The 18 Best Mascaras ELLE Editors Will Never Stop Buying

“There are considerations when choosing a mascara, just like there are for curating your skincare routine or selecting a foundation,” says Solares. “A mascara wand with a comb can be best for defining/separating, one with an hourglass shape is best for volumizing, a fluffy wand is great for thickening, a cone shape can help with lengthening, and of course, a curved wand will help with curling.” It’s also important to look at the ingredients in your mascara. “Mascara benefits do not just depend on the type of wand, they also depend on the formula. Conditioning your lashes with skincare-like ingredients—found within some mascara formulas— will ultimately give you the best lash look, as it helps to create the best canvas for your mascara. Finally, you also have considerations like Clean at Sephora, long-wearing/transfer-proof, and waterproof.”

“My go-to mascara recommendation as of late is the Sephora Collection Big By Definition Defining & Volumizing Mascara because it is truly a catch-all of mascara benefits. It has a rectangular spoolie that not only defines and volumizes, but it seems to work well on all lash-types and even has lash-conditioning ingredients,” says Solares. “In fact, all my recommendations have lash-conditioning formulas because I am a big fan of getting 2-for-1.

If you’re looking for volume and thickening, look no further than the Milk Makeup KUSH High Volumizing Mascara. This stuff takes my lashes to the next level, was a trailblazer in the Clean at Sephora category, and has been a personal favorite for years.

Maybe your lashes require a bit of taming and you’re looking for definition and length. I’m obsessed with the Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara for this. The wand is quite innovative, as it features a comb for separation, tapering for length, and it is even slightly hourglass for volume. If you’re looking to size up your lashes and create the ultimate curl, you’ve got to try the Sephora Collection Size Up Volumizing Mascara—it is magic and only $12.

Finally, the question [I’m] asked most frequently is, ‘which is the best waterproof mascara?’ There seems to be quite a bit of debate on waterproof formulas, but the Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara is a favorite amongst myself and fellow Sephora Beauty Directors, who turned me onto it!”

“I have two lash-care tricks that, if done consistently, can make a world of difference in how your lashes look,” says Solares. “The first is quite simple: brush your lashes after washing your face. I use the clean spoolie on my Sephora Collection PRO Brow Brush #20 to brush through my damp lashes, the same way I would for the hair on my head.”

You may not immediately notice how messy your lashes look after each wash. Solares says combing through your wet lashes “helps them to grow in the correct direction over time and helps separate and define them before you even start with your mascara.” Of course, investing in a lash serum is super important. “The second tip is incorporating a lash enhancing serum that is formulated with good-for-your-lashes ingredients like the new Lilly Lashes Level Up Lash Conditioning Serum,” she adds.

“Yes, you can absolutely wear mascara every day! Again, just like your skin, it is just important to take the right prep and removal steps,” says Solares. “I mentioned my tricks for lash care, but that can only do so much if you aren’t properly removing your mascara.” Solares warns against becoming a “mascara-picker”—someone who picks at their lashes when one hair becomes unruly, ultimately causing them to pick at other hairs that stick out.

“Mascara should be removed gently with makeup remover and light, circular motions. I like to take the Sephora Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover on a cotton pad and press it gently against my eye to allow the formula to begin breaking down the mascara. Thereafter, use light, circular motions to remove and finish with your regular face wash. Pat dry, don’t rub,” she explains.

With so many formulas out there, Solares’ only advice is to explore as much as possible. “Mascara can seem complicated, but ultimately, there are no rules in makeup and there is so much to explore and have fun with,” she says. “Try a few or maybe even build a mascara wardrobe that you can dip into depending on your mood. If you’re still feeling stumped, you can always experiment with the Sephora Favorites Mini Clean Mascara Lashstash to Go Set, which offers five mini mascaras for you to try and a voucher to redeem a full size of your favorite at no additional cost.”