The Best Mascaras for Straight Lashes

By Mary Shannon Wells
January 07, 2019
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Credit: Macy's
If you have straight lashes, you’re always on the hunt for a mascara that will lift, volumize, and lengthen to their full potential. As you know, one of the best ways to amp up your straight lashes is to use an eyelash curler. Whether you already use one and want extra curl from your mascara, or you would rather not use one and want a wand that works overtime, these are the best mascaras for straight lashes. Now, there are a few important things to remember when choosing the one for you. First of all, waterproof formulas are your friend. You probably aren’t swimming, getting caught in the rain, or profusely sweating on the regular, so why would you need to wear a waterproof mascara every day? It’s all in the formula. Waterproof mascaras are basically like hairspray for holding your eyelash curl because of waxes that are in them. Keep in mind that while waterproof formulas will hold your curl better, they’re obviously harder to remove. When removing waterproof mascara (or really any eye makeup), you never want to rub your eye, which can cause irritation. Simply hold a cotton pad with an oil-based eye makeup remover or coconut oil on your closed eye for at least 15 seconds, and then gently wipe away what’s left.                                 The other type of mascara that’s great for straight lashes is called tubing mascara. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. Like waterproof mascara, tubing mascara was pretty much made for straight lashes. Instead of piling on coats of thick mascara, which short, straight lashes can’t stand up to, tubing mascaras work differently. Rather than coating the lashes in mascara, tubing mascaras have polymers that basically wrap around each individual lash (forming “tubes”) for precision. Tubing mascaras are great for straight lashes because they’re more rubbery than other formulas and, like waterproof mascaras, hold a curl better. Tubing mascara also doesn’t smudge, which is great for short, straight lashes, since they’re so much closer to the sensitive eye area. You only need warm water to wash them off, and you can literally watch the “tubes” melt away. Although there’s tons of evidence that waterproof and tubing formulas are the best mascaras for straight lashes, there are still regular mascara formulas that curl, lengthen, and volumize straight lashes (and we’ve included the best options). Whether your budget is drugstore or high-end, these are the best mascaras for straight lashes. With an eyelash curler and these amazing formulas, your friends will think you decided to go faux.  
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Blinc Mascara

Credit: Sephora

Buy It: $26; sephora.com

This tubing mascara has more than 2,000 5-star reviews on Sephora for holding up to its smudge-free formula that’s perfect for sensitive skin and eyes.

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L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Lash Extension Effect Mascara

Credit: Ulta

Buy It: $9.99; ulta.com

This tubing mascara has two sides, a base coat and a top coat, which are formulated to strengthen and then lengthen the lashes.  

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Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Super-Curling & Lifting Mascara

Credit: Macy's

Buy It: $25; macys.com

Just like those hair rollers that Mama won’t throw out, this fan-fave mascara is made for curling your lashes. The brush is designed to literally “hook” onto your lashes and curl them up. It should be said that it’s not extremely volumizing (more about lengthening and curling), but one of our own editors raved about its results.

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Wander Beauty Unlashed Volume & Curl Mascara

Credit: Sephora

Buy It: $24; sephora.com

This lightweight formula won’t weigh down short, straight lashes, and the curved brush is perfectly shaped to grab each lash and curl it up for a wide-eyed result.

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DHC Mascara Perfect Pro Double Protection

Credit: Dermstore

Buy It: $18.50; dermstore.com

One of our editors loves this tubing brand for its smudge-free and easily buildable formula.  

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Kiss Me Heroine Make Long and Curl Waterproof Mascara

Credit: Amazon

Buy It: $14.49; amazon.com

Japanese beauty brands are at the forefront of creating mascaras specifically made for short, straight lashes, and luckily, this top-rated formula is now available on Amazon.

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Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara

Credit: Bloomingdale's

Buy It: $28; bloomingdales.com

This formula is the holy grail of tubing mascaras for its ability to grab each lash and deliver lengthening results that will never smudge.

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Etude House Lash Perm Curl Fix Mascara

Credit: Amazon

Buy It: $10.85; amazon.com

This Korean beauty brand knows what it’s doing when it comes to lengthening and curling short, straight lashes.

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Trish McEvoy Lash Curling Mascara

Credit: Nordstrom

Buy It: $32; nordstrom.com

The name might seem too good to be true, but this tubing mascara is ideal for plush lashes that look naturally lengthened and curled.

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CoverGirl Lashblast Clump Crusher Mascara

Credit: Ulta

Buy It: $7.99; ulta.com

If you’re loyal to CoverGirl mascaras, here’s your new favorite. Not only is the price amazing, but the brush shape is perfect for curling lashes, and it defines each individual lash.

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Eyeko Sport Waterproof Mascara

Credit: Dermstore

Buy It: $22.50; dermstore.com

This curved brush is perfect for grabbing lashes and sweeping them up into a perfect curl. Plus, its waterproof formula can take you from the gym to the office.

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Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara

Credit: Chanel

Buy It: $32; chanel.com

Chanel is always a splurge, but man, is it worth it. This cult-favorite mascara does everything it promises—separates lashes, lengthens, and curls—in a longwear formula that has major staying power.

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Lancôme Definicils High Definition Mascara

Credit: Sephora

Buy It: $27.50; sephora.com

This classic mascara has won countless awards for its ability to add volume and length to lashes in a natural way. The thin brush is perfect for short, straight lashes because it doesn’t distribute too much product to get clumpy, and it can reach those pesky corner lashes.

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Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

Credit: Ulta

Buy It: $8.99; ulta.com

This brush will cling to every lash for a curl that will actually hold and stay clump-free.

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Marc Jacobs Beauty Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara

Credit: Sephora

Buy It: $26; sephora.com

With almost 2,500 5-star reviews on Sephora, this volumizing mascara is being praised for its results. If your lashes are long and straight, this would be a great pick for volume, but if they’re short, the brush might be too thick for even application.

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Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara

Credit: Tarte Cosmetics

Buy It: $23; tartecosmetics.com

This natural mascara has reached cult status as a favorite for plush, long lashes. No worries—it comes in a waterproof version, too. 

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Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara

Credit: Sephora

Buy It: $29; sephora.com

If your goal is major volume, this mascara is the one for you. With one coat of this formula, you’ll immediately see the va-va-voom effect, and multiple coats will look like falsies.  

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By Mary Shannon Wells