The 10 Best Luxury Mascaras Totally Changed My Mind About Whether Or Not They're Worth the Splurge
Our take
The beauty landscape is perpetually shifting, and the recent reconsideration of luxury mascaras—as evidenced by this piece declaring them "totally worth the splurge"—signals a subtle but significant evolution in consumer perception. For years, the prevailing wisdom leaned toward accessible, drugstore options, fueled by the idea that impressive lashes could be achieved without a significant investment. However, this article’s assertion, backed by visible results, challenges that narrative, suggesting a growing willingness among consumers to prioritize quality, formulation, and the overall sensorial experience, even within a seemingly basic category. This shift aligns with broader trends we've observed, such as the resurgence of high-end makeup generally, and the increasing demand for products that offer both performance and a touch of ritualistic luxury, as explored in [The Drop-Waist Trend Is a Runway Favorite—Here’s How to Make It Wearable]. Consumers are increasingly seeking elevated experiences in all facets of their lives, and that desire naturally extends to their beauty routines.
The article's core argument hinges on the tangible difference in lash volume and overall appearance achieved with luxury formulas, implying that the price point reflects a superior blend of ingredients, innovative brush designs, and meticulously crafted formulations. This resonates with a consumer base that’s become more discerning and informed, actively researching ingredients and seeking out products that align with their values, whether it's cruelty-free practices, sustainable packaging, or advanced skincare benefits integrated into their makeup. It’s not simply about achieving a certain aesthetic; it’s about investing in products that contribute to the long-term health and appearance of lashes. The willingness to embrace a higher price point also reflects a move away from the relentless cycle of fast beauty trends, towards a more curated and intentional approach to personal style, a sensibility we’ve noted in other areas, such as the enduring appeal of timeless pieces like those featured in [The 3 Printed Dresses That Can Carry You Through the Rest of Summer]. This is about investing in pieces that last and elevate your everyday.
Beyond the immediate impact on mascara sales, this development speaks to a larger recalibration within the beauty industry. Brands are no longer solely competing on price; they're vying for consumers’ loyalty through a combination of product efficacy, brand storytelling, and a sense of exclusivity. The rise of "skinimalism" and the focus on fewer, better-quality products has paved the way for this shift, as consumers prioritize investment pieces that deliver noticeable results and align with a more conscious lifestyle. The emphasis on individual expression and the desire to cultivate a unique aesthetic, as exemplified by moments of high fashion like Nicole Kidman's recent style choices [Nicole Kidman Casts the Perfect Spell in a Slinky Cut-Out Gown Worthy of 'Practical Magic’], further fuels this demand for premium products that allow for a personalized and refined look. Luxury, in this context, isn't about ostentation; it's about understated quality and a commitment to excellence.
Ultimately, the renewed appreciation for luxury mascaras represents a broader trend toward mindful consumption and a reevaluation of value within the beauty space. It’s a sign that consumers are increasingly willing to invest in products that deliver tangible benefits, enhance their self-expression, and align with their evolving values. As formulations continue to advance and brands prioritize sustainability and ethical practices, the line between luxury and everyday beauty will continue to blur, prompting us to question: Will this shift extend to other traditionally drugstore categories, and will we see a broader re-evaluation of the perceived value of everyday beauty essentials?
While I vividly remember my transition into high-end makeup (spring 2014, ahead of prom), there are simply some products that I didn’t think I would ever give up from the drugstore, particularly mascara. Imagine my surprise when I was reorganizing my makeup bag over the weekend and came across three luxury mascaras I had unknowingly been rotating as I pack, unpack, and repack for the seemingly endless trips I’ve been taking this summer.
More than anything, I’ve noticed that quite a few of my high-end mascaras not only simultaneously lengthen and add volume, but they also hold a curl, which is key for my perpetually straight lashes. “Luxury mascaras are worth the money for two major reasons to me,” makeup artist Theo Turner tells me. “One, the packaging and design make it more appealing to reach for as someone who usually only wears mascara. Two, I also believe that luxury brands typically have unique brushes and lash care infused into their formulas. which, with daily wear, will prove to hold its weight in gold when you have long, healthy lashes even with regular makeup use.”
