Beauty
The 10 Best Mascaras UK
· Top 10 comparison · Amazon.co.uk prices checked at publication
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How we choose: Buy Wise Hub hasn't tested these products in person. Our rankings are based on published specifications, Amazon ratings and buyer reviews, and this guide was researched and written with the help of AI tools, then checked by our team. Prices and ratings were correct at the time of writing and may change.
Mascara is the make-up product most people would keep if they could only have one. It's also one of the most competitive categories on Amazon.co.uk, where a £4 drugstore tube can outsell a £30 department-store one. With party season and Christmas stocking fillers coming up, it's a good time to find a new favourite.
To find the best mascaras in the UK, we started with Amazon.co.uk's Mascaras best-seller chart and picked ten of the most popular, well-reviewed formulas, covering volume, length, curl, tubing-style lift and water resistance. Every product here has more than 11,000 reviews. We read each live product page for price, rating, review count and listed claims. Effects such as "20x more volume" are the brands' own claims, not our measurements.
We've included options for every priority: maximum volume, natural length, a curled lash-lift look and water resistance for wet British days. We've also flagged where listings are thin or contradict themselves, so you know which claims to take with a pinch of salt before you add a tube to your basket.
Prices, ratings and review counts were checked on Amazon.co.uk on 27 October 2026 and change often. Always check the live price before you buy.
Quick Picks
- Best overall: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, £7.95, 4.3★ (119,940 reviews)
- Best for length: L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara, £8.00, 4.3★ (83,718 reviews)
- Best budget: essence I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara, £2.99, 4.3★ (28,403 reviews)
- Best for curl: e.l.f. Lash 'N Roll Curling Mascara, £6.97, 4.4★ (11,902 reviews)
- Best water-resistant: Technic Mega Lash Water Resistant Mascara, £3.50, 4.3★ (12,558 reviews)
Comparison at a Glance
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara: 4.3★ (119,940 reviews) · £7.95 · Best for: most people · View on Amazon.co.uk
- L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara: 4.3★ (83,718 reviews) · £8.00 · Best for: length and definition · View on Amazon.co.uk
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Volumising Mascara (Very Black): 4.4★ (74,331 reviews) · £5.99 · Best for: fan-effect volume · View on Amazon.co.uk
- L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Volumising Mascara: 4.2★ (33,254 reviews) · £7.62 · Best for: soft, full volume · View on Amazon.co.uk
- Rimmel Extra 3D Lash Volumising Mascara: 4.4★ (28,907 reviews) · £4.09 · Best for: smudge-proof volume · View on Amazon.co.uk
- essence I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara: 4.3★ (28,403 reviews) · £2.99 · Best for: budget buyers · View on Amazon.co.uk
- Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara (Ultra Black): 4.4★ (22,160 reviews) · £7.49 · Best for: a lash-lift look · View on Amazon.co.uk
- Rimmel Extra Super Lash Building Mascara: 4.4★ (16,804 reviews) · £3.99 · Best for: buildable everyday wear · View on Amazon.co.uk
- e.l.f. Lash 'N Roll Curling Mascara: 4.4★ (11,902 reviews) · £6.97 · Best for: curl · View on Amazon.co.uk
- Technic Mega Lash Water Resistant Mascara: 4.3★ (12,558 reviews) · £3.50 · Best for: water resistance on a budget · View on Amazon.co.uk
The 10 Best Mascaras Reviewed
#1 Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara: Best for most people
Amazon.co.uk: 4.3★ from 119,940 reviews · £7.95
Maybelline's Sky High is the UK's best-selling mascara. Maybelline's own listing calls it "the UK's #1 Mascara", and it tops Amazon.co.uk's chart with 119,940 reviews and a 4.3-star average. The Flex Tower brush bends to reach every lash from root to tip, and Maybelline promises full volume and "limitless length". The formula is infused with bamboo extract and described as giving long, full and weightless lashes. It's a washable (non-waterproof) formula, so it comes off easily with micellar water but may smudge in the rain. At £7.95 it's the benchmark drugstore mascara. Most people will like it, and it's the safe gift choice.
