In the makeup world, countless mascaras on the market claim to lengthen and volumize your lashes. But if you ask someone with naturally straight lashes—including myself—what their top priority is, they’ll probably say finding a mascara that will give their lashes a long-lasting lift and hold a curl. For straight lashes, water-resistant or waterproof formulas often help hold a curl longer (especially after curling), but some lightweight long-wear formulas can work well too. It’s an easy way to give straight eyelashes more curl, length, volume, and definition.
Mascara can help you get fluttery, lifted lashes for a more wide-awake look. Another thing to think about is the style of the mascara wand. A curved wand can lift and shape straight lashes while you apply. And the hourglass-shaped brushes will help bulk out straight lashes, which can be especially helpful if your lashes are fine or sparse. Some formulas focus on lift and curl hold, while others prioritize length, volume, or conditioning. I tend to like mascaras that will keep a curl because I have short, straight lashes, but I also want glamorous-looking lashes.
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Best Mascaras for Straight Lashes That Hold a Curl
Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
If you have straight or short lashes, this waterproof mascara is designed to help them stay lifted longer. The remarkable curling power of Diorshow Iconic mascara is delivered by this groundbreaking waterproof product, which glides on with a curved brush. It’s designed to be sweat- and humidity-resistant, which can help your curl last longer. The curved brush, designed after the curling tools used by makeup artists and hair professionals, fashions each lash from bottom to top.
It curls and adds length to lashes with an excellent waterproof formulation. The cutting-edge formula produces instant volume and a more lifted curl, and high-precision ingredients deliver dramatic definition and hold the curl without clumping or smudging. Apply mascara vertically using the concave side of the brush, then boost the curl by applying a second thin coat mostly at the roots (avoid heavy layering on the tips).
Lancôme Paris Cils Booster XL Super Enhancing Mascara Base
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Apply this primer before mascara to add grip, lift, and a more dramatic finish. Some people also use it as a conditioning step, but avoid the eye area if you’re sensitive and discontinue use if irritation occurs. This lash-conditioning primer helps prime lashes for a longer, more volumized mascara look. With just one coat, this innovative mascara primer glides on to evenly coat and smooth your lashes.
The magic behind this mascara base is the conditioning formula—infused with microfibers and vitamin E—which adds the look of extra length and thickness to lashes for added visual performance. White in color allows the black pigments to stand out from the clean base with more intensity than traditional mascaras.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
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This mascara can help straight lashes stay curled for longer periods—especially if your lashes fall flat within minutes. If your lashes are short and straight, apply thin coats and focus on the roots. The Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof formula noticeably lifted my lashes. A volumizing mascara that is waterproof, extremely black, and has an hourglass-shaped brush that separates, coats, and curls each lash for maximum volume.
With high-performance and water-resistant polymers for waterproof, sweat-proof, and play-proof wear, Better Than Sex Mascara now is available in a waterproof formula. The hourglass brush deposits product evenly from root to tip. The waterproof version is popular because it helps straight lashes stay lifted longer. If your lashes drop, apply thin coats and focus on the roots.
MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara
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M.A.C’s Extended Play Lash Mascara uses a tubing-style wear that can help lengthen and define your natural lashes for a quick false-lash look. It produces long, curled lashes. It works especially at holding a curl and keeping the lashes elevated. The best way to apply it is to wiggle the wand at the base of the lashes, then brush upward. Want to take things to the next level? Let the first coat dry, then sweep the brush from the base upward—don’t forget the inner and outer corners.
IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara
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Superhero Mascara is marketed as being developed with input from plastic surgeons and dermatologists. It’s often described as skincare-inspired for lashes. For the strongest, thickest, and most voluminous lashes, the patented Elastic Stretch Technology helps lashes look longer for longer wear. It also wraps each lash in a coat of support and color that lengthens, conditions, and boosts volume. Super black pigment, lash-lifting polymers, collagen that adds volume, proteins, peptides, and biotin that strengthens lashes are all mixed with the Lash-Changing Power Brush to cover every lash from root to tip. With only one layer, a game-changing mascara creates the appearance of volume, length, and elastic flexibility for the lashes.
NARS Climax Mascara
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If you have straight lashes, this mascara can give noticeable volume plus longer-lasting lift and curl hold. For the best hold on straight lashes, curl first and apply 1–2 thin coats. My straight, long, delicate lashes need a lash curler, but it works very well on them. This mascara feels balanced—not too wet or heavy. Innovative mascara provides deep black color and buildable volume in a thin, flexible consistency that won’t clump or smudge.
What to Know: With the help of the Lash Moisture Complex, lashes are lifted and thickened in a whipped, creamy texture that never feels heavy or stiff. Ribbed bristles on the unique, full-bodied brush catch and coat each lash for a potent effect. Lashes are wrapped in blackened pigments for powerful dimension and rich color.
