What if you could unlock the secret to stunning, fluttery lashes with just one simple swipe? Every makeup lover knows the power of a perfect mascara. It can transform your entire look, taking you from sleepy to spectacular in seconds. But let’s be honest, walking down the mascara aisle at Ulta Beauty can feel like navigating a jungle. Do you need volume? Length? Curl? Waterproof? The choices are overwhelming, and spending your hard-earned cash on a tube that promises the world but delivers clumps is a real disappointment.
Finding that holy grail mascara that truly works for your specific lashes shouldn’t be a guessing game. That’s why we dove deep into the best mascara offerings at Ulta Beauty. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which formulas deliver on their promises, which ones fit your budget, and how to pick the perfect wand for your desired effect—whether you crave natural definition or dramatic, falsie-level impact.
Get ready to ditch the disappointing wands! We are breaking down the top-rated, cult-favorite, and innovative mascaras available right now at Ulta so you can shop smarter and bat those beautiful eyes with confidence.
Top Mascara Ulta Beauty Recommendations
- VEGAN MASCARA: Perversion Volumizing Mascara delivers instant volume, length & curl in ultra-black pigment. Flake-resistant, smudge-resistant, transfer-resistant and sweat-resistant for all-day wear
- VOLUMIZING BENEFITS: Lightweight formula enhances lashes naturally with 8.8x volume, +52% length, +28.8% curl & +12.1% lift for bold, dramatic eyes
- LASH-HUGGING BRUSH: Soft brush coats and separates lashes from root to tip, creating thicker, longer lashes while holding curl effortlessly
- CLEAN & CRUELTY-FREE: Vegan, cruelty-free formula free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, SLS, and SLES. Safe for sensitive eyes
- COMPLETE EYE LOOK: Use with Subversion Lash Primer for extra volume and pair with 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner for an intense, lasting finish
- If you receive this mascara UNWRAPPED, it did not come from essence cosmetics.
- NO FALSIES NEEDED! Lash Princess False Lash Mascara defines and separates lashes while achieving a bold look.
- DRAMATIC VOLUME: the conic shape fiber brush delivers dramatic volume and sculpted length WITHOUT clumps or globs.
- CLAIMS: Cruelty Free. Free from gluten, silicones, parabens, oil, fragrance, alcohol, & microplastic particles. Made in Luxembourg.
- CRUELTY FREE: essence cosmetics is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty-free brand. We do not test any of our products on animals.
- Washable Lengthening Mascara: Get an instant lash lift effect from this eyelash extension mascara; Infused with fibers to deliver dramatic volume, length, and lift to lashes and gives you a false eyelash effect without the long expensive procedures
- Lifting Brush: Our double curved mascara separator brush and fiber-infused volumizing mascara formula grabs lashes at the root to lift, thicken and lengthen; No clumps, smears, or flakes, just volume and the look of longer eyelashes that lasts all day
- It's All In The Eyes: Subtle lines, smokey vibes, custom brow looks, classic tones or a shot of color; Our eyeshadow, eyeliner, brows, and volume mascara collections are designed to transform your look
- Create any look with Maybelline; foundation, BB creams, concealers, and setting powders for the perfect canvas, eye shadows, mascara, brow pencils, and eyeliners for any eye look and lip products, from showstopping lipstick to plumping lip gloss
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Mascara at Ulta Beauty
Finding the right mascara at Ulta Beauty can feel like a treasure hunt. So many tubes, so many promises! This guide helps you pick the perfect one for your lashes.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at a mascara tube, check these important parts first. These features tell you what the mascara will actually do for your eyes.
- Volume: Do you want thicker lashes? Look for words like “volumizing” or “plumping.” These formulas have bigger particles that coat your lashes to make them look fuller.
- Length: If your lashes are short, choose “lengthening” mascara. These often have tiny fibers that stick to your lash tips, making them look longer.
- Curl: If your lashes droop, you need a “curling” mascara. These usually have a special curved brush that lifts the lashes as you apply the product.
- Water Resistance: Do you cry easily or live in a humid place? “Waterproof” or “water-resistant” formulas stay put, but they are harder to remove later.
Important Ingredients and Materials
Mascara is made of a few key things that make it work. Understanding these helps you know if the product is right for sensitive eyes or if it will flake.
The Base: Waxes and Gums
Mascara needs waxes (like beeswax or synthetic wax) to give it body and hold the shape. Gums help the formula stick to your lashes without clumping. Good formulas balance these so they don’t feel heavy.
The Color: Pigments
Most black mascaras use carbon black. This gives you that deep, dark look. Brown mascaras use iron oxides. If you have very sensitive eyes, look for mascaras with fewer harsh dyes.
The Brush (Wand) Matters!
The brush is just as important as the goop inside! Plastic or molded brushes separate lashes well. Traditional fiber brushes usually pick up more product, giving you more volume. The shape (curved, spiky, or fat) dictates how the mascara applies.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good mascara lasts all day. Bad mascara creates a mess!
What Makes Quality Better?
- Smudge-Proof Formulas: High-quality mascaras use ingredients that dry quickly. This stops the mascara from transferring onto your eyelids later in the day.
- Lash Conditioning: Some premium mascaras include ingredients like Vitamin E or panthenol. These help keep your lashes soft, so they don’t break when you clean the makeup off.
What Reduces Quality (Watch Out For):
- Drying Out: If you keep your mascara tube open too long, air gets in. This dries out the formula, causing it to flake off your lashes. Always close the cap tightly!
- Over-Pumping: Pumping the wand in and out of the tube forces air inside. This dries the product faster and can introduce bacteria. Wipe the wand gently on the rim instead.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about when and where you need your lashes to look their best.
For daily wear, you might want a simple, buildable formula that washes off easily with warm water. This is great for school or work. If you are going out for a special event, you might choose a heavy-duty waterproof formula that gives maximum drama. Always test the wand in the store if possible. A brush that feels too large or scratchy will make application difficult, no matter how good the formula is.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ulta Beauty Mascara
Q: How often should I replace my mascara?
A: You should replace mascara every three months. Mascara tubes collect germs, and using old mascara can cause eye infections.
Q: Can I use waterproof mascara every day?
A: You can, but it is not recommended. Waterproof formulas are drying and need strong makeup remover, which can pull on your lashes.
Q: What is the difference between a fiber mascara and a regular one?
A: Fiber mascaras have tiny little threads in them that stick to your lashes to make them look much longer. Regular mascaras just use pigment and wax.
Q: My mascara always clumps. What am I doing wrong?
A: Clumping often happens if you use too much product. Try wiping excess mascara off the wand onto the tube opening before applying it to your lashes.
Q: Which brands at Ulta usually have the best volume?
A: Brands like Too Faced (Better Than Sex) and Lancôme (Monsieur Big) are very popular for packing on serious volume.
Q: Does curling mascara really work without an eyelash curler?
A: Yes, a good curling mascara helps lift the lashes as you apply it, but it will not give the same dramatic lift as using a mechanical curler first.
Q: I have sensitive eyes. What should I look for?
A: Look for mascaras labeled “ophthalmologist tested” or “suitable for sensitive eyes.” Avoid heavy fragrances in the ingredients list.
Q: What is a “tubing” mascara?
A: Tubing mascara wraps tiny tubes around each lash. It will not smudge all day, and it comes off cleanly in warm water, like little mascara noodles!
Q: Can I layer my mascara?
A: Yes, you can layer! But you must apply the second coat before the first coat dries completely. If you wait too long, it will look flaky.
Q: Does the color of the wand matter for quality?
A: No, the color of the plastic or fiber wand does not affect the mascara quality. Only the shape and bristle type matter for application.