Specs (from the listing): Flex Tower brush · bamboo extract · washable (not waterproof) · volume + length
Pros
- UK best seller
- Volume and length
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Not waterproof
- 4.3★, so it divides opinion
#2 L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara: Best for length and definition
Amazon.co.uk: 4.3★ from 83,718 reviews · £8.00
L'Oréal's Telescopic is a long-standing favourite for length and separation, with 4.3 stars from 83,718 reviews at £8.00. Instead of a bristle brush, it uses a high-precision flexible comb with flat-surfaced elastomer bristles, designed for lash-by-lash application. L'Oréal promises up to 60% longer-looking lashes, and you can layer it for more intensity. It's ideal if you want defined, fluttery lashes rather than big, thick volume, and the comb helps avoid clumps. The listing says it isn't tested on animals. If Sky High looks too much on you, Telescopic is the more natural, defined alternative.
Specs (from the listing): Flexible multi-comb · up to 60% longer-looking lashes (claimed) · buildable
Pros
- Excellent separation
- Lengthening
- Buildable
Cons
- Less volume
- Comb takes practice
#3 Maybelline Lash Sensational Volumising Mascara (Very Black): Best for fan-effect volume
Amazon.co.uk: 4.4★ from 74,331 reviews · £5.99
The original Lash Sensational, Sky High's older sibling, is still hugely popular, with 4.4 stars from 74,331 reviews at £5.99. The listing is sparse, with one bullet confirming a 9.5 ml tube in Very Black. The details mention a fan effect and a lightweight formula. The listing doesn't describe the brush (unverified), but the fan-effect claim suggests a wider, fluttery result rather than maximum length. It's not waterproof according to the details. It's cheaper than Sky High and slightly better rated, so if you like Maybelline but want a softer fan effect rather than maximum length, try this.
Specs (from the listing): 9.5 ml · Very Black · fan effect · lightweight · not waterproof
Pros
- Cheaper than Sky High
- Higher rating
- Fan effect
Cons
- Very sparse listing
- Not waterproof
#4 L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Volumising Mascara: Best for soft, full volume
Amazon.co.uk: 4.2★ from 33,254 reviews · £7.62
L'Oréal's Lash Paradise promises 20x more volume and up to 2x more length (brand claims) from an ultra-soft brush, with a flake-free formula. It's described as suitable for sensitive eyes. The formula has been upgraded with "caring oils", including castor and rose oils. It has 4.2 stars from 33,254 reviews at £7.62. Brush from root to tip and layer for a bolder look, or use one stroke for softer colour. It's a good alternative to Sky High if you prefer a softer, fluffier result. The 4.2-star rating is the lowest here, though, so it won't suit everyone.
Specs (from the listing): Soft brush · castor & rose oils · flake-free · suitable for sensitive eyes (claimed)
Pros
- Big, soft volume
- Sensitive-eye friendly (claimed)
- Nourishing oils
Cons
- Lowest rating here (4.2★)
- Not waterproof
#5 Rimmel Extra 3D Lash Volumising Mascara: Best for smudge-proof volume
Amazon.co.uk: 4.4★ from 28,907 reviews · £4.09
Rimmel's Extra 3D Lash has 4.4 stars from 28,907 reviews and costs just £4.09. Its 3D brush is designed to capture, coat and lift every lash, defining, lengthening and curling with "zero clumps", according to Rimmel. The formula is described as smudge-proof in an extreme black shade. Hydrogels give lashes a smooth film for a healthy look. The details list it as water resistant. It's a great budget choice if your mascara usually ends up under your eyes by lunchtime.
