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Byrdie / Kevin Liang
If you like the full, fluttery look of false eyelashes but aren't thrilled about glue-on strips or the price of extensions, you might consider fiber mascara. Fiber mascara formulas contain natural or synthetic microfibers (almost like teeny-tiny shreds of thread) made of rayon, nylon, silk, cellulose, or sometimes collagen.
"These fibers attach to the lash hair for a bulked-up effect and a more lengthened look," explains Nicole Pigott, a brand manager for Rocasuba, Inc. a company that develops cosmetics.
Fiber mascara is similar to tubing mascara in that it coats the lashes with a plasticky material. However, it also typically contains the creamy waxes and silicones you'd find in regular mascara, so you get the best of both worlds.
We did a deep dive into the best fiber mascaras out there, and took some of the top-rated formulas for a spin. During testing, we took note of how the mascara went on, how it held up throughout the day, and how easily it came off. We then combined these results with the rest of our research of fan favorites plus makeup artist-recommended picks to create this list of all-star fiber mascaras.
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Fine-bristled brush
Doesn't flake
Easy to remove
Contains PEGs
When it comes to fiber mascaras, DHC Double Protection is in a league of its own. This Japanese mascara calls on polymer fibers to create a strong, flexible coating around each lash all while adding length and fullness. A single sweep offers a highly pigmented black color.
We love how the fine-bristled brush ensures smooth, clump-free application on even our smallest, finest hairs. And the moisture-resistant formula is unlikely to smudge, smear, or flake but still washes off easily with warm water. The only thing we don’t love is that it contains polyethylene glycol (PEGs. Although they are considered safe by the FDA, the process of producing PEGs can create carcinogenic byproducts, which makes some experts wary.
Who It’s For
This lash-boosting formula is our top pick for virtually anyone and everyone. A great all-rounder for fluttery lashes that last.
Size: 0.2 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No (water-resistant) | Cruelty-Free: No
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Waterproof formula
Sculpted length
Resists smudging
Hard to remove
Promising a false-lash effect for only a few bucks, Lash Princess is a solid choice that performs similarly well to the more expensive varieties. This waterproof mascara coats lashes with tiny nylon fibers and a blend of waxes to bulk, sculpt, and lengthen. Just note that since it’s waterproof it can be hard to remove, so have specific eye makeup remover at the ready.
Who It’s For
This affordable fiber mascara proves you can get a false lash look on a tight budget.
Size: 0.4 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Byrdie /Tamara Staples
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Byrdie / Tamara Staples
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Dramatic effect with two-step process
Primer included
Volumizing
Contains PEGs
Prone to flaking
L'Oréal X Fiber is available at drugstores everywhere for a reason—it works. The dual-ended tube has an adhesive gel eyelash primer on one side (step one) and a nylon-infused black mascara on the other (step two) to deliver ultra-dramatic lashes with maximum volume. On the downside, the formula does contain PEGs and some reviewers say that it’s prone to flaking.
Who It’s For
This beauty stable is as effective as it is accessible at your local drugstore.
Size: 0.4 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No
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Strengthening
Buildable volume
Award-winning product
Contains fragrance
Despite its higher price point, Diorshow has a devoted following because it creates show-stopping lashes. This iconic mascara now contains silk protein and nylon microfibers to strengthen and lengthen, while the jumbo brush encourages buildable volume. Not only is this mascara effective, but it’s also somehow made from 90% naturally derived ingredients, including cornflower extract to hydrate and condition lashes.
Who It’s For
Diorshow is a beloved beauty favorite that’s worth the investment. It does contain a very small amount of synthetic fragrance though, which may irritate sensitive skin types.
Size: 0.3 ounces | Shades: Black, brown, blue | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No
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Curling brush
Exaggerated length
Highly pigmented
Contains BHT
"When choosing a mascara, the wand is very important," says makeup artist Andreea Ali. It helps distribute the formula, shape, and volumize. One might even say without the wand the formula isn't worth much. In addition to the perfectly tapered brush that provides a curling effect from root to tip, this mascara leans on 5-millimeter-long fibers to provide exaggerated length.
Who It’s For
If you’re particular about your mascara wands, MAC’s perfectly tapered brush won’t let you down. However, the product does contain small amounts of BHT, a preservative that poses a high risk for allergies and immunotoxicity and a moderate risk for cancer—we suggest avoiding it if that irks you.
