77 Tubes Later, We’re Declaring These 10 Mascaras the Best We’ve Ever Used

“I naturally have long, dark lashes that I further enhance with lash serums. However, they’re very straight and prone to droopiness. Therefore, curling my lashes pre-mascara is nonnegotiable for me. My dream mascara gives me enough volume at the root to make my lash line look thicker without looking clumpy or too thick at the top. Overall, I want a mascara that keeps my lashes lifted and curled and provides lots of fluttery length and definition. I tend to prefer small, flexible rubber brushes, as opposed to big, bushy ones, since they give me more control and feel less heavy and wet on my lashes. Essentially, I want to look like Bambi! My mascara deal-breakers: a formula that is too heavy or wet (thus sabotaging curl and lift), transfers, or smudges.” — Erin Jahns

“My lashes are long but pin-straight, so I’m always looking for a mascara that makes them look lifted and defined. My dream mascara would be something that offers length and volume. It would have an inky black formula, but it wouldn’t deposit too much product on my lashes. It would look natural and be extremely buildable. Also, there would be no smudging—so many mascaras smudge! My mascara deal-breakers: smudging, flaking, or a formula that’s too heavy and gives my lashes a spidery effect.” — Kaitlyn McLintock

“My lashes are pretty average! Not too long, not too short, not super thick. I never feel like I need mascara when I go out. My eyelashes aren’t nonexistent, but I always do wear it when I want to do a full makeup look. My dream mascara is a non-clumpy formula that makes my eyelashes look fluffy and long. My mascara deal-breakers: I absolutely hate when a mascara clumps my lashes together. Volume, to me, shouldn’t mean clumpy! And don’t get me started on smudging. When I end the day looking like a raccoon, I know it’s bad.” — Anneliese Dominguez

“My lashes are thin, blonde, and the type that stick straight out, so an eyelash curler is a must for me. They have no natural volume, so I rely heavily on a good mascara to enhance them. My dream mascara keeps my straight lashes lifted throughout the day. I want my mascara to make it look like I’ve had a lash lift and tint without paying for one! My mascara deal-breakers: I prefer a more natural makeup look, so any mascara that clumps immediately gets tossed. I’d rather go mascara-less than deal with one that deposits too much black goop onto my lashes.” — Natalie Gray Herder