Hair Care

12 Worst Mascaras

Did Maybelline, CoverGirl or Revlon eye makeup top this recycle bin-worthy list of mascaras? Find out!

by Kristen Oldham Giordani, Sarah Carrillo

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It's official -- we're obsessed with mascara. If this is surprising to you, let us back up that statement by waxing poetic on all of the reasons why: First, it instantly opens up our eyes. Even when we've been burning the candle at both ends, we still manage to look awake thanks to this fabulous eye makeup we call mascara. Second, it makes us look like we actually have eyelashes -- even those of us who were blessed with blonde (aka invisible) lashes or super fine and stubby ones. Third, it creates an instantly feminine, polished makeup look. Even if it's the only product we take time to apply, it helps us look pulled-together.

Skip ahead to see the list of the 12 worst mascaras now.

So now that we've convinced you that mascara should be the go-to product for all women, it's time to let you in on a few other tidbits. Like, not all mascaras were created equal. How do we know this? Well... let's just say that we've tried enough of them to prove it. What's even better is that our readers have too. Thanks to them we have a list of the mascaras that produce lack-luster lashes (try saying that three times fast). Peruse their feedback to learn which mascaras you should steer clear of -- unless you want flaky raccoon eyes, of course. And hey, if you unknowingly bought one of the eye makeup products on this list already, these mascara tips may help salvage your look:

Tip 1: Improve lash separation by applying your mascara in a swift, zigzag motion from lash root to tip as opposed to one sweeping motion.
Tip 2: Dab the tip of your mascara wand on a tissue to get rid of the glob that tends to form there. It will prevent you from getting uneven, goopy product distribution.
Tip 3: If you use a lash primer, particularly a white one, wait 10 to 30 seconds for the primer to dry before applying your mascara. It will keep the color from looking diluted (i.e. gray instead of black).

See the worst 12 mascaras now.

Image via Imaxtree

SEE NEXT PAGE: No. 12: Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara, $23.50

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products mentioned

Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara

4.4

Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length...

5.7

Avon DARING DEFINITION Mousse Mascara

3.8

Smashbox Bionic Mascara

3.5

E.L.F. Earth and Water Mascara Duo

4.3

Wet n Wild MegaPlump Mascara

3.8

Nars Mascara

4.2

Revlon 3D Extreme Waterproof Mascara

3.2

Vincent Longo The Curl Mascara

3.6

Avon ASTONISHING LENGTHS Mascara

3.8

Revlon Fabulash Mascara

6.2

Revlon Doubletwist Volumizing Mascara

2.0

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Older comments

I was going to try the Maybelline Lash Stiletto...Nevermind. Thank you !

by Laurahdz Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 03:11PM Report as inappropriate

I've tried the Maybelline Lash Stiletto and I completely agree...my lashes were so clumped it looked like I has three gigantic lashes.

by BlondeCupcake Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 08:55PM Report as inappropriate

I'm glad to say that I do not own any of these. Nothing gets me more irritated then when I spend my hard earned money on products that don't work!

by PrincessKim81 Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 11:40AM Report as inappropriate

Add to this disappointing mix Stila's "Stay All Day Waterproof Volumizing Mascara." There is little volume and a great deal of flaking.

by GigiSD Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 04:44PM Report as inappropriate

good article. haven't tried all of these but now I won't.

by butterfly11 Friday, March 15, 2013 at 04:01PM Report as inappropriate

what a waste of money some of these are! I have recently been wearing Smashbox Full Exposure and I love it however I usually stick to my tried and true Maybelline with the pink bottle and green lid.

by krista_dailey Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 11:31AM Report as inappropriate

I agree with the Revlon 3d which is now discontinued. It clumped and was impossible to take off (even the washable version!)

by emjay Friday, February 8, 2013 at 08:13AM Report as inappropriate

I liked the stiletto mascara.

by yestfl Friday, February 1, 2013 at 10:14AM Report as inappropriate

Mascara has to be replaced every two or three months right? I think the worse mascara I tried was smashbox one, I forgot the name but it just clumped my lashes.

by Misselizabeth Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 12:12AM Report as inappropriate

I've never happened to try any of these...I must say, most of Revlon's mascara brushes are really weird.

by Chantilly Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 01:23AM Report as inappropriate