8 Best No-Clump Mascaras for Long, Separated Lashes

“This Tower 28 mascara manages to add volume to my short lashes but without the messiness or flakyness. The product doesn’t smudge on my eyelids like other mascaras thanks to the bristles that really separate my lashes,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.

Best for Sensitive Eyes: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara

Kasey Spickard, a NYC-based celebrity makeup artist who prefers a tubing mascara to avoid clumps, raves about this long-wearing option “I was turned onto it by one of my clients who’s a touring comedian,” Spickard says. “She loves a full lash and this one doesn’t clump or transfer. I now swear by it.”

But the best part is that this pick is not only laugh (and cry proof), it’s also suitable for sensitive eyes. It has castor seed oils, shea butter and a tapered cone brush which helps you coat every single lash.

“This cruelty-free formula is really gentle on eyes, and I like to use it during allergy season when my eyes are at an all-time watering level,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “This formula stays put, never smudges and isn’t clumpy during application.”

Best for Thin Lashes: Kosas Soulgazer Lengthening & Lifting Peptide Mascara

Williamson also recommends this smudge-proof mascara if you have thin lashes. It’s packed with peptides that make lashes look long and strong, and won’t flake all day long.

“My favorite thing about this mascara is the curved brush,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It’s this neat hourglass shape that helps you really curl up and lift your lashes during application, and it never gives off too much pigment. It even has helped my lashes grow a bit after using it for over a month now — they look and feel thicker and resilient.”

Best for Older Women: Clinique Try It On High Impact Mascara

Aging often comes hand-in-hand with thin lashes or lash loss, which can make clumping even more obvious. This formula is a favorite of ours because it has a hydrating formula and soft fiber brush that adds volume without the gunk. It’s also ophthalmologist tested and safe for those who wear contacts.

“​​I’m a huge fan of Clinique skin care, but had never given their make up a try. Take it from me, Clinique High Impact Mascara is impressively good. I particularly recommend its wispy, layering, non-clumpy qualities. If you’re looking for more dramatic lashes, the key is to layer it on. The first coat came out super wispy and very natural, but as I applied layers, it became thicker and fluffier and more show-girl-like, if you will, with no clumps. My lashes are pretty sparse these days as I get older, and it takes a lot of scaffolding to make them actually appear visibly around my eyes, but Clinique’s mascara did an outstanding job without making them look all goopy. I’m putting this in my makeup bag right away,” says Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine.

Best for Length: Makeup by Mario Master Mascara Volumizing & Lift

Jonet Williamson, NYC-based makeup artist, swears by this long-lasting volumizing and lifting mascara. The formula has a blend of ProVitamin B5, castor oil, polymers and vegan wax that helps hug your lashes to give them volume and length.

“I love the brush of this mascara because it’s not overly thick, but not too thin either,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It gives you just the right amount of pigment without looking inky and helps separate lashes for a voluminous, yet non-lumpy finish.”

Best for Short Lashes: Ilia Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara

• Pros: Gentle pigment makes application easy; contains arginine to condition lashes
• Cons: Pricey

Brielle Pollara, a New-Jersey based makeup artist, prefers this Ilia mascara for short, straight lashes and sensitive eyes. “The formula and hourglass shape of the brush work in conjunction to create a voluminous finish, and it’s formulated with provitamin B