Mascara has extremely interesting origins, dating all the way back to the times of Cleopatra. For centuries, women used various tactics to exaggerate their eyelashes, and today, the trend continues. Genetics ultimately determine how curly someone’s lashes are, so that might be why you end up with straight ones. However, many mascaras on the market – either with specialized brushes, formulas, or both – can lift, curl and volumize your straight lashes.
Best mascaras for straight lashes:
- Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
- Estée Lauder Little Black Primer
- Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara
- e.l.f. Cosmetics Lash ‘N Roll Mascara
- Yves Saint Laurent The Curler Lengthening and Curling Mascara
- Eyeko Black Magic Mascara Drama & Curl
- Pacifica Vegan Collagen Fluffy Lash Mascara and Activist Volume & Curl Mascara Set
- Maybelline Sky High Mascara
- Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara
- Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash Lifting & Volumizing Mascara
- Essence Lash Princess Curl Mascara
- twenty/twenty beauty Clean Sweep Mascara
- L’Oreal Unlimited Lash Lifting and Lengthening Mascara
- rom&nd Han All Fix Mascara
- theBalm Mad Lash Mascara Set
Good to Know
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4.5-star rating
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Vegan
Reviews and the description seem to be consistent in saying that this product may make you look like you have lash extensions. Not only does this create length, it utilizes orchid stem cells to support longer, healthier lashes. Some mascaras can irritate the eyes, but this one is clinically-proven to be gentle on sensitive eyes and those who wear contact lenses. The product has been dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested, and it’s fragrance and cruelty-free. It’s also easy to remove, so you should be able to take off the product with warm water and a washcloth.
What People Are Saying
“At least 3-4 times a week people ask if I have lash extensions. Love this product!”
Good to Know
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4.3-star rating
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Technically a primer
We love how this mascara is referred to as the “little black dress” of mascara. This is a multi-purpose product, rather than just mascara itself. First and foremost, it’s a primer, but it’s not white, it’s black. Therefore, you could use it as a base, then apply another mascara on top. You can also use this alone for lifted, lovely lashes that will last all day. Another option is using it to set another mascara, making it a water-resistant topcoat for other products, which may help reduce smudging or flaking.
What People Are Saying
“I swear by this little beauty! I have very small eyelashes, and have tried so many different expensive mascara’s in the past, but this beats them all!”
Good to Know
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4.2-star rating
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Incorporates vitamins
Hair rollers, but for eyelashes? Yes, please! That’s what inspired the design, according to the description. A patented brush has been custom designed to grab onto and lift short or straight lashes. The result is a delicate curl that is detailed hold for 12 hours. You’ll be reaping additional benefits other than just great looking lashes, as pro vitamin B5 has been added to the formula for conditioning.
What People Are Saying
“The best mascara I’ve ever used! Holds the curl in my lashes all day and separates them really nicely. When I pair it with L’Oréal telescopic, I always get asked if I got a lash lift!”
Good to Know
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4.6-star rating
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Vegan
The secret lies with the specifically-designed brush, which is double sided and curved. Made of silicone, the brush lifts and separates the lashes to create a bright “eyes open” appeal. Each lash is given the attention it deserves. The formula adds to the product’s appeal, as it is smudge and flake-resistant, meaning you can preserve your flawless look for longer. Cruelty-free practices were followed in the making of this product.
What People Are Saying
“This is my new favorite mascara! It lengthens, lifts and curls my lashes and makes them look so pretty.”
Good to Know
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4.3-star rating
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Uses natural oils
The best looking lashes start with nourishment and care! Coconut, walnut leaf, and bamboo oils have been incorporated into this formula to contribute to stronger and healthier eyelashes. But that’s just the beginning. The hybrid brush is designed to dramatize lashes by lifting, defining and curling. The brush delivers a full fan effect. Rounded fiber bristles help curl straight lashes and reduce clumping.
What People Are Saying
“Where has this been? I religiously use an eyelash curler and freak when I forget it on a trip. No need with this mascara! It actually does curl lashes and they stay curled!”
Good to Know
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4.4-star rating
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Keratin and shea butter help condition
You’re probably catching on by now that the brush is critical in a curl-enhancing mascara. A curved helix brush is used with this mascara to lift, curl and dramatically volumize. Carbon black coloring creates a striking appeal to all lashes, helping them stand out. Designed not to run, smudge, crumble, or flake, this product is designed to hold for 12 or more hours. We also like the zero waste squeeze tube and water-resistant features. If you’re looking for devastatingly gorgeous 90 degree lash curl, this might be a great option.
What People Are Saying
“I love this mascara. I’ve been a Better Than Sex mascara fan for awhile and nothing has worked better for me..UNTIL THIS! This mascara gives me the best dramatic lash without clumping.”
Good to Know
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4.6-star rating
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Vegan
We’ve been singing the praises of mascara brush technology, but thgese vegan and cruelty-free products are all about the formula itself. It uses brilliant vegan collagen that conditions and contributes to thicker lashes, plant wax that fights against breakage, plant fibers that create a fluffed eye-catching look, and plant-based resins to assist in creating that curl. Plant oils have also been incorporated to add additional nourishment and conditioning. Talc, parabens, phthalates and mineral oil have been left out, and the products come in recyclable glass containers.
