Why Trust Byrdie
Mascara is a staple in my life. I wear it every day—no exceptions (I even brought it to the hospital when I birthed both babies). As a working mom, I need something I can apply without a fuss and won’t smudge off if I’m running after my girls or commuting on the steamy subways to work. Some of my favorite mascaras can be found at the drugstore. When browsing those aisles, I almost always reach for L’Oréal Paris wands. The iconic French beauty brand is known for making classics (looking at you, Voluminous Original) and innovations with quality formulas.
So it’s safe to say I was jazzed to test almost a dozen different L’Oréal mascaras to rank the best for every lash need. For almost two weeks, I tried a different mascara each day. During testing, I noticed some common threads among L’Oréal mascaras. Most formulas are decently long wear, even if they’re not labeled “waterproof” and none irritated my eyes. The best part: nothing flaked off, which is one of my biggest mascara pet peeves. Despite these similarities, I was surprised by the unique attributes each one had from the brush head to the tube structure. I paid attention to whether the formulas smudged off during the day, as well as how easy they were to remove with gentle cleansers. Below, I’m sharing which ones impressed me the most and will remain staples in my beauty arsenal.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: L’Oreal Lash Paradise Washable Mascara
- Best Volumizing: L’Oreal Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara
- Best Fanning Effect: L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
- Best for Everyday: L’Oreal Paris Air Volume Mega Lightweight Mascara
- Best Curling: L’Oreal Paris Butterfly Waterproof Mascara
- Best Tubing: L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lengthening Mascara
- Best Separating: L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Lift Washable Mascara
- Best Waterproof: L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Waterproof Mascara
- Best Glam Look: L’Oreal Voluminous Noir Balm Mascara
Best Overall
L’Oreal Lash Paradise Washable Mascara
This mascara has the Goldilocks of wands—the handle isn’t too thick or thin. While I love a good grip, the best part is what the brush did to my lashes—delivering length, volume, and curl all in one. Even upon first use, the fluffy brush picked up the perfect amount of product. The formula stays wet, which allowed me to layer it on (exactly how I like it). The brush head effortlessly grabbed all my lashes: inner corner, middle, outer corner, and bottom. The best part is that it didn’t clump, making the application process stress- and mess-free.
I wore the mascara to a party and felt comfortable and confident the whole time—it wasn’t too drying on the lashes so I could pretty much ignore it. The long, defined lashes it created made my eyes look noticeably bigger. By the end of the night, my eye area was smudge- and flake-free and my lashes looked fresh. I love that it stayed without being a true waterproof mascara so it was easy to remove. It slid right off my lashes with an oil cleanser followed by micellar water and cotton pads. This mascara reminds me of Dior’s famous Diorshow Mascara but is much more accessible.
Best Volumizing
L’Oreal Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara
This volumizing mascara is a timeless classic for a reason. Expect super voluminous results without any application or removal drama. It separated my lashes well and looked clean without being minimalist. My lashes looked feathery with length and curl. It’s the harmony of a smooth formula that distributes evenly on the lashes and a standard brush that picks up and distributes an ideal amount of product. Since it’s a wetter formula, it can smudge a bit. I did notice a few under-eye smears throughout the day, which were easy to wipe off. However, it stayed on even when I got teary during my daughter’s dance recital and applied eye drops.
Unsurprisingly, it creates a raccoon effect when removing it. I washed it with Cetaphil in the shower and had a charcoal halo around my eyes when I got out. A bit of micellar water and a cotton pad took the rest right off. I would happily wear this daily and have been reaching for it often (outside of the test).
Best Fanning Effect
L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
I love the washable formula of this mascara, and the waterproof version is just as fantastic. The wand is a perfect size, and the brush has 200+ bristles that yield both length and volume. Since the formula is on the wetter side for a waterproof one, it allowed me to layer and fan my lashes out. It does feel drier on the lashes than its washable sister. It separated lashes well enough, making them appear fluffy while adding length. The brush can pick up a little extra product, so be sure to wipe the top when using or you may experience a bit of clumping. Overall, it performs like a more expensive mascara.
