Besides concealers that allow me to have flawless-looking skin, mascaras are one of my favorite beauty products that I can’t go without. They instantly open your eyes, make them larger, and look less tired. I have short, straight eyelashes with a low density, so I look for black mascaras that provide volume and length (although I occasionally like blue mascara!). After testing out dozens and dozens of mascaras from many different brands over the years, I’ve curated a list of the best mascara for short lashes to make it easier for you to shop if you also have short lashes like me! I also like having options and backups to choose from and switching things up with different alternatives have worked great for me.
Note: Unfortunately, some great mascaras have also been discontinued throughout the years and that includes my all-time favorite Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara!
1 – Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara
Description – This is a volumizing and lengthening mascara that targets every single lash for instant lift and fanned-out volume without clumps.
Size – 8 ml
Price – $27USD / $37 CAD
Why I Like It – I was surprised with how good this mascara is – especially since the lift lasts all-day, it separates my lashes very well, and provides the volume and length I need. It also doesn’t smudge and has great staying power without re-application. The wand has a curled shape to it which helps with application and I never touch my lower or upper lids with this.
2 – Tarte Cosmetics Tartelette Tubing Mascara
Description – This 24-hour flake-free, smudge-proof tubing mascara is long-wearing and clinically shown to visibly volumize, lengthen, and curl the lashes.
Size – 8 ml
Price – $24USD / $32 CAD
Why I Like It – I saw how good the reviews were for this mascara as well as a video on Instagram of it being applied and the results looked really enticing so I had to try it. Silicone mascara wands don’t normally work well for me so I was pleasantly surprised that this mascara lived up to its hype and made my lashes longer and voluminous. There was also no smudging or flaking which is another reason why I like this – I wouldn’t even add this to my best mascaras for short lashes list if it did!
3 – Ilia Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara
Description – This Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner is a clean mascara that lifts, lengthens, holds the curl, and separates the lashes with precision.
Size – 8 ml
Price – $28USD / $37 CAD
Why I Like It – I got this as a sampler from Sephora and originally wanted to redeem for the Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir mascara, but at this point, they were already being discontinued and were sold out everywhere. So I thought I’d give the Ilia Beauty mascara a try and I’m so glad I chose this one out of the other mascaras! This double-sided mascara does a great job of catching and separating the lashes and it also nourishes the lashes.
4 – Uoma Drama Bomb Extreme Mascara
Description – This mascara provides mega volume, major lift, and length to your lashes. The hourglass wand is great for short and long lashes, and it is flake-proof, smudge-proof, and water-resistant. It’s also vegan with ingredients to help strengthen and nourish the lashes.
Size – 10 ml
Price – $19.50 USD / $25 CAD
Why I Like It – I believe I received this mascara in one of my Ipsy monthly orders and I was impressed with how much volume it provided my lashes. It does have a rose scent – which I prefer it not to have – but with the results, I am willing to use keeping using it!
5 – It Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara
Description – This volumizing and lengthening mascara is clinically tested to stretch the look of lashes for wider, longer, and eye-opening results. It was developed with plastic surgeons and is infused with lash-lifting polymers, volumizing collagen, and strengthening biotin for long lashes.
Size – 9 ml
Price – $26 USD / $36 CAD
Why I Like It – This is the type of mascara wand I like and it was perfect for adding volume and length to my lashes. I love that it also has ingredients that actually help nourish the lashes and provide benefits that a lot of other mascaras don’t.
6 – Gucci L’Obscur Lengthening Mascara
Description – Another Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner, the Gucci mascara is buildable and created for a customized look, whether you’re looking for a classic or bold look. The flexible elastomer brush ensures comfort and ease of application and allows you to catch the smallest lashes at the top and bottom corners of the eyes. It also has a long-wearing finish of up to 12 hours.
Size – 6.5 ml
Price – $36 USD / $49 CAD
Why I Like It – I didn’t expect too much from this mascara when I got it, but I was happy to learn that it is one of the best mascaras for short lashes. Although a little pricier with less product than the other mascaras I have listed here, this designer mascara is worth the price tag and provides not only volume and length but also definition. It’s easily buildable and if you want to reapply after it dries, it doesn’t stay dry and is very smooth to apply more if you’d like.
7 – Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes Volume 2 Mascara
Description – With a Hollywood false lash effect, the Charlotte Tilbury Volume 2 mascara is reformulated to give you volume (up to 507%) and thickness and allows for long-wear, smudge-proof, humidity-resistant lashes.
Size – 8 ml
Price – $32 USD / $40 CAD
Why I Like It – I also love this type of mascara wand and it does a great job of giving my lashes tons of volume with little effort. It hasn’t smeared or smudged on me so I can wear it out, especially when I have a long day. This mascara easily made it to the best mascaras for short lashes list!
8 – Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara
Description – Created by Selena Gomez, this volumizing mascara has a unique eye-hugging brush to lift, lengthen, curl, and add volume to every lash type. It’s buildable with a multi-length brush that allows for coverage on every lash.
Size – 13.5 ml
Price – $20 USD / $26 CAD
Why I Like It – This is another great mascara that lasts all day and brings drama to the eyes with volume I very much need. It’s easy to apply and doesn’t smudge on me or give me raccoon eyes. Plus you get the best bang for your buck with this option.
For more beauty recommendations, Shop My Favorites – Makeup.