I Asked 8 Beauty Editors to Drop Their #1 Mascara That Never Ever Clumps

Pros: Targets and volumizes every individual lash, gel formula is lightweight on lashes

Cons: Expensive

"While my lashes are long, they are stubbornly straight and refuse to hold a curl unless I apply a couple of coats of mascara. Some formulas I've tried clump my lashes if I apply more than one, but not with Lancôme Idôle. I can layer this mascara to my heart's content, and it still delivers definition, length, curl, and hold with a glossy finish. Zendaya also uses this mascara, and if it's good enough for her, it's good enough for me." — Eleanor Vousden, beauty editor, Who What Wear UK

Pros: Lengthens and conditions lashes, smudge-free formula, sweat- and humidity-proof

Cons: Not as great in the length department

"My favorite for really fluffy, natural-looking lashes is Victoria Beckham's Future Lash Mascara. The wand is super skinny and grabs onto each individual lash hair, giving it length and lift. Plus, it has a tubing formula, meaning it's super easy to remove with just warm water. Obsessed!" — Chloé Burcham, beauty editor

Pros: Tubing formula never clumps or flakes, buildable, smooth on the lashes

Cons: Hard to remove

"I tried this mascara after beauty editor Katie Berohn recommended it, and it was love at first swipe. Not only is the formula smooth and slick on my lashes (no clumps whatsoever), but it's also incredibly buildable. I usually apply one to two coats, and I have long, fluttery lashes without excessive smudging or flaking. It's a new favorite." — Kaitlyn McLintock, associate beauty editor, Who What Wear

Pros: Instantly delivers volume and length, clump- and smudge-free formula, up to 24 hours of wear, affordable

Cons: None

"I'm a drugstore-mascara connoisseur. After hearing glowing reviews of the Milani Anti-Gravity Mascara from editors and friends, I knew I had to give it a try. This mascara blew me away with its ability to separate, thicken, and lengthen the lashes with zero clumps. For maximum volume and length, I like to wiggle the brush as I apply the mascara, starting from the base of the lashes all the way to the ends. Even after a whole day of wear, there are no flakes on my under-eye area, and my mascara still looks as good as when I first applied it in the morning—a testament to its staying power. Needless to say, this mascara is a part of my everyday makeup routine." — Emma Walsh, associate beauty editor, branded content, Who What Wear

Pros: Provides incredible amount of length, volume, and curl without smudging, oversized brush allows for a more even application

Cons: Expensive

If I could only use one mascara for the rest of my life, it would be YSL's Lash Clash. The volume and length this formula delivers are truly something else. It has also earned the number one spot in my rotation because it never transfers, works amazingly with a lash primer, and never (and I mean never) clumps.

Pros: Lengthens, lifts, and separates each individual lash, contains naturally derived waxes that add the appearance of depth to the lashes

Cons: Expensive

"I am truly so annoyed that I let this mascara collect dust in my cupboard for months before I whipped it out on a whim recently. It's quickly become my new favorite thing and go-to mascara. It's designed to add volume, length, curl, and definition, but it really excels (IMO) in the length, lift, and separation departments. I think the brush—which is slim, flexible, and designed to catch and fan out each and every lash—plays a huge part, but the formula also has three different naturally derived waxes and is subtly infused with an imperceptible hint of red for added depth." — Erin Jahns, beauty director, Who What Wear

Pros: Lash serum-mascara hybrid, hydrates lashes with squalane, natural waxes amplify volume

Cons: Doesn't offer as much length

WWW assistant beauty editor Maya Thomas loves this formula from Rose Inc. It's a rich, glossy serum-mascara hybrid that envelopes the lashes in squalane-treated pigments to lengthen, lift, and fortify.

Pros: Natural-looking formula, lifts and curls lashes without flaking or clumping, brush features tiny hooks for extra lift and curl

Cons: Doesn't offer as much length

Our entire beauty team agrees this one is a winner. This option is a great one that looks really natural (in my humble opinion) and gives a subtle lift and curl to the lashes without flaking or clumping. I've also noticed there is no transfer with this formula—another reason it has quickly become one of my most-used mascaras.

Pros: Weightless and buildable formula, great for sensitive eyes, helps lashes appear thicker with vitamin B5

Cons: Looks more subtle than other options on this list

"I love this mascara because I think it makes my lashes look so long and voluminous without ever clumping, no matter how many coats I put on." — Katie Berohn, beauty editor, Who What Wear

Pros: Exclusive Flex Tower brush bends to add extra volume, doesn't clump or flake, soft and lightweight formula

Cons: None

Lash Sensational is a top choice from Caitie Schlisserman, WWW's beauty director for branded content. The exclusive Flex Tower brush on this one bends to volumize and extend every single lash without causing them to clump up.

Pros: Great for sensitive eyes, defines and volumizes while still looking natural, doesn't flake or transfer

Cons: None

Basically, the entire WWW beauty team has been raving about this one. I haven't gotten my hands on it just yet, but believe me when I say it's next on my list after hearing so many glowing reviews. Equipped with a triple-wave wand to lengthen and define each lash, this formula delivers a clean, non-crunchy finish.

Pros: Weightless and flexible formula never feels clumpy on lashes, adds definition and volume

Cons: Doesn't offer as much length

Both Berohn and Jahns call out Glossier's cult-loved formula as a favorite. It's weightless and flexible and has tiny fibers that coat each individual lash from root to tip to create maximum definition and length. It's designed to hug your natural lashes so closely that people won't even know you're wearing mascara.