Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (2025)

My husband often says he hopes our future kids inherit his eyelashes, and I can’t disagree with him. His lashes are naturally dark, long, and full. He won the genetic lottery. My lashes, on the other hand, are short, stubby, and more or less non-existent without mascara. The good news is that my reliance on mascara has made me an expert in the category. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of mascaras for short lashes from high street brands, clean brands, luxury brands, and more. Some formulas sadly don’t do much, but a few are truly incredible at giving short lashes lots of length, volume, and fullness. Check out a few of my favourites here:

Our top picks of best mascaras for short lashes, 2025:

Keep scrolling for the full list of the best mascaras for short eyelashes – plus a few genius (and pro) tips to know when shopping for a new mascara for your short lashes.

1

Best mascara for short lashes overall

Charlotte Tilbury Exaggereyes Volume Mascara

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Pros
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (12)Promises 28 (!) hours of wear time
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (13)Contains jojoba wax to condition lashes
Cons
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (14)Packaging is a bit clunky and heavy

Yes, this mascara is on the pricey side but it's worth every single penny, IMO. I absolutely love how long and voluminous it makes my typically short lashes look. If you’re after a natural lash look this prob isn’t for you, but if you want people to comment on your lashes and ask what mascara you’re wearing, please meet your new go-t0. Plus, it's a tubing mascara, meaning it's super easy to remove.

Waterproof? No

Shades: Black

Glowing customer review: “I think I found my new favourite mascara. It gives my lashes length and volume. I walked up and down New Orleans in the humid heat and it did NOT smudge or make me look like a raccoon!”

2

Best thickening mascara for short lashes

Grande Cosmetics GrandeDRAMA Intense Thickening Mascara with Castor Oil 9g

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Pros
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (16)Contains castor oil to help condition lashes
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (17)Does not budge/transfer
Cons
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (18)Because it doesn't budge, it can be hard to fully remove
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (19)Can get a bit flaky if you apply too many coats

I love this thickening mascara's hourglass-shaped wand for coating all my teeny lashes. It's plush but not too dense and really allows me to work the formula between my lashes, individually thickening and separating each lash for a super thick and dramatic look. It gives a similar finish to that of falsies or magnetic lashes.

Waterproof? No

Shades: Black

Glowing customer review: "This is seriously the best mascara I've tried in a long time. It really thickens lashes and makes them look like I'm wearing falsies."

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3

Best brown mascara for short lashes

Tower 28 Makewaves Mascara in Drift

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Pros
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (21)Vegan, cruelty-free, and made with clean ingredients
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (22)Tested to be safe for sensitive eyes
Cons
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (23)Some reviewers say it can tend to get flaky
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (24)Mini size only comes in black, not brown

I'm super pale, so black mascaras tend to look harsh against my skin. Hence why I love this brown mascara from Tower 28. Not only does it make my short lashes look long and fluttery, but it comes in a beautiful, rich brown shade (drift) that looks natural against my skin tone – especially during the day or when I'm doing a minimalist makeup look.

Waterproof? No

Shades: Black and brown

Glowing customer review: "I have NEVER been blown away by a beauty product, especially mascara until I tried this! I have very short eyelashes and after using this mascara it looks like I have natural false lashes with zero clumping.”

4

Best lengthening mascara for short lashes

IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara - Black 9ml

Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (25)

Pros
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (26)Truly mimics the effect of false lashes
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (27)Formulated with polymers, biotin, collagen, and peptides to condition lashes
Cons
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (28)Some reviewers complained that the formula tends to dry out quickly in the tube
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (29)Wand can sometimes apply too much product

All mascaras for short lashes lengthen to some degree, but this lengthening mascara from IT Cosmetics takes things to another level. Whenever I use it, people always ask me if I'm wearing extensions. It's an easy way to instantly dial up my lashes without worrying about drying them out or causing damage.

Waterproof? No

Shades: Black

Glowing customer review: “I’m a mascara snob, and this one was so impressive! It’s definitely one of the most lengthening mascaras and creates a wispy effect. It’s not clumpy either, so it separates very well. It really made it look like I had lash extensions.”

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5

Best curling mascara for short lashes

REFY Lash Sculpt

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Pros
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (31)Curved wand eliminates the need to use a lash curler before mascara
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (32)Testers say it gave their lashes the same effect as a lash lift
Cons
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (33)Formula tends to flake, especially toward the end of the day
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (34)Not compatible with all eye shapes

I'm normally hesitant to use curved mascara wands like this since they can take some trial and error to get used to, but Refy's legit couldn't be easier to use. It hugs every last lash to create curl, lift, and length. Literally one swipe evenly fans out my lashes and gives me the same effect as lash extensions but for a fraction of the price.

Waterproof? No

Shades: Black

Glowing customer review: “I’ve been using this mascara for the past few days, and let me tell you, it’s AMAZING!! It doesn’t clump and is very buildable. I’ve been wearing it for the past 10 hours and the curl hasn’t budged!!”

6

Best affordable mascara for short lashes

Revolution 5D Whip Lift Mascara

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Pros
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (36)Smaller brush head makes it easy to coat inner lashes and bottom lashes
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (37)Excellent quality for the price
Cons
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (38)Testers say you need to clean the wand weekly to prevent the clumps

Don't be fooled by the price tag. At just £9.99, this mascara performs just as well as prestige options that cost triple the amount. The lengthening and volumising effect it has on my lashes is beyond impressive – plus it's infused with argan and castor oils to keep my lashes soft and conditioned. I also love how the smaller-sized wand makes it easy to reach those tiny inner-corner lashes.

