17 Best Mascaras for Short Lashes That Will Transform Your Look
Mascara is a multi-purpose cosmetic upshot that quickly transforms any appearance by defining eyes and providing a striking contrast against a glamorous eyeshadow. However, selecting the best mascara for short lashes may be difficult as the requirement is to highlight them without making them seem fake or clumpy — and a good product should be able to make your lashes longer, sexier, and bolder!
The length of our lashes plays a significant role in our facial appearance. And when they are too short, one’s eyes look smaller and more sunken, making them look tired and dreary. But, when one’s lashes are longer and curlier, they make their eyes pop out and add a lively, youthful touch to their face!
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
400X Pure Silk Fiber Lash Mascara
LORD & BERRY Back in Black Mascara
Cabaret Lash-Lengthening Black Mascara
CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
L'Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara
ILIA - Limitless Lash Mascara
RevitaLash Cosmetics, Double-Ended Volume Set
In This Article
What Causes Eyelashes to Shorten and Get Thinner?
Here are a few reasons:
1. Genetics: Sometimes, the cause of short lashes is entirely grounded in genetics. While some people have naturally long and curly lashes, others have short, straight lashes that have downward distal ends. While some have thicker, darker, and denser lashes, others have them finer.
2. Stress And Aging: Just like the hair on our scalp, our lashes too have a shedding and re-growth cycle. However, due to factors such as aging, pollution, stress, and poor sleep, the shedding speeds up and growth slows down. Our skin is able to provide inadequate nourishment to the roots of these lashes, which results in thinning.
3. Lousy Makeup Hygiene: People that wear too much makeup too often, or let it sit for too long often experience the shedding and thinning of their lashes. Adding to that, those who take their makeup off clumsily or too aggressively around the eyes, inevitably pull out several strands of lashes. Furthermore, using a heated eyelash curler too often or curling the lashes after applying mascara becomes too harsh on them, resulting in brittle strands that are prone to breakage.
4. Frequent Use of Falsies: No matter how good the quality of your false lashes is, they are heavy on your eyelids and natural lashes to bear. In addition, when the strands of your falsies get tangled with your real lashes, they are likely to break when you take the former off.
While it is imperative to take care of your lashes and overall lifestyle, most beauty enthusiasts and experts recommend finding solace in specialized mascaras to spruce the appearance of your lashes.
Mario Dedivanovic, a celebrity makeup artist who is Kim Kardashian's primary makeup artist for over a decade says, “When applying mascara, always begin at the roots and work your way out. This will help to add length and lift to your little lashes. You can use a lash comb to separate the lashes after applying the mascara. This will help to create a bolder look.” To look for a mascara that helps you achieve this, we delved deep to locate top-rated, high-quality products, including waterproof, clean, and fiber choices to curate the following list for you.
17 Best Mascaras for Short Lashes
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1Most Nourishing Formula
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
A cult-favorite product among makeup enthusiasts, this mascara by Maybelline is designed to give small lashes an extra curl and voluminous look. The brush has an ergonomic shape with flexible bristles, which helps to coat each lash evenly, without clumping for a beautiful, fanned-out look. The formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E and jojoba oil to help keep your lashes feeling soft, fluttery, and healthy.
- Efficient and convenient applicator
- Enriched with nourishing ingredients
- Gives lashes extra curl and a voluminous look
- May smudge or flake throughout the day
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Among the best drugstore lengthening mascaras, this product by Essence is just what you need to add drama to your eye makeup! The mascara provides intense volume, length, and curl for a bold false-lash effect. It is designed with a conic shape fiber brush for easy and even application. The special formula is enriched with provitamin B5 and waxes to care for the lashes.
- Intense volume, length, and curl
- Conically shaped fiber brush
- Formulated with provitamin B5
- 2 Color Options
- May seem heavy for some users
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara
The L’Oreal Paris Makeup Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara is a popular choice among beauty experts and celebrity makeup artists. This mascara boasts an exclusive lengthening brush that can help you get the perfect thin eyelashes. It also contains a unique liquid formula that separates and extends each lash.
- Smudge-proof
- Long-lasting
- The brush can be a bit difficult to maneuver
400X Pure Silk Fiber Lash Mascara
You can count on this fantastic lengthening mascara by Mia Adora to define your eyes and give them an intense look that you can even skip applying an eyeliner! The product is also one of the best non-clumping mascaras in the market, as it glides smoothly and gives a fanned-out look. It contains natural ingredients, such as silk fibers and green tea that coat each lash to help them look their fullest. Moreover, it is waterproof, so it won't smear or tear during the day.
- Natural Ingredients
- Water-proof
- Long-lasting
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-fibre
LORD & BERRY Back in Black Mascara
Give your lashes the drama they deserve with LORD & BERRY's Back in Black Mascara in the shade "Deep Black". Packed with a powerful punch, it provides a great deal of volume and length to your lashes while keeping them conditioned and moisturized. Additionally, it has a natural and hypoallergenic formula while the unique applicator brush ensures that your lashes get clump-free separation and definition. Whether you're going for a natural daytime eye look or a bold and smokey party vibe, this mascara has got you covered. What's more is that it's also cruelty-free, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer conscious makeup.
