The 5 Mascaras You Need To Buy in 2020

Buy: $25; ulta.com

There are few brands that speak to me quite like IT Cosmetics. Their products just vibe with my skin and complexion in a way that’s hard to duplicate. I love IT Superhero mascara, so it was no surprise I became a new fan of Lash Blowout. The tube takes some getting used to. It turns out, I’m the type that likes to stand the tube up on the counter while I use the wand to apply, a fact I never noticed until I tried to stand up this little soldier who kept falling over. That minor issue aside, the formula works wonders on curling and adding volume to lashes. The brush is designed to mimic the technology used for barrel hairbrushes—the packaging gives a nod to that fact. Tiny microspheres catch every last lash for separation with hairspray-like hold.

Buy: $14.99; amazon.com

I found out about this one at a favorite-things Christmas party. What's a favorite-things party, you ask? Everyone is supposed to bring one of their favorite things, under a certain price point, to swap with another partygoer. I didn’t win this dual-sided tube, but I started investigating after hearing its rave reviews, which in my world means calling in a sample for testing as fast as my fingers can type. One side has a short-bristled brush that's used to sweep on the primer. Let it sit for a minute before using the other side to swipe on mascara. Lashes for days, no clumping, no flaking, and no transferring. It has a permanent spot in my rotation. Merry Christmas to me!

Buy: $28; nordstrom.com

If you think there isn’t a mascara that exists that won’t smudge under your eyes, let me introduce you to your new best friend, Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara. It’s a tubing mascara, so removing it takes some getting used to—more details on that here. This wonder tube will lengthen and define lashes without even a hint of transfer, no matter what the day throws your way.

Buy: $23; tartecosmetics.com

It was love at first swipe with this vegan mascara. The sea-foam green tube caught editor Kaitlyn Yarborough’s attention, but it was the perfectly tapered brush and densely packed bristles that delivered the type of lift that she can’t stop talking about. She said it best: “What can I say? I’m sold on the surfer curl lifestyle.”

Buy: $10.99; ulta.com

A football-shaped brush is designed to separate each lash creating a fanned, wide-eyed look. Use two coats for the ultimate drama. It comes in three shades (400 Blackest Black, 401 Black, and 402 Black Brown), plus a waterproof version for those who can’t chance it. While we’ll always have a special place in our heart for our beloved Voluminous Original Mascara, the latest mascara launch from L’Oréal Paris does not disappoint.