Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for in a curling mascara?

Loiz always looks for a lightweight formula when it comes to curling mascaras, because too-heavy formulas will drag the curl straight down. “A curved brush that fits along the lash line helps lift from the root,” she adds. She also prefers formulas that dry down to a flexible finish, so the lashes stay lifted without feeling crunchy or flaking, which is also what Wlodarski calls “the sweet spot.” Another key tip: Looking for a waterproof formula will help your lift last through the end of the day.

What’s the difference between curling mascaras and other mascaras?

Curling mascaras are specifically designed to hold shape rather than just add volume or length, says Loiz. “They usually have a lightweight formula and a curved brush that helps guide the lashes in an upward direction,” she explains. Similar to how an eyelash curler shapes and lifts your lashes, Wlodarski says curling mascaras help your eyes look more open.

Meet the experts

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best curling mascaras, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.