I tested it at the one place that always messes up my lashes: the chiropractor. When I am face down on the table my lashes usually get mutilated. After my treatment, they were smushed but less so than when I wear my usual mascara. I easily brought them back to life with a fresh application (the formula features floral oil to condition so my lashes were hydrated enough for easy reapplication). My lashes stayed lifted and “done” for the rest of the day. The mascara came off easily with a double cleanse of oil and cream face wash. It’s the ideal waterproof mascara for people who don’t like waterproof mascaras (raises hand).
Best for Everyday
L’Oreal Paris Air Volume Mega Lightweight Mascara
Just like the formula, the wand is super light. It was noticeably more hydrating and comfortable on my lashes than any other mascara I tested. This is likely due to its very wet formula, which allowed me to layer, layer, layer, and fan my lashes out around my eyes creating a “Bambi” lash look. Plus, it was easy to apply to the bottom lashes and hugged them well.
I liked it more than some other volumizing mascaras I’ve tried as it offered a cleaner look. The brush separated my lashes well and left them looking lush and full. It doesn’t hold a curl as well as some other formulas. As with most volumizing, thickening mascaras, it did clump a bit but I quickly rectified that with a dry spoolie. While I successfully made it through a barre class with my mascara intact, it did smudge a little after a few hours of wearing it. It’s a breeze to remove with an oil cleanser and micellar water. I was elated when it came off seamlessly after a long evening when I just wanted to crawl into bed.
Best Curling
L’Oreal Paris Butterfly Waterproof Mascara
To test this waterproof mascara, I took my lashes out to play a steamy game of outdoor tennis. And while I did experience a smidge of smudging later that day, they successfully held a curl from the courts to dinner. The curved brush head has a lot of short bristles that pick up a nice amount of product, and it’s optimized to create a nice swooped curl. The silky formula glides over lashes for a smooth application. It truly gets every lash from the inner to the outer corners and can fan them out for a pretty doll-like look. Like the brush head, the tube is an unexpected shape, but it works—the flat part provides an easy place to rest my thumb for a steady grip.
The mascara came off seamlessly with an oil cleanser and micellar water, but because it is so easy to remove, it is not super long wear. Don’t be surprised if it smudges a bit under your eyes during the day. On the flip side, it's not goopy and dries down well. No mess; no clumping.
Best Tubing
L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lengthening Mascara
There are two reasons this tubing mascara won my heart: one, the clean, enlarged look of my lashes; and two, how clump-free and smudge-proof it is. It was seamless to use—surprising given it’s a two-part application, so twice as much can go wrong. It starts with a primer layer (the white mascara), followed by the black mascara (the tubes). The primer separates everything then the second mascara creates an even, defined look. I was able to apply both formulas with zero smudging. This was by far the most buildable of the mascaras I tested—I could apply about 20 coats to get tons of length. And yet, it still felt hydrating and light on my lashes.
I cried twice the first day I wore it (both times, happy tears) and there was not a smudge in sight. It felt even more long wear than waterproof formulas. It stays wet for a bit to add the necessary coats, but once it’s dried down, it’s good to go for hours. One of the best parts is that it comes right off in the shower with a face wash. The tubes can be messy if you're not used to them; they can look like little spider legs falling off your lashes. It's kind of spooky, but it also ensures lashes aren’t damaged by pulling and tugging. If you have super long lashes, this is your pick. I love the two products in one convenience, especially if you’re traveling for an event and want to really pump up the drama.
Best Separating
L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Lift Washable Mascara
As a busy working mom of two preschoolers, I opt for quick, easy mascaras that create a clean, defined look. I don't have time to weed through clumps. This mascara fits the bill. I tested it on Mother’s Day and it was the perfect mascara for the occasion. I did not look overdone, just flawless—it gave me long, defined, curled lashes that held up all day without bleeding, smudging, or flaking.
