Whether your makeup look is sultry or simple, mascara factors into the lineup. That’s because when it’s good, it’s good, and when it’s amazing, it has the ability to brighten your whole face with just a few swipes. If eyes are the windows to the soul, then having a mascara you know, love, and trust is crucial. And who knows who you’ll run into? Let’s just say we have made accidental eye contact with Jake Gyllenhaal and Chris Pine recently on the street (yes, it happened to us and no, we are still not okay). Anyway–given that we’ve tried just about every product on the market, here are the very best ones we’ve ever found. These will also stay on all summer as no amount of heat or sweat will get these to smudge.
Tara Gonzalez, Assistant Editor
Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Mascara, $10
This is by far the best mascara I’ve ever used, and I’m reluctant to try anything else because I love it so much. It makes my eyelashes look very long, and it never clumps. It also stays on forever, doesn’t smear, and comes off perfectly with a makeup wipe. People either don’t believe I have mascara on because it applies so well, or will ask me where my mascara is from because they want to try it. This makes me feel very nice about myself, so thank you, Rimmel. The best part is that no matter where I am, I can usually find it at the closest CVS or drugstore.
Jodi Taylor, Assistant Editor
MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara, $18
A friend of mine introduced me to this mascara while we were on vacation together about a year ago, and I have been hooked ever since. It lengthens and separates your lashes like no mascara I have ever used before and gets bonus points for the fact that it never smudges under the eye and legit stays on all day long (said vacation was in Las Vegas, so you know it was put to the test in that heat). I suggest it to anyone who is in the market for a new mascara.
Hannah Baxter, Assistant Editor
Tarte Lifted Sweatproof Mascara, $23
Good mascara for me is all about the curl-to-goop ratio, and this particular one from Tarte is the absolute best at giving me my preferred amount of sultry lash. My under-eye stays clear of any dark streaks, thanks to the sweatproof factor, and the black brown color is ideal for a more natural, I-wake-up-like-Bambi-type look. Plus, the wand is great for getting all the way to the base of my relentlessly blonde lashes.
Samantha Sutton, Editor
Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara, $24
I already have pretty long lashes, so on weekdays, I skip the mascara step—and freely rub my eyes while staring at the computer and debating getting another coffee. But on the days I do want a little something extra? This silver little Benefit tube is typically my pick. Every time I put this mascara on, my lashes look super bold and doll-like, prompting people to *actually* ask if they’re real, just like the name says.
Dana Burke, Social Media Manager
Benefit Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara, $24
When people think you have eyelash extensions, but it’s really just mascara, that’s how you know it’s *the one.* Roller Lash’s rubber wand has tiny little spikes that separate every last hair, which is ideal for avoiding spider lashes. Plus, the formula is super black and really lengthens for that natural wide-eye effect.
Laurel Pantin, Editorial Director
Revitalash Lash Conditioner, $55
No, this is technically not a mascara, but using this lash conditioner regularly for at least three months made my lashes so long that I can forgo the real stuff. It is a miracle.
Photo: Shot on site at 6 Columbus, a Sixty Hotel. On Jonelle: Necklace, Baker & Black; Hair, Angela Soto; Makeup, Andriani