- Intense color payoff
- Lightweight
- Suitable to be worn with contact lenses
- Hydrating formula
- Smudgeproof
- Longlasting
- Unique fish-shaped applicator
- Vegan and paraben-free
- Hard to remove
Cabaret Lash-Lengthening Black Mascara
Owing to its advanced formula, this mascara for short lashes by Cabaret gives them a longer, fuller appearance while also making them look natural. The tinted black mascara contains lash-lengthening fibers that help to separate and elongate each lash. The unique brush design allows you to coat each lash with precision, while the creamy texture ensures clump-free application.
- Smudge-proof
- Perfect to get thicker lashes
- Voluminous Finish
- May not be suitable for sensitive eyes
- Contains synthetic fragrances
CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
We love that this volumizing mascara by CoverGirl is formulated with only clean ingredients and is devoice of nasties such as isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, etc. Its unique dome-shaped brush helps to build and separate each lash for a fuller, more voluminous look — almost like a tubing mascara — that lasts all day long. Moreover, it is dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for contact lens wearers.
- Provide up to 10x more volume
- Suitable for contact lens wearers
- Unique dome-shaped brush
- Difficult to remove without a makeup remover
Benefit Bad Gal Bang Volumizing Mascara
Benefit Bad Gal Bang Volumizing Mascara is a high-performance volumizing mascara that provides intense length and volume with a feather-light formula. This mascara contains aero-particles, which are one of the lightest known materials, to give lashes a gravity-defying boost of up to 36-hour full-blast volume without weighing them down. The petite, custom-domed brush adds volume from root to tip and the mascara's specialized formula allows for multiple layers without clumping for an even bigger impact.
- Intense length and volume
- Feather-light formula
- Long-lasting
- Custom-domed brush
- Flake off
- Mild fragrance
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
the Balm Cosmetics Mad Lash Mascara
This mascara for short lashes by The Balm has a luscious, creamy formula that glides oh-so-smoothly over your lashes and gives them a dramatic volume that you cannot get enough of! It is formulated to be long-lasting and provides a natural lash look without clumping or smudging. The special brush design helps to ensure that the product is evenly distributed, whereas the formula gives coverage that is very similar to that of high-end tubing mascaras.
- Fluttery lashes
- Lightweight formula
- Longer wear
- Not suitable for oily skin.
L'Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara
To get dramatic lashes that spruce your overall eye makeup, you should get your hands on this product by Loreal Paris as it delivers a luscious coat with every stroke. This mascara is enriched with a unique combination of waxes and intense black pigments to ensure maximum impact. It features a unique “millionizer” brush to separate and coat each lash evenly, so you can get a voluminous look with no clumps. Moreover, it is ophthalmologist tested, so it is safe for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes.
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
- Smudge-proof
- Safe for contact lens wearers
- Poorly designed Wands
- Easily flakes off
ILIA - Limitless Lash Mascara
One of the best mascaras for length and curl, you can count on this product by ILIA to add shape and nuance to naturally short and thin strands. It is formulated with an ultra-black pigment that provides intense color and long wear. It also contains a proprietary combination of natural oils, carnauba wax, and polymers to nourish and maintain the lashes. The lightweight formula ensures the lashes are lifted and separated, without clumping or flaking.
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Organic ingredients
- Safe for sensitive eyes
- Flakes off
- Bit Pricey
4D Silk Fiber Lash Mascara
This mascara is a great choice for creating dramatic lash looks with minimal effort. It is made with a special formula that contains natural silk fibers, which adhere to the lashes to create a bolder, fuller look. The formula also contains vitamins and minerals to nourish and protect your lashes. After trying this product out, we deduced that it does not clump individual lashes together and gives a fanned-out look.
- Inexpensive
- Natural silk fibers
- Contains vitamins and minerals
- Difficult to remove
Grande Cosmetics Grande MASCARA
We love this mascara by Grande Cosmetics as it contains innovative lash-enhancing compounds to give you long, edgy lashes. It's formulated with lash-enhancing ingredients like lengthening fibers, natural oils, and botanical extracts that nourish the lashes. The unique brush-on-brush technology helps to evenly coat and separate each lash for maximum length and volume. It's also paraben, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free.
- Natural oils and botanical extracts
- Unique brush-on-brush technology
- Cruelty and fragrance-free
- Overpriced
Mascara by Almay
Mascara by Almay is the perfect choice for those looking for eye makeup that offers long-lasting, glamorous effects. The multi-benefit mascara formula is designed to provide definition and conditioning while lifting and volumizing each lash. The innovative brush technology is designed to target short, thin lashes while coating and separating each lash for a bold, eye-catching appearance which makes it the best mascara for thin short lashes. Also, its formula is designed to be mild and non-allergenic. It’s free of fragrance, so you won’t have any irritation or allergies during use.
