The perfect mascara is one of my most essential makeup products. Thick, long, beautifully curved lashes – without clumping and without that spidery effect – they transform any eye look. Even the most minimal makeup feels instantly more polished with the right mascara.
But there are so many options out there. More volume or more length? Classic, waterproof, or tubing? How do you actually find the mascara that's right for you?
Here are my personal favorites (based on 30 years of professional makeup experience ;-)
The Everyday Essential
Maybelline Classic Volume Express. Full stop. I've been recommending this one for years – honestly, it's one of my go-to mascaras. What I love about it: the consistency is neither too thick, neither too thin, and it will never get sticky or clumpy. With this formula, anyone can control exactly how much definition they want, whether you're going natural or dramatic.
The brush is a perfect medium thickness – it loads just the right amount and doesn't pick up too much product. You can easily reach the shorter lashes in your inner corners and keep everything clump-free.
The perfect mascara for all beginners!
And at around 5 euros (in Germany at DM or Rossmann)? Quality doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Maximum Volume
L'Oréal Volume Million Lashes So Couture is for anyone who wants serious volume, but without that clumpy, spidery effect. The formula builds noticeably but stays separated – no clumps, no mess. The result is genuinely impressive. Not for minimalist makeup lovers, but perfect if you want something a bit more dramatic.
The Luxe Option
Lancôme Hypnôse has earned its cult status for a reason. The silky formula coats each lash evenly and makes your eyes just look bigger, more expressive. The slightly tapered brush is great for easy and precise application – even in those tricky corners.
Yes, it costs more. But it's absolutely worth the splurge.
For Hooded Eyelids
Hooded lids are a real makeup challenge – anyone with them knows this. Every time you blink, your lashes drag across your lid. Result: your mascara ends up smudged all over your eyelid in a full panda situation within minutes.
The game-changer? Tubing mascaras. They've been around for a while, but honestly, not enough people know how brilliant they are. Tubing mascaras are made from flexible polymers that form tiny tubes around each lash – they're so much more resilient than regular formulas. They're completely waterproof and can actually handle your lid rubbing against your lashes without budging.
The Tartelette mascara from Tarte is my first choice here.
Fair warning: tubing mascaras don't give you massive volume. But they give you beautifully defined, long-lasting lashes. Combine it with the pro hack below and you'll be amazed at the result.
Clean Beauty Mascara
Clean Beauty is a trend in cosmetics that goes beyond the already very strict European regulations to focus on transparent, health-conscious, and environmentally friendly formulas – free from controversial ingredients.
For this category, I reach for Ilia Limitless Lash. The unique comb brush brings real precision to the game. Each lash gets separated, there's no clumping, and the result is naturally beautiful and long-lasting. Nourishing ingredients actually care for your lashes while you're wearing it. And removing it? Just lukewarm water and a gentle micellar solution – super quick and easy.
For Athletes & Active People
Sweat, heat, chlorine… sport puts real demands on your makeup. Tubing mascaras often outperform regular mascaras, even waterproof ones.
I recommend E.l.f. Lash XTNDR to my active clients all the time. It gives you natural-looking lift and seriously reliable staying power, even in tough conditions.
The thin applicator means you get a clean, precise application – great even if you have fine or short lashes. And it comes in two shades: Pitch Black if you want intensity, Soft Black for something softer.
Good to know: like all tubing mascaras, this one removes easily without special two-phase cleansers. Micellar water takes it off gently and quickly.
The Drama Mascara
Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils has been for a while already the go-to for anyone who loves a bold eye look. The creamy formula builds serious volume instantly. This is mascara for glamorous, expressive eyes.
One catch: the formula thickens relatively fast. So use it regularly or it'll get hard to work with.
Technique Matters Just as Much as the Mascara
A beautiful eye look depends as much on how you apply mascara as it does on which mascara you choose. Personally, I prefer lighter formulas – they're just easier to work with than really thick and heavy mascaras.
My favorite technique: start at your lash roots with small side-to-side motions to build density and volume. Then glide along your lashes toward the tips – lightly, without pressing, so you don't overload them. Then use the tip of the wand to carefully reveal the fine lash ends – the ones you usually can't even see because they're so delicate. The moment you define them, they look much longer!
Finish by combing through with a clean lash brush. It separates your lashes and removes any clumps.
My Pro Makeup Hack
Combine the benefits of the different mascara types for dense and beautifully defined lashes which are smudgeproof and longlasting.
Apply a regular volumizing mascara first – multiple coats for a more intense look, especially at the roots. Then finish with a thin layer of tubing mascara. It locks everything in, amplifies the whole effect, and gives you all-day wear.
The Guide: Finding the Best Mascara For You
- Everyday: Maybelline Classic Volume Express
- Maximum Volume: L'Oréal Volume Million Lashes So Couture
- More elevated: Lancôme Hypnôse
- Hooded eyelids: Tubing mascaras like Tarte Tartelette
- Clean beauty: Ilia Limitless Lash
- Active life: E.l.f. Lash XTNDR
- Drama: Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils
- The bottom line: technique is just as important as the product.
If You Want to Know More Makeup Tricks...
If this has inspired you to dive deeper into makeup, get in touch about a makeup course – in-person or online. The right application techniques make such a difference – not just with mascara, but with everything. My courses are always customized to each client. I'd love to work with you.
By Louise Wittlich
All the models in my photos are made up by me.
About the Author
Louise Wittlich is a professional makeup artist with over 30 years of experience, specializing in natural makeup and makeup for mature skin.
She has worked across editorial shoots, film, fashion shows, and professional makeup education.
Her expertise is regularly featured in leading publications such as Madame Figaro, Marie Claire, and Der Spiegel.
She is the founder of louiselouise.com, where she offers personalized makeup lessons and has developed her own makeup line designed specifically for mature skin—focused on natural, luminous results adapted to everyday life.
