The 3 best mascaras from my test (2026): I would happily go to dm again for these; the one that surprised me the most cost 119 CZK.

A dependable mascara can make a rushed face look more awake in seconds - until it clumps, flakes under the eyes or transfers onto the eyelids halfway through the day. The useful takeaway is not that the most expensive tube always wins. Brush shape, your lash type and a light hand usually matter more than the price on the shelf.

These three mascaras offer different finishes: a more dramatic option, a straightforward everyday formula and a dual-position brush designed for length or lift. Stock, shades and formulations can change, and dm is not a UK high-street retailer, so treat this as a practical guide to the sort of result each product aims to give rather than a promise of UK availability.

A good mascara should look just as tidy at the end of the day as it did when you first applied it.

What makes a mascara worth buying?

The best mascara for one person can be disappointing for another. Straight lashes often need help holding a curl, while naturally thick lashes may benefit more from a fine brush that separates than from a heavy, volumising formula.

When comparing mascaras, focus on the things you will notice in daily life:

• Brush control: Can you reach short lashes near the inner corner without coating the lid?
• Definition: Does the formula separate lashes, or make them stick together?
• Buildability: Can you add a second coat without creating thick, spidery clumps?
• Wear: Does it transfer, crumble or smudge on your skin type?
• Removal: Can it be removed gently at the end of the day?

Oily eyelids, watery eyes, contact lenses and the British weather can all affect wear. A non-waterproof mascara that behaves beautifully during a dry morning may not be the best choice for a wet commute or a long day outdoors.

1. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Cosmic: for a bolder finish

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Cosmic is aimed at people who want noticeable length and a fuller, darker lash look. Its flexible silicone-style brush is intended to catch lashes from root to tip, including the smaller hairs at the inner corner.

The appeal is the potential for a more defined result without needing false lashes. As with many lengthening and volumising mascaras, the key is not to overload the wand or rush the second coat.

How to get the best result

1. Wipe any visible excess from the wand against the tube opening.
2. Start at the upper lash roots and pull upwards with a small side-to-side movement.
3. Let the first coat settle briefly.
4. Add a light second coat mainly through the outer lashes if you want more drama.

Who may like it

This may suit you if you prefer a high-impact black mascara for work, evenings or days when you want your eyes to do most of the work. It is also worth considering if you have long lashes that can handle a little extra product without looking overloaded.

If your lashes are very fine, start with one thin coat. A flexible brush can give good coverage, but too much product can cause lashes to join together before the formula sets.

2. Catrice Glam & Doll Endless: for an everyday look

Catrice Glam & Doll Endless is positioned as a simpler, everyday mascara, with a straighter brush designed for controlled application. The intended effect is length and a modest amount of volume rather than an especially dramatic, false-lash finish.

That makes this type of mascara useful for people who like defined lashes but do not want a heavy look. A narrower, more conventional wand can also be easier to use if large brushes tend to leave marks on your eyelids.

What to watch for

A lighter, easy-to-apply formula is not automatically the best choice for everyone. If your upper lashes touch your lids, or you tend to get oily around the eyes, check for transfer after a few hours before relying on it for an all-day occasion.

To reduce smudging:

• Apply less product to lower lashes, or leave them bare.
• Let eye cream and SPF settle before applying make-up.
• Keep powder away from the waterline, but lightly set oily eyelids if that suits your routine.
• Avoid blinking hard immediately after application.

Two neat, thin coats nearly always look more polished than one thick, wet coat.

3. Trend it up Twist it! 2in1 Length & Volume: for a changeable finish

Trend it up Twist it! 2in1 Length & Volume stands out because its wand mechanism is designed to alter the brush position. One setting is intended to give a straighter, separating effect; the other creates a more curved brush shape for lift and fuller-looking lashes.

That is a useful idea if you prefer to adjust your make-up between a restrained daytime look and something more defined. The product was listed at 119 CZK in the comparison behind this title, but that is not a meaningful guide to a UK price, particularly as Trend it up is a dm range and may be difficult to find here.

Using an adjustable wand carefully

1. Begin with the straighter setting to comb through clean lashes and distribute a thin first coat.
2. Pause briefly so the lashes are no longer very wet.
3. Switch to the curved setting only if you want extra lift at the roots.
4. Pull upwards gently rather than pressing the wand hard against the eyelid.
5. Stop after a light second coat; extra layers are more likely to spoil the separating effect.

This format may appeal if you enjoy experimenting with your make-up. If you simply want maximum volume in the fewest strokes, a conventional volumising mascara may be less fiddly.

A better mascara routine in six steps

Technique can make more difference than swapping to a pricier tube. Keep the routine simple and avoid piling on product.

1. Curl before applying mascara

If you use lash curlers, use them only on clean, dry lashes. Never clamp lashes once mascara has dried: they can stick to the curler and break.

2. Take off excess product

Do not pump the wand in and out of the tube. Twist it out instead. Pumping introduces air, which can make mascara dry out sooner.

3. Work from the roots

Place the brush close to the roots of your upper lashes, wiggle very slightly, then draw it through to the tips. This creates more lift than repeatedly coating the ends.

4. Use the tip with care

Hold the wand vertically for the inner and outer corners. Move slowly: mascara is easier to add than to remove from a freshly made-up eyelid.

5. Comb before it sets

If lashes have joined together, use a clean lash comb while the mascara is still pliable. Never use a pin, needle or any sharp object near your eye.

6. Let it dry fully

Give mascara a moment to set before looking down at your phone, putting on glasses or applying eye make-up nearby.

Common mascara mistakes

Most mascara frustrations come down to a few repeat habits.

• Applying too many coats at once: Wet layers merge and form clumps.
• Using an old tube: Replace mascara if it has dried out, smells unusual, changes texture or irritates your eyes.
• Sharing eye make-up: Mascara should be personal, particularly when someone has conjunctivitis or any eye irritation.
• Adding water or saliva to revive a dry formula: This can introduce contamination and does not make the product safer to use.
• Ignoring transfer: If a mascara repeatedly marks your lids, change your technique, use less product or choose a formula better suited to your skin type.

Safety and removal notes

Stop using any eye product that stings, causes persistent watering, redness or swelling. Do not apply mascara in a moving vehicle, and avoid using it if you have an active eye infection.

To remove regular mascara, hold a pad soaked in suitable eye make-up remover against closed lashes for several seconds, then wipe gently downwards. Avoid vigorous rubbing, which can irritate the eye area and pull at lashes. Waterproof and tubing mascaras can need different removal methods, so follow the instructions on the packaging.

If you have recently had eye surgery, have ongoing eye symptoms or are unsure whether a product is appropriate for you, ask an optician, pharmacist or healthcare professional before trying it.

The practical verdict

For a bolder, length-and-volume look, Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Cosmic is the most likely fit of these three. Catrice Glam & Doll Endless is the more restrained option for everyday definition, while Trend it up Twist it! 2in1 Length & Volume is the interesting choice if you can find it and like adapting your finish.

Whichever mascara you choose, test it on an ordinary day before wearing it to an event. A thin first coat, a brief pause and a clean lash comb will usually do more for your final result than another hurried layer of product.