In the era of dramatic lash extensions and false eyelashes that are actually easy to apply, the classic mascara might be ignored — and that would be a mistake, especially if you have short lashes. Mascara is a low-maintenance, highly effective way to quickly lengthen, volumize, and even strengthen your growth-challenged eyelashes. Some mascaras even have innovative wands and brushes that help you work with the lashes you’ve got for a dramatic, eye-catching look that’s all you.

There are literally hundreds of mascaras out there, and not all were meant for the short-lashed among us. We went straight to the pros — like celebrity makeup artists Jamie Greenberg and Nydia Figueroa and beauty expert Katya Bychkova — to understand which ingredients, formulas, and wands enhance diminutive lashes. After hearing their expertise and reflecting on our own experience as beauty editors who test mascaras on the regular, we can say with confidence these are the best mascaras for short lashes.

Best Overall

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Perfect Strokes Mascara

Sephora

What We Love What We Don’t Love

Selena Gomez’s makeup line, Rare Beauty, has some of the best beauty products on the market — which is one of the reasons why Perfect Strokes Mascara secured our best overall spot. This vegan mascara is made with all lash sizes in mind, giving them the length, volume, and curl they deserve. The curvy wand has both long and short bristles that work together to distribute the castor-oil-infused formula, making it buildable and clump-free. Speaking of the formula, on top of the volumizing benefits, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and ophthalmologist-tested, meaning it’s safe for all eyes.

What we especially love about this product for short lashes is that it adds a gorgeous amount of length that still looks natural. It also gives lashes a lift and adds sturdy volume that doesn't flake. It’s easy to build on, so if you want a more dramatic look, just apply one to two extra coats while the formula is wet (anything more can result in some clumpiness). And, although this product grips onto lashes for all-day wear, it’s easy to wash off with warm water and soap. 

Benefits: Lengthens, volumizes, lifts, and curls | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No

Best Budget

Maybelline Colossal Mascara

Amazon

What We Love What We Don’t Love

If you want big, bold lashes for less than $10, this Maybelline classic will give you all that and more. The Volum’ Express Pumped Up! formula is infused with collagen, which wraps around lashes to deliver a voluminous finish. The mascara itself is smooth and milky when first applied, but it dries quickly and provides a nice base to build on. Additionally, the plump brush has a double-curved stem that ensures every lash is coated – even the extra short ones. 

We will note that the formula is very easy to wash off, which is both good and bad. It’s good because it means you can take off your mascara with just soap and water (as opposed to eye makeup remover or micellar water), but on the other hand, this can cause a problem if lashes unexpectedly get wet. And while we love the chunky brush, be wary that the large shape makes it more likely for the formula to end up on your eyelids, especially if you have hooded eyes. 

Benefits: Volumizes | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No

Best Splurge

Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara

Chanel

What We Love What We Don’t Love

Chanel knows luxury. The designer brand is recognized for its high-end products, and when it comes to mascara, Le Volume de Chanel is the crème de la crème. This mascara instantly volumizes short lashes, making them look longer, bolder, and more noticeable. The innovative formula is one of a kind due to its ability to expand once it is applied to lashes, plumping them to their fullest. The mascara’s ingredients include synthetic beeswax and carnauba wax — both of which cling to lashes to add volume — as well as acacia gum, which helps to curl and set lashes. 

Additionally, this wand is also worthy of praise: The exclusive 'Snowflakes' brush combines long and short bristles that work together to create an eye-opening effect on short lashes. (You may want to use a smaller brush for your lower lashes, though, to prevent any mishaps.) Since both the wand and the formula deliver instant volume, you’ll only need a few coats of this luxe product to achieve head-turning results.

Benefits: Volumizes, lengthens, and curls | Shades: Black, Night Blue | Waterproof: No

Best Lengthening

Lancôme Lengthening Mascara

Ulta

What We Love What We Don’t Love

I discovered this mascara when I was in middle school (read: years ago) after my grandmother let me use it before a school dance. After putting on a few coats, I noticed how my lashes looked long and fluttery, but also natural and full. Since then, I have been using this for special events, date nights, and times when I really want to amp up my lash look. It does a great job of separating lashes and ensuring each one is coated.

