A handful of clever ingredients make it all work. Without getting too technical, you’ll find non-irritating polymers — or film formers — like butylene, ethylene, and dimethicone copolymers, all approved for use around the eyes. They help the gel cling to lashes, provide all-day support for curls, and keep lashes flexible and comfortable, rather than brittle or caked in product.
Look, we’ve all been there: You leave the house with your lashes looking pristine—long! Voluminous! Downright dramatic even!—only to catch your reflection halfway through the day and realize your perfect beat has been sabotaged by mascara flakes and smudges. Since, unfortunately for us, “raccoon chic” still isn’t trending (and probably never will), it’s time to upgrade to a formula that will keep you looking fresh for that post-work happy hour.
The truth is: not all mascaras are created equal. Some are just better than others. And while it might be difficult (and overwhelming!) to decipher which bottles deserve a spot in your makeup bag just by reading the product description, you don’t need to worry about that. You’re not a scientist! We poured over thousands of reviews to narrow down the list for you.
Keep scrolling to shop the 8 best mascaras that won’t smudge, run, or flake—all on Amazon, all shopper-approved.
From under eye smudges to clumps and flakes, learning how to apply mascara correctly is important for any eye look. There’s nothing worse than applying a full face of makeup, only for your best mascara to end up in smears or black specs across your face. Although using mascara may seem straightforward, there are a few application tips to keep in mind for the best results.
For starters? Make sure your lashes are clean. “For all of my clients I start with a gentle cleanse over their entire face, including their eyes,” says makeup artist Emily Gray, whose clients include Lana Del Rey and Marren Morris. “I love using Shiseido Facial Cotton Pads because it’s gentle on the skin and doesn’t tug or shed with Sisley Paris Eau Efficace Gentle Makeup Remover. This micellar water takes off any remaining makeup from the eyes, which makes it the perfect prep for any eye or lash look.”
If you use a lash curler, Gray has a few tips on protecting your hairs from damage. “First, I like to start with curling the bare lashes, this is important to do prior to putting on mascara,” she says. “I’m certain that we have all seen those videos of an innocent person accidentally taking off all their lashes with a lash curler and their mascara still wet. Please, curl your lashes prior to putting on mascara.”
Once your lashes are prepped, here comes the fun part: using the mascara wand. To help break down how to apply mascara correctly, Gray shares her best methods and tricks.
You may be tempted to go straight in with loads of product, but for the best lash look, Gray recommends starting little by little. “I like to take the wand and scrap the excess product off,” she says.” I prefer to work in thinner layers and build up the lashes.
Start from the bottom roof of the lashes and “wiggle” your way to the top. “Work on the next eye and allow that coat to dry before adding another layer. Depending on the mascara, I like about three to four coats of mascara.”
If you like a separated lash look, Gray recommends picking up a lash comb. “For extra definition, I like to take the comb and go through all the individual lashes, making sure there are no clumps. I would just advise being careful as lash combs are metal and sharp. Do not stab yourself accidentally!”
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“Some tips and tricks to avoid clumping are to: work in thinner layers and use a lash comb after mascara,” says Gray. “I find using too much product right off the bat causes really clumpy lashes, so make sure you’re taking off the excess product.”