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I’ve had straight, stubborn lashes my entire life—courtesy of my Asian genes. When I was a teenager trying to puzzle out makeup, I remember scanning mascara magazine ads, watching mascara commercials, and thinking, “How the hell are the models’ lashes so long and lifted?”. Because I sure wasn’t “born with it.”
Every time I swiped on my mom’s Clinique tester mascaras, my lashes turned out clumpy or spidery, and without fail, the curl never held up or even existed to begin with. But finding a trusty mascara for Asian lashes isn’t completely impossible. Even today, in my late twenties, I feel like I’m still figuring it out and learning. That’s why I’ve tapped three makeup artists and a few of my fellow AAPI-identifying StyleCaster editors to share their product recommendations for the best mascaras for Asian lashes.
Table Of Contents
The Best Mascaras for Asian Lashes at a Glance
What should you look for when buying a mascara for Asian lashes?
How should you apply mascara to Asian lashes?
Which eyelash curler should you use for Asian lashes?
The Best Mascaras for Asian Lashes, According to Experts and Editors
The Best Mascaras for Asian Lashes at a Glance
- Expert’s Choice: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, $8 (originally $13)
- Best TikTok-Viral: Judydoll 3D Curling Eyelash Iron Mascara, $11 (originally $15)
- Best Drugstore: L’Oreal Paris Makeup Original Telescopic Lengthening Mascara, $10 (originally $13)
- Best Shade Range: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara, $26
- Best Cult-Favorite: Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara, $29
- Best AAPI-Owned: Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara, $20
- Best Splurge-Worthy: Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara, $30
- Best K-Beauty: Innae Beauty Lovely Lashes Waterproof Mascara, $20
- Best J-Beauty: Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara, $16
- Best C-Beauty: Flower Knows Butterfly Cloud Collar Mascara, $20
There’s a whole art to finding and applying mascaras for Asian lashes. You can’t just pick up any tube from the drugstore, cross your fingers, and hope your eyelashes look fanned-out and feathery like what you see in commercials. Countless Asian folks have lashes that grow straight out or in a downward direction, and for some, their hairs are thinner, shorter, or sparser than most. But worry not—there are so many formulas out there that work really well for Asian lashes. You just have to know where to look.
Read on for our experts’ top product picks and application tips. Our favorite tubes run the gamut, but the majority cost under $20 on popular retailer sites like Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, and Target, with some pricier names sprinkled in. From one Asian girlie (or guy!) to another, I hope you find a formula that works for you and makes you feel your most confident, because I can just feel a joint Asian lash slay coming in hot.
What should you look for when buying a mascara for Asian lashes?
- A waterproof or tubing formula
- A lightweight formula
- A thin, curved wand
- A formula that offers curl-holding power, not just volume
- A formula with benefits such as lengthening, lifting, curling, and volumizing
Formula
While volume is one of the mascara benefits you likely already look out for, don’t forget to keep an eye out for tubes that deliver curling power. You want a formula that both volumizes and curls, and one that claims to last, according to makeup artistand mature skincare expert Kat James. “A waterproof formula is your best friend for keeping that curl intact all day. Also, tubing mascaras can be game changers if smudging is a constant issue (especially for hooded lids),” she explains.
L’Oréal Paris Celebrity Makeup Artist Allan Avendaño and film and TV makeup artist Cidni Merrett agree that waterproof and tubing mascara formulas are crucial for those with stick-straight lashes. “Prioritize lengthening and lifting over thick, heavy formulas that can drag lashes back down. Lightweight consistency and clean, flexible brushes are key. Bonus if the formula has lash-loving ingredients like biotin or panthenol to condition while it works,” James adds.
Brush Shape
Not all mascara wands are made equally, and there’s no question the shape of the brush plays a huge role, especially if you have straight, stubborn lashes. If you have Asian eyelashes, “Go for a curved or slim wand that can really get in close to the lash line,” says James. Avendaño echoes these thoughts, adding, “I personally love a thinner wand with a little curve so that you can really work the formula from root to ends without making a mess.” “The thinner the wand, the better the application,” says Merrett.
Product Consistency
“You don’t want to pick a very wet formula because those tend to smudge very easily,” says Avendaño. And heavy formulas can potentially drag your lashes down, as James notes above.
How should you apply mascara to Asian lashes?
- Curl in stages—base, mid-length, and tip
- Comb upward in a zigzag motion
- Layer different kinds of mascaras
- Focus on one eye at a time
- Apply powder around your eyes to avoid smudging
Applying mascara takes a bit of technique. Usually, you can’t just swipe the wand through your lashes and hope for the best (and if you can, jealous). It takes finessing, especially if you have a certain eye shape or straight, stubborn lash hairs (or both!).
