The Best Lengthening Mascaras to Instantly Transform Your Lashes

Most beauty trends have their moment in the spotlight before fading into the background. But when it comes to eye makeup, nothing compares to the impact of lengthening mascara for creating long, sleek, and defined lashes. Not all mascaras are created equal, which is why we’ve rounded up the best lengthening mascaras from L’Oréal Paris to help you achieve the lashes you dream of. Keep reading to discover which formulas, brushes, and techniques will instantly transform your look. 

What Does a Lengthening Mascara Do?

A lengthening mascara is designed to elongate your lashes, making them look extended, sleek, and well-defined. These formulas often include lengthening fibers or pigments that adhere from root to tip, helping each lash reach new heights. The result is the illusion of longer lashes that instantly brighten and open up your eyes.

Benefits of Using a Lengthening Mascara

Using a lash lengthening mascara can transform your look in subtle but powerful ways, giving your eyes an instant boost and enhancing your overall makeup look. Here's what lengthening mascaras can do for you:

• Create the look of naturally long lashes without the need for falsies, while keeping lashes soft and flexible.
• Open up the eyes, creating a youthful, wide-awake effect that complements both minimal and full glam styles.
• Enhance the appearance of eye shape by drawing attention upward and outward for a lifted effect.
• Can often be layered with a volumizing mascara to deliver length, volume, and definition all at once.

Which Is Better: Volumizing or Lengthening Mascara?

Both volumizing and lengthening mascaras serve their purpose, but they’re different tools in your beauty arsenal. Lengthening mascara focuses on extending and separating your lashes, giving them sleek definition. Volumizing mascara builds thickness and density for a fuller effect. Neither one is better than the other, and many makeup lovers use them together for the ultimate bold, long lash look.

What Mascara Gives the Best Length?

When it comes to finding the top mascaras for length, L’Oréal Paris has a range of innovative formulas and brushes that truly deliver. Here are some of the best lengthening mascaras to add to your routine:

L’Oréal Paris Extensionist Washable Mascara

This long lash mascara is designed to create a dramatic, extension-like effect, with lashes that can appear up to 5 mm closer to your brows while delivering sculpted curl, volume, and length that lasts up to 24 hours. Its sculpting comb brush, featuring over 300 bristles, helps separate and curl each lash for instant elevation, while the made-to-extend formula with magnetic pigments and lengthening fibers adheres lash to lash for bold, defined results. For extra durability and all-day wear, try the L’Oréal Paris Extensionist Waterproof Mascara.

L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara

The Telescopic mascara is a fan favorite for good reason. Its combination brush features a flat side to lengthen and a comb side to separate, delivering sleek and clump-free results. This is a classic go-to for anyone wanting defined, elongated lashes without the mess.

L'Oréal Paris Big Deal Buildable Waterproof Mascara

Perfect for drama lovers, this lash lengthening mascara offers endlessly buildable volume and extension. Its jumbo cross-conic brush evenly coats every lash while separating and lifting with clump-resistant results. With its Self-Smoothing Complex, lashes stay soft and lightweight. It’s waterproof, long-lasting, and ideal for bold statement looks.

L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Waterproof Mascara

For those who crave visibly lifted and lengthened lashes, this Telescopic mascara delivers. Infused with ceramides, its formula strengthens while the patented double-hook brush coats and separates every lash. The result: a gorgeous, fanned-out long lash mascara effect that stays put.

Tubing mascara fans will love this innovative option. The nourishing base coat strengthens lashes with ceramides, while the tubing formula wraps each lash in lightweight tubes. You’ll see up to 80 percent longer lashes with a clean, smudge-resistant finish that removes easily with warm water.

Tips for Applying Lengthening Mascara Like a Pro

The way you apply your mascara can make all the difference, so it helps to follow a clear step-by-step process:

Step 1. Prep your lashes

Start with an eyelash curler to give your lashes an instant lift. If you want extra grip and impact, apply a primer like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Primer/Base from root to tip and let it dry.

Step 2. Apply your lengthening mascara

Beginning at the root, wiggle the wand upward to coat each lash evenly. Focus on layering one or two coats of your chosen lengthening mascara, brushing through with a lash comb, if needed, for extra separation.

Step 3. Build for definition

Add a second coat for added impact, or layer with a volumizing mascara, such as the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara, for fuller lashes. Take your time applying, and add a little extra to the tips for maximum elongation.

Mistakes to Avoid When Using Lengthening Mascara

Even the best mascara can fall short if applied incorrectly. Avoid these common mistakes for flawless results:

• Over-applying and creating clumps: Too many coats can make lashes stick together. Keep it to two or three layers at most, unless the formula is expressly designed for layering.
• Using expired mascara: Mascaras generally expire within three to six months. An expired formula won’t perform as well, can become clumpy, and may harbor bacteria, which can lead to irritation.
• Forgetting to remove mascara before bed: Leaving mascara on overnight can weaken lashes and cause breakage. Always remove your makeup before going to sleep.

Next Up: Why Brown Mascara Might Be Your Everyday Beauty Game-Changer

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris