The Best Mascaras For Your Eye Shape
Mascara is a staple in any makeup bag. Whether you are looking to achieve a more natural look or aiming for total glam, mascara can help you get the look you desire. The hardest part can be finding the mascara that fits you best. When searching, look at the formula first to find one that fits your specific eyelash type. If you have short lashes, you should opt for a lengthening option, while straight lashes will do great with a formula that helps them curl (via Glamour).
In fact, according to Self, you can almost always tell whether a mascara will work for you based on its wand. Skinny wands are perfect for those with straighter lashes since the small surface area of the mascara helps get each and every lash. If your lashes are short or fine, look for a spiral wand to achieve that fuller look. But, besides formula and wand shape, you should also look to your own eye shape for the best results. Here's how to find the best option for you.
The best mascara for round eyes
Round eyes are characterized by a noticeable crease and the ability to see white below or above your iris, per Byrdie. When finding a mascara that fits round eyes, you want to find something that elongates them and contains a thickening formula to add volume. Birchbox recommends Milk Makeup Ubame Mascara, which has a triple ball applicator brush for definition and lengthening and an oak charcoal and sapphire dust formula that makes them super thick. If you're looking for a waterproof version, try Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Waterproof Mascara, which has that thickening formula you're looking for and a curved brush, per Glamour.
As for applying the mascara, Mind Body Green suggests applying the product only to your outermost lashes to create that longer lash look perfect for round eyes. For a more dramatic look, add a tight line of eyeliner just above your lashes or use a lighter-colored shadow that has a shine to it.
The best mascara for hooded eyes
If you have a crease on your upper eyelid that covers most of the area, you have hooded eyes, per Ipsy. The goal for hooded eyes is often to have them appear larger, which can be easily done with makeup. Birchbox recommends Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Super-Curling & Lifting Mascara. This product is perfect for hooded eyes as the special wand helps you avoid getting any mascara on your upper lid, and the curl of the brush helps to create that big-eyed look.
Birchbox recommends those with hooded eyes stick to a curling brush and waterproof formula. According to Byrdie, the best waterproof option is the Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Waterproof Mascara, which is great for not only curling your lashes but adding that much-desired volume as well. If you do have hooded eyes, you likely don't find it as easy to create those dramatic smokey-eye looks, but you can still create the look you want (via Dermstore). Keep eyeliner to your top eyelids only (white eyeliner is a great option for hooded eyes) and stick to lighter shadows.
The best mascara for almond-shaped eyes
According to Byrdie, almond-shaped eyes go upward at the corners. The classic smokey eye look is a great option for those with almond eyes, so mascara is often a vital part of your makeup routine. Birchbox recommends the Benefit They're Real! Lengthening Mascara due to its rubber comb and staggered bristles. If you want something that gives the same effect but is more affordable, She Finds recommends Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara or CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara — both under $10!
No matter what brand you choose, always use a lash curler before applying your mascara, according to Ipsy. Since it can be hard for you to reach each lash, Teen Vogue suggests those with almond eyes grab the Tweezerman Pro Master Lash Curler. The wide opening at the top makes it super simple to get each and every one of your lashes. Ipsy also recommends applying shadow under your lower lash line and sticking to lighter eyeshadow colors on your top lid.
The best mascara for downturned eyes
Your eyes are considered downturned if the outer part of your eye turns down, per Byrdie. Beautylish notes that using a mascara that helps you find that length in the center of your lashes, like the W3LL PEOPLE Expressionist Mascara, provides a lifted look. This option also has a smudge-free formula that lasts all day long, plus it's non-toxic and a great mascara for those with sensitive eyes. Instyle recommends choosing a formula that focuses on lifting the eyes and curling the lashes, like the Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara, which has a curved wand to help give your eyes a wider look.
Beautylish also suggests those with downturned eyes use two colors of mascara to achieve a long-lash look. Try using a brown mascara on your bottom lashes, like the Clinique High Impact Mascara in the color brown, which Allure has voted one of the best brown mascaras on the market.
The best mascara for monolids
A monolid is an eye shape that does not have a crease, per Healthline. When it comes to mascara, those with a monolid should look for a volumizing formula with a curved wand. Birchbox recommends the Marcelle Xtension Plus Curl Mascara, a lengthening formula that helps spread out the lashes for a wide-eye look.
Insider also offers a few more affordable options, including Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara, which will give shorter lashes a longer, fuller look, or Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof Mascara, which is a bit pricier but well worth it for the thick and creamy formula. Plus, the waterproof aspect will keep your lashes looking perfect all day long.
Makeup artist Maria Ortega told Ipsy that those with monolids want to make sure they focus on layering their mascara, rather than applying it in clumps, saying that one should "wiggle the mascara wand from side to side at the base of lashes and extend out." If you want something a bit more than just mascara can offer, she also recommends using falsies — just make sure to stick to a lighter option for a more natural look, as the thicker kinds can weigh your eyes down.
The best mascara for small eyes
We all want what we can't have, so if you have smaller eyes, you are likely searching for makeup that will make your eyes look larger. To achieve this look, stick to a mascara that focuses on lengthening over anything else (via Birchbox). They suggest the Stila HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara. It builds color and volume and uses multi-length brush fibers for a super long, full look.
If your smaller eyes are paired with small lashes, Instyle recommends Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara or if you want something waterproof, opt for Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara. Both options have been loved by many and proven to help achieve that large-eyed, long-lash look.
False lashes can also help you achieve that big-eyed look, just be sure you only put them on the outer corners of your lashes, per Ipsy. If you are sticking to your natural pair, use a curling wand on the upper and lower lashes.
The best mascara for big eyes
Big eyes don't need much to accentuate their beauty. If you have bigger eyes, Birchbox recommends using something more simple, specifically a straight brush with spiral bristles like the Smashbox Cosmetics Indecent Exposure Mascara. They suggest adding two layers of product to your upper lashes and just dotting the bottom lashes, ensuring to remove any excess product from the brush before applying. If you are craving some drama, dark eyeshadow and falsies with about three to four coats of mascara over them are great options, according to StyleCraze. Hello, smokey eyes!
Of course, all of these are just suggestions, and depending on the look you are trying to achieve, any mascara you love can work great for you. You can get wild with a bold green mascara, experiment with fake eyelashes, or keep things simple with your classic favorite pick. Either way, we know you and your eyes will look as beautiful as ever.