James says, “I always tell clients to curl in stages—base, mid-length, and tip. It helps ‘train’ the lashes to hold that lifted shape. After curling, press your wand right into the base of the lashes and slowly comb upward in a zigzag motion.” She also recommends layering mascaras strategically. Who says you can only use one product to get the job done? Each tube has a unique purpose, so use that to your advantage. “I’ll use a defining mascara first to separate and lengthen, then go in with a curl-boosting or volumizing formula just on the outer corners to create that fanned-out lift,” James explains. As for your lower lashes, the MUA suggests reaching for a smaller wand or a clean fan brush to avoid transfer.
Avendaño says the key to beautiful lashes is focusing on one eye at a time. Curl your lashes, apply one coat of mascara to one eye, and then switch to the other eye. After that, add more coats, if desired. “This method allows each curled section to set before adding more product,” he explains. The MUA also finds that tapping powder around your eyes is the key to long-lasting mascara. “Powder effectively absorbs excess oil, which is often the culprit behind smudged mascara,” he explains.
If you’ve tried truly every TikTok mascara hack and YouTuber tutorial tip and still come up short, James has got you covered. She notes that waterproof mascara shouldn’t be reserved for only summertime or weddings because it’s all about the structure it lends to your lashes. “If your lashes drop within minutes of applying regular mascara, try curling, setting with a waterproof mascara, and layering something softer over it. And if you feel like nothing works? Try heating your lash curler just a little (think five seconds with a hairdryer). It makes a huge difference,” James recommends.
Which eyelash curler should you use for Asian lashes?
- Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler, $23 (originally $25)
- Shiseido Eyelash Curler, $27
- Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler, $26
- Surratt Relevee Lash Curler, $39
“The Shu Uemura curler is still the gold standard for a reason. It’s flatter than most Western curlers, which fits Asian eye shapes so much better and grabs every lash,” says James. “I also love the Shiseido Eyelash Curler—it’s a touch narrower and great for precision, especially if you have smaller or deep-set eyes.” Avendaño and Merrett share the same sentiments on the Shiseido option.
Three votes for the Shiseido eyelash curler show there’s a clear winner. Avendaño also likes the Surratt Beauty curler because of its wider design that fits the eye contour perfectly, while Merrett additionally vouches for one from Kevyn Aucoin, saying, “The curler has excellent grip for a really deep curl on the lashes. I would use this as a secondary curler after the first initial curl to reinforce a deeper curve.”
The Best Mascaras for Asian Lashes, According to Experts and Editors
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Expert’s Choice
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
On Sale 38% off
Buy Now On Amazon $8
Buy Now on Ulta $13
Buy Now on Target $13
Buy Now on Walmart $8
“Super affordable and totally TikTok-worthy—this one gives great length and flexibility, and the skinny wand is ideal for short, straightlashes,” says James. The exclusive Flex Tower brush bends to volumize and lengthen each and every lash from root to tip, ensuring your eyelashes always pack a punch. Merrett also recommends the Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara for its waterproof, lengthening, volumizing formula.
Benefits: Volumizing, lengthening, defining, curling
Shades: 7L’Oreal Paris Makeup Original Telescopic Lengthening Mascara
Best Drugstore
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Original Telescopic Lengthening Mascara
On Sale 23% off
$10Buy Now On Amazon
$13Buy Now on Ulta
$14Buy Now on Target
Buy Now on Walmart
Achieve long, defined, separated lashes—minus any clumps—with this drugstore mascara gem. “I love this mascara because the formula doesn’t feel heavy on lashes and the wand is flexible and thin,” says Avendaño.
Benefits: Lengthening
Shades: 3Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara
Best AAPI-Owned
Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara
$20Buy Now on Sephora
$20Buy Now on Credo Beauty
$20Buy Now on Tower 28 Beauty
The MakeWaves Mascara‘s secret weapon is its Aquaflex technology, which is typically utilized in haircare styling. This ingredient brings you defined curls, thanks to its memory hold. “A clean-beauty gem that’s great for sensitive eyes. The curved brush hugs shortlashesperfectly, and the formula builds like a dream,” James explains.
Benefits: Lengthening, volumizing
Shades: 2 (black and brown)MAC Cosmetics Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara
MAC Cosmetics Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara
$28Buy Now on Ulta
$28Buy Now on Nordstrom
For a lightweight, sensitive eye-friendly, washable mascara that lasts up to 16 hours, look no further than MAC Cosmetics’ Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara. It’s “a go-to for bottom lashes or no-smudge days,” according to James. “This tubing formula grabs even the tiniest lashes and lasts all day without fallout.”
