Nothing Lifts My Stubbornly Straight Eyelashes, Except for These 11 Mascaras

Everyone has their own very specific preferences when it comes to their mascara. Some want a lengthening mascara, whereas others prefer a volumising formula to add bulk to each lash. Some swear by flexible comb wands, whereas others will only let bristle wands near their eyelashes. Personally, I'm all for curling mascaras to help my stubbornly straight eyelashes. However, I've always found it hard to find a mascara that keeps them standing to attention all day long. And that's where lifting mascaras come in.

Previously, I would usually rely on a waterproof mascara to lock the curl in place; however, let's be honest. They can be a pain to remove without a good makeup remover. Some curling mascaras work for me, but some just don't cut it for my stick-straight lashes. However, lifting mascaras do all the heavy lifting, keeping the lashes up from the root for a wide-eyed look.

However, with so many mascaras around, it can be hard to find one that really works. Thankfully, I'm able to test so many mascaras for my job as a beauty editor, so I've listed the best lifting mascaras I've tried below. Trust me, your eyelashes won't flop with these lash-lifting formulas.

Best Lifting Mascaras

• Best Overall: Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara (£28)
• Best Affordable Mascara: L'Oréal Paris Big Deal Mascara (£14)
• Best Lash Lift Mascara: The Ordinary Lash Curl Finisher (£9)
• Best Luxury Mascara: Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara (£31)
• Best Lengthening Mascara: L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Extensionist Mascara (£14)

1. Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara

Honestly, I love all of Lancôme's mascaras, but when it comes to lifting and holding a curl, this is the best one. The curved, flexible wand glides through lashes, lifting, lengthening and defining each one with a silky, featherlight formula that feels soft and comfortable to the touch. One coat delivers a subtle, lifted finish, while a second adds extra drama without any clumping in sight. It’s not the most volumising option out there, but if you lean towards a more naturally defined lash look, you won't be disappointed.

2. Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara

You may have heard a lot of hype around the Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara, and I'm here to tell you that it's justified. Featuring a flexible comb with two bristle lengths, the shorter side works to lift lashes from the root, while the longer, comb-like bristles help to lengthen and separate, and it keeps your lashes lifted all day. It's not technically a tubing mascara formula, but it completely melts away with just warm water between your fingertips, and it's a great mascara for sensitive eyes, too. Available in both black and brown, this mascara is packed with lash-conditioning ingredients like shea butter and beeswax to help keep lashes soft and healthy.

3. L'Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Mascara

I couldn't believe my lashes when I tried this mascara. Admittedly, I've layered up with a few coats of the L'Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Mascara here, but just look at the lift! The bendy wand scoops the lashes up for instant lifting, and it holds in place all day long. It's a great all-rounder that lengthens, curls, lifts and volumises without clumping or looking spidery. Honestly, it rivals some of the more expensive mascaras I've tested, and I'm never without a tube now.

4. The Ordinary Lash Curl Finisher

Okay, The Ordinary Lash Curl Finisher isn't technically a mascara. But if you want the look of a lash lift, but without wearing anything heavy on your lashes, then you have to try this clear mascara. You simply curl your lashes with an eyelash curler, then sweep the clear formula from root to tip, and it locks in the curl all day to make you look like you have naturally curled and lifted lashes. There's a slight tackiness to it if you apply too much, but one coat is enough to hold the curl and give some subtle definition.

5. Lancôme Lash Idôle Curl Goddess Mascara

In case you hadn't already guessed, Lancômes mascaras are amongst some of my favourites, so the second one from the brand in this list, the Lash Idôle Curl Goddess Mascara, is also deserving of a spot in your makeup bag. In comparison to the original Lash Idôle, this one delivers a more dramatic, false lash effect. It lifts lashes up with lasting hold in addition to achieving a generous curl, length and volume for a doe-eyed flutter. I find one coat is more than enough for a dramatic look.

6. Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara Waterproof

Whenever I'm asked for a good waterproof mascara that also delivers on curl and lift, this is the one I recommend. The curved wand of this Dior mascara scoops the lashes up from the root with generous lift and curl, and is easily layered depending on whether you prefer a defined and lengthened look, or something more dramatic with multiple coats. Waterproof formulas such as this one are a great choice if you have stubbornly straight lashes, as the long-wearing formulas work even harder to lock in a curl, ensuring your lashes don't droop throughout the day.

7. Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

I adore just about any Hourglass makeup product that launches, but Hourglass mascaras are next-level. This was one of the first mascaras I tried that truly kept my curled lashes lifted for the entire day. Yes, it has a luxurious price tag to match the formula, but if you want to invest in a luxury mascara, then you won't be disappointed. The flexible wand lengthens, lifts and defines each lash, and it stays put throughout the entire day. It's also a tubing formula, so it removes effortlessly at the end of the day with just warm water.

9. Rimmel Wonder'bond Lash Filler + Hyaluronic Mascara

Rimmel Wonder'bond Lash Filler + Hyaluronic Mascara is one of the best high street mascaras I've tried in the past year, and it has the added bonus of being an incredible nourishing formula for your eyelashes. The curved brush hugs the base of the lashes and grabs onto each and every one to define, lengthen and lift with zero clumps. The only downside? It can be prone to transferring onto the lids, so it's something to be mindful of, especially for hooded eyes.

10. L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Extensionist Mascara

11. Benefit Badgal Bang! Volumizing Mascara

If it's volume and lift that you're after, then you can't go wrong with any of the Benefit mascaras, but the Bad Gal Bang Mascara is in a league of its own. "If a volumising mascara is what you're after, this is the one to invest in," says deputy beauty editor, Grace Lindsay. "I would go as far as to say that this is the best mascara Benefit has ever created, but if you prefer a more natural look, then this probably isn't for you." It really does keep your lashes lifted and curled for the entire day and night, ensuring you look wide-eyed from application to removal at the end of the day.

How We Tested

As beauty editors, we've tested hundreds of mascaras between us, so we've found the best lifting mascaras that get the job done. And as a beauty editor with stubbornly straight eyelashes that struggle to stay lifted with even a curling mascara, I've put each of these lifting mascaras through their paces. I evaluated the overall look of the mascara and how it performed with lengthening, curling and volumising, but most importantly, I took note of which ones held my curl and kept my lashes lifted all day long. Each mascara was worn over several months to ensure its effectiveness.

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.