The 9 Best Non-Clumping Mascaras, Tested & Editor-Approved

Best Overall

Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara

$34 at Violet Grey View on Victoriabeckhambeauty.com View on Bergdorfgoodman.com

Size: 0.22 oz | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

I am a proud mascara connoisseur, and this pick checked every box in my book. Opening this mascara feels like a little treat: it arrives in a chic dust bag with sleek, luxe packaging. As for the use, a single swipe does the trick to make my lashes look bolder and longer, hold an ideal lifted curl, and, most importantly, remain clump-free thanks to the wispy, curved brush. The bristles hugged my lashes from base to tip, instantly lifting them and brushing out any product buildup. The final result was a flirty, fluttery look that exceeded my expectations. Because of its buildability, it lends itself well to light makeup days and full-glam looks, though I wish it came in a chocolatey brown for more versatility.

Best Budget

CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara

View on Amazon $13 at Ulta $10 at Target

Size: 0.4 oz | Shades: 3 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you're ever in a pinch and need a solid mascara that will consistently deliver and is available at most drugstores, this is your new go-to. I've tried dozens of drugstore wands, but none have reigned in this many compliments. Upon application, my lashes looked fuller, longer, and clump-free—all due to the lightweight formula and big fluffy silicone brush that gave my lashes a natural push. Admittedly, I was afraid of the larger wand, but it quickly grabbed onto the root of my lashes and gave them a gorgeous, inky-black coating without creating a mess. While this mascara isn't going to deliver dramatic results, it's the ultimate everyday option. In fact, after wearing this pigment all day and into the night, I completely forgot I was wearing anything at all—it's that weightless.

Best Thickening

Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Lengthening Mascara

$27 $24 at Amazon $29 $16 at Sephora $29 at Ulta

Size: 0.3 oz | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Love the look of falsies but don't like the hassle of applying them? Meet Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Lengthening Mascara. In a single swipe, this product transformed my straight and lifeless lashes into curled, voluminous hairs, ready for a big night out. The secret is all in the brush: The wand features a precise dome-shaped tip, allowing you to define and separate even the smallest of hairs. The staggered bristles get close to the root and max out your lashes so you can parade your lifted, silky lashes. I found that applying this mascara horizontally and vertically lifted my lashes even more and created the illusion of bolder lashes.

Best Lengthening

L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara

$13 $11 at Amazon $13 at Ulta $11 at Target

Size: 0.24 oz | Shades: 3 | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

This mascara gives lengthening a whole new meaning with its tiny brush that delivers a big impact. Formulated with a smooth and clump-free design, the product feels weightless on the eyelashes. You can wiggle the flexible brush from the bottom to the top of each lash to achieve extreme length. Keep in mind that because the wand is fairly bendable, those with thick lashes may want to opt for a sturdier one. Since I have finer lashes, it was a perfect match for me. My lashes looked so long that someone asked if I was using a new lash serum.

Best Lifting

Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara

$20 at Amazon $12 at Sephora View on Tower28beauty.com

Size: 0.3 oz | Shades: 2 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There's nothing better than a lifting mascara that holds its curl throughout the day. For this standout, the trick is in the brush: The triple band wand effortlessly grasps onto lashes, elongating even the tiniest, hardest-to-reach hairs in the inner corner, resulting in a luscious, full-looking lash line. It immediately defined my lashes, giving them an elongating boost. It's important to note that the water-resistant formula is slightly dryer and requires a few more coats than others on this list, but that's what makes it an excellent match for oilier lids or those prone to budging; the formula didn't smudge or flake after wearing this mascara for over 10 hours.

Best Curling

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Lengthening Mascara

$13 $9 at Amazon $13 at Ulta $10 at Target

Size: 0.24 oz | Shades: 5 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

With naturally long and straight lashes, I struggle to find a wand that curls and a formula that will hold the shape throughout the day. This baby does all that and more. The flexible wand wiggles up my lashes and creates an impactful curl. At the same time, the airy, bamboo-infused formula reinforces the shape, ensuring lashes remain upright for the entirety of the day. The effect is a droop-free, fanned-out look that accentuates even the tiniest lashes. The only caveat is that this mascara is more difficult to remove than others. I recommend using an effective eye makeup remover to make the process easier.

Best Everyday

Glossier Lash Slick Mascara

$20 at Sephora $20 at Glossier

Size: 0.3 oz | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A standard everyday mascara that lengthens, volumizes, and defines lashes is vital to every makeup kit. But don't be fooled; this pick is anything but boring. This fan-favorite seamlessly coats lashes from root to tip, exuding a my-lashes-but-better look. How? The tapered comb separates and lifts, while the weightless, biotin-infused formula gives you a plush and silky feel (so you know your lashes won't suffer from extended use). I love reaching for this staple on natural makeup days. While I didn't find this mascara the most buildable, it is an elevated staple that glosses your lashes, ideal for daily wear.

Best Tubing

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara

View on Thrivecausemetics.com

Size: 0.38 oz | Shades: 6 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Tubing mascaras are the ultimate low-maintenance, long-lasting product: They are water-resistant, smudge-proof, flake-proof, and easy to remove. I am new to the tubing community, but I can confidently say I am now part of their fan club. This mascara magically wrapped my lashes in a lengthening and clump-free formula. While this pick does feel slightly heavier on the eyes, I'm willing to overlook it based on how long-wearing and sweatproof the formula is. I applied it early in the morning, and 10 hours later, it didn't budge—surviving a downpour and my workout. At the end of the day, the product came off in a swipe, which is great for those lazy skincare nights.

Best for Sensitive Eyes

ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara

$29 at Amazon $29 $16 at Sephora $16 at Nordstrom

Size: 0.27 oz | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

I often have allergy-ridden eyes and can't tolerate all types of mascaras. Luckily, this ophthalmologist-tested product from Ilia didn't cause any irritation or redness. With nourishing ingredients like arginine (an amino acid found in keratin), shea butter, and beeswax, my lashes felt conditioned and soft after just a few swipes. Plus, the dual-sided brush acts like a comb, one side separating hairs and the other giving them an added lift and curl. The end result is gorgeous, velvety lashes. Best of all, I love that the pigment is easy to remove at the end of the night. I noticed a bit of smudging under my eyes—potentially from the overly humid temperature—so I recommend using a setting powder to set the under-eyes when using this pick.