Benefits: Volumizing, defining, lifting
Shades: 1 (black)Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara
Best Cult-Favorite
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara
$29Buy Now on Sephora
$29Buy NoW on Ulta
$29Buy Now on Revolve
Merrett suggests Benefit Cosmetics’ fan-favorite Roller Lash Mascara because it contains provitamin B5 for lash conditioning, is waterproof, and lasts up to 12 hours. This product’s standout feature is definitely its brush. You’ll notice the patent-pending Hook ‘n’ Roll brush has tiny custom-designed hooks to grab, lift, and curl all lengths of lashes.
Benefits: Curling, lifting
Shades: 1 (black)Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara
Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara
$10Buy Now on Target
$12Buy Now on Ulta
$10Buy Now on Walmart
“My desert island beauty product is mascara, so I feel like I’m especially qualified to talk about this product category. For context, I’ve tried hundreds of different mascaras in my lifetime. If you name any popular, cult-fave mascara, I’ve most likely tried it at least once, but I always find myself coming back to the Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara. It’s the most reliable product out there, and the best part is it’s only $10.
If you want sexy, siren lashes that will show up in photos, this mascara is for you. It makes my lashes look so full and long that several people have asked me about the mascara I use. I also like that the wand makes it easy to evenly distribute the product onto my lashes. I wear it on top of the Lancôme lash primer, and I’m always obsessed with how my eyes look afterward. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants a more dramatic eye look—I love it so much!” — Jennifer Adams, Lifestyle Writer
Benefits: Volumizing, defining, lengthening
Shades: 319/99 Lash Tint Mascara
19/99 Lash Tint Mascara
$18Buy Now On Amazon
If you’re wondering what your makeup bag is missing, it’s this tubing mascara. “This is a great lightweight formula mascara. Its slim wand is perfect for lower lashes as well,” says Allan Avendaño. What makes this product a standout? Just that you can use it on both your lashes and brows!
Benefits: Lengthening, defining
Shades: 2 (black and brown)ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara
Editor-Approved
ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara
$29Buy Now On Amazon
$29Buy Now on Sephora
$29Buy Now on Ulta
“I love ILIA’s mascara because it doesn’t make my eyelashes feel clumpy at all. The packaging is so lightweight and compact that it’s easy to carry everywhere, too. The mascara is super long-lasting and doesn’t make my eyelashes feel dry. I’ve worn it all day, and it lasts me through late nights and even when I cry at concerts. It does wonders on my eyes.” — Lea Veloso, Entertainment Editor
Benefits: Volumizing, lengthening
Shades: 2 (black and brown)Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara
Best J-Beauty
Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara
$16Buy Now On Amazon
“This mascara is a holy grail in Japan for a reason—it holds a curl like nothing else and doesn’t move, even on the hottest or most humid days,” says James. The formula contains 5 mm-long fibers and a “long EX fiber” to lengthen lashes. Merrett shouts out the mascara’s “shape-memory polymer” for its ability to lock in the curl all day. Even more impressive is its inclusion of six eyelash serum ingredients: camelia oil, royal jelly extract, argan oil, wild rose oil, panax ginseng root extract, and almond oil.
Benefits: Lengthening, curling
Shades: 2 (black and brown)Flower Knows Butterfly Cloud Collar Mascara
Best C-Beauty
Flower Knows Butterfly Cloud Collar Mascara
$20Buy Now
“Since my lashes are so thin and straight, I rely on eyelash extensions to give me long and dramatic lashes. But, when I’m doing a full face of makeup, I need my bottom lashes to be equally dramatic—or else it throws everything off. Because of this, I’ve tried out a few different mascaras, and I eventually landed on Flower Knows’ Butterfly Cloud Collar Mascara, which makes my tiny bottom lashes look thick and long.
I love this mascara’s waterproof formula; it doesn’t smudge throughout the day and never flakes either. Personally, I love a lengthening formula, and this mascara adds an insane amount of length without clumping up. You can apply as many coats as you wish, without having to worry about spider lashes. As for the application, I found that the wand is ideal for coating even the thinnest lashes, and it makes it super easy to get that dolly lash look.” — Kleigh Balugo, Trending Beauty Writer
Benefits: Volumizing, lifting, defining, lengthening
Shades: 2 (black and brown)Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara
best Splurge-Worthy
Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara
$30Buy Now On Amazon
$30Buy Now on Sephora
$30Buy Now on Ulta
$30Buy Now on Lancôme
“My lashes are straight as a stick, and I’ve struggled my entire life with finding mascaras that can keep my lashes up. I feel like I’m still on the journey and haven’t found my Holy Grail, ride-or-die formula quite yet. However, the Lash Idôle Mascara comes pretty close. I don’t use an eyelash curler because most crimp my lash hairs in weird directions and the curl doesn’t last, but I think it might be time to give it another go. I apply one coat of , followed by a single coat of the Lash Idôle Mascara. The primer, which applies white but dries clear, makes all the difference. I was initially using the mascara alone, which turned out just fine, but the primer helped separate, lengthen, and lift my eyelashes in ways I never thought possible. This combo, but especially the lash primer, was a total game changer for me, so I can only imagine the results after using a lash curler.
