13 Women on the Mascaras That Make Their Lashes Look Like Extensions

"This one was a recommendation from PureWow’s beauty editor and good Lord was she right: I love how it comes on heavy but never clumpy and is easy to jiggle under those hard to reach inner lashes. Idiot-proof!"—Jillian Q.

"I've been using this mascara for years and I haven't found anything I've liked more. The brush is perfect and the formula isn't clumpy, drying or flaky. Plus, I can control the length depending on how many coats I apply so it's perfect for wearing during the day or night. The picture above shows my "daytime" aka everyday lashes but I can easily get them to touch the bottom of my brows when I apply multiple coats. Oh, and it comes off without harsh scrubbing."—Rachel G.

"Mascara was one of the first products that I truly invested in (and by invest I mean, stepped out of the drugstore aisle). I had tried quite a few different brands that just didn't give my lashes that va-va-voom I was looking for. My sister recommended Better Than Sex to me and I've been using it ever since (over three years now!). It makes my lashes longer and thicker to the point where I rarely ever wear any other eye makeup."—Aly O.

"I've always used multiple mascaras but this is the only one I need to use now! It only takes a second to make my lashes noticeably longer and visible because they're naturally blonde."—Ali B.

"I have tried many mascara formulas in my day, but most left my lashes stiff before flaking into my eyes (not pleasant). That was until I found Milk Makeup's cannabis-infused mascara. Thanks to heart-shaped fibers and hemp oil, my lashes are thicker, longer and soft to the touch even after a post-work spin class. If they ever discontinue it, I would probably never wear mascara again."—Brianna L.

"This is such an under-appreciated mascara. The formula is super dark and rich, while still giving you separation and volume. I also love the brush, which has this cool, semi-twisted shape that coats each lash with pigment. Tip: Save the wand when you’re done with your tube and use it with a brow wax to beef them up."—Lauren F.

"This is my go-to daytime mascara because it lifts and curls without clumping or smudging. The brush works with the shape of my lashes (rather than against it) for a natural, clean finish, while the inky black formula leaves them feeling soft, supple and ready to take on the world. P.S. The tube used here is sadly on its last legs and it STILL delivers on volume."—Catrina Y.

"I recently got a sample of NARS Climax mascara and holy hell, it's so much better than what I was using before! I have pretty long lashes to begin with but this just takes them to the next level. I love that, even though I don't use the waterproof formula, it stays put all day long (i.e., no smudging or raccoon eyes). And it comes off pretty easily with my regular face wash."—Abby H. 

"I like to use waterproof formulas because I find that it’s the only thing that really prevents smudging. I’m loyal to this one from Dior because it gives me instant volume and the wand allows me to get from the root to the tips of each lash very easily."—Nadia R. 

"I'm typically rushing out the door in the morning and never put makeup on, but I ALWAYS make sure I have mascara on so my eyes look more open and awake. I need a mascara that can hold its own throughout the day and doesn't flake or smudge, but I am also very anti-waterproof mascara after some horrible experiences where I was convinced that the thick black tar was going to live on my eyelashes forever. I mix L'Oréal Voluminous Feline with LOréal Voluminous Feline Mascara + Lancôme Hyponose to get fullness and length! Together, they always get the job done and aren't clumpy."—Brynn C.



"This stuff actually makes my lashes look fuller. For someone with stick straight and super short lashes, this gives me the natural volume I need without looking overdone. I also like that it’s at a relatively affordable price."—Erica A.

"I’m a huge fan of the easy application and instant volume this gives me, but I also feel like once it sets, it rarely smudges—a problem I have with a lot of other mascaras."—Rachel B.

"I love this mascara because it lengthens my lashes and they still look natural. The wand is easy to use, it goes on smoothly and they don't clump no matter how much I layer on. I can wear just mascara and look great or use it to complete a full face of makeup. Either way, you can't go wrong."—Dabee K.