Short lashes do not need falsies to look long. With the right brush, formula, and a few smart techniques, you can get clean length, lasting curl, and believable volume. These are the five mascaras that consistently make short lashes stand out, plus how to choose and apply them for the best results.
If your lashes are short, you need more than just a good formula. You need the right brush that can reach tiny hairs at the root, a texture that builds without clumping, and a finish that does not smudge onto lids or undereye skin. This guide focuses on mascaras that reliably lengthen and lift short lashes, with clear pointers on who each pick is for and how to get the most out of it.
Quick picks
- Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara: Best smudge proof length for sensitive or oily eyes
- L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara: Best drugstore length and separation for short lashes
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara: Best curl hold that lasts through heat and humidity
- Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara: Best dramatic definition with a detailer tip
- Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara: Best under 10 dollars for instant impact
In-depth reviews
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara review
Who it is for: Anyone with short lashes who deals with smudging or transfer, especially on oily lids or in humid weather. Also great for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes.
How it works: This is a true tubing formula that uses film-forming polymers to wrap each lash in a lightweight sleeve. The slim, flexible brush has short, dense bristles that grab tiny lashes at the base. The combination creates visible length and a clean, fanned out look without flakes. Removal is easy with warm water and gentle pressure, which makes it a favorite for those who want drama without harsh rubbing.
How it feels: The texture is light and a touch dry by design, which helps prevent clumps and keeps lashes lifted. It layers well for extra length, but two coats is usually enough on short lashes.
Drawbacks: If you crave big, fluffy volume, this will feel too natural. Overbuilding can create spidery ends. The tubing sleeves can look a little odd during removal if you have never used this type before, since they slide off in pieces.
Compare it to: Compared with Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof, Thrive is easier to remove and less likely to irritate. Sky High adds more volume and holds a curl better, but takes more effort to cleanse. Against L’Oréal Telescopic Original, Thrive is more smudge resistant, while Telescopic gives crisper separation and a slightly glossier finish.
L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara review
Who it is for: Short, straight lashes that need maximum reach from a comb style brush. Ideal if you want clean definition and length without heaviness.
How it works: Telescopic Original uses a slim, flexible comb with micro teeth to deposit a thin coat from root to tip. The formula is on the wetter side, which allows the comb to glide and stretch lashes for noticeable length. The small brush head makes it easy to get close to the lash line and catch corner hairs without smearing mascara onto the lid.
How it feels: Lightweight, glossy, and smooth. One coat looks natural but longer, two coats bring a refined, lash extension look while staying separated. It plays well with an eyelash curler.
Drawbacks: Because the formula is wet, you need to let it set for a few seconds between coats to prevent transfer. On very oily lids, it may smudge by late afternoon unless you set the area or use a tubing option instead.
Compare it to: Telescopic gives cleaner separation than Essence Lash Princess, which is more volumizing but messier. Compared to Benefit They’re Real!, Telescopic looks sleeker and more defined, while Benefit builds to a thicker, more dramatic effect.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara review
Who it is for: Short lashes that lose curl or point straight down. Great if you live in a humid climate or need all day wear that resists sweat and tears.
How it works: The waterproof version uses waxes and flexible film formers that lock in curl when applied after using a lash curler. The narrow, elastomer brush bends slightly so you can push from the root to lift the fringe. It adds more volume than most purely lengthening mascaras, yet remains light enough for shorter lashes.
How it feels: Slightly grippy, which is exactly why it holds a curl so well. It sets quickly, so work one eye at a time and build before it fully dries.
Drawbacks: Removal takes patience. Use a dual phase or oil based remover and pinch gently with a cotton pad to melt it off. If your eyes are very sensitive, a tubing formula like Thrive will be more comfortable to remove nightly.
Compare it to: Sky High Waterproof keeps a curl better than Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions and L’Oréal Telescopic. If smudging is your main concern rather than curl, Thrive wins for clean wear and the easiest removal.
Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara review
Who it is for: Short lashes that also need help with outer corner lift and definition. Ideal if you like a bold, noticeable lash look without falsies.
How it works: The rubberized brush has staggered bristles that catch and pull lashes upward, while the spiked tip acts like a mini detailer to hit the tiniest lashes at the inner and outer corners. The formula is plush and dark, creating a length first, volume second result that looks dramatic but not clumpy when applied carefully.
How it feels: Substantial without feeling stiff. It keeps lashes flexible enough to layer two to three coats. There is a slight tack during the first minute, which helps you mold the shape as it dries.
Drawbacks: Removal is more demanding than a standard washable formula. On very fine lashes, a third coat can tip into stickiness. If your lids are very oily, consider setting the under eye area or reaching for a tubing option.
Compare it to: Compared with L’Oréal Telescopic, Benefit builds more drama and thickness, but Telescopic is neater and faster for everyday. Against Essence Lash Princess, Benefit has better separation and less flaking, while Essence delivers bigger volume for the price.
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara review
Who it is for: Budget minded shoppers who want instant volume and length. Great for short, sparse lashes as long as you do a quick de clump at the tips.
How it works: The conic fiber brush lays down a generous coat quickly, building thickness at the roots and stretching the ends. The formula is black, soft, and plush, which helps small lashes look fuller in fewer swipes.
How it feels: Creamy and bold from the first coat. Because it deposits more product, a light hand gives the best result on short lashes.
Drawbacks: On oily lids it can smudge or flake by late day. A tubing or waterproof option will be more dependable if you often see transfer. The brush is larger than the others here, so take your time to avoid lid marks.
