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Over time, I’ve learned that one word will make my girlfriends and co-workers come runningmascara.
Valerie Fischel
Somehow saying"sheet mask"or"cream blush"doesn’t have the same effect.
The only thing that rivals free mascara isfree wine(understandably).
It’s because mascara is often the one makeup product women can’t leave home without.
Amy Marturana, Health Editor
If you need proof of the power of mascara, you’ve got to see the photos below.
I asked SELF staffers to test out some of the bestselling mascaras on the market.
The tubes I selected were based on bestseller lists from sites likeAmazon,Sephora, andUlta.
Valerie Fischel
These are the ones that women buy again and again.
We tried curling, volumizing, and lengthening formulas, as well as drugstore and prestige picks.
Scroll down to see how each formula looks in a closeup, side-by-side comparison.
Alexis Bennett, Assistant Beauty & Style Editor
The curved wand and inky color of this mascara made our editor Amy’s blonde lashes truly stand out.
It comes with a primer that you apply first before layering on the mascara.
It made my lashes look long and well separated," says Claire.
Valerie Fischel
“The copy on the package promised dramatic-looking volume, and I think it delivered,” says Bari.
“I have long lashes but they are not very thick, and the fibers really bulked them up.
you could see the huge difference below!
Claire Hannum, Lifestyle Editor
It’s gained bestseller status because it darkens and plumps lashes.
“And once it was on, that stuff was NOT coming off!
Try it:$22,sephora.com
Need something to make your light-colored lashes stand out.
Valerie Fischel
This primer plus mascara duo will make even the smallest hairs noticeable.
And according to our tester, you’ve got the option to pile on the layers without clumping.
“This mascara definitely lengthened my lashes and had someamazingstaying power, which I love,” says Alexa.
Bari Lieberman, Senior Fitness Editor
Try it:$8,amazon.com
You’ve likely heard whispers about Better Than Sex before.
It has a cult following on every site that sells the formula.
“Personally, I loved the brush.
Valerie Fischel
“The brush and mascara made my lashes look hella long.
I also liked that I didn’t have to load on the mascara to see a difference.
Just one coat was enough!”
Whitney Thielman, Video Producer
Try it:$23,ulta.com
This natural mascara offered the most dramatic difference, for sure.
It gets tons of points for its lengthening prowess.
“I got a ton of compliments on the drastic transformation,” says Dana.
Valerie Fischel
“My eyelashes (usually very short and thin) doubled in length.
This side-by-side comparison shows how black mascara can really frame bright, blue eyes.
“When I got home, my mom was like, ‘OMG!
Audrey Bruno, Food Reporter
Your eyes look amazing,’ so I guess my lashes really stood out.”
You may also like: 6 Coconut Oil Beauty Hacks That’ll Change Your Life
Valerie Fischel
Nina Bahadur, Deputy Editor
Valerie Fischel
Alexa Tucker, Fitness Reporter
Valerie Fischel
Haley Goldberg, Associate Social News Editor
Valerie Fischel
Dana Davenport, Assistant Photo Editor
Valerie Fischel
Cheryl Carlin, Senior Producer
Valerie Fischel
Jocelyn Runice, Junior Designer
Valerie Fischel
