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These beloved mascaras will help you achieve the extra-long lashes of your dreams.

But I know I’m not alone in the “barely there” lash category and because of this, I figured it was time to ask the professionals which mascaras I — and people like me — should be using to get actually positive results. So, I reached out to Verónica Gaona, a New York City-based makeup artist, and Kierra Lanice Wray, a Michigan-based makeup artist, for application tips and advice about the best ones to buy.

One of the key gems of advice Wray told me was to not sleep on the priming process — it’s not just for foundation and eye shadow! “Don’t be afraid to layer by conditioning and priming the lashes prior to the mascara application,” Wray said. 

Adding a mascara primer to your makeup routine can give you a fresh base to work off of and enhance the health of your lashes so they respond better to the mascara. (Psst — we also included Wray’s primer recommendation below.)

But she also emphasized paying attention to the type of mascara wand you’re using. “If your lashes are short, thin and straight, use a lash curler to lift them and choose a mascara that has a dense applicator wand,” Wray said. “If they’re short, thin and curly, like mine, opt for a mascara that has a silicone wand that can comb through and separate the lashes during application.”

And if you are open to wearing false lashes, Gaona recommended using mascara after applying them to blend them with your natural lashes. “My favorite false lashes for short lashes are Ardell’s 172. They help add volume and give a very natural look,” she said.

Seen all over, well, everywhere, is Essence's Lash Princess mascara, which claims to give the appearance of wearing false lashes. Gaona selected it as one of her top picks because of the striking difference it makes in even the most subtle lashes. In addition to its very appealing low price, the mascara's conically shaped brush picks up all of your lashes and gives dramatic volume and intense color without clumping.

Get it from Amazon for $4.97+ (available in black, brown, and red).

Another one of Gaona's picks is this buildable mascara from Clinique, a staple beauty brand beloved by many (including my mom and I). It comes in black, black/brown, and brown/honey and is perfect for adding volume and length to short lashes.

For even the most stubborn of lashes, Wray recommends this multifunctional product that is both primer and mascara. The tube is double-ended with the mascara on side and the primer on the other so you don't have to spend extra money. The mascara is infused with jojoba esters, which help to condition and soften your lashes, and the primer gives an even base for flawless application. 

Similar to the lengthening version, this is Honest's volume-boosting option and also contains a primer on one end. What makes this two-in one product unique, however, is the fact that the primer is blue to create bolder, blacker lashes that are visually noticeable. Wray especially recommends this mascara and primer for adding depth and drama to naturally blonde and light brown lashes.

My editor's pick is none other than Benefit Cosmetics' Badgal Bang mascara. I did a test run a couple months ago by purchasing a mini version, and I was so impressed after wearing it for one night that I bought a full-sized tube a couple days later. This mascara makes it look like I actually have long lashes (we can all dream) and after multiple hours of wear, didn't smudge or give me the dreaded raccoon-eye effect. I also have sensitive eyes and I had zero irritation while I was wearing it. It comes in black, brown, plum, and blue, if you're going for a colorful look.

Wray said this super pigmented mascara offers noticeable length and volume with just one coat. The ribbed bristle brush coats every lash from the root to the tip, giving your barely-there lashes the maximum volume you desire. With this produt's long wear, clump resistance and flake resistance, your lashes can be the star of the show and not the smudges around your eyes.

Get it from Nars for $9.50+ (originally $12+; available in two sizes).

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