Not only does this mascara add wildly long length, but it also creates incredible volume. Lashes look naturally full and are free from clumps and flaking. This can be attributed to the brush’s “hedgehog” bristles, which dispense the perfect amount of formula onto the lashes, creating a gradual and even application. For best results, I would suggest using a lash primer first. From there, you can add as many layers of mascara as you want (just make sure each one dries first).

Benefits: Volumizes and lengthens | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No

Best Thickening

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Sephora

What We Love What We Don’t Love

Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara has a cult following for a reason: As the number one best-selling mascara in the U.S., this product is excellent for all kinds of lashes – especially short ones. The formula was created to enhance lashes, making them darker, more defined, and extra full. The ingredients include film-forming polymers that work to create and set a lash curl, as well as Acacia Senegal tree extract, which helps to provide volume. Additionally, a combination of peptides effortlessly condition lashes with each coat. 

Aside from the notable formula, this mascara also has a cheeky packaging that has added to the allure. With a luxe baby pink bottle and a fat, hourglass brush, this mascara is just as aesthetically pleasing as it is efficient. It can make lashes look multidimensional since the hourglass brush separates, coats, and curls individual lashes. It's worth noting that you should let the formula dry a bit before applying more coats to avoid clumping. For best results when wearing this mascara, top it off with your favorite setting spray.

Benefits: Lengthens and volumizes | Shades: Black |  Waterproof: No

Best Curling

Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara

Sephora

What We Love What We Don’t Love

For a mascara that creates, sets, and holds a curl, you can’t go wrong with this Tower 28 bestseller. It has a vegan formula that works to lift lashes, setting them in place for hours on end. The ‘Triple-Wave’ wand helps create the long-lasting curl, thanks to three flexible suspended bands that lengthen and build boldness. Additionally, this product has a clean, lightweight formula that is clump-free even after applying multiple coats. It works well with short lashes due to its thickening formula that adds length and fullness. 

"I love the Tower 28 mascara because it really gets to the root of my lashes and lifts them up,” says InStyle Commerce Writer, Caitlyn Martyn. “As someone with short lashes, I appreciate that it gives them length, but in doing so doesn't make them too long that they're rubbing (and then smearing) against my hooded eyes. And, even if they do reach that high, I never ever notice smudging, which is an issue that I have with pretty much every other mascara." 

Benefits: Lengthens and curls | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No

Best Lifting

Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling Mascara

Sephora

What We Love What We Don’t Love

This fan-favorite mascara was inspired by hair rollers, which means it provides an impressive curl. While it does a remarkable job of curling lashes, it also has the ability to lift them to new heights – especially short lashes in particular. The wand, which Benefit has coined as a ‘Hook ‘n' Roll’ brush, can grab, separate, and lift lashes with just one swipe. Thanks to the long-lasting formula, this mascara can also hold lashes in place for up to 12 hours.

On top of that, it’s made with provitamin B5 and serine, both of which are known for their lash-conditioning benefits. The silky, hydrating formula has a jet-black hue and leaves behind the prettiest satin finish. Even though this mascara is not waterproof, we suggest taking it off with an oil-based cleanser since that can break it down better. Note that if mega volume is what you’re after, you probably won’t find it in this, but if you’re after lift and curl there’s no better option. 

Benefits: Lengthens, curls, and lifts | Shades: Jet Black | Waterproof: No

Best Volumizing

Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Ulta

What We Love What We Don’t Love

This Essence mascara has the words “false lash effect” in the name, which is a telling sign of what this product can do. In terms of short lashes, this mascara has the ability to build them out, making them longer and thicker than other mascaras. The formula can seem a bit goopy at first, but once it dries, it clings to lashes and adds tantalizing volume. Since it is a richer formula, we suggest only applying a couple coats to avoid clumping.

What’s especially nice about this product is that although it has a drugstore price, it still has a high-quality, cruelty-free formula. You won’t find oils, parabens, or fragrances on the ingredient list, which is also another major plus. Additionally, the formula works in tandem with the conical-shaped fiber brush to help lengthen and lift lashes for a fuller and more voluminous appearance.

Benefits: Volumizes, lengthens, and curls | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No

Best Clean

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara

Dermstore

What We Love

• This cruelty-free formula is made with nourishing ingredients like keratin, shea butter, and beeswax.