Specs (from the listing): 8 ml · 3D brush · smudge-proof · extreme black · hydrogels · water resistant (per details)
Pros
- Cheap
- Smudge-proof
- Define + curl
Cons
- 8 ml tube
- Less dramatic than Sky High
#6 essence I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara: Best for budget buyers
Amazon.co.uk: 4.3★ from 28,403 reviews · £2.99
essence's I Love Extreme Crazy Volume is the cheapest mascara here at £2.99, with 4.3 stars from 28,403 reviews. It's the "crazy" sister of the original I Love Extreme. The deep black, creamy formula wraps each lash, and an extra-large brush builds even more volume. The listing has only one bullet, and its details contradict each other, listing both "Waterproof" and "Not Water Resistant" (listing contradiction). The details give a 12 ml tube, larger than most here. For dramatic volume on a tiny budget, it's a cult favourite.
Specs (from the listing): 12 ml · extra-large brush · deep black, creamy formula · volume
Pros
- Cheapest here
- Big volume
- Large 12 ml tube
Cons
- Sparse, contradictory listing
- Can be clumpy for some
#7 Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara (Ultra Black): Best for a lash-lift look
Amazon.co.uk: 4.4★ from 22,160 reviews · £7.49
Maybelline's Falsies Lash Lift is inspired by salon lash-lift and tint treatments. It has 4.4 stars from 22,160 reviews at £7.49. The Ultra Black shade is Maybelline's most intense lash-lift look. The fibre-infused formula grabs lashes at the root for thicker, fuller lashes without clumps, according to the listing, and the double-curved brush lifts and locks the curl. It's a washable formula (not water resistant, per the details). If you love the lifted look of a lash lift but don't want salon visits, it's the closest you'll get from a tube.
Specs (from the listing): Double-curved brush · fibre-infused · Ultra Black · lift + volume · not waterproof
Pros
- Lifted, curled look
- Fibres add thickness
- Intense black
Cons
- Fibres can irritate some eyes
- Not waterproof
#8 Rimmel Extra Super Lash Building Mascara: Best for buildable everyday wear
Amazon.co.uk: 4.4★ from 16,804 reviews · £3.99
Rimmel's Extra Super Lash is an everyday classic at £3.99, with 4.4 stars from 16,804 reviews. It's designed to define, lengthen and curl, and the formula is enriched with vitamin E. Rimmel describes a long-lasting finish that keeps lashes volumised and curled from morning to night. It's cruelty-free, according to the listing, and the details describe it as ophthalmologically tested and water resistant. It's a good lightweight option for work and everyday wear, and a great stocking filler.
Specs (from the listing): Vitamin E · define + lengthen + curl · cruelty-free · ophthalmologically tested · water resistant (per details)
Pros
- Very cheap
- Ophthalmologically tested
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Subtle rather than dramatic
- Basic packaging
#9 e.l.f. Lash 'N Roll Curling Mascara: Best for curl
Amazon.co.uk: 4.4★ from 11,902 reviews · £6.97
e.l.f.'s Lash 'N Roll is built for curl. The brand promises maximum curl and lift, with no lash curler needed. The double-sided, curved silicone brush combines shorter bristles that hold the formula with longer ones that separate and lift. It has 4.4 stars from 11,902 reviews at £6.97. The long-lasting formula is described as smudge- and flake-resistant to lock curl in place, and the details list it as water resistant. If you have straight lashes that won't hold a curl, this is the one to try.
Specs (from the listing): Double-sided curved silicone brush · curl + lift · smudge- and flake-resistant · water resistant (per details)
Pros
- Best for curl
- Smudge-resistant
- Separates well
Cons
- Less volume
- Silicone brush not for everyone
#10 Technic Mega Lash Water Resistant Mascara: Best for water resistance on a budget
Amazon.co.uk: 4.3★ from 12,558 reviews · £3.50
Technic's Mega Lash is a budget, water-resistant mascara at £3.50, with 4.3 stars from 12,558 reviews. Technic describes a clump-free, smudge-proof formula with a "Mega Wand" brush for volume, length and impact. The water-resistant formula is designed to cope with whatever the weather does, which suits the British autumn. The details give a 12 ml tube and say it isn't tested on animals. It's the cheapest water-resistant pick here. Remember that water-resistant mascaras need an oil-based or bi-phase remover to come off cleanly.