Size: 0.4 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No
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Skinny brush
Doesn't smudge
Easy to remove
Not ideal for fine lashes
This mascara from Kevyn Aucoin has a skinny brush that's perfect for coating your bottom lashes. And since the volume-building polymer fibers create a tubing effect, you won't have to worry about smears or smudges in the tricky under-eye area.
During testing, we were impressed by its lengthening and volumizing effects and all-day staying power. However, those of us with finer eyelashes found the formula a bit sticky and clumpy.
Who It’s For
If you have trouble coating your lower lashes with traditional brushes, this ultra-skinny one will get the job done effortlessly. It’s better suited to people with thicker lashes.
Size: 0.2 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No
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Byrdie / Ashley Rebecca
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Byrdie
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Byrdie
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Two brush sizes
Resists smudging
Doesn't flake
Contains PEGs
We love a dual-ended mascara to help us evenly coat every lash, and Omolewa makes an excellent.. While both sides contain the same fiber-infused formula, there’s a larger brush on one side for your upper lashes and a skinnier wand on the other for the bottom row, which is often less voluminous.
The formula promises to be smudge-proof and clump-free, and comes in classic black and electric blue hues (for those less than traditional events). It contains PEGs though, which is something to be aware of.
Who It’s For
This dual-ended mascara gives you a choice of brush depending on which lashes you’re targeting, making it useful for precise application.
Size: 0.4 ounces | Shades: Black, blue | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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All-day staying power
Bulks and thickens
Clean, cruelty-free formula
Slightly clumpy
"Volumizing formulas are great for everyone," says makeup artist Tony Tulve. "It's the quickest way to bring instant attention to the eyes." We really like Milk's Kush formula, which calls on hollow, heart-shaped fibers to bulk and thicken each individual hair. Hemp-derived cannabis seed oil conditions, while vegan "beeswax" keeps fibers locked onto your lashes all day long. All that volumizer can make it slightly clumpy upon application though.
Who It’s For
This popular vegan mascara works wonders for anyone who needs some extra lash volume.
Size: 0.3 ounces | Shades: Blackest black | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Volumizing
Sculpted definition
Easy to remove
Contains BHT
We love a curled lash look—not only does it make lashes appear longer, but it helps your eyes look bigger (read more doe-eyed). Fenty's Full Frontal mascara is infused with nylon to pump up the volume and add length while keeping your lashes flexible. The unique formula and “flat-to-fat” brush also help create a sculpted definition and sky-high curl. Our one criticism is that the formula contains BHT.
Who It’s For
If your lashes tend to grow pretty straight, this mascara will curl them upwards giving you that coveted Betty Boop wide open eye look.
Size: 0.4 ounces | Shades: Black, green, burgundy | Waterproof: No (water-resistant) | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Ophthalmologist tested
Doesn't flake
Easy to remove
Contains PEGs
Let’s face it, most of us wish our lashes were longer, right? As its name suggests, Maybelline Illegal Length delivers visibly longer lashes. The fiber-infused formula, together not only coats each hair but also builds onto the tips to create the look of eyelash extensions. The brush helps secure the fibers to each lash thanks to its six contact points. While it creates virtual lash armor, we love that it only takes a few passes with a remover-soaked pad to remove this formula.
Who It’s For
This lengthening mascara takes lashes from short and stubby to long and fluttery with a couple of swipes.
Size: 0.2 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No
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Sweat/humidity-resistant
Volumizing
Lengthening
Contains BHT
Hard to remove
Waterproof formulas are useful for so many occasions—going straight from the gym to the office, weddings, or just the average stressful day. We love Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara’s fiber-rich formula. It delivers thicker, fuller, longer-looking lashes with each swipe, coating every hair with its perfectly tapered brush. Best of all, the waterproof formula promises to be sweat and humidity-resistant for up to 10 hours. On the downside, it contains BHT and can be hard to remove, so stock up on eye makeup remover and cotton balls.
Who It’s For
If you prefer a waterproof formula, this one does the trick, come rain, tears, or sweat.
Size: 0.4 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Flexible formula
Volumizing
False look
Prone to flaking
Though mascaras often get clumpy when you apply multiple coats, this is a non-issue with Lorac. The brand's fiber formula offers flexible, buildable volume and noticeably fuller, false-look lashes. Although it stays remarkably clump-free, some reviewers found the formula a little flakey (and we don’t mean it doesn't show for dinner dates).
Who It’s For
Whether you want to take several passes over your lashes or like to reapply throughout the day, this buildable mascara promises dramatic results without clumping.
