The Best Blue Mascaras of 2023

Among the many beauty essentials vying for attention in your makeup bag, there’s one product that can instantly dial up the drama or keep it subtle: blue mascara. Traditionally confined to the realm of bold, runway-inspired looks, it’s made its way into everyday beauty routines, offering a dynamic and refreshing twist to the classic black.

But mascara is more than just a color statement. Quality mascaras can transform your lash line, creating a visual impact that goes beyond a simple cosmetic enhancement. The magic of mascara is in its ability to volumize, lengthen, and curl your lashes, bestowing a wide-eyed look that remains unrivaled by other eye makeup. The right blue mascara can provide these benefits while adding an element of surprise and sophistication to your look.

However, as with any beauty product, not all mascaras are created equal. The market is saturated with options that vary in formulation, brush design, and added benefits. Some promise sky-high lashes while others offer waterproof properties for all-day wear. Our mission has been to navigate this crowded landscape, identifying the top performers that fulfill these claims.

So whether you’re looking for the drama of voluminous lashes or the subtlety of a natural lift, along with a splash of unexpected color, blue mascara might be your next beauty obsession. We invite you to explore our top picks of the best blue mascaras that combine performance, quality, and a dash of daring color for an unforgettable look.

TooD Beauty’s volumizing mascara is made to deliver intense, toxin-free clean color that lasts all day. And it does!

It’s a bit wetter than normal mascaras, but that’s because of the clean formula—it gives off less of an oily feeling than regular mascaras do. The spiralized brush applicator makes sure your lashes get coated in pigments and skin-loving ingredients at every single angle, so there are no missed spots or missed spots that need extra coats to cover up later on down the road.

This mascara is definitely worth trying out if you’re looking for something new!

“My all-time favorite mascara. It layers so beautifully and volumizes the lashes so well,” one reviewer raved. “Appears black in low lighting but then under the right light, this mascara is the brightest of blues.”

PAT McGRATH’S blue mascara is one of our faves. Its precision brush allows for easy application, and the cobalt blue shade will give you a pop of color that’s perfect for spring.

The product is weightless and contoured to fit your eyes perfectly to help shape them into the most beautiful of arches—without any clumping or flaking. It’s also crafted with an intense sculpting formula that creates fullness without weighing down your lashes.

Overall, we would definitely recommend this product for anyone who wants some extra oomph in their lashes without having to wear false ones!

According to makeup enthusiasts, “The electric blue isn’t super bright unless you’re putting it over white primer. I wear it over a light coat of black mascara and stack it up on the outer edges of the eye for a pop color.”

Thrive Cosmetics’ liquid mascara is the perfect choice for anyone who is looking to enhance their lashes without going overboard.

The formula provides a natural-looking lash look that’s not too thick or clumpy but also gives you the option to add more layers if you want even more drama. It also features a combination of vitamin B5 and sodium hyaluronate to moisturize each lash, as well as an orchid stem cell complex to encourage and support longer, healthier-looking lashes.

The brush works great at precisely wrapping each lash in the product—it even goes beyond the lash for maximum length! The mascara is water-resistant and smudge-proof, making it perfect for any occasion (including those humid days when sweat can ruin your makeup).

According to reviews, “This actually stays on all day without smudging onto my eyelids. My lashes look longer than normal too. I also like how it comes off too. It doesn’t smear all over your face and give you raccoon eyes.”

Balancing the need for a bold, fanned-out lash look and the desire to keep mascara as a quick beauty staple, Il Makiage offers up a new kind of mascara.

The football-shaped brush is designed to coat every lash from root to tip, offering unprecedented buildability while still drying quickly. Its quick-drying formula settles without hardening, which makes it perfect for those who want their lashes looking stunning without the time commitment of waiting for a traditional mascara to dry.

We also love how easy it is to apply—the wand is flexible and makes application super easy and quick!

“I personally have not ever loved mascara this much! I am very impressed with how full it makes my lashes,” explained one shopper. “I didn’t even know I had it like that anymore. I’m 38 and didn’t even realize they could still look that full.”

With Dior Beauty’s Diorshow, you’ll be able to create the kind of dramatic, bold lashes that you’ve always wanted.

This luxurious mascara has an XXL brush with an incredibly buildable cream formula and adjustable professional volume that mirrors the effect of professional lash extensions. It’s also makeup artist-approved and waterproof, so you can use it on those days when you want your eyes to pop!

It’s truly a one-of-a-kind product that will change the way you feel about wearing mascara forever!

L’Oréal’s volume-building mascara is the perfect product for building your lashes to be as thick and full as they can possibly be.

The formula arrives in a deep cobalt blue, which not only makes it easy to see where you’re applying it, but also helps to build every single lash up to 5x thicker and fuller. The formula is clump-free and smudge-resistant, so there’s no need for any touch-ups throughout the day!

In addition to being able to build your lashes into a beautiful curl, this mascara also contains panthenol and ceramide-R—two key ingredients that help protect and condition your lashes.

For a mascara that can give you the perfect amount of volume without weighing down your lashes, Benefit Cosmetics’ BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara is a great contender.

This volumizing mascara layers easily to build massive volume without weighing down lashes with its special brush design. The brush is designed to reach every lash for more volume with 360-degree reach.

