How to Choose the Right Mascara for Your Lashes

How to Choose the Right Mascara for Your Lash Type: Short, Straight, Sparse Lashes and More

The eyes are, undoubtedly, the focal point of the face – which is why mascara is the one makeup product we could never live without. But not all mascaras are alike. And different formulas are better suited to specific lash types – and different challenges.

Whether you’re on the hunt for the best mascara for short lashes, the best mascara for long, natural lashes, or something in between, you can rest assured that the right formula is out there. So read on to find your ultimate lengthening, curling, volumising, tubing, or waterproof mascara below.

What’s my lash type?

Finding your best mascara match starts with identifying your lash type. While it’s natural to have some crossover characteristics, you can get a sense of what type of lashes you have based on the below guide:

Keep reading as we explore these lash types in depth – plus what to look for in a mascara formula.

Short lashes

Characterised by their naturally shorter length, short eyelashes can feel like a challenge – but the right mascara can be a gamechanger.

Lengthening formulas are among the best mascaras for short lashes to transform a stubby lash line into long, fluttery eyelashes. These types of mascaras are constructed with lots of bristles that coat lashes with tiny fibres to add temporary length.

Straight lashes

Straight lashes are stubbornly resistant to curling upwards. So, even if you have length and volume, if your lashes naturally point forward or downward, it can make them appear shorter.

The best mascara for straight lashes will have a curved wand and a curl-promoting formula to open up and fan out the lash line.

Fine lashes

You’ve probably heard of fine hair, but you can also have naturally fine lashes – and that’s where volumising mascaras step in.

These types of mascaras often have a waxier formula, which binds to lashes and gives them an instant plumped-up effect. Mascara wands are usually large with dense, fluffy bristles to evenly coat every lash.

Sparse lashes

Unlike fine lashes (which refers to individual lash thickness), sparse lashes mean you have fewer lashes on your lash line. Sparser lashes are common with ageing, but they can also be the result of cosmetic damage from eyelash extensions.

In this case, the best mascara for sparse lashes is a lightweight tubing formula that boosts volume, length, and definition without weighing down existing lashes.

Long, natural lashes

If you’re blessed with long, natural lashes, you won’t need a lengthening mascara, but you may need some curling, volumising, or lifting benefits.

We suggest looking for a wand that offers lash separation without clumping. And don’t be afraid to embrace waterproof mascaras since they minimise the chance of product transfer from your lashes onto your eyelids.

Frequently asked questions

What mascara is best for short lashes?

When we think of the best mascara for short lashes, only one formula comes to mind: Lash Sensational® Sky High Washable Mascara. The unique Flex Tower brush makes this one of the best mascaras for length and volume, giving lashes all-day, ‘sky high’ lift from root to tip.

What mascara is best for straight lashes or lashes that won’t hold a curl?

Curling formulas are the best mascaras for straight lashes or stubborn lashes that simply refuse to hold a curl. So, for all your curling and lifting needs, we suggest the Colossal Curl Bounce After Dark, which has a Memory-Curl formula to keep lashes curled for up to 24 hours – so you can ditch the eyelash curler for good!

What mascara is best for sparse lashes?

Leave your falsies (and lash damage) at the door! All you need for sparse lashes is a mascara with a dense brush and volumising formula.

One of the best mascaras for sparse lashes is the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky Tubes Tubing Mascara because it promises volume, length, definition, and lash separation but can be removed one swipe – minimising lash damage.  

What is tubing mascara best for?

Tubing mascaras are best for preventing mascara from smudging (and those dreaded panda eyes) because they wrap each individual lash in water-resistant polymers, rather than simply coating them. This individual wrapping also helps give extreme length and definition and a clump-free finish!

Tubing mascaras like the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky Tubes Tubing Mascara are also easy to remove with just warm water and one swipe.

Should I choose waterproof mascara or tubing mascara?

A waterproof mascara is ideal for those days where you can’t avoid humidity, water exposure, or that friend’s wedding where you’re destined to cry the minute you set eyes on the bride. In this case, we’d recommend the Lash Sensational® Sky High Waterproof Mascara.

If you still want length, curl, volume, and definition but don’t need a formula that’s quite as durable, we suggest the Maybelline tubing mascara, which is also the ideal mascara for sensitive eyes since it can be removed without harsh rubbing and tugging.

Which mascara is best for volume vs length?

For dramatic volume, opt for the Volum Express® The Colossal® Washable Mascara, which is a volume-plumping, collagen-enriched formula that fans out lashes and offers intense fullness – without clumping.

 For serious lash length, choose a fibre-formula with a finely bristled spiral brush – almost like a comb. This will separate your lashes nicely while adding length. Our go-to is The Falsies Lash Lift Volumising Mascara, which offers a salon-style lifting and lengthening effect.

 So, you have your best mascara for length and volume… now it’s time to perfect your application technique! Explore our expert tips on how to apply mascara like a pro.