KISSME Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara
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The mascara lengthens your lashes and keeps them curled for up to 10 hours because it is made with a curl-locking Memory-Shape Polymer. Additionally, it has thin threads that divide each lash without clumping together for a distinct appearance. Long and Curl mascara’s waterproof and smudge-proof composition is designed to resist water, sweat, tears, and oil. The mascara shields lashes while you wear cosmetics with natural components, including camellia oil, royal jelly extracts, argan oil, and wild rose fruit extracts.
Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Washable Mascara
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The Falsies Lash Lift mascara from Maybelline New York is made to give your lashes more drama. Even the smallest lashes can be lifted by its double-curved wand, which reaches the roots of the lashes. Your lashes can be made longer and more voluminous with the fiber-infused solution. Additionally, it instantly lifts the lashes, giving them a falsies-like appearance! The mascara has an ophthalmologist-tested, clump- and flake-free consistency.
ETUDE Curl Fix Mascara
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Optional: Pairing with Dr. Mascara Fixer can improve curl hold for very stubborn straight lashes. Curl Fix Mascara by Etude House is another strong option for straight lashes. Your straight, unyielding eyelashes are properly curled thanks to Curl 24HR Technology’s powerful adhesion. Because of this technology, the mascara is designed to help hold a curl for extended wear. It also includes a C-Curl Brush that gives each lash a uniform coating and a distinct curl. This is the waterproof, sweat-proof formulation of Curl Fix Mascara.
ETUDE HOUSE Dr. Mascara Fixer For Perfect Lash
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Etude House’s clear gel mascara is made specifically to give your lashes the well-earned curl they need. It contains black bean extract, which helps to moisturize the lashes. It makes your lashes appear fuller when used on top of mascara. Dr. Mascara Fixer is made to keep your lashes curled for a long time. Additionally, it has a clump-free formula that makes your lashes look more lifted and defined, like false lashes.
Other Most Popular Mascaras
There are also other mascaras in the market. Some of them are costly, and some are on a budget.
Dior Diorshow Maximizer 3D Lash Primer-Serum
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A triple-action lash primer that increases the volume, curl, and durability of your mascara. It also improves the appearance of your lashes by using them regularly. Gentle on sensitive eyes, this serum features a balm texture that coats each lash with a thick, airy film. Enriched with cornflower extract, this primer is designed to help mascara look more intense and last longer. Enriched with a Pure White complex, this primer reveals the lashes’ optimal color and intensity. Its oil serum booster increases the appearance, thickness, and curl for ever-growing results, applied immediately following application.
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling and Lifting Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Benefit Roller Lash comes with a Hook ‘n’ Roll brush that lifts and separates lashes before setting a soft curl. It’s a strong option if you want lift with a softer curl. It also has an instant formula for setting curves, ensuring your lashes stay curled with just one swipe.
Lash Princess False Lash Effect
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This Volumizing mascara comes with a conically shaped fiber brush for a false lash effect. It is a cruelty-free formula for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers. The conical-shaped brush delivers dramatic lashes and rolls them upward for the defined curl. Lash Princess’s vegan formula is free from alcohol and animal-derived ingredients. If you want more curl-hold, consider pairing this with a lash curler and applying thin coats.
Tips to apply Mascara on Straight Lashes
Of course, using mascara alone won’t instantly give you curly, fluffy lashes. Always, always, always start by using an eyelash curler to position yourself for success. Many makeup artists advise choosing a lash curler with a silicone pad to protect your lashes.
- Press gently for about 5 seconds at the base, then move to the mid-lengths for another 3–5 seconds (avoid pulling).
- Once your curl is in place, apply your best mascara for straight lashes and, wiping off any extra product on the tube’s edge, use the wand to comb your lashes from the roots to the tips.
- The technique of ‘cocktailing’ mascaras can help thicken straight lashes when done carefully. Start with a lighter coat as your base (to avoid clumps), then top with a water-resistant/waterproof coat to help hold the curl.
- Let the first coat dry, then apply a second thin coat focusing on the roots for lift.
- Keep a spoolie brush on hand so you can brush your lashes to remove any clumps or extra mascara once it has dried.
Conclusion
Waterproof formulas can be more durable, but they’re often harder to remove. Soak a cotton pad with an eye makeup remover or micellar water, hold it on the lashes for 10–15 seconds, then wipe gently. Follow with your regular cleanser to remove any residue and help avoid irritation. If you wear waterproof mascara often, a cleansing balm can make removal easier (choose one that doesn’t sting your eyes).
Thanks for reading—feel free to share your experience or questions in the comments below.