It’s no secret that the cosmetic industry is supersaturated. While narrowing down your options isn’t necessarily easy when it comes to, say, lipstick or foundation, you can certainly do so with confidence. For example, maybe you’re looking for a specific color or finish, which nixes a ton of options right off the bat.
Mascara, on the other hand, sometimes feels like a completely different ballgame. Especially since there’s a constant stream of new launches that seem to be in direct competition with each other since they all promise to do the same thing: lift, volumize and elongate. To help you narrow down your choices, we asked makeup artists to share their favorite mascaras, including new releases and tried-and-true favorites.
[ Next: 20 Celebrity Hair and Makeup Artists Share the ONE Product They Never Leave Home Without ]
This article originally appeared on TotalBeauty.com
Celebrity Makeup Artists Share Their Absolute Favorite Mascaras
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L'Oreal Paris
Voluminous Original Mascara, $7.99 at Ulta
Besides his own mascara, celebrity makeup artist Erwin Gomez — who works with Jennifer Garner and Eva Longoria — says that L'Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara is a must-try.
"L'Oreal makes some of my favorite drugstore brand mascaras and their classic Voluminous mascara in carbon black is a must," he says. "Their waterproof formula is superb and the price point is perfect for any budget, especially as a makeup artist who goes through a lot of mascara." Gomez adds that it's an ideal "everyday mascara" that will instantly bring life to your eyes and can easily be layered for a more dramatic finish.
Makeup artist Sara Drury agrees completely. "It is the absolute best bang for your buck," she says. "It really makes your lashes look just how it says: voluminous. I've tried many drugstore options, and this is by far my favorite."
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Inika Organic
Long Lash Vegan Mascara, $33 at Amazon
"Inika Organic Long Lash Vegan Mascara is organic and vegan, which resonates with many celebs these days," says celebrity makeup artist Mary Wiles, whose client roster includes Alicia Silverstone, Rachel Brosnahan and Hilary Swank. "I especially love the black mascara. It's amazing for lengthening. The brush is also a great size to apply both top and bottom lashes. It's 100% natural and safe for sensitive eyes."
For application of any mascara, Wiles' best tip is to curl your lashes beforehand and then to make sure you apply as close to the lash line as possible, wiggling upward. Let it dry, then repeat two or three times depending on how much length and volume you want. "With lower lashes, apply close to the lash line, avoid taking [the wand] right to end of lash to avoid spidery or smudged lower lashes," she adds.
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W3LL People
Expressionist Mascara, $21.99 at W3LL People
You might not be too familiar with the W3LL People brand but it's gotten some serious hype from makeup artists, makeup lovers and beauty pubs in recent months. Jessa Blades, a natural beauty expert with Credo's Clean Beauty Council, is also a big fan.
"This wand and formula are great for one coat of a natural-looking lash and then it can be transformed to a full lash that's ready for a night out with two coats," she says. "I love the black, but just in case you are needing a little bit of blue mascara for a special occasion — or just a way to spice up a Tuesday — they have the perfect blue."
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Dior
Diorshow Mascara, $29.50 at Sephora
Another one of Wiles' favorite mascaras is Dior Diorshow Mascara, which is perfect for days when you want to add a ton of volume without having to mess with falsies. "It stays in place and adds great volume, due to the microfibers in the formulation," she says. It comes in black, purple, blue and brown, and you can also find it in a waterproof version.
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Too Faced
Better Than Sex Mascara, $24 at Too Faced
It's got a name that'll stop you in your tracks, but does Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara live up to its moniker? According to Drury, it totally does. "I love the length and 'wispiness' of lashes with this one. It never looks clumpy or spidery, and it's honestly one of my all-time favorites. A must have!"
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Trish McEvoy
High Volume Mascara, $32 at Nordstrom
"For something at a higher price point, I like to use Trish McEvoy's High Volume mascara," says Gomez. "This is a tubular mascara that wraps each lash to help create length and volume for an all-day, smudge-free wear. This makes it perfect for a night out — no raccoon eyes." His pro tip for this one is to hold the pointed end of the mascara wand at an angle to help grab even the tiniest lashes at the corner of your eyes. This will add even more definition.
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Kjaer Weis
Mascara, $38 at Neiman Marcus
For another luxe option, Blades says to reach for Kjaer Weis Certified Organic Mascara. "It helps to create a beautiful lash, plus it is in the chicest tube imaginable. Because of it is amazing packaging — which is also refillable — I immediately feel 10 times more chic by putting this mascara on my lashes. The wand is also really good for separating the lashes."
When taking off mascara at the end of the night, she wants to reiterate how important it is to remove it as gently as possible. "An oil-based face cleanser is great for helping to remove mascara without irritating your eyes," she notes. You can also try micellar water and a cotton pad.