Waterproof? No

Shades: Black

Glowing customer review: “No flaking or melting—just long, separated, dark-pigmented lashes. I’m throwing all my other mascaras away!”

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7

Best clean mascara for short lashes

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara

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Pros
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (40)Easily washes away with water
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (41)Contains organic shea butter to soften and condition lashes
Cons
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (42)Easily washes away with water (aka, not cry-proof)
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (43)Some testers say it made their lashes super pigmented, but not much more voluminous

Ilia's all-natural mascara is a favourite among Cosmo editors and makeup artists – and it’s easy to see why. It has a dual-sided brush that lifts, lengthens, holds a curl, and separates your lashes. No matter how many different mascaras I try, I always make sure to have this in my makeup bag because I trust it to lift my normally short, straight lashes for any occasion.

Waterproof? No

Shades: Black

Glowing customer review: “Buying mascara is the hardest thing for me because I’m allergic to most of the popular ones, and anything I don’t react to usually doesn’t work well. I purchased this mascara today and I love it. My eyes and skin aren’t reacting to it, and it has doubled the length and thickness of my lashes."

8

Best dramatic mascara for short lashes

NARS Climax Mascara - Explicit Black

Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (44)

Pros
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (45)Formula is really lightweight and buildable
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (46)Testers (myself included) love the luxe looking packaging
Cons
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (47)Some testers say it can create lots of fallout and flaking

For when I have big plans and really want a dramatic lash moment, this mascara from Nars is my bestie. The full, dense brush coats lashes in jet-black pigments for a super thick effect without weighing your lashes down. The long-lasting formula is ideal for nights out too since it rarely smudges or clumps either.

Waterproof? No

Shades: Black

Glowing customer review: “My new favourite mascara. No smudges or flaking. Dramatic curled lashes. Gives good volume and length too. I can’t think of one con. All pros.”

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9

Best tubing mascara for short lashes

Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Mascara

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Pros
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (49)Is easily removed with just warm water
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (50)Boasts an impressive 16 hour wear time
Cons
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (51)Testers say the formula is a bit wet and takes a minute to fully dry

This high street mascara from Milani is hands down my favourite tubing mascara for short lashes. The tapered wand coats each individual lash in tiny tube-like polymers (hence the name tubing mascara) that create long-lasting length, volume, and thickness. Honestly, when you use this mascara it looks like you're wearing strip lashes.

Waterproof? No

Shades: Black

Glowing customer review: "Every mascara i've ever used smudges on me no matter what. This one doesn't!!! It makes my lashes long and full. And its thick so its easy to give my lashes the spidery effect which i personally love."

10

Best clear mascara for short lashes

KIKO Milano 30 Days Extension - Night Treatment Booster Mascara 8ml

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Pros
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (53)Helps grow short lashes with continued use
Cons
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (54)Takes about a month of daily use to work
  • Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (55)Some testers with sensitive eyes said it caused itchiness

Okay so this isn't technically a mascara, but I'm adding it to the list because it has done WONDERS for my short lashes. The combo of keratin and brown algae extract work together to condition, strength and, with continued use, lengthen lashes too. I used it religiously each day and noticed a difference in my lashes after about a month. The directions say to use it at night, but I used it during the day and found that the clear coat actually enhanced my natural lashes a bit which is nice for no makeup makeup looks.

Waterproof? No

Shades: Clear

Glowing customer review: “I’ve always had short, thin, blonde eyelashes and felt they were barely noticeable without mascara. I’ve used this product diligently for a month, and I’ve seen a total transformation—a night-and-day difference.”

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What's the best mascara to use for short lashes?

Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (56)

Short lashes are generally sparse, straight, and less fanned out than longer lashes. The best mascaras for short lashes help address all three of these issues by adding volume, curl, and separation to lashes in addition to length. The wand type is key for getting this result. “For short lashes, you want to make sure you choose a mascara with a brush that can grab even the smallest baby lashes and make them look longer and fuller,” says makeup artist T. Cooper. A few favourites from this list include Ilia, Makeup Revolution, and Refy.

How do you make short lashes appear longer?

Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (57)

To make my short, stubby lashes appear longer, I like to use mascara with thin silicone bristles to help coat each lash without clumping. Another great choice? A tubing mascara (like Milani’s above), can increase volume to make lashes look bulky without flaking or smudging. Tubing mascara is also easier to remove than traditional mascara, so you don’t have to use harsh cleansers or scrub aggressively with makeup remover to take it off, which helps protect the integrity of your existing lashes, explains Jessie Cheung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness in Chicago.

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Which mascara is best for length and volume?

Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (58)

The best mascara for length and volume should check three boxes. One, it should be clump-free, two it should have conditioning ingredients (like panthenol or argan oil) to help prevent your lashes from getting brittle and snapping, and three it should have a wand with bristles that aren’t too densely packed. Generally, mascaras with evenly spaced silicone bristles will be best for separating and defining your lashes for maximum length and volume.

From: Cosmopolitan US

Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (59)

Jaclyn Smock

Jaclyn Smock is a freelance beauty editor who has written for Allure, Byrdie, The Zoe Report, Well + Good, Real Simple, ELLE.com, and more. She can't live without facials or two-hour naps and loves being the friend you can count on when you need an SPF reapplication, a spritz of perfume, or a hydration reminder.

Short eyelashes? Fear not for these 10 mascaras are game changers (2025)

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