This French Brand Produces the Rolls-Royce of Mascaras—6 Unmatched Formulas

As a beauty editor with a decade of experience writing about beauty and testing beauty products for a living, I'm in a privileged position to write about the best new beauty launches each and every month. Although it's always exciting to try new innovations and beauty brands, I firmly believe that some of the best products are from the heritage beauty brands that have stood the test of time. And when it comes to the best mascaras, I'd argue that Lancôme's mascaras are some of the very best of all time.

Before I started working in the beauty industry, I'd often go to the Lancôme beauty counter to choose a new mascara. And between top-ups of Juicy Tubes (IYKYK), I gradually purchased my way through all of the Lancôme mascaras on offer, from Définicils to Hypnôse. I loved them then, and I still love them now. And alongside these classic beauty hall icons, Lancôme has since launched more mascaras that are deserving of a spot in your makeup bag. Take Lash Idôle, which several of my colleagues call their favourite luxury mascara ever. And even those of us with the most sensitive of eyes count these as the best mascaras for sensitive eyes or contact lens-wearers, too.

Whether you're after a lengthening mascara, a curling mascara, or a volumising mascara (or one that does all three), these are the best Lancôme mascaras that are worth your attention.

Best Lancôme Mascaras, Tried & Tested

• Best Overall: Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara
• Best Volumising Mascara: Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara
• Best Lengthening Mascara: Lancôme Lash Idôle Flutter Mascara
• Best Curling Mascara: Lancôme Lash Idôle Curl Goddess Mascara
• Best Buildable Mascara: Lancôme Hypnôse Custom Wear Volumising Mascara
• Best Natural-Looking Mascara: Lancôme Définicils High Definition Mascara

1. Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara

Editor review: It's hard to pick a favourite out of Lancôme's mascaras, but for me it has to be the Lash Idôle Mascara. Featuring a flexible curved wand, it effortlessly lengthens, curls, lifts and defines each and every lash with a silky, lightweight formula that's soft to the touch. One coat gives the effect of a lash lift, but two coats allow you to achieve a more dramatic effect without any hint of clumping. It's not the most volumising mascara around, but if you prefer a naturally defined look to your lashes, then you'll absolutely love it too.

2. Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara

Editor review: If you're familiar with the original Hypnôse formula, then consider Hypnôse Drama Mascara as her more dramatic sister. Featuring a large S-shaped curved wand, the bristles have deep reservoirs that load up on the volume as you sweep it through your lashes. In just a couple of swipes, you have a wide-eyed, volumised look that might get your false-lash accusations. It plumps up every lash and delivers brilliant length and curl, too. Lovers of a natural-looking mascara, scroll on!

3. Lancôme Lash Idole Flutter Mascara

Editor review: I'd consider this mascara in my top three favourites. I personally favour a long and fluttery effect that remains natural-looking for my day-to-day mascara, and this magic wand ticks all the boxes. The wand is flexible but isn't super bendy, so it has just enough resistance to push and lift the lashes up whilst delivering incredible length, thanks to the 480 short micro bristles that extend each lash to its full potential. The result is a natural-looking flutter that's great as an everyday mascara look.

4. Lancôme Lash Idôle Curl Goddess Mascara

Editor review: New to Lancôme's mascara offering is the new Lash Idôle Curl Goddess Mascara, and if you seek curl and lasting hold, then this is the mascara for you. I have stubbornly straight lashes that often flop by the afternoon, but this formula keeps them standing to attention right until I come to take it off in the evening. It has a large curved wand that captures every lash to curl and lift them upwards, and it also does a great job at volumising and lengthening them too. I was surprised at just how lightweight this mascara felt on my eyes, too. My only criticism is that the wand is quite large, and so if you have smaller or hooded eyes, you need to be careful not to get the product on your lids.

5. Lancôme Hypnôse Custom Wear Volumising Mascara

Editor review: Hypnôse is arguably Lancôme's most iconic mascara formula, and it's still good now as when it launched in 2004. What makes it so good? It's extremely versatile. One coat gives you defined yet beautifully volumised lashes, but you can layer it up for more intensity without a hint of clumping. It's a great all-rounder, delivering length, definition, volume and curl all in one. You can even layer on another coat over dry mascara throughout the day, and it never turns spidery. Your lashes will always stay defined and fluttery.

6. Lancôme Définicils High Definition Mascara

How I Tested

I've been wearing Lancôme's mascara for years now, but for this specific review, I wore the brand's most-loved mascaras and newer formulations to put them to the test. I wore each mascara for a couple of days, evaluating how well each lengthened, volumised, curled and defined my lashes. I also took into account how well the mascara lasted throughout the day and whether the formula smudged or irritated my eyes.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.