The Best Mascaras For Short And Thin Lashes, According To Makeup Artists
As a long-time member of the straight lash community, I’ve tried at least 20 mascaras in an attempt to achieve volume or curl. Over the years, I’ve had success with some, and others have fallen out as short as my lashes appear. Although making them look voluminous and fluffy could easily be solved by simply getting a pair of false eyelashes, I wasn’t having any luck applying them properly and I’m too paranoid about my eyes being damaged to try eyelash extensions.
But I know I’m not alone in the “barely there” lashes category and for that reason, I thought it was time to ask the pros which mascaras I – and people like me – should be using to get truly positive results. So I reached out to Verónica Gaona, a New York-based makeup artist, and Kierra Lanice Wray, a Michigan-based makeup artist, for application tips and advice on the best ones to buy.
One of the main tips Wray gave me was to not sleep on the priming process – it’s not just about the foundation and eyeshadow! “Don’t be afraid to layer by conditioning and prepping lashes before mascara application,” Wray said.
Adding a mascara primer to your makeup routine can give you a fresh base to work from and improve the health of your lashes so they respond better to mascara. (Psst – we’ve also included Wray’s basic recommendation below.)
But she also stressed paying attention to the type of mascara wand you use. “If your lashes are short, thin and straight, use an eyelash curler to lift them and choose a mascara that has a dense applicator,” says Wray. “If they are short, thin and curly, like mine, opt for a mascara that has a silicone wand that can comb and separate the lashes during application.”
And if you are Open to wearing false eyelashes, Gaona recommended using mascara after applying them to blend them in with your natural lashes. “My favorite false lashes for short lashes are Ardell’s 172. They help add volume and look very natural,” she said.
Below, we’ve included a list of Gaona and Wray’s best mascara recommendations for short, thin, straight lashes.
Amazon
Essence Lash Princess False Eyelash Effect Mascara
We see Essence’s Lash Princess mascara everywhere, well, everywhere, which claims to give the impression of wearing false eyelashes. Gaona selected it as one of her top picks because of the striking difference it makes in even the most subtle lashes. In addition to its very attractive price, the cone-shaped brush of the mascara picks up all your lashes and gives spectacular volume and intense color without lumps.
$5 on Amazon
$5 at Ulta
$5 at Target
Sephora
Clinique High Impact Mascara
Another pick from Gaona is this buildable mascara from Clinique, a go-to beauty brand loved by many (including my mom and me). Available in black and black/brown, it is perfect for adding volume and length to short lashes.
$27 at Amazon
$27 at Séphora
$27 at Nordstrom
Target
Honest Beauty Extreme Length 2-in-1 Lash Primer and Mascara
Even for the most stubborn lashes, Wray recommends this multifunctional product that doubles as a primer and mascara. The tube is double ended with the mascara on one side and the base on the other so you don’t have to spend any extra money. The mascara is infused with jojoba esters, which help condition and soften your lashes, and the primer gives an even base for flawless application.
$20 on Amazon
$25 at Target
Sephora
Dior Show Maximizer 3D Eyelash Primer and Serum
Wray called this luxury pre-mascara item “one of, if not the best, lash primers on the market,” and for good reason. It is designed to prepare your lashes for mascara by adding volume and curl and, with consistent use, claims to improve their overall appearance. It contains cotton nectar for softness and cornflower floral water to bring out the shine and color of your lashes.
“It’s also clump-resistant and won’t gray mascara despite looking white,” Wray said.
$35 at Nordstrom
$35 at Séphora
Target
Honest Beauty Extreme Volume Mascara and Bold Lash Primer
Similar to the elongated version, this is Honest’s volume boosting option and also contains a primer on one end. What makes this two-in-one product unique, however, is the fact that the base is blue to create visually noticeable bolder, blacker lashes. Wray especially recommends this mascara and primer to add depth and drama to naturally blonde and light brown lashes.
$20 on Amazon
$25 at Target
Ulta
Benefit Badgal Bang Volumizing Mascara
My editor’s choice is none other than Benefit Cosmetics Badgal Bang Mascara. I did a test run a few months ago by purchasing a mini version, and was so impressed after wearing it for a night that I purchased a full-size tube a few days later. This mascara makes me look like I have long eyelashes (we can all dream) and after several hours of use, it hasn’t smudged me or given me the dreaded raccoon eye effect. I also have sensitive eyes and had no irritation while wearing it. It comes in black and blue, if you’re looking for a colorful look.
$29 at Ulta
$29 at Séphora
Mini: $16 at Target
Nars
Nars Climax Extreme Mascara
Wray said this super-pigmented mascara delivers noticeable length and volume with just one coat. The ribbed bristle brush coats each lash from root to tip, giving your barely there lashes the maximum volume you desire. With this product’s long-wearing, clumping-resistant, and chip-resistant properties, your lashes can be the star of the show, not the stains around your eyes.
$12+ at Nars
Related…
HuffPost and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.
