Gen Z Is Raving About These OG Mascaras — Here’s Why

With frequent makeup releases and impressive innovations constantly hitting the market, it’s not all that common to see products maintain top shelf status for years 一 let alone decades. With changing makeup trends and evolving preferences, it’s understandable that some products get overlooked by newness. 

However, there are a few gems that have stood the test of time 一 including three iconic L’Oréal Paris mascaras. And while some of these holy grail mascaras have been favorites since members of Gen Z were toddlers (in some cases barely conceived), the outspoken generation is singing their praises. 

Keep reading to understand why Gen Z has chosen these incredible mascaras as hero go-tos they’re keeping their eyes on — and in.
 

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara

Though this cult classic mascara launched more than two decades ago, it continues to be a makeup artist favorite and a go-to for many beauty lovers. In addition to lengthening, separating and defining the lashes, it adds intense volume to create the appearance of lashes up to five times their size and thickness. 

And according to creators on TikTok, it creates a false eyelash effect. 

“This $6 mascara makes you look like you have lash extensions,” says @sophiappauline. 

Editor’s tip: You can build it up with multiple coats to create a dramatic look, or you can apply one coat to provide subtle definition that maintains the softness of your lashes.
 

L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara

If the appearance of ultra long lashes is what you’re hoping to achieve, you can’t go wrong with this treasured formula. The skinny flexi brush has a flat side which works to coat your lashes in the formula to give them thickness and added length, while the comb side separates each individual lash for a beautiful fanned out look. 

Arguably the best attribute of this mascara is the clump-free effect it provides. According to @the_little_mua on Instagram, it makes the eyelashes both long and curled sans the clumps. “If you hate clumpy lashes, this is for you!” she says.

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara

This incredible volumizing mascara has received thousands of five star ratings online, and for good reason. It works to plump and define the lashes for a striking look that’s not overdone. Plus, it was recently reformulated with caring ingredients, like floral oils, to ensure the lashes remain soft and conditioned. Not to mention it’s long-wearing, smudge-resistant and clump-resistant.

According to members of Gen Z on TikTok, it even holds a curl without using a lash curler. After applying the mascara, @camila.vilas says “I can’t believe how long and voluminous they look. I didn't use a lash curler or anything.

Not only does it perform, but creators are comparing it to their favorite luxury mascaras 一 and the results speak for themselves. In her video comparing this pick to a $30 prestige option, @karajewel shows the results side by side. “My lashes look so long and so full,” she says in reference to her eye coated in Lash Paradise. 

She then applied the more expensive option to her other eye and the results were nearly identical. Why pay $30 or more for a mascara when you can get the same results with this incredible drugstore option? According to Gen Z, the answer is simply don’t.

Next: Eva Longoria's Favorite Mascara Is This $9 Pick

Written by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo Design: Crystal Simone