What We Don’t Love

Ilia has always impressed us with its clean formulas and long-lasting products (hello, the fan-favorite Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is amazing), and the brand’s mascara is one of our most beloved beauty products. It has a clean, gentle formula that’s safe for both people with sensitive skin as well as contact-wearers. Containing good-for-your-lash ingredients like keratin and beeswax (which fortify and nourish lashes) as well as shea butter, it conditions lashes to ensure you don’t experience clumping. What’s more, is that these natural ingredients are great for short lashes since they can help the hair follicles stimulate growth.

Another one of our favorite things about this mascara is that it has a two-sided brush — one with short bristles that curl lashes, and one with longer bristles that work to lift them. The best part: Melanie Simon, Jennifer Aniston's facialist, once said this mascara is "almost as good as lash extensions." She’s right.

Benefits: Curls, lifts, and lengthens | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No

Best Waterproof

L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Waterproof Mascara

Ulta

What We Love What We Don't Love

If there’s one makeup product I can’t live without, it’s L'Oréal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara. This product is my holy grail mascara for a slew of reasons (one being all of the compliments I get when I wear it), but mainly because of its super thin, lightweight formula. I previously never wore waterproof mascara, but after I changed my skincare routine last winter, I noticed my mascara was smudging both above and below my eyes. To fix this, I went on a hunt for the best waterproof mascara that added length to my lashes without making them look spidery. I also wanted a waterproof mascara that was easy to wash off and didn’t harm my lashes in the process. 

The verdict: This drugstore option was and still is my overall favorite. I immediately loved the length it gave as well as its buildability. It doesn't offer much volume, but if you’re like me and want a natural-looking mascara, this is ideal. (If you want to add volume, simply top this off with a coat of volumizing mascara.)

What’s also impressive about this product is that it is ophthalmologist and allergy tested, which means it is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact wearers. It comes off easily with eye makeup remover and doesn’t damage lashes.

Benefits: Lengthens | Shades: Black | Waterproof: Yes

Best Buildable

Pat McGrath Labs FetishEyes Mascara

Pat McGrath Labs

What We Love What We Don't Love

This high-definition mascara was made for makeup artists, by makeup artists. It has been tested both backstage and on set, ensuring every beauty look is bold and dramatic. Like lash extensions in a tube, this mascara is ultra-buildable, elongating each lash (even super short ones), adding a noticeable lift, and amping up volume. Additionally, this Pat McGrath product is made with peptides and panthenol, which means it hydrates and conditions lashes. The nourishing formula also helps to prevent lashes from falling out in the future.

One particularly notable thing about this mascara is the brush. It has staggered bristles, which ensure that the formula reaches every lash, coating them from root to tip. Due to the sophisticated brush structure, lashes become fanned out and full. We do wish the brush was a bit smaller, though, to ensure the most seamless application. Overall, the sheer amount of lash looks you can create with this is unmatched: From natural fluttery lashes to extremely noticeable ones, this mascara has you covered.

Benefits: Lengthens, volumizes, and curls | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No

Best Natural-Looking

Maybelline Washable Mascara

Amazon

What We Love What We Don’t Love

Prefer your short lashes to look naturally long? Let us introduce you to this beloved Maybelline mascara. The popular drugstore option is infused with vitamin E to hydrate your lash line, creating a softer, more natural beauty look. Its handy wand expertly separates lashes, which allows the product to go on smoothly and clump-free. Additionally, this mascara lengthens and adds thickness to lashes after just a few coats. For best results, it’s recommended to not let the formula dry when layering this mascara. While this can sometimes create clumps since the mascara is still wet, try using a disposable mascara wand to clean up lashes. 

This mascara also comes in waterproof and non-waterproof options, so you can choose which one works best for you. And one underrated feature that we love is what Maybelline calls a ‘Quick Dissolve System,’ which allows for quick and easy mascara removal. This ensures lashes – especially super short ones – aren’t harmed when it's being removed.

Benefits: Volumizes | Shades: Black | Waterproof: Yes

Best Fiber

Dior Diorshow 24h Buildable Volume Mascara

Amazon

What We Love What We Don’t Love

This top-rated mascara from Dior is infused with microfibers that adhere to lashes, making them look noticeably longer and thicker. Not only does it come in three different colors (Black, Blue, and Chestnut), but the product also boasts the brand's patented air-lock wiper, which prevents the mascara from drying out — meaning you get your full money's worth. 

The XXL brush allows for easy buildability, which can help to create dramatic volume. To get the most out of this product, apply it in a zigzag pattern and add coats gradually to increase thickness. This product comes in both waterproof and non-waterproof options, both of which work well with short lashes. To effectively remove the waterproof mascara, you’ll probably need to double cleanse: Start by washing your face with creamy face wash and then gently use an eye makeup remover.

Benefits: Volumizes | Shades: Black, Chestnut, Blue | Waterproof: Yes

Best Smudge-Proof

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara

Thrive Causemetics

What We Love What We Don’t Love

This best-selling tubing mascara will keep lashes free from clumps, flakes, and smudges. The vegan, cruelty-free formula is made with lash-enhancing ingredients including shea butter and castor seed oil, which both condition lashes during wear. Additionally, it’s powered by what Thrive refers to as a ‘Flake-Free Tubing Technology,’ which adds length to short lashes. Since this is a tubing mascara, the formula works overtime to wrap each lash in a lightweight ‘tube,’ making the mascara easier to build.

Another great callout: This product is water-resistant and smudge-proof, even in extreme humidity. While it has staying power and can cling to lashes for hours on end, it’s easy to take off with warm water and face wash. Make sure you tightly twist the lid back on after every use to ensure it stays fresher for longer. 

Benefits: Volumizes and curls | Shades: Rich Black, Brown Black, Deep Blue | Waterproof: Yes

Best 2-in-1

Honest Beauty Mascara + Lash Primer

Ulta

What We Love What We Don’t Love

For a two-in-one product that goes the extra distance, this Honest Beauty best-selling mascara is a must. Complete with a lash primer on one side and mascara on the other, this top-rated product delivers length, lift, and natural volume. The clean formula is infused with jojoba esters, which enhances lashes’ fullness and adds a subtle curl. It’s also free from parabens, synthetic fragrances, and silicones, and the packaging is biodegradable and recyclable.

Since the primer and mascara come together, the two products work together to make lashes look their best. The primer creates a clump-free base for the mascara to glide onto, while the mascara grips to lashes, adding volume and length. For maximum results, evenly brush the mascara primer through lashes from root to tip and wait about 30 seconds for it to dry. Then, apply a few coats of mascara to lashes, wiggling the brush as you go.

Benefits: Lengthens, volumizes, and lifts | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No

Best Tubing

Tarte Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara

Sephora

What We Love What We Don’t Love

Want a smudge-proof, humidity-resistant mascara? A tubing formula is just what you need. Tubing mascaras are formulated to wrap around each individual eyelash to create length and lift. In terms of this Tarte cult-favorite, lashes will get all that and more. This vegan mascara is sweatproof and flake-free, providing beauty lovers with 24 hours of wear. The brush has thin, sharp bristles that separate lashes, creating a natural-looking length for short lashes. Additionally, the formula is made with shea butter and castor oil to condition and hydrate lashes.

This is a great everyday mascara for long, fluttery lashes since it doesn’t give them too much volume. (If you want more volume, try using a lash primer before so the formula can build on top of it.) It's also easy to take off, meaning all you need is a gentle face wash and warm water.

Benefits: Lengthens and curls | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No

What to Keep in Mind

Ingredients

Depending on the formula, mascaras can be made with a range of different ingredients. You can find nourishing additions like castor oil and shea butter in some (Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara features both ingredients), which help to hydrate lashes and keep the formula from flaking. Other mascaras might include argan or marula oils, which work to create volume. Additionally, if you want clean or vegan mascaras, be sure to note what ingredients are not listed, like parabens, sulfates, talc, and mineral oil. Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara has a top-notch clean formula.

Wand

The beauty of mascara wands is that they come in all different shapes and sizes. Some wands are made to lengthen lashes, many are crafted to add volume, and others are used to create a curl. Based on your preferences, you can find a mascara with a wand that specifically caters to your needs. 