What People Are Saying
“I didn’t realize this was a duo package. What an excellent product for the price! I will surely purchase one again for I love how it make my lashes look and my eyes pop!! Thank you!!”
Good to Know
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4.5-star rating
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Uses bamboo extract
Bamboo extract is one of the key ingredients in this mascara and can contribute to full yet lightweight lashes. This particular mascara is also designed not to flake or smudge. The formula works with a specialized flex brush that is bendable and intensely volumizing. Every lash is seemingly extended. It’s also highly worth noting that this is another mascara that has been ophthalmologist and allergy-tested as well, so it’s suitable for sensitive eyes and those who wear contact lenses.
What People Are Saying
“I have tried dozens of mascaras that promise longer lashes, fuller lashes, etc. NONE of them work like this. As you get older, your lashes become thinner and mine tend to break off as well. This mascara is like turning back the clock.“
Good to Know
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4.4-star rating
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False eyelash effect
Once you’ve worn false eyelashes for a long time, it’s a routine that’s hard to revert from. Those gorgeous, long beauties really add the definition to the eyes. However, if you’re looking to ditch the time and money that goes into the extension procedure, there are mascaras that might deliver acceptable results. Using a false eyelash effect, this mascara incorporates a very specific brush and formula. The product relies on fibers that create the illusion of more length, while boosting volume and lift. The brush is double curved and it works to separate bristles cling to lashes, so that the root is lifted without clumping or smearing.
What People Are Saying
“This mascara is EVERYTHING I want in a mascara and more! Its lengthening, it doesn’t flake, it separates my lashes beautifully, and it’s buildable!”
Good to Know
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4.5-star rating
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Ideal for contact lens wearers
This is an impressive 360. Tiny bristles have been incorporated into the curved wand brush, so that every lash is lifted and draped in product to stand out with dramatic volume. White tea extract is used in the formula to condition the eyelashes, while the black color enhances the eyes. Say goodbye to clumping and smudging, and enjoy a crisp, beautiful, lash-enhancing experience.
What People Are Saying
“Goes on easy, no clumping, has great lengthening of the lashes. Doesn’t smear or run. Love it!”
Good to Know
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4.4-star rating
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Vegan
This mascara is truly fit for a princess, but first and foremost, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, perfume-free, and alcohol-free. The company does not test any of their products on animals. We think princesses everywhere would approve. Specifically providing a curling effect is the peanut shaped fiber brush. It’s designed to deliver plenty of volume and curl while eliminating clumps. This sounds like the finishing touch before you head off to the ball.
What People Are Saying
“I love this mascara it gives my lashes soooo much volume. It comes off very easily with makeup remover.”
Good to Know
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4.4-star rating
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Eye-friendly
Plenty of goodness is packed within this mascara, including ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and biotin, which promote strong eyelashes and hair growth with continued use. There’s nothing like reaping multiple benefits when wearing a beauty product. It’s simple to apply–simply sweep from root to tip and apply multiple coats if you want to build extra show-stopping volume. This particular product is also designed to be eye-friendly, which may help prevent irritation, fatigue, and heavy lids.
What People Are Saying
“This is a good mascara, though slightly pricey. I have very dry eyes and wear contact lenses, and this product didn’t sting or make my eyes water. I recommend it, it is a gentle formula.”
Good to Know
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4.4-star rating
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Two position brush
Did you know that the idea of bending a mascara wand started with makeup artists for added control and easy application of mascara? This instantly lifting, intensifying mascara utilizes a multi-functional brush with two positions, straight and bent. This gives you various application options for more precision when reaching inner or outer lashes. A “stretchable” formula defies clumping and flaking, and remains intense and gorgeous for over 24 hours.
What People Are Saying
“THIS mascara is amazing!! It’s easy to use, makes your lashes look AMAZING, and is easy to remove! I keep coming back to this over and over, hands down favorite!!”
Good to Know
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4.6-star rating
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Anti-smudge
Try some of the suggestions in the description for this mascara, like using a zigzag applying technique from the roots to the tips for better coverage. It is also suggested to touch the edges of your eyelashes with the tip of the applicator to elongate lashes as well. The black formula is anti-smudge and is designed to hold a curl.
What People Are Saying
“it will hold the curl in your lashes all day. this is my go to mascara.”
Good to Know
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4.3-star rating
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Double pack
This is a double pack, so you’re really getting bang for your buck! Midnight black coloring adds breathtaking volume to your eyes. An injection molded brush is designed to create definition, resulting in a multi-dimensional look. Not only is the product solidly rated, but the design is unique and eye-catching. We can see this being a phenomenal gift to incorporate into a bridal basket or used as the ultimate beauty Christmas stocking stuffer.
What People Are Saying
“I bought this and loved. It does not smudge and lengthens nicely.”