Tears Without Fear: The Best Mascara to Last All Wedding Day

Spotlight
Our team put mascara to the test to find the best options for lengthening, volumizing and dazzling all day
Written by
Lara Burnap

Published:

Wisconsin Bride Fall/Winter 2024

Should your mascara smear, genlty smudge away any darkness with the pad of your finger if you don't have a wipe or remover handy. If you don't have a remover, ask the caterer for some olive oil to dab a very tiny amount on a tissue in a pinch if it's a heavy duty waterproof

Jillian Doherty-Niemann, Hair & Makeup Artist

The eyes will have it with Benefit Cosmetics’ “They’re Real!”Beyond Mascara ($29). The secret is in the wand: Apply horizontally in a side-to-side motion and sweep from top to bottom to increase lengthen and lift; apply vertically with gentle upward strokes to curl and separate. “This has been my mascara for years. It’s not messy or clumpy and feels like me … but enhanced.” – Brittany O'Neill, publisher, Wisconsin Bride  

The hourglass-shaped wand is the secret in Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara ($29). This mascara defines, lengthens and curls lashes to their fullest potential—and the waterproof formula bests even the heaviest of tears. “I wore this on my wedding day! Tears don’t stand a chance.” – Jessi Pallan, creative director, Iron Diamond Media 

For dramatic lashes, Last Clash Extreme Volume Mascara by Yves Saint Laurent ($32) is a highly pigmented mascara that coats lashes with an oversize, double-conical brush. Just one sweep of this long-lasting formula (up to 24 hours!) delivers volume—and builds with each stroke. For the ultimate luxury, order a personally engraved tube with your wedding date or monogram. “I love this mascara, it feels luxe and adds so much volume to my lashes—plus, it never smudges!” – Sonja Babich, CEO, Iron Diamond Media 

Grande Cosmetics’ GrandeDrama Intense Thickening Mascara ($25) includes castor oil to condition while delivering length, volume and staying power. The vegan formula, which can be built up, instantly lifts and separates lashes for a well-defined look. “I have thin lashes, so this is my go-to for adding length and volume without clumps. I love how it nourishes and adds a subtle shine.” – Lara Burnap, editorial director, Iron Diamond Media 

Extreme-Length Mascara + Lash Primer by Honest Beauty ($19.99) offers the best of both worlds by combining primer and mascara. Made with jojoba esters, this clean mascara effortlessly plumps and lengthens. “Clean, budget-friendly and the best mascara I’ve found, it gives you length and volume, thanks to an effective primer.” Chelsea Gibson, managing editor, Iron Diamond Media 

THE PROS RECOMMEND: 
"I love a waterproof luxury mascara that goes on silky like a Chanel or Lâncome." Jillian Doherty-Niemann, Hair & Makeup Artist 

WEDDING PRO TEAM