Compare it to: Essence brings more volume than Thrive and Telescopic, but with more risk of mess. If you want the same impact and better curl hold, Maybelline Sky High Waterproof is a smarter choice, though it costs more and requires an oil based remover.
How to choose
Short lashes benefit most from formulas that lengthen, lift from the root, and resist smudging. Use this quick map to match your needs to the right pick:
- You struggle with raccoon eyes or have oily lids: Choose a tubing formula. Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions is the most dependable for clean wear and the easiest to remove.
- Your lashes are short and straight, and curl drops fast: Go for a waterproof that holds shape. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof shines here, especially when applied right after curling.
- You want maximum separation with noticeable length for work: Pick a precise comb brush. L’Oréal Telescopic Original gives the neatest, office friendly finish.
- You want Saturday night drama without falsies: Choose a length focused but buildable formula. Benefit They’re Real! gives bold definition and corner lift.
- You need impact for under 10 dollars: Essence Lash Princess delivers big results, but plan to tidy the tips with a clean spoolie and consider setting your undereye to reduce smudging.
Brush shape matters as much as formula. Narrow elastomer or comb brushes are easiest to wedge into the lash line and pull short hairs upward. Big fluffy brushes hold more product, which can overwhelm short lashes unless you wipe the tip and use very light pressure.
Pay attention to removal. If your eyes are sensitive or you wear contacts, tubing formulas that come off with warm water are gentler. If you choose waterproof for curl hold, invest in a dual phase remover and give yourself an extra minute at the sink to avoid tugging at delicate lashes.
Application techniques that make short lashes look longer
You can get more from any mascara with a few technique tweaks designed for short lashes. Here is a routine that consistently works:
- Start with clean, dry lashes. Oil left from skincare is the top cause of smudging. If you have rich eye cream on, blot the lid and undereye with a tissue before makeup.
- Curl in two steps. Place the curler at the base of the lashes and pulse three times, then move to the mid lengths and pulse again. For stubbornly straight lashes, hold the curl for five seconds. Avoid heating tools near your eyes.
- Wiggle at the root, then pull through slowly. This deposits product where it counts and prevents a heavy tip that drags lashes down. With comb brushes like Telescopic, rotate the wand slightly as you pull to comb and separate.
- Work one eye at a time. Especially with quick setting or waterproof formulas. Build your second coat while the first is still tacky to avoid flakes.
- Use the tip of the wand as a detailer. With wands that have a spiky tip, point it upward to tap the outer corner lashes and the tiny inner lashes for a lifted, wide eyed look.
- Comb through clumps. Keep a clean lash comb or spoolie nearby. While the mascara is still slightly wet, comb through to refine. This is essential with richer formulas like Essence Lash Princess.
- Lock it in. If you are prone to smudging, lightly set the undereye with translucent powder and avoid heavy cream products on the lower lash line. Many short lash wearers skip lower mascara entirely for the cleanest look.
Optional primer: If your lashes are very sparse, a silicone based lash primer can add grip and a little extra length. Allow primer to go from wet to tacky for about 20 seconds, then apply mascara.
Final thoughts
If you want the safest bet for short lashes with minimal risk of smudging, start with Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions. If your main struggle is curl that will not hold, begin with Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof and take removal seriously. For clean, everyday length on a budget, L’Oréal Telescopic Original is hard to beat. When you want bold going out lashes, try Benefit They’re Real!, and if you want the most impact under 10 dollars, Essence Lash Princess delivers with a bit of cleanup. Any of these, paired with the application tips above, can make short lashes look long, lifted, and defined.
See also
For even more impact on short lashes, explore our favorite mascaras for volume and fullness and targeted lengthening mascaras for hooded eyes.
– If lash thinning is a concern, consider these top mascaras for older women to add definition without clumping.
– For easily irritated eyes, switch to one of these gentle mascaras for sensitive eyes.
– To keep your carefully applied mascara and eye look from smudging, lock it in with one of the best setting sprays for long-lasting makeup.
FAQ
Which mascara type is best for short lashes, tubing or waterproof?
Both work, but for different reasons. Tubing mascaras are best if you deal with smudging or have sensitive eyes, since they remove with warm water and rarely smear. Waterproof formulas are best if your lashes are straight and you need lasting curl hold. If you want both, use a waterproof for nights out and a tubing mascara for daily wear.
How do I stop mascara from smudging on short lashes and oily lids?
Use a smudge resistant formula like a tubing mascara, apply only to upper lashes, and set your undereye with a small amount of translucent powder. Avoid rich eye cream during the day or blot lids before makeup. A precise brush, such as the one on L’Oréal Telescopic, also helps keep product off your skin.
Can I use lash primer with short lashes without making them look clumpy?
Yes. Apply a thin coat and let it go slightly tacky, about 20 seconds, before mascara. Pair a primer with a precise brush mascara to keep definition. If you see clumps forming at the tips, comb through immediately with a clean spoolie to refine.
Is waterproof mascara safe for daily use on short, delicate lashes?
It can be, as long as you remove it gently. Use a dual phase or oil based remover, press and hold for 15 seconds, then wipe softly. If you notice more shedding, alternate with a tubing formula a few days a week to give lashes a break.
What is the best way to apply mascara to get tiny corner lashes?
Use the very tip of the wand vertically and tap those hairs from root to tip, then comb through once with the side bristles. Brushes with a spiked detail tip, like Benefit They’re Real!, make this step easy. Go slowly and keep your mirror slightly below your eye line to avoid lid marks.
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