For instance, if you want a mascara that is lengthening, look for a wand that has sharp, rubberized bristles, like Tower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Curling Mascara. These can help to separate and elongate each individual lash. If you are hoping to amp up your eye makeup with bold, voluminous mascara, consider getting a product that has a fatter wand and more bristles. (Our best overall pick Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara has a fluffy brush made for adding mega volume.) A thicker wand is able to coat multiple lashes at once, which makes it easier to build on top of previous coats. As for a mascara that will lift and curl lashes, we suggest looking for a curved wand. This will help create, set, and keep the curl in place once mascara is applied. The scooped wand on Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara is ideal for lifting and curling.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the best way to apply mascara to short lashes?

To add length to short lashes with mascara, it is important to apply the product in a very specific way. “Start at the root [of eyelashes], push in, and wiggle upwards,” Greenberg explains. “I also do more coats on the outer corner of the lashes to make them flare open.” 

Additionally, there are supplemental products that can be used with mascara to enhance short lashes. “When it comes to short lashes, using a lash curler is a must,” Bychkova notes. “This tool helps to visually open your eyes and create an illusion of longer lashes.” A mascara primer is also helpful. “This is an excellent investment, especially if you want length and volume to your lashes. For years, my favorite has been Dior Diorshow Maximizer 3D Lash Primer; it adds definition to your lashes and makes your lashes appear longer and thicker,” she adds. Some mascaras also come with a built in primer, like our best two-in-one pick Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer.

On top of applying mascara correctly and using eyelash curlers and primers, you can also implement different techniques into your routine. Bychkova recommends what she calls the “tight line technique.” This consists of applying eyeliner in between lashes to help create the illusion of thicker lashes.

What is the best way to remove mascara?

According to Greenberg, using an oil cleanser or makeup remover is the safest way to remove mascara. “A good cleanser should also hopefully get it off,” she adds. This is because oil-based cleansers can easily break down mascara formulas without damaging lashes in the process. 

Not surprisingly, makeup removers are also a fool-proof way to take off mascara. To get the best and safest results from a makeup remover, wet a cotton round with the solution, then gently rub eyes. “Never use the same cotton round on both eyes, though: If there is an infection in one of your eyes, you risk spreading it to both eyes,” notes Bychkova.

In terms of being eco-conscious, there are also other things to use besides cotton pads. “A quick tip: You can get a set of reusable makeup-removing pads in order to stop buying cotton rounds and save the environment,” says Bychkova. “My favorite ones are Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Eco Pads that you can get for just $10 for a set of three. After each use, wash the reusable pads with a facial cleanser and leave them drying overnight on a towel. Give a deep machine wash with a sensitive skin suitable detergent once a week.”

Aside from gentle cleansers and makeup-removing products, it is also important to be mindful of how you are taking off mascara. “The most important thing to remember when removing mascara is to avoid excessive rubbing,” explains Bychkova. “It might irritate the sensitive skin around the eye area; if you are rubbing too much, you might also pull out some lashes.”

How can you make eyelashes longer without using harmful products?

While lash extensions might seem like a quick fix to make short lashes longer, they can often harm them. To avoid this, opt for other ways to make lashes look longer. “Adding a mascara primer to your routine before applying your mascara makes a world of a difference when making your lashes appear longer,” explains Figueroa. “You can also try a lash serum that is safe for the eye area with great results. My top pick for an eyelash serum is the RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum — It’s jam-packed with vitamins to fortify your lashes and make them grow.”

Why Shop With Us

Lauren Harano has been contributing to InStyle since August 2022, covering a wide range of beauty topics. She has a vast knowledge of all things skincare and makeup, and has tested hundreds of products. In terms of mascara, Lauren has been wearing it for 10+ years, meaning she has tried countless brands and products. She has also experimented with different types of mascaras (volumizing, lengthening, waterproof, etc.) over the years during her hunt to find the best products to give her lashes the length, volume, and fullness she desired.

For this article, Lauren interviewed celebrity makeup artists Jamie Greenberg and Nydia Figueroa, as well as beauty expert Katya Bychkova to narrow down the best mascaras as well as the safest practices for removing them. Additionally, she researched each product, only choosing top-rated mascaras with glowing customer reviews. Lauren has also tried most of the mascaras on this list herself, taking notes on if they were clumpy, flaky, or hard to remove. Each mascara on this list was also picked with short lashes in mind, ensuring even the smallest lashes could reach their full potential.

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