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We go to great lengths to get the voluminous, curled lashes of our dreams. Between hard to maneuver false lashes, frequent and expensive lash extension appointments to even perming our lashes, there is nothing we won’t try. We have listed below some great curling mascaras of 2024 that will have your lashes curled, lifted, and full of life.
These curling mascaras are all meant to give you long-lasting curl and range from luxe, high-end brands to drugstore favorites. Included in our lineup are mascaras with specialized brushes and formulas that work to grab, separate, lift and curl and can last for up to 24 hours of wear time. One of our options is even described as a hair “roller for your lashes,” and we have thrown in a game-changing tube of mascara that requires nothing but warm water and patience to remove.
Detailing Our Favorite Curling Mascara of 2024
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara — Best Overall
Benefit’s best-selling Roller Lash Mascara literally functions like a hair roller for your lashes. Its specialized Hook ‘n’ Roll brush features tiny, custom-designed hooks to catch, lift and curl even the shortest and straightest lashes while an instant, curve-setting formula holds for up to 12 hours. This mascara is also water-resistant, easy to remove, and has a satin-like finish.
Pros
- This mascara contains provitamin B5 and serine which have lash conditioning benefits
Cons
- If you prefer more volume, another option might be better
Marcelle Xtension Plus Curl Mascara — Runner Up
Marcelle’s Xtension Mascara is made to curl and lengthen your lashes. It has a specially designed brush that perfectly hugs the natural curve of the eye and grabs the smallest of lashes due to its tapered end. In addition, with its evenly distributed bristles, its brush fans eyelashes out for that coveted wide-eyed look without flaking or clumping. Its silky, buildable formula is also highly pigmented to instantly define lashes, making them look longer and fuller.
Pros
- This mascara is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested and fragrance-free
Cons
- This is not a waterproof mascara
Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara — Honorable Mention
Clinique's High Impact Mascara is made to create lusher, bolder lashes while its pigment-rich color adds to the impact. In addition to instant volume, length, and definition, this mascara will not flake, clump, or smudge and last all day. For the most long-lasting, luscious curl, use the specialized brush by starting at the lash roots, wiggling it up to the tips, and repeating to build. Alternatively, you can use one coat of this mascara for curl and one coat of your favorite lengthening or volumizing on top for the best of both worlds.
Pros
- This mascara is safe for sensitive eyes
Cons
- For best results, it is advised not to apply more than 2-3 coats
Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara — Contender
Maybelline’s latest genius mascara is their Falsies Lashlift. This multipurpose mascara has an innovative, double-curved lifting brush that grabs lashes at the root to ensure even the tiniest of lashes are lengthened and its fiber-infused formula will thicken and extend the lashes, resulting in an instant lash lift effect. This mascara is also made to resist clumps, smears, and flakes and will stay in place for all-day wear.
Pros
- Maybelline’s mascaras are ophthalmologist tested and suitable for sensitive eyes
Cons
- Applying a primer beforehand can yield optimal results
Rimmel London Super Curler Mascara — Also Consider
The Supercurler Mascara by Rimmel is described as mascara and a lash curler all-in-one. This volumizing mascara contains a specialized formula that instantly pushes up lashes to a perfect 90-degree curve while also being buildable, clump, and flake-free. In addition, its eye-shaped brush makes application easy and lifts lashes up at the root and extends the curl from root to tip.
Pros
- This mascara will hold a curl for up to 24 hours
Cons
- This mascara may take some time to remove
Trish McEvoy Lash Curling Mascara — Editor's Pick
Trish McEvoy’s Lash Curling Mascara is a highly-rated, groundbreaking tubular mascara. The science behind this type of mascara is that it forms water-resistant, polymer tubes 360 degrees around the lashes that amplify curl and last for 24 hours of smudge-free wear. Said to be better than waterproof-type mascaras, this formula stays just-applied looking yet when you are ready to remove, can be simply soaked off with warm water and gently wiped away with your fingertips or a cloth.
Pros
- This mascara includes an innovative lash curling brush that lifts and curves each lash for full body and curls
Cons
- Removing this mascara might take some time to get used to
Buyer’s Guide: Your Great Curling Mascara
Does Curling Mascara Really Work?
A curling mascara refers to an essential cosmetic product used for improving your eyelashes. It is a highly useful item, which performs three functions at once. The mascara darkens, thickens, and curls the lashes.
