The right mascara does more than darken your lashes - it lifts, separates, and holds a curl that keeps your eyes looking open and bright all day. These five picks are the best mascaras for curling and lifting lashes in 2026, covering drugstore bargains through cult-status prestige picks. Whether you want sky-high volume or precise separation, there’s a formula here for every lash type.
| Product | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise | Max volume | Feathery volume brush |
| Maybelline Sky High | Length + lift | Flexible brush for lift |
| CoverGirl LashBlast Volume | Buildable volume | Patented volume brush |
| Benefit Roller Lash | Curl and lift | Hook ‘N’ Roll brush |
| NYX On the Rise Volume Liftscara | Budget prestige | Lifting curved wand |
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
L’Oréal Lash Paradise has been a drugstore best-seller for years because it delivers feathery, full-coverage volume that rivals mascaras at twice the price. The oversized soft-wavy brush coats every lash from root to tip, and the formula builds easily for customizable volume from natural to dramatic. It holds a curl well when layered over a lash curler.
Pros:
- Exceptional volume for a drugstore price
- Buildable formula - natural to dramatic in layers
- Feathery brush coats lashes evenly without clumping
Cons:
- Not waterproof in the standard formula - may smudge in humidity
- Larger brush can be difficult to use on lower lashes
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Sky High became a viral sensation for good reason - its flexible brush bends to lift and separate lashes from every angle, and the fibre-infused formula extends lash length dramatically. It’s particularly effective for lifting straight or downward-pointing lashes because the curved applicator pushes them upward as you apply. The formula is buildable and doesn’t clump even with multiple coats.
Pros:
- Flexible brush lifts and curls lashes effectively
- Fibre formula dramatically extends lash length
- Buildable without clumping - multiple coats work well
Cons:
- Long-lasting formula can be harder to remove
- May flake slightly on very long lashes with excessive layering
CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara
CoverGirl LashBlast is a drugstore classic with a patented volume-boosting brush that has a unique fat, cylindrical shape. The blunt-cut bristles grab lashes and coat them with formula from multiple angles at once, creating maximum volume with minimal effort. It’s one of the easiest mascaras to apply, making it a great choice for mascara beginners or anyone who wants fast results.
Pros:
- Unique brush shape maximizes volume efficiently
- Easy to apply even without lash-curling technique
- Very affordable and widely available
Cons:
- More about volume than curl lift specifically
- May clump if too many coats are applied
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara
Benefit Roller Lash is the prestige pick on this list and one of the only mascaras engineered specifically for curling and lifting as its primary function - not just an afterthought. The Hook ‘N’ Roll brush has hooked bristles that grab lashes at the root, push them upward, and lock the curl in place as the formula dries. The result is an upward curl that holds all day without a lash curler.
Pros:
- Hook ‘N’ Roll brush specifically engineered for lift and curl
- Holds lash curl all day without a separate curler
- Prestige formula with clean, non-flaking wear
Cons:
- Higher price point than drugstore options
- Smaller brush head requires more precision to apply quickly
NYX Professional Makeup On the Rise Volume Liftscara
NYX Professional Makeup bridges the gap between drugstore affordability and professional-quality formulas. The On the Rise Liftscara uses a curved, tapered brush that mimics the shape of a professional lash curler to push lashes upward during application. The formula is buildable and adds volume while the curved wand provides the lift that drugstore flat-brush mascaras often miss.
Pros:
- Curved brush provides genuine lift during application
- Affordable professional-brand quality
- Buildable volume without the stiff, flaky texture of some volumizing formulas
Cons:
- Curl hold is moderate - best layered over a lash curler for maximum effect
- Smaller lashes may not get as dramatic results as those with longer lashes
What to Look For
- Wand shape for lift: Curved, hourglass, or hook-style wands are engineered to push lashes upward - flat or straight wands add volume but don’t curl.
- Buildable formula without clumping: The best curling mascaras build to your desired intensity without gumming lashes together - check reviews specifically for clumping mentions.
- Smudge and flake resistance: Look for mascaras labeled long-wear, tubing, or waterproof if you have oily lids or live in a humid climate.
- Formula weight: Very thick, heavy formulas can pull lashes downward over time and undo a curl - lighter but film-forming formulas hold a lift better.
Final Thoughts
For the best curl and lift combination in a single mascara, Benefit Roller Lash is the prestige winner and Maybelline Sky High is the drugstore champion. If pure volume is your priority and you pair it with a lash curler, L’Oréal Lash Paradise delivers extraordinary fullness for. Any of these five will open up your eyes and hold a curl from morning to night.
Frequently asked questions
What type of mascara wand is best for curling and lifting lashes?+
Curved or hourglass-shaped wands are the most effective for lifting lashes because the shape follows the natural curve of the eye, pushing lashes upward as you apply. Flexible plastic bristle wands also tend to separate and curl more effectively than traditional nylon bristles. For short or straight lashes, a wand with a tight bristle pattern at the base provides extra grip to hold the curl.
Should I use a lash curler before or after mascara for best results?+
Always curl your lashes before applying mascara. Using a lash curler on lashes that are already coated with dried mascara can cause lashes to snap off at the point of the crimp. Curl first, then apply mascara immediately while lashes are still in the lifted position. For extra hold, heat your lash curler briefly with a blow dryer (test on your wrist first) before curling.
How do I keep mascara from smudging throughout the day?+
For smudge resistance, look for mascaras labeled waterproof or tubing. Tubing mascaras form individual tubes around each lash that don't smudge and remove cleanly with warm water. Waterproof formulas resist oil and humidity but require an oil-based remover. Applying a light dusting of translucent powder under your eyes before mascara also catches any fallout before it becomes a smudge.