Thanks to my job, I’ve had the pleasure of testing quite a few luxury mascaras, and I have some clear favorites that I have been recommending to friends and family nonstop. Plus, New York City in the summer is prime inspiration for adding more color into my personal style, and I’ve been doing so by playing with matching mascara and eyeliner combinations for an easy editorial spin on my everyday makeup. All of this to say? I know ball.
So if you’re on the hunt for your own luxury mascara or are just looking for some new holy grail makeup, I’ve not only listed the best formulas I’ve personally tried, but I’ve also enlisted the help of other Marie Claire editors to help. Whether you have lashes that are curly and untamable or barely any at all, there’s a luxury mascara option on this list for you.
The Best Luxury Mascaras
- Best Luxury Mascara Overall: YSL Lash Latex Lengthening & Sculpting Mascara
- Best Colored Luxury Mascara: Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara
- Best Classic Luxury Mascara: Lancôme Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara
- Best Designer Luxury Mascara: Prada Pradascope Lash Lifting & Lengthening Mascara
- Best Luxury Mascara for Length: Gucci L'Obscur Lengthening Mascara
- Best Transfer-Resistant Luxury Mascara: Dior Diorshow Mascara
- Best Underrated Luxury Mascara: Chantecaille Longest Lash Faux Cils Mascara
- Best Clean Beauty Luxury Mascara: Kjaer Weiss Lengthening Mascara
- Best Luxury Mascara for Curl: Victoria Beckham Beauty Future Lash Mascara
- Best Luxury Tubing Mascara: Sarah Creal Back Of The Cab Mascara
I have waxed poetic about this mascara before, so I’ll keep it brief here. YSL’s Lash Latex is simply one of the best mascaras that I have ever tried, and there is no debate about it. The way the wand separates each hair is immediately noticeable (seriously, my friends could tell how good my lashes were turning out), and the length it adds is absolutely gorgeous. On top of that, it conditions the lashes over time, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and iris florentina root extract.
Review: “This is probably one of the best mascaras I have ever used. It lengthens, builds volume, stays curled ALL day, and does not flake off. And it does all this with only two coats. I will definitely be repurchasing this product over and over!” - Nordstrom
Another favorite is Clinique’s High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara, which now comes in the brand’s popular Black Honey shade, a gorgeous brown-based burgundy. The conical wand shape makes getting into those tiny inner-corner lashes a breeze, and bottom lash mascara application is infinitely easier with just a quick repositioning of the hand.
Review: “I love this mascara! The volume that it gives my lashes is unbelievable. One of my favorite features, though, is the wand. It allows me to get to the tiniest of lashes in the corners of my eyes! Highly recommend!!” - Ulta
Was I able to afford fancy Lancôme mascara when I was in high school? No. Did I steal all the ones from my mom’s Macy's gift-with-purchase? Absolutely. That’s where my love of Lancôme mascaras began, but my adoration for Monsieur Big knows no bounds, and it’s still one of my favorite luxury mascaras over a decade later. If you’re on the hunt for more volume, this formula does a great job of making your lashes look fuller, in part because of how pigmented the formula is. Paired with a black eyeliner? It’s basically a shortcut to falsies.
Review: “I LOVE this mascara! I have shortish lashes and hate the way thin mascara looks on me. This mascara makes your lashes very thick and full rather than thin and long. 10/10 recommend. I’ve gone through 4 tubes!” - Nordstrom
Pradascope is like a hairbrush for your eyes, and I will hear no differently. Furthering my claims, the wand is made of nylon-fiber bristles (similar to everyone’s favorite hairbrush, the Maison Pearson), and the separation that this mascara provides is indisputable. Tack on the hyaluronic acid complex in the formula, and it’s like the equivalent of giving your hair a good detangle and hydration treatment, but for your lashes.
Review: “I have thin, sparse lashes but you can’t tell that with this mascara. I was hesitant about the wand at first, but now I wish every mascara was like it. It builds beautifully, adds length and volume, but separates each lash as if it has nothing else on it. It truly is the best mascara that I’ve ever used bar none!!!” - Nordstrom
A favorite of MC’s beauty director, Hannah Baxter’s, Gucci’s L'Obscur mascara is for anyone searching for length that lasts. Not only is the packaging stunning, but this buildable formula doesn’t flake or smudge, while providing spider-y long lashes that will make you want to swap out that lash serum you’ve been using.