It’s a skinnier wand and the brush head features stubby bristles. The brush picked up a good amount of product, but I needed to dip again to get the job done. You’ll need multiple coats to get a dramatic lash look (I prefer this as it's easier to add more than to take away). It felt light and comfortable on my lashes. I removed it in the shower using face wash, and it got 98% of the mascara off. I attacked the final bits with micellar water and a cotton pad, and no lashes were lost in the battle.
Best Waterproof
L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Waterproof Mascara
I wasn't in love with this one at first but it won me over by bedtime thanks to its staying power. I tested this mascara for a full day that included playing tennis outdoors and taking my kids to swim class. The mascara stayed on effortlessly. It didn't smudge when I applied eye drops, either. Plus, it made my lashes look super long (almost to my eyebrows), separated and curled for over 12 hours. The wand is skinny—which makes sense as it's meant to be a precise application. The brush picked up a nice amount of product with no extra hanging off the tip. It dries very quickly and needs to be layered fast to achieve results. It felt a bit sticky and slightly dry on my lashes, but I got used to it by the end of the day.
Since this is a waterproof mascara, it is not easy to remove. I went after it with cleansing oil, micellar water, and cotton pads. I still had to do another cleanse in the shower with a face wash. Finally, I went back again with more micellar water. In the morning, I discovered a fresh subtle smudge under my eye. After another shower and more micellar water, it came off. I lost one eyelash. If you’re looking for a truly waterproof mascara to wear through a lot of sweat, tears, or water play, this is it.
Best Glam Look
L’Oreal Voluminous Noir Balm Mascara
Take the beloved Voluminous Mascara, pump up the effect by a good several notches and you’ll have this sultry pick. It’s all about the volume with Noir Balm. While I typically don’t pick lash-thickening formulas, I loved rocking the bold, sexy lashes it created.
It starts with a fat wand that was big for my small hands but I made it work. The brush picks up excess product that I wiped off before using. Since this mascara is all about being extra the thicker wand and excess product felt on-brand. The formula is buildable but can cause lashes to clump together (which is likely part of the look, à la Anya Taylor-Joy’s spider lashes). That was easy to remedy with a spoolie brush if spider lashes aren’t your thing. Despite that, it does deliver on its promise of incredible volume, plus length. Since this is a wetter formula, it smudged a bit during the day and then wiped away easily (with just face wash). I would not label it as long wear—rather, I could see myself reaching for it when I want a dramatic night-out look.
What to Look for When Choosing a L’Oréal Mascara
- Brush: The brush typically influences how the mascara interacts with your lashes and the result you can expect. For instance, a thick brush with lots of bristles may create a fluffy, volumized look; while a skinny wand with spikes tends to add length and separation. If a wand is curved, expect a nice curl. L’Oréal Paris offers all of these mascara brush options.
- Formula: All formulas are unique, especially when it comes to L’Oréal Paris mascaras. Some can layer well, others clump easily and need to be applied carefully. Certain formulas are more long-wear or waterproof. If your eyes are more sensitive or you tend to run dry you may want a more hydrating formula. Some mascaras condition lashes, as well, which is especially useful if you use mascara often.
- Washability: It’s worth noting how easily your mascara of choice comes off. If it’s a struggle (or a waterproof formula) it may impact your lash (and eye skin) health over time. If you want a quick, mess-free removal process, try a tube mascara which is designed to slide right off lashes. Though you can’t test this ahead of buying the product, certain stores have great return policies if you decide to exchange the mascara.
Why Trust Byrdie
Lauren Levinson is an experienced beauty journalist with over 15 years in the business. She’s tried her fair share of mascaras from both indie and mass brands. Her eyelashes are naturally curly, so she wears mascara daily to lengthen and separate them. She knows how to manipulate a mascara wand and brush to get the most curl, length, and volume my lashes can handle. When it comes to evaluating mascaras, she looks into the formula (including ingredients), how well it layers on lashes, and if it lives up to its claims.
Edited by Ally Hirschlag
