There are an infinite number of mascaras on the market that claim to lengthen and volumize your lashes. But ask anyone with naturally straight lashes (including me) what their main worry is, and they’ll most likely tell you that it’s finding a mascara that provides long-lasting lift and curl. The finest mascaras for straight lashes are waterproof versions that can better hold your lashes in place. Another element to consider is the type of the mascara wand – curved wands can assist to raise straight lashes as you apply your mascara, and hourglass-shaped brushes will help bulk out straight lashes, which are frequently finer than lashes with a natural curl.
Tips For Straight Lashes With Mascara
Of course, mascara will not miraculously transform straight lashes into fluffy, curled lashes. Always, always, always begin with an eyelash curler to set yourself up for success. To preserve your lashes, use a curler with a silicone pad, as cosmetic expert Mary Phillips recently told Elite Daily. Start as near to the base of your lashes as possible and push down on the curler for around five seconds, repeating multiple times as you slide the tool up the length of your lashes to enhance the curl. Once your curl is in place, take your mascara (wiping off any extra product on the tube’s edge) and comb the wand from the roots to the tips of your lashes.
Cocktailing” your mascara may also assist to bulk out straight lashes, but I’ve found that using a non-waterproof product as your foundation helps to prevent clumping and lashes that stay together. Allow your initial layer of mascara to dry completely before delicately curling your lashes one more time and applying your waterproof product. Keep a spoolie brush handy to brush through your lashes once the mascara has dried to eliminate any clumps or extra product.
One additional thing to keep in mind, because waterproof mascaras are more powerful: your regular cleaner may not be sufficient to remove your mascara. To remove all traces of makeup (and avoid eye discomfort or infection), wet a cotton pad with an eye makeup remover or micellar water, then follow with a more typical, all-over cleaner. Farmacy Beauty’s Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm is my favourite since it dissolves even the most tenacious waterproof formulations and is easy to transport.
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara

My lashes are lengthy, yet poker-straight (and will revert to sitting straight in mere hours unless a waterproof mascara is involved). The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara is one of my favourite mascaras since it does it all. The hourglass-shaped wand allows you to apply mascara to every lash for separation and length, and it has over 200 tightly packed bristles to give your lashes considerable volume and lift. Because it’s waterproof, the mascara keeps your curls in place, as hundreds of its 60,000+ Amazon customers have remarked.
KisssMe Heroin Make Long and Curl Mascara

There are waterproof mascaras, and then there’s this fully budge-proof product, which has a devoted fan base among beauty experts. The KissMe Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara from Japan is one of the few mascaras that prioritises providing a long-lasting curl. In addition to a curved wand, the mascara contains a memory-shape polymer and extending strands to keep your lashes sky-high. The mascara also contains nourishing nutrients like argan oil, rose hip oil, camellia seed oil, and squalane to keep your lashes from drying out.
A word of caution: This mascara is so waterproof that you could swim in it without it smearing. For the same reason, you should be prepared to put in a little additional work when it comes time to remove your makeup at the end of the day. For optimal results, use a micellar water, oil cleanser, or the brand’s own mascara remover first, followed by a water-based cleanser.
Wet n Wild Mega Length Waterproof Mascara

The gently curved brush of this Wet N Wild Mega Length Waterproof Mascara promotes lift, while the budge-proof formula keeps the curl in place. This mascara will also be a favourite of anybody with short, straight lashes, as the plastic comb extends and separates every lash for clump-free length. It’s also a cruelty-free solution enriched with vitamin E to keep your lashes healthy (which is especially important when using a more drying waterproof mascara).
Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

This mascara’s brush is unlike any other, with 10 layers of bristles that fan out lashes for a larger, feathery impression. Despite the increased bristles, the wand also works to remove clumps since the plastic substance helps to sweep excess product away. Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara, an Amazon favourite with over 75,000 five-star reviews, has been ophthalmologist tested and confirmed safe for contact lens wearers.
Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara

When you want to change up your style, this Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara is available in blue, green, and purple (though it is available in brown and black, too). Whatever colour you select, you’ll receive a curved wand and a caffeine-infused mixture that encourages additional lift. If you find waterproof products unpleasant or difficult to remove, this is a mild, water-resistant lotion packed with conditioning nutrients like shea butter, arginine, and biotin to hydrate and promote lash development. This one also comes in a travel-size version if you want to try it before you buy it.