras.
Some of my best memories growing up involve tagging along with my mom when she would go shopping for makeup, and Ulta, in my mind, was some kind of mystical mecca I never wanted to leave. This was back when I had an allowance, so I loved that I could browse and ogle the more expensive products my mom was after while ultimately blowing my personal stash of cash on more affordable drugstore names like CoverGirl and L’Oréal. Of course, that flexibility in price point is still one of my favorite things about Ulta, and this rundown of the best mascaras currently available at the retailer is the ultimate proof. Keep scrolling! I’m sharing the best mascaras at Ulta, plus the lash accessories that can enhance your look.
This mascara is next-level. In fact, it was crowned the best overall in the latest installment of our Deep Reviews. That’s because it offers lots of lift, great curl, and 24-hour wear. The thin, curved brush grabs every lash, and the lightweight formula won’t weight lashes down. Did I mention there’s no smudging, clumping, or flaking? It’s no wonder the Who What Wear team loves it. Customer review: “I have never had a mascara be so fuss-free and come out looking spectacular. I have shorter lashes that are not thick. I was not blessed in the lash department, but this mascara has my lashes bumping into my eye glasses and I don’t mind one bit!”
Is there a more iconic mascara than Too Faced’s signature baby pink tube? The fact that it’s the number one most-wanted (aka best-selling) mascara at Ulta drives home our point. This is a really solid all-in-one option, but it’s especially great for volume and length. Customer review: “Truly incredible. Amazing length, no clumping,… so easy to put on, and the color is so lovely. I really can see myself using this for day-to-day looks.”
If you’re looking for a more affordable option at Ulta but still want the Bambi-like effects of a more expensive, prestige formula, this one from L’Oréal will blow you away. Again, it’s one of my top recommendations, and the super-black pigments enhance its plumping and lengthening perks even further. Customer review: “L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise keeps my lashes lifted, lengthened, and feathery all day, looking the same at the end of the day as when first applied! With one coat, my lashes have natural-looking enhancement without clumping or flaking.”
For chic, long, thick, and voluptuously lovely lashes, this mascara from Lancôme comes in at the top of the pack. Now, this mascara isn’t for the faint of heart, as it does pack a lot of heat in the volume and drama department, but we’re obsessed with the statement-making finish and the fact that it won’t smudge, clump, or flake. Customer review: “This is my holy grail mascara—I’ve probably purchased 10+ tubes over the past few years and will continue to purchase [it]. This mascara doesn’t clump, provides intense volume, and lasts throughout the day, even after intense cardio workouts.”
Believe it or not, my 73-year-old mom is the person who got me hooked on this consistent best seller from Ulta. She has amazing lashes, in case you were wondering. As the name would suggest, this isn’t your average mascara. It’s a four-in-one multitasker that effortlessly curls, lengthens, volumizes, and conditions with just one swipe. That said, it builds and layers beautifully, so we recommend applying more than just one coat! Customer review: “[This is] hands down the best mascara I’ve ever used. It gives me lush lashes, and it almost looks like I’m wearing false lashes. That’s how good this mascara is.”
I first heard about this mascara from a fellow beauty aficionado, Kirbie Johnson. Any time I saw her on Instagram or heard her sharing her makeup routine, this cult-loved mascara from MAC was always in the mix. Since I’m obsessed with having the longest lashes as humanly possible sans extensions or falsies, and since Kirbie’s natural lashes look like extensions, I obviously had to get my hands on the MAC magic. Not surprisingly, it didn’t disappoint! Even though it’s waterproof and promises practically impenetrable 16-hour wear, when you do want to start the removal process, it easily slips off your lashes with warm water thanks to its cutting-edge thermal-sensitive technology. Customer review: “This is my favorite mascara of all time! I like the small, easy-to-handle brush, and the mascara stays put without flaking. I have sensitive eyes and wear contacts, too. This formula is never a problem.”
Honestly, I could have included all of the mascaras from Benefit Cosmetics within this roundup. They’re all consistent best sellers and garner a ridiculous number of positive ratings. That said, I decided to choose just one, and I had to go with this one. Any mascara that promises falsie-like results is my absolute kryptonite, and this wand is one of the few that actually lives up to its boastful claims. The mascara is light and pillowy, which creates the perfect environment for lots of curl and lift, and the strategically designed rubber brush ensures easy separation, length, and definition. It’s truly the perfect mascara, and Ulta shoppers seem to agree. Customer review: “I use this mascara every day. It doesn’t smudge and lasts all day. People have asked if I have on false lashes bc they look so long. This mascara really highlights my lashes.”
Not only is this mascara from Essence one of the absolute best Ulta has to offer, but it’s also one of the cheapest. (Really, you’re totally cheating yourself and your bank account if you don’t go ahead and order it.) I personally think Essence is the most underrated drugstore brand on the market. It does mascara unlike any other line I’ve tried. (There are so, so many options.) However, this is always the first one I recommend because it does everything brilliantly. The secret is all in the brush. The cone-shaped tool is infused with lengthening fibers, so you get the long, thick, and perfectly sculpted flutter of your dreams. Customer review: “I have tried all types of mascara, mostly high-end [stuff], and I have to say this truly is the best! No need to spend a fortune on your mascara. A staple in my makeup bag.
If only mascaras could wear capes, right? It Cosmetics makes some of our very favorite products at Ulta (and, honestly, just in general), and this top-rated mascara is always on our most-recommended list. As far as this mascara’s superpowers, an elite roster of collagen, proteins, peptides, biotin, lash-lifting polymers, and the brand’s signature Elastic Stretch Technology come together to deliver volume, length, separation, and thickness in one fell swoop. Customer review: “I have very small eyelashes and needed extra help with volume. This mascara really delivered length and volume with just two coats!”
For those looking for a super-clean mascara, consider yourself peer-pressured to invest in this two-in-one mascara-primer hybrid from Honest Beauty. First, you apply the side with the lash primer to improve how smoothly your mascara will apply, and then flip to add a coat (or three) of the ultra-black mascara. You’ll get mega-watt length, definition, volume, and even some subtle lift and curl. Customer review: “I was on the hunt for a good mascara with clean ingredients that lengthens, lasts, doesn’t flake, and washes off with ease. Well, look no further! [This] will definitely be my new go-to mascara.”
Customer review: “I use these lashes for my everyday look, which is super simple. I found the lash band is super comfortable and thin enough to not need eyeliner. I don’t even wear mascara anymore because these lashes are so easy to apply. I use dark duo lash glue with it and will occasionally curl them for extra oomph!”
Customer review: “This eyelash curler really reaches all of your lashes. To provide an amazing full eyelash curl. It did not pinch like some eyelash curlers I have tried in the past.”
Customer review: “This tool is so perfect! Love the texture of the soft rubber. [It] fits perfectly underneath the lower lash line. Now I can apply mascara on top and bottom with no mess!”
Customer review: “I had been wanting one of these for a while and it’s so nice. Especially when you get to the end of tube and mascara naturally gets thicker and more difficult to apply. Clean it with a make up wipe and done! Love it!”
Customer review: “I had been wanting one of these for a while, and it’s so nice. Especially when you get to the end of the tube and mascara naturally gets thicker and more difficult to apply. Clean it with a makeup wipe, and [you’re] done! Love it!”
Customer review: “I really love the way this eyeliner applies so smoothly. The pigment is perfection! I use it on my lash line but also a little above the lash line for a more dramatic effect.”
Customer review: “I absolutely love this lash serum!! When I took off my eyelash extensions, I had almost no lashes, I used this serum for about two months, and I’ve noticed how fuller and longer my lashes have gotten since then. Worth the money!”
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
