11 Best Lifting Mascaras That Keep Curls in Place All Day Long

Everyone has their own specific preferences when it comes to mascara. Some people want lengthening mascara, while others prefer a volumizing formula to add density to each lash. Some people swear by a flexible comb wand, while others just let the bristle wand rest near their lashes. Personally, I’m in favor of curling mascara to help my stubbornly straight lashes. However, I always find it difficult to find a mascara that will keep them in place all day long. And that’s where lifting mascaras come in.

In the past, I would usually rely on waterproof mascara to lock the curls in place; However, let’s be honest. Without a good makeup remover, it can be difficult to remove them. Some curling mascaras work for me, but some don’t cut it for my stick-straight lashes. However, mascara does all the heavy lifting, keeping the lashes up at the root for the wide-eyed look.

However, with so many mascaras out there, it can be difficult to find one that actually works. Thankfully, I’ve been able to test so many mascaras thanks to my job as a beauty editor, so I’ve listed below the best lifting mascaras I’ve tried. Trust me, these lash lifting formulas won’t make your lashes flutter.

Honestly, I love all of Lancôme’s mascaras, but when it comes to lifting and holding curls, this one is the best. The curved, flexible wand sweeps through the lashes, lifting, lengthening and defining each lash with a silky, feather-light formula that feels soft and comfortable to the touch. One coat provides a subtle, lifted finish, while the other adds extra drama without looking cluttered. This isn’t the greatest option, but if you lean toward a more naturally defined lash look, you won’t be disappointed.

2. Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

When I tried this mascara I couldn’t believe my lashes. Granted, I applied a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Mascara here, but just look at the lift! The bendy wand pulls lashes up for instant lift, and it stays in place all day long. It’s a great all-rounder that lengthens, curls, lifts and volumizes without leaving any knots or a spidery look. Honestly, it rivals some of the more expensive mascaras I’ve tested, and now I’m never without a tube.

Well, not a simple lash curl finisher technically A kajal. But if you want the look of a lash lift, but without wearing anything heavy on your lashes, then you have to try this clear mascara. You simply curl your lashes with an eyelash curler, then swirl the clear formula from root to tip, and it locks in the curl all day long so you look like you’ve naturally curled and lifted lashes. It does have a little stickiness to it if you apply too much, but one coat is enough to hold the curl and give some subtle definition.

If you haven’t already guessed, Lancôme mascaras are some of my favorites, so the brand’s second on this list, the Lash Idol Curl Goddess Mascara, also deserves a spot in your makeup bag. Compared to the original Lash Idol, it provides a more dramatic, false lash effect. It lifts lashes with lasting hold while achieving a generous curl, length and volume for doe-eyed lashes. I think one coat is enough for a dramatic look.

Whenever I am asked for a good waterproof mascara that also gives curl and lift, this is what I recommend. The curved wand of this Dior mascara lifts lashes from the root with generous lift and curl, and is easily layered, depending on whether you prefer a defined and lengthening look, or something more dramatic with multiple coats. Waterproof formulas like this are a great choice if your lashes are very straight, as long-lasting formulas work even harder to lock them into a curl, ensuring that your lashes don’t droop throughout the day.

I love any Hourglass makeup product they launch, but the Hourglass Mascara is next level. This was one of the first mascaras I tried that actually kept my curled lashes lifted all day. Yes, it has a great price to match the formula, but if you’re looking to invest in a luxury mascara, you won’t be disappointed. The flexible wand lengthens, lifts, and defines each lash, and it stays put all day. It’s also a tubing formula, so it comes off easily with just warm water at the end of the day.

Rimmel Wonder’Bond Lash Filler + Hyaluronic Mascara is one of the best high street mascaras I’ve tried in the last year, and it has the added bonus of having an incredibly nourishing formula for your lashes. The curved brush grips the base of lashes and holds each one to define, lengthen and lift with zero clumps. The only downside? There can be a risk of it transferring onto the eyelids, so keep that in mind, especially for hooded eyes.

11. Benefit Badgal Bang! Volumizing Mascara

If you’re looking for volume and lift, you can’t go wrong with either of these Benefit Mascara, but Bad Gal Bang Mascara is in a category of its own. Says, “If you want a volumizing mascara, this is the one to invest in.” Deputy Beauty Editor, grace lindsay. “I’d go so far as to say this is the best mascara Benefit has ever used, but if you prefer a more natural look, this probably isn’t for you.” It really does keep your lashes lifted and curled all day and night, ensuring you look wide-eyed from application to removal at the end of the day.

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