Review: “Never write reviews- love this mascara. Highly recommend. I’ve tried so many different brands, and I’m throwing them all out. Lashes are longer without clumping” - Nordstrom
What’s transfer-proof, volumizing and lengthening, and beloved by millions of people? That would be Dior’s iconic Diorshow mascara. There’s no clumping when layering this product, which is key because the more you put on, the more impressive your lashes look. Cornflower extract conditions the lashes over time, and the difference is noticeable when it comes time to wash off your makeup because while it is transfer-proof, it doesn’t take the second coming of Christ to remove this formula from your eyes.
Review: “I won't purchase any other mascara; my lashes are already quite long, so length isn't my primary concern. This is the absolute best mascara for volume. I've been buying this for over ten years, and it never fails. Since I've been using it for so long, I have a whole system going. I keep two in rotation at all times, one fresh and one 2-3 months older, as I find it works a bit better when it's slightly dried out. I use the drier one first as a kind of "primer," then go over it with the fresher one. After opening, a tube lasts exactly 6 months for me, which is the max recommended time to use a mascara. No clumps, just thick lashes!” - Neiman Marcus
Chantecaille is one of my favorite luxury brands, and this mascara is deeply underrated. The brush is what the brand calls a double-helix shape, with one side denser and the other a bit more spread out, so it almost acts like a two-in-one product that both lengthens and volumizes while being ultra-easy to take off.
Review: “I have very sensitive eyes. I have tried many mascaras, but this was the first one that didn’t make my eyes red and teary. I love the look of my lashes, and it is easy to remove. I have purchased this mascara many times. I also give it as gifts, and everyone loves it.” - Nordstrom
If length is your main concern, Kjaer Weis’s Lengthening Mascara will give you the long, spidery lashes of your dreams. The brand is known for its “no makeup-makeup” approach, but don’t let that fool you; this mascara is dark, buildable, and extremely nourishing, thanks to a blend of oils such as sweet almond, jojoba, and Rosa Rubiginosa. Tack on the gorgeous packaging, and we have ourselves a winner.
Review: “This mascara has a very chic and unique packaging, and I love the design as it can be a nice gift to someone as well. The quality is amazing, just like other products that I have tried from this brand before. This mascara is great for adding length to your lashes as the wand is very nicely designed to separate lashes and add length to them, but if you are looking for a mascara to add volume to your lashes, this one is not the best option for you.” - Revolve
Team MC is made up of Victoria Beckham Beauty die-hard fans, so of course, the Future Lash Mascara had to make this list. Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender, in particular, loves the wand’s semi-circle shape, which she says “is perfect for giving my lashes the curve they so desperately need.” Use one coat for length and build up for volume. Then, watch your lashes come to life.
Review: “I’ve had a lifelong battle with mascara, wrong brushes, clumpy formulas, flaky disasters, and lashes that looked like spider legs. This one is a game-changer for me. The brush moves through every lash (even those sneaky little ones at the corners), giving them a generous, even coat. The texture is smooth- no flakes, no smudges, just long-lasting loveliness. The cocoa shade is a refreshing switch from black, especially for making blue eyes pop. The packaging feels luxurious and looks gorgeous. Honestly, I never thought I’d rave about mascara, but here I am… and I’m not even sorry. Highly recommend!” - FWRD
Sam is also the person who introduced me to this Sarah Creal mascara, and of course, it’s phenomenal. My lashes reach sky-high length (even my bottom lashes; it’s incredible), but the formula comes off with such ease you would think I barely had anything on at all. This brand is made with mature skin in mind, but I promise: Any and everyone can wear its products and look fabulous doing so.
Review: “Sarah Creal Back of the Cab tubing mascara met all my expectations and then some. Its sleek packaging and high-quality product really impressed me. I wore this on a 9-hour shift with zero smudging; it looks just as good as when I first applied.” - Sephora
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