Specs (from the listing): 12 ml · Mega Wand · water resistant · clump-free, smudge-proof (claimed) · cruelty-free
Pros
- Cheap water-resistant formula
- Large tube
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Needs a bi-phase remover
- Lesser-known brand
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Mascara
Volume, length or curl?
Decide what you want most. Volume mascaras (Sky High, Lash Paradise, essence Crazy Volume) have fuller brushes and thicker formulas. Lengthening mascaras (L'Oréal Telescopic) use combs for separation. Curling mascaras (e.l.f. Lash 'N Roll, Falsies Lash Lift) hold lashes up.
Brush type
Bristle brushes deposit more product for volume. Combs and silicone brushes separate lashes and reduce clumps. Curved brushes help lift and fan lashes. If you get clumps, try a comb or silicone wand.
Washable or water-resistant?
Washable formulas (Sky High, Telescopic, Falsies) come off easily with micellar water but can smudge in rain or at the gym. Water-resistant ones (Technic, Rimmel, e.l.f.) last better but need an oil-based or bi-phase remover.
Sensitive eyes and contact lenses
Look for "ophthalmologically tested" (Rimmel Extra Super Lash) or "suitable for sensitive eyes" (Lash Paradise) claims. Fibre-infused formulas (Falsies) can irritate some people. Replace mascara every few months for hygiene.
Application tips
Wipe excess formula off the wand on the tube's neck before you start, because it's the easiest way to avoid clumps. Wiggle the brush at the root of the lashes, then sweep up to the tips. For volume, apply a second coat before the first dries. For separation, let each coat dry and comb through. Curl lashes before mascara, not after, and don't pump the wand in and out of the tube, which dries the formula and pushes air inside.
Price
Every pick here is under £8.50, and many popular formulas cost under £5. High review counts on cheap mascaras show you don't need to spend much for a great result.
How we chose
We started with the Amazon.co.uk best-seller chart for Mascaras (Beauty) on 27 October 2026. We shortlisted the best-reviewed, in-stock products and read each live product page for price, rating, review count and specs. We haven't tested these products in person. Rankings reflect the listed specs, buyer ratings, review volume and value. Where a listing is unclear or contradicts itself, we say so.
FAQ
What is the best mascara in the UK?
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High is the UK's best seller. Maybelline calls it "the UK's #1 Mascara", and it tops Amazon.co.uk's chart with nearly 120,000 reviews. It gives volume and length from a bendy Flex Tower brush for £7.95.
What's the best cheap mascara?
essence I Love Extreme Crazy Volume (£2.99), Technic Mega Lash (£3.50), Rimmel Extra Super Lash (£3.99) and Rimmel Extra 3D Lash (£4.09) are all well-reviewed options under a fiver.
Which mascara is best for straight lashes?
Choose a curling formula with a curved brush. e.l.f. Lash 'N Roll promises curl without a lash curler, and Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift is designed to mimic a salon lash lift.
How do I stop mascara smudging?
Choose a smudge-proof or water-resistant formula such as Rimmel Extra 3D Lash, e.l.f. Lash 'N Roll or Technic Mega Lash. Wipe the wand before applying, let each coat dry, and avoid heavy eye cream under the eyes.
How do I remove water-resistant mascara?
Use a bi-phase or oil-infused micellar water, such as Garnier's Micellar Bi-Phase or Oil-Infused, or a cleansing balm. Hold a soaked pad on closed eyes for a few seconds before wiping gently.
How often should I replace my mascara?
Mascara is commonly replaced every three months or so, because the wand goes back into a dark, damp tube after touching your lashes. Replace it sooner if it smells odd, turns clumpy or dry, or if you've had an eye infection. Cheaper picks make regular replacement easy.
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