Size: 0.5 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Built-in primer
Serious staying power
Helps strengthen and grow lashes
Aesthetician’s Choice award winner
Doesn’t clump or flake
Prone to smudging
Pigott stands behind this serum-mascara hybrid. "The fibers in RapidGlam are extremely fine, non-irritating, and ideal for building a longer-looking, fuller appearance," she tells Byrdie. "They don't poke and protrude but blend beautifully into the formula and adhere smoothly onto the lashes."
This mascara is also infused with RapidLash enhancing serum, which is proven to help strengthen and grow eyelashes using ingredients like biotin (AKA vitamin B7, a nutrient that supports hair strength and growth) and amino acids (proteins known to hydrate and protect against free radicals such as pollution).
Who It’s For
This hybrid mascara and serum not only provides a false lash look but also works to strengthen and grow your lashes over time—great for those looking for more permanent longer lashes.
Size: 0.15 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Thickening
Lengthening
False look
Slightly messy
Fiber mascara is always here for drama, but when you’re looking to go full glam, only the longest, fullest lashes will do. This Fiberwig mascara coats each hair with a smooth, plasticky film to create the look of dramatic, full-flutter extensions. It also hydrates and nourishes lashes with hydrolyzed silk, honey, and royal jelly, improving their condition over time. The formula can get a little messy though, according to some reviewers.
Who It’s For
If you’re after the thickest, fullest, longest lashes, this Japanese mascara won't let you down.
Size: 0.3 ounces | Shades: Black, brown, navy | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Lifts and lengthens
Encourages lash growth
Doesn't flake
Doesn’t curl lashes well
Shorter lashes can be a pain to lengthen since it’s harder for mascaras to adhere to them. But EM Cosmetics has a workaround thanks to its formula. True to its name, Pick Me Up Mascara lifts and lengthens with lightweight fibers and tubing technology, so it grabs short lashes without weighing them down. It also fortifies them with ingredients like hydrating pro-vitamin B and hyaluronic acid, and growth-stimulating rice extract. While the formula does a great job of lengthening, reviewers noted it wasn’t the best for curling lashes.
Who It’s For
If your eyelashes are naturally short or growing back, this one will help them look longer while also growing them longer over time.
Size: 0.2 ounces | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Where We Stand
Overall, our favorite fiber mascara is DHC Perfect Pro Double Protection Mascara, a polymer-infused formula that creates strong, flexible fullness while adding noticeable length. We also loved our budget pick, Essence Lash Princess False Effect for its smudge-proof false lash look.
How We Tested & Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best fiber mascaras on the market in this category, evaluating their key features, such as how it applies versus stays on versus comes off. We delved into reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We also tested several options for days at a time and then collaborated with a makeup artist to ensure we made the best picks.
Attributes we evaluated each fiber mascara on:
- How the mascara went on
- How it held up throughout the day
- How easily it came off
- Ingredients
What to Look for in a Fiber Mascara
- Ingredients: When selecting a fiber mascara we suggest looking for a clean formula like Milk Makeup Kush High Volumizing Mascara that’s free of potentially harmful ingredients like phthalates (solvents linked to potential health issues) and formaldehyde (a known carcinogen).Since fiber mascaras are more prone to flaking—and thus potentially entering your eye—it’s better if those substances are mostly natural and/or non-irritants.
- Formula: Opt for a formula that is medium-weight so that your eyelashes don’t get weighed down throughout the day. Thicker mascaras are known to clump whereas thin mascaras don’t hold onto the lashes, especially when infused with fibers.
- Brush: Everything goes back to the brush when choosing a mascara. You’re going to want a brush that separates the eyelashes and infuses them with volumizing fibers. A tapered brush, like the one this MAC Cosmetics Magic Extension 5MM Fibre Mascara has does a good job of grabbing lashes at the root to create volume and length.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a contributing commerce writer at Byrdie. For this story, she compiled insights and product recommendations from three experts, including two makeup artists and a brand manager for a cosmetics distributor. She pored over ingredient lists on dozens of mascaras, combed through reviews, and looked at remarks from our home testers before narrowing down the final products. She has tried mascaras from several brands on this list and is particularly fond of DHC, Kevyn Aucoin, Dejavu, Milk, and Dior.
Additional guidance was provided by: Andreea Ali, a professional makeup artist based in Paris, France, and Nicole Pigott, a brand manager for Rocasuba, Inc.
Byrdie contributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article in November 2023 to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on Byrdie’s list.
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