- Long-lasting
- Volumize effect
- Non- clumpy
- Difficult to apply
IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Volumizing Mascara
Formulated with lash-loving components such as biotin, proteins, and collagen, this mascara helps nourish and strengthen small eyelashes while achieving a voluminous look. The product is designed with a unique brush that is capable of separating and coating each lash for a dramatic look. Additionally, the creamy, water-resistant formula helps keep lashes looking beautiful all day, while being smudge-proof. The natural and nourishing ingredients, like beeswax and shea butter, help condition lashes, leaving them soft and smooth, while the deep black pigment gives lashes a stunning look.
- Lengthens and volumizes lashes
- Smudge-proof and water-resistant formula
- Unique brush for optimal separation and coverage
- Lash-loving ingredients nourish and condition
- Deep black pigment for a luxurious look
- Too thick
- The brush is too large
DHC Mascara Perfect Pro Double Protection
By helping you achieve the definition and conditioning of your desire, this mascara by DHC makes your eyes look bolder and more beautiful with soft, flirty lashes. It is a two-in-one product that combines a nourishing serum with a waterproof formula to keep lashes healthy and conditioned. Its unique brush is designed to grab and coat each lash for maximum volume and length.
- Unique brush design
- Maximum volume and length
- Waterproof formula
- Does not come with a lash curler
- Not suitable for sensitive eyes
RevitaLash Cosmetics, Double-Ended Volume Set
Perfect product for people with straight lashes, this mascara is a great investment to add a fluttery lift to them. It is a two-piece set that comes with two mascaras: one to lengthen, and the other to add volume and curl. The first mascara is designed to lengthen and define each lash with its ultra-fine brush that evenly distributes the formula and separates each lash. The second mascara is intended to impart volume and curl the lashes, creating a dramatic and fluttery appearance. Both mascaras are chemical-free and tested, which makes them suitable for even the most sensitive eyes.
- Two-piece set
- Ultra-fine brush
- Paraben-free
- Safe for Sensitive skin
- Expensive
- Difficult to remove
How to choose the best mascara for short lashes?
The quest for the best mascara for short lashes might be difficult. From finding the right brush to making sure the formula won’t clump, there are a few things to consider before making a purchase. However, you can easily find the perfect mascara for your short lashes, with the right knowledge.
Step 1: Look for a Volumizing Formula
When shopping for the best mascara for small eyelashes, look for a volumizing formula. These formulas usually contain ingredients that help to lift, thicken, and curl your lashes. Some mascaras also contain fibers that cling to each lash, giving you an instant boost of volume.
Step 2: Choose a Brush with Short Bristles
It should also have a brush with short bristles. This type of brush helps to separate and coat each lash, giving you a bolder and thicker look. Choose a brush with longer bristles if you want a more dramatic impact. This type of brush will help to maximize your lashes, making them appear fuller and longer.
Step 3: Avoid Clumping or Flaking
Try to avoid formulas that are prone to clumping or flaking. These formulas can be difficult to work with and can leave your lashes looking uneven. Instead, look for waterproof mascara that will stay put all day. Waterproof formulas are also great for those with sensitive eyes, as they won’t irritate or cause any reactions.
Step 4: Opt for Natural Ingredients
If you prefer more natural ingredients, there are mascaras specifically designed for short eyelashes that are made with natural ingredients. They are completely free of parabens, oils, and other irritating components.
Step 5: Try Out Different Brands
Finally, don’t be afraid to try out different brands. You may find that a certain brand works better on your lashes than another. Explore several brands until you discover the one that works best for you. Finding the perfect mascara for small eyelashes doesn’t have to be a challenge.
How to Use Mascara for Short Lashes
Mascara is a beauty essential that can help to make your eyes look bigger and more dramatic. It is particularly effective for individuals who have thin eyelashes since it may make them appear longer and thicker. Here are some pointers on how to apply mascara on short lashes:
Curl Your Lashes
Curling your lashes may help them seem more lifted, which is great for individuals who have small lashes.
Apply Your Mascara
When applying mascara, it’s important to start at the base of your lashes and then gently wiggle the wand as you move it up toward the tips. This will help to coat each lash evenly.
Use Lash Comb or Spoolie Brush
Finally, use a lash comb or spoolie brush to comb through your lashes. This will help to remove any clumps and separate the lashes, giving them a fuller and thicker look.
By following these tips, you can give your thin eyelashes a dramatic and eye-catching look. With the right mascara, you can transform your lashes into long, bolder ones.
Conclusion
The best mascaras for short lashes are ones that are water-resistant and volumizing. With these products, you can breathe life into your everyday makeup by allowing your beautiful eyes to take center stage on your face. You may also use an eyelash curler and prolonging mascara to help make short lashes seem longer. With the right tools, you can easily transform your short lashes into thick and beautiful ones which accentuates the physical appeal of your eyes and can be used to accent any cosmetic look.
FAQ's
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Sayantani is a certified makeup expert who enjoys trying new makeup products and sharing her recommendations, tips, and tricks with her readers. She says that mascaras which are crafted for short lashes typically feature lengthening and volumizing formulas that give the appearance of fuller and longer lashes. Their brushes have short bristles which offer better coverage and promote separation. After testing all the products with some help from her team, she found one that worked well on everyone. Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara coated each lash evenly while adding an extra bit of curl. Additionally, the formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients that leave the lashes conditioned and feeling soft.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More