As for the mascara itself, the product consistency is in the middle—not too liquidy and not too dry—while the brush’s 360 micro-size bristles cling to each of my lashes. I like the thin, curved brush, as well, because it makes it easier to wriggle the wand through my eyelashes. While this tube’s price tag is not ideal, its lightweight gel formula has served my stubborn, straight lashes pretty well, and I keep restocking it.” — Katie Decker-Jacoby, Commerce Editor
Benefits: Volumizing, lengthening
Shades: 2 (black and brown)L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
$16Buy Now On Amazon
$13Buy Now on Target
$13Buy Now on Ulta
$10Buy Now on Walmart
“The hype is, was, and will forever be, real. As someone who has tried almost every high-end and drugstore mascara, Lash Paradise deserves its icon status. Unlike other mascaras on the Western market, the formula is lightweight and only gets better the longer it’s in your bag. Despite the intimidating brush size, the application is even and precise with enough flexibility to get those tiny inner corner lashes without instantly smearing across your eyelid. Most importantly, it can hold a curl, even after multiple of those promised applications every brand advertises. Honestly, for the first time in my life, it felt like there was a mascara that understood how nitpicky Asian lashes can be. If you’re ever in a lash emergency (or your stockpile of imported mascara never came through), I’d recommend trying Lash Paradise (waterproof).” — Stephanie Cui, Graphic Designer
Benefits: Volumizing, lengthening
Shades: 2 (black and blackest black)Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
Best Shade range
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
$26Buy Now
This Thrive Causmetics mascara is exactly what its name suggests. It’s like liquid lash extensions in a tube, thanks to its Flake-Free Tubing Technology, which lengthens lashes, while an Orchid Stem Cell Complex keeps lashes healthy and long. Avendaño backs this formula, saying, “This is a great mascara if you’re into a tubing formula. This mascara doesn’t flake, smudge, or clump, and the wand is also a great size.” For those who want more shade options than just black and brown, this option comes in seven colors, including green, blue, and pink, among others.
Benefits: Lengthening
Shades: 7Judydoll 3D Curling Eyelash Iron Mascara
Best TikTok-Viral
Judydoll 3D Curling Eyelash Iron Mascara
On Sale 27% off
$11Buy Now On Amazon
“My first experience with Judydoll was not from the TikTok hype but from a desperate pursuit of those K-pop idol lashes. My constant gripes with mascara are: A. I rarely see a difference, B. I can’t commit to a 9-step lash routine, and C. Messy (and therefore, pointless) application. After deep-sea forum diving, I found this mascara. It felt like a ton of gimmicks, but trust me, this one is worth it. The applicator is a screw-like metal rod thinly coated in product that gently combs through each lash, giving unprecedented precision. The product itself is very sheer, allowing you to flex between softer and bolder looks. You could quite literally fine-tune each of your lashes with this applicator. Unlike other curl-promising waterproof mascaras, this one is long-lasting without the daunting scent and weight. It’s definitely not the most intense or lengthening product, but if you’re looking for something that can mimic those wispy, ‘anime’ lashes without hassle, this one might be for you.” — Stephanie Cui, Graphic Designer
Benefits: Curling, lengthening
Shades: 1 (black)Blinc Lash Extension Tubing Mascara
Blinc Lash Extension Tubing Mascara
On Sale 19% off
$21Buy Now On Amazon
$26Buy Now on Sephora
Blinc has a whole guide on which of the brand’s mascaras might be best for you, but Avendaño suggests the Lash Extension version for Asian eyelashes because of its volumizing, lengthening, and curling powers. This mascara’s ingredient list features biotin, shea butter, and castor seed oil—ingredients known for their strengthening, nourishing, and moisturizing properties.
Benefits: Volumizing, lengthening, curling
Shades: 1 (black)Innae Beauty Lovely Lashes Waterproof Mascara
Best K-Beauty
Innae Beauty Lovely Lashes Waterproof Mascara
If you struggle with heavy, liquidy, goopy mascara formulas that drag your lashes down and can’t hold a curl, allow me to introduce you to Innae Beauty’s Lovely Lashes Waterproof Mascara. It offers a drier consistency so your curl won’t fall throughout the day. “I love this mascara because it’s a very good buildable formula and has a perfect thin wand with a little curve to fit your eye shape,” says Avendaño.
Benefits: Lengthening
Shades: 1 (black)