Hence, you don't need to use curlers and other tools. Just swipe the brush against your eyelashes, and watch them transform into gorgeous ones. Your curled lashes will appear longer, darker, and absolutely stunning!
The quick application and long-lasting results make this mascara suitable for everyday use. In a few seconds, you can achieve a beautiful look when heading out to the workplace or on a shopping spree. Plus, this lash curling option is highly affordable.
Unlike perming and other curling treatments, mascara costs as little as $20. You don't have to purchase them frequently either. A single bottle lasts months since the coat stays on for consecutive hours and gives brilliant results.
Moreover, the lightweight and compact body make the curling mascara portable. You can carry it in your purse everywhere without worries.
From Our Celebrity Expert, Olivia Elgart:
Don't let beauty gurus like Mikayla Nogueira 'lashlight' you into believing that you need expensive mascaras! The truth is, there are some great drugstore curling mascaras out there that can give you just as good of a result as the expensive ones. In fact, I've tried a lot of different mascaras, and I've found that some of my favorites are actually drugstore brands.
Tips for Using Curling Mascara Properly
The method of application has a significant impact on the results. You could purchase the curling mascara from the most premium brand and still will not get satisfactory results until you learn to apply it properly. So, before you go on blaming the product, give these tips for using curling mascara properly a read:
- Wash and dry your eyelashes to ensure a clean base
- Use the wand to apply a small amount of mascara to the roots from below
- Gently, move the wand from the roots to the tips
- Repeat this a few times until all lashes have at least one to two coats
- Dip the wand into the bottle between the strokes to ensure fine coverage
- Keep a tissue nearby and wipe the wand to de-clump
How to Choose the Perfect Curling Mascara?
A curling mascara can either transform your lashes into a stunning masterpiece or a disaster. So, you need to choose the very best, premium-quality curling mascara. Here are a few essential factors to help you find the idealistic one easily:
Wand quality
Typically, all curling mascaras have a curved and angled wand that helps the lashes to lift up, but the curve depth differs from product to product. A deeper curve results in more curled lashes and vice versa.
Apart from this, consider the density of bristles. A brush with more bristles tends to coat the lashes more thickly and give a heavy, voluminous look. Meanwhile, a brush with sparse bristles has the opposite effect. It will enhance the lashes but not thicken them, so you must evaluate the wand quality and choose one that offers you desired results.
Formula
It's impossible to find out the exact procedure of making curling mascaras. Companies think of it as their confidential information and secret to success. However, we can learn about the ingredients used in the product details section. Using this data, you can judge whether the formula is safe to use or not. Many people have allergies and display severe consequences to chemical-based products. So, you must evaluate and avoid dangerous substances.
Also, make sure that the formula is smooth and long-lasting (at least 6 to 8 hours). It should glide without resistance or clumping. You can apply it in one go and get flawless looks.
Waterproof or washable?
As the name suggests, waterproof mascaras do not bleed out if they come in contact with water. Instead, they resist and stay on for a long period. While this means your makeup will remain safe, removal can be hectic. You will require separate cleaning products and cotton swabs. Then, there will be scrubbing and rubbing until the mascara comes off. This particular process involves a few lashes potentially breaking too.
We highly recommend opting for a washable mascara. Although it offers no protection from water, it is easy to wash and remove. You may find waterproof easy too if you do not wear mascara frequently.
Color
All standard curling mascaras come in either black or dark brown. These colors offer an intense darkened look to the eyelashes, but people with light-colored hair might not necessarily prefer it. So, you should consider your eyelash color and choose the mascara accordingly. A little research will help you find blonde, light brown, and similar shades. You will even find bold-colored curling mascaras, like pink and blue, for creative makeup looks.
Who Makes the Top Curling Mascara?
There are hundreds of brands selling curling mascaras today, but not all are worthy of your trust and reliance. It is why we have compiled the very best manufacturers below.
MAC
Founded in 1984, the MAC company is a world-famous and leading manufacturer of beauty cosmetics. It produces everything from curling mascaras to lipsticks.
Rimmel
Rimmel, also called Rimmel London, is a British multinational company that specializes in mascaras. You will find the top-notch quality mascaras at great prices.
Maybelline
Maybelline is another leading US manufacturer which focuses on skincare and beauty products. Its Maybelline Great Lash Mascara remains a popular choice amongst celebrities.
Clinique
Clinique is a luxury brand that operates in more than 107 countries. Its products have the reputation of being the safest and easiest to use.
