Mascara is one of the best makeup tools to enhance your look when there’s no time for a full beat. But when you look through aisles of the Union Square Sephora or Target, the sheer number of mascara options — from drugstore options to high-end brands — that boast ultra volume or maximum length can be overwhelming. Compiling only my tried-and-true favorites, here are six mascaras that live up to their purpose and work for everyday looks and long nights out.

essence cosmetics lash princess false lash mascara | $5

If you’re looking for a drugstore holy grail mascara, then the essence lash princess is for you. This mascara is drugstore royalty, if you will, and will leave your lashes with intense volume at a reasonable price, making it look like you’re wearing false lashes. The only downside of this pick is that after wearing it for a while, it comes off and becomes flakey, leaving you with raccoon eyes. If you want volumizing lashes for a short amount of time, then this is a good drugstore option. 

Maybelline Lash Sensational Lengthening Mascara | $12

Everyone has that one makeup product they always go back to, such as a favorite lipstick or eyeshadow color that defines most of your photos on Instagram. For me, the Maybelline Lash Sensational Lengthening Mascara is a staple that I always seem to return to. I have tried many pricier mascaras from luxury brands such as Too Faced Cosmetics, and this mascara does the same thing but for about half the price. Its revolutionary fanning brush has ten layers of bristles dedicated to maximizing the volume of your lashes, and the curve of the wand is perfect for getting that voluminous shape. 

Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara | $29

In the era of sustainable and clean makeup, Ilia’s Limitless Lash Mascara is an excellent addition to your collection. Winning the 2019 Allure Best of Beauty award for best clean mascara, this mascara is both professionally and personally approved. With up to a 12-hour wear, your lashes will stay defined for those long nights out. What makes this mascara special is its dual-sided wand: On the shorter side, it lifts and defines your lashes, while the longer side lengthens and separates them. The chemical ingredients in the formula — arginine and biotin — also work to strengthen lashes. Incorporating ethically sourced beeswax, this mascara is a more sustainable option, but it is on the expensive side at almost $30.

Too Faced Better than Sex Volumizing Mascara | $29

One of the most iconic mascaras in the world, partly because of its cheeky name, Too Faced Cosmetics’ Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara is just that good. What this mascara sells is beyond the physical wand: It sells an aura. With a name so bold, it leaves makeup gurus feeling confident and beautiful at work or on a night on the town. Its hourglass-shaped wand separates the lashes and adds volume to them. I highly recommend this mascara if you are employed, but otherwise, there are plenty of other more affordable options on this list that get the job done.

Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara | $22

Selena Gomez is probably one of the few celebrities with a makeup brand that is genuinely worth the purchase. Her mascara, the Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara, is worth adding to your makeup collection, as it is one of the few mascaras I’ve tried that actually doesn’t clump your lashes together. Instead, it provides length and volume to every single lash. This mascara lasts all day, so for those study sessions at Bobst Library and dinner and drinks with friends afterward, your lashes will be present for it all. While Gomez decides between her music, acting and philanthropy career, she should never let go of her makeup guru side, because it is a rare beauty. 

L’oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara | $10

My sister introduced this dupe to me many years ago, and I have found myself consistently coming back to it. It makes your lashes look as voluminous as the Too Faced Cosmetics Better Than Sex does, but it sells for less than half the price. I can guarantee there is no flaking or clumping with this mascara, and it lasts me through hours and hours of classes and long nights out. Even when I sweat off most of my makeup, my lashes are always intact. Pair this mascara with a decent lash curler, and people will ask you if you are wearing lash extensions. 

Contact Pritheva Zakaria at [email protected].