Mascara

What's behind our mascara Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 14 models in mascara to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
An evaluation of the overall performance of the mascara.
Panelists' rating
34 staff members who used the mascaras over 6 weeks provided their overall evaluation of each model.
Features
This score reflects the presence or absence of features.
Application
How easy it is to apply the mascara.
Looks
The overall appearance of the mascara on the lashes.
Durability
How well each mascara holds up over the course of the day.
Removal
How easy it is to remove the mascaa

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Recommended mascara

Recommended mascara are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended mascara

Mascara buying guide

To find the mascara that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy mascara in a safe-shopping environment.

Learn more about our Price & Shop program

A panel of 34 staff members used 16 washable black mascaras over six weeks, then rated each on overall performance, ease of application, brush, look on lashes, durability, and ease of removal. If you're looking for information about mascara, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ mascara reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our mascara buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and mascara reviews to help you choose the best mascara for your needs.

Ratings & recommended mascara

Mascara (14)

Recommended models are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices among models, weigh performance, features, price, and attributes that matter to you, such as color, size, or style.

Mascara buying guide

Dark nail polish, body glitter, and other beauty trends come and go, but black mascara is a classic. Odds are you've had the same brand of mascara in your makeup bag for years. But if you're craving thicker and longer lashes without smudges, flakes, or clumps, check out what our mascara testers found.

Getting started | Dos & don'ts of mascara