Many Asian women, like myself, are stuck with stubborn, short lashes that point straight down, or lashes so short they’re barely visible. It’s a real pain when it comes to lengthening lashes or even getting them to hold a curl, as most western mascaras on the market are tailored towards those with already long lashes, and formulas are usually too heavy for most Asian or short lashes.
But fear not, we’ve hunted down the mascaras that are best suited for short lashes, which deliver on both volume and length in one easy-to-use tube, giving us all the help we can get in the lash department.
Brand new from NARS, this black mascara boasts a seriously plush brush which hugs, thickens and elongates even the smallest of lashes in a single swipe. The formula isn't too wet, making application a breeze, but the best part is that it doesn't budge until you see fit to take it off at the end of the day. That's zero smudges, zero flakes.
NARS Climax Mascara, $21, available at NARS
You can never go wrong with Chanel. Quote me on that. This classic formula is designed to build and intensify with every brush stroke creating a lengthening, thickening and plumping effect for your lashes.
Chanel Le Volume Chanel Waterproof Mascara, $28, available at Boots
This beauty staple has a small brush that captures each individual lash without clumping. It's great for length and curl and has a a soft, natural finish that stays put all day.
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara, $21.5, available at Look Fantastic
With an established cult following, it’s no wonder that Fairydrops is one of Japan’s most exciting beauty exports. Created by Japanese celebrity Aya Yasuda, the bobble wand has three distinctive curves to ensure that the luxurious, fiber-rich formula fully coats your lashes even in hard-to-reach areas.
Fairydrops Scandal Queen Waterproof Mascara, $18.5, available at Cult Beauty
This diffusion line from Shiseido brings you the Majolica Majorca mascara, which has a comb-like wand and a lightweight formula that stays on all day. Despite the difficult tongue-twister name, this easily builds up layers – the small fibres will cling to your lashes, adding length, thickness and volume that you didn’t know you could achieve.
Shiseido Majolica Majorca Rush Lash Expander, $17.3, available at Amazon
Teeny tiny fibres in this jet black mascara cling on to the most minuscule lashes to fatten and define, but leave no traces on your lids or the tops of your cheeks. You'll be gutted when it runs out.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara - Noir, $22, available at Net-A-Porter
Want doll-like lashes without the falsies? Well, what if we told you it’s possible with the Isehan Heroine mascara? The waterproof formula doesn’t clump, meaning your lashes will stay nicely defined and separated while still looking thick and luscious. The only downside to this product is that because of its super-waterproof properties, you’ll need a heavy-duty oil-based eye makeup remover to get it all off.
Isehan Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara Waterproof Black, $10.98, available at Amazon
The formula in Lancôme’s Hypnôse Drama mascara helps hug and coat each individual lash, adding dramatic volume and length. The best part is that the “S”-shaped brush makes it that much easier to reach those pesky smaller inner lashes and highlight the tiniest of lashes you didn’t even know you had.
Lancôme Hypnôse Drama, $25, available at Lancôme UK
Having a good waterproof mascara really helps with longer-lasting lash curls and, given that it was originally designed for surfers, you know this stuff won’t budge. Urban Decay’s Cannonball mascara has a fuzzy brush that’s loaded with extending fibres to increase length and volume. Its lightweight formula keeps lashes clump- and flake-free, too.
Urban Decay Ultra Waterproof Mascara, $16.5, available at Urban Decay
For short and stubborn lashes, the Chanel Inimitable waterproof mascara is the holy grail of mascaras. It’s a little bit pricey, but you get your money’s worth. Use it once, and it can last up to 16 hours without a second application. The small wand makes it perfect for Asian eyes and the bristles are soft and evenly spaced, giving you a fuller and curled look.
Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara, $28, available at Chanel
Shiseido works wonders on Asian lashes. It provides superb curl and length, making your lashes look fluffier. It’s also an excellent base for building up those layers for a more dramatic and intense look.
Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base, $22.5, available at House of Fraser
Maybelline The Falsies Black Drama mascara is a drugstore favourite among bloggers and beauty editors, and for good reason. The "spoon"-shaped brush helps fan the lashes out from root to tip, giving you a rich, glossy black finish that adds thickness and length as it goes. What’s more, the creamy formula is perfect for layering on coat after coat for bigger, fuller lashes.
Maybelline Falsies Mascara Black Drama, $8.99, available at Boots
This volumising mascara by Etude House pumps up and adds superb definition with only a few careful swipes. Its double-sided dual jelly brush allows you to get right in there and add depth even to the sparsest of lashes. The mascara’s long-lasting, waterproof formula ensures lashes don’t stray or smudge, giving you fabulous lashes all day – and night – long.
Etude House Lash Perm Curl Fix Mascara, $18.84, available at Amazon
L’Oréal Telescopic mascara has worked miracles on Asian and short lashes. Its lengthening fibre formula has bristles that precisely separate the lashes, giving them a false-lash effect. It also features a special brush with a flat side to lengthen lashes, and a comb side to separate lashes with precision.
L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Mascara, $10.99, available at Boots
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