Top 10 Curling Mascaras
Put These Curling Mascaras On Your Radar If Your Lashes Fall Flat
If there’s one makeup product that can instantly transform your look, it’s mascara. With just one coat, it can brighten the eyes and awaken the face. However, if your lashes lean more straight and flat than naturally full, you already know that just any old formula—even one that claims to volumize and lengthen—isn’t going to cut it. Luckily, there are options out there made specifically for this concern. Enter: curling mascara.
In general, curling mascaras are thicker than other mascara formulas and usually contain filming polymers. These polymers coat the lashes and contract once applied, causing the lashes to lift and curl. Genius, huh? To top it off, curling mascaras often come with brushes that expertly separate lashes so that the polymers can coat and curl every single one. Read: no more clumps, people.
That said, if you're in the market for a new mascara to help lift and curl your lashes, you're in the right spot.
How We Found The Best Curling Mascaras
With a good curling mascara, there's no need for treatments like extensions or lifts—it's a way less expensive and non-permanent alternative. But since not all mascaras that claim to curl deliver on that promise, we did the work and found 10 top-rated formulas for you. To round up this list, we turned to the help of our algorithm, a unique tool that finds and ranks the best products on the web using unbiased data. Ahead, we’re breaking down the best curling mascaras for achieving that long-lasting, full, fluttery fringe you desire—all in just a few swipes.
Ready to see it in action? View our TikTok, where we test the best curling mascara and record the results!
March 5, 2024
Written By:Rank & Style
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara
Overall Score
4.7
10
Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara
4.4
49668 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Curling Mascara For Volume
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
With every sweep this water-resistant formula instantly volumizes, lifts, lengthens, and curls. Described as the "do-it-all mascara" this option gives you stunning volume and length without weighing down your lashes.
THINGS TO KNOW
Since the formula is water-resistant, it's perfect for beach or pool days.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Yves Saint Laurent The Curler Mascara
Overall Score
4.7
09
Yves Saint Laurent The Curler Mascara
4.33
457 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Curling Mascara For Definition
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
If you're tired of your sticking your eyelashes together, you'll want this mascara in your beauty arsenal. The curling-mascara is designed with curved elastomer comb on both sides of the brush to give you clean and full eyelash definition.
APPLICATION TIP
After the first coat, let your lashes fully dry before going in with a second layer for a more dramatic look.
Wander Beauty Unlashed Volume & Curl Mascara
Overall Score
4.7
08
Wander Beauty Unlashed Volume & Curl Mascara
4.22
4464 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Curling Mascara For Strong Lashes
INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT
Packed with trehalose, peach leaf extract, and walnut seed extract, this mascara moisturizes and conditions the lashes while it curls them.
HELPFUL REVIEW
"The first time I used this mascara, I didn't have my eyelash curler on hand. Somehow it magically curled my lashes and kept them up throughout the entire day. It didn't smudge at all and had people asking me what mascara I was wearing. It's perfect, and I love the packaging!"
Cruelty Free
Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara
Overall Score
4.75
07
Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara
4.17
301 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Longwear Curling Mascara
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This iconic mascara is inspired by a professional curling iron with its curved brush that catches every lash from bottom to top. Not only does it provide maximum curl and lift, but the formula is so powerful that it holds lashes in place for up to 24 hours—no drooping in sight.
WHAT IT DOES
This mascara contains high-precision ingredients that provide intense definition and hold without clumping or smudging.
More Colors
essence Lash Princess Curl Mascara
Overall Score
4.75
06
essence Lash Princess Curl Mascara
4.38
23809 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Curling Mascara
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Don't let the $5 price tag fool you. This curling mascara delivers when it comes to curl and volume. Thanks to a peanut-shaped fiber brush, this mascara coats those hard to reach lashes with texture that leaves you with a perfect curl and voluminous lashes.
INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT
This mascara contains a nourishing blend of jojoba, sunflower, and almond oils so your eyelashes get the moisture they need with every application.
Cruelty Free
Tarte Surfer Curl Volumizing Mascara
Overall Score
4.8
05
Tarte Surfer Curl Volumizing Mascara
4.3
77066 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Sweat-Proof Curling Mascara
WHERE TO WEAR
From hot days to gym workouts, look no further. This long-wearing, smudge-proof, and sweatproof mascara has you covered.
WHAT IT DOES
This weightless mascara provides effortless, lash-lifting volume to bring your lashes to the next level. Thanks to the cone shape, it fans lashes outward, adding some extra volume to each sweep. And with luxurious ingredients like gardenia flowers, castor oil, and vitamin E, it's also amazing for long-term lash health.
Eco Friendly
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara
Overall Score
4.85
04
Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara
4.43
18879 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clean Curling Mascara
WHO IT’S FOR
In true Ilia fashion, this mascara is specially made for sensitive eyes. It's free of harmful ingredients like sulfates and parabens but full of boosters such as keratin, beeswax, and shea butter for increased lash health.
WHY WE LOVE IT
"A mascara that truly lifts, lengthens, holds a curl, and separates with precision? Enter this product! This is the only mascara that really does stay on throughout the day. The best part? It washes off in seconds. Raccoon eyes no more!"—Jamie Chandlee, CEO
Eco Friendly
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Lancome Lash Idôle Volumizing Mascara
Overall Score
4.9
03
Lancome Lash Idôle Volumizing Mascara
4.57
48259 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Curling Mascara For Length
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Designed with 360 micro size bristles, this volumizing and lengthening mascara targets every single lash and delivers instant lift and fanned-out volume with no clumping, flaking, or smudging. While $30 for a tube of masacara is a bit of a splurge, 10,000 Sephora reviewers make us believe its worth every penny.
INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT
The lightweight gel formula is made with white tea extract, an antioxidant-rich ingredient that conditions your lashes.
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara
Overall Score
4.9
02
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara
4.41
23423 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Curling Mascara For Short Lashes
WHO IT'S FOR
Inspired by hair rollers, this mascara's Hook n' Roll brush features tiny hooks to lift and curl short and straight lashes. To take it a step further, the instant curve-setting formula holds for 12 hours while it infuses lashes with conditioning ingredients like provitamin B5 and serine to strengthen and support your lashes over time.
APPLICATION TIP
For a fuller, longer look, apply Roller Lash first to lift and curl your lashes, then apply a layer of Benefit's They're Real! Lengthening Mascara on top.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Overall Score
4.9
01
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
4.09
62762 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Curling Mascara Overall
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This cult-favorite mascara boasts an intensely black, volumizing formula for the sultriest, most defined lashes possible. The hourglass-shaped brush separates lashes before coating and curling them from root to tip.
HELPFUL REVIEW
“This mascara is hands down one of the best mascaras I have ever tried. I loved how much bigger it made my lashes look without weighing them down or clumping.”
Made In Usa
Cruelty Free
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