It also contains aero particles and is smudge-proof and water-resistant. The color is a bright blue, which makes it easy to apply and maintain throughout the day.

We’re not one to get all gooey over mascara, but this one really works.

The unique brush design features two concave sides to boost volume and two flat sides for extra lift, resulting in the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. It’s weightless formula is smudge-resistant, lasting up to 24 hours—and it comes in sapphire blue!

If you’re looking for a mascara that will give you the perfect balance of structure and flexibility, then look no further than this one! It’s no wonder this blue mascara is such a fan favorite.

“I am absolutely obsessed with the blue and purple mascara! Easy to build up the volume with, stays on your face without smudging, and then comes off like a charm at the end of the day,” explained one reviewer.

Lime Crime’s Astronomical Volumizing Vegan Mascara is the perfect shade of blue to make your lashes pop. Use it alone, or layer it on top of other shades for a bolder look.

It’s so easy to use that you can get the look you want without having to worry about applying too much or too little product. A single coat will give your lashes some length and volume, but if you want more of a dramatic look, layer on more coats!

One tip: if you’re going for a super intense color, it might be helpful to first use a white primer on your lids before applying the blue mascara. This will make your lashes stand out even more.

This mascara is the best at what it does, and what it does is give you super volumizing lashes.

It’s got vibrant, super-pigmented shades that buildable formula that gives maximum volume and dramatically lengthens your lashes. Plus, there are zero clumps or flakes—the nylon fiber brush is shaped to comb through each lash from root to tip.

You really can’t go wrong with this one considering it clocks in just under $10.

---

How to Choose the Perfect Mascara

Finding the Formula

Like a well-tailored suit or a perfect pair of jeans, mascara should fit your lashes like a dream. You wouldn’t want one that’s too dry (hello, flaky fallout) or too wet (a smudging nightmare). Some formulas boast volumizing effects with plumping waxes, while others have lash-extending fibers for that coveted length. A good mascara formula should glide on smoothly, coating your lashes without clumping. And if you’re looking to amp up your lash game from day to night, opt for a formula that can be easily built upon without causing Spiderman-like lashes.

The Wand Makes the Magic

A mascara’s wand is just as crucial as the black (or blue, or navy) gold it carries. Volumizing mascaras often come with thick, densely-bristled brushes that promise to generously coat each lash. In contrast, lengthening mascaras may have a slim, comb-like brush to grip, extend, and separate your lashes for a fanned-out effect. Then there are the curvy wands, teasingly mimicking the natural curl of lashes. Your choice of mascara wand will depend on the lash look you’re after, so remember: the wand chooses the wizard, or in this case, the lash queen!

Longevity: To Smudge or Not to Smudge

Let’s be real. The threat of raccoon eyes looms large in the world of mascara wearers. A good mascara must pass the “day-long wear” test, steadfastly resisting smudging or flaking. Whether it’s the tropical humidity, a sudden downpour, or a tear-jerking rom-com, your mascara should hold its ground. For the ultimate staying power, consider a waterproof formula – but remember, a good eye makeup remover will be needed at the end of the day.

Ingredients and Eye Care

Eyes are the windows to the soul, and as such, they deserve to be taken care of. If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, the ingredients in your mascara are crucial. Shy away from formulas with harsh chemicals that could cause discomfort. Instead, look for mascaras with nourishing ingredients like natural oils and vitamins that condition your lashes as they beautify. A quality mascara should not only elevate your look but also respect and nurture the health of your lashes.

---

FAQ

What is mascara?

Mascara is a cosmetic product designed to enhance the eyelashes. It darkens, thickens, and lengthens the lashes, making your eyes appear more open and awake. Available in various forms – liquid, cake, or cream – and colors – black, brown, blue, and even purple, it’s a staple in many makeup bags. It’s like the final touch on a painting, it draws the eye and completes the look.

How do you use blue mascara?

To use blue mascara, start by curling your lashes to maximize the impact. Then, take the mascara wand and, starting from the base of your lashes, wiggle it upwards to the tips. This wiggling motion helps separate the lashes and ensures an even application. If you’re new to colored mascara and a full blue look feels a bit much, layer it over your regular black mascara. This will give you a hint of color without being overwhelming.

What color mascara works best for blue eyes?

Choosing mascara for blue eyes can feel like selecting the perfect accessory for an outfit. While black mascara is a universally flattering shade, blue-eyed beauties can also opt for blue mascara to make their eye color pop. It’s a bold move that can enhance the natural color of your eyes. If you want to experiment, brown mascara can provide a softer, more natural look for daytime wear. It’s like choosing between a statement necklace and a delicate pendant, each creating a different effect.

How do you remove waterproof mascara?

Removing waterproof mascara requires an oil-based makeup remover. Soak a cotton pad with the remover and hold it against your closed eye for a few moments. This allows the oil time to dissolve the stubborn mascara. After a few moments, gently wipe the mascara away. Always be careful not to rub or pull on your lashes. Repeat this process until all mascara is removed.

How long does mascara last?

Mascara, like any cosmetic product, doesn’t last forever. Once opened, a tube of mascara generally lasts between three to six months. If it starts to dry out, clump, or smell odd before this time, it’s best to replace it. It’s also important to replace mascara after an eye infection to avoid re-infection. Think of it as your makeup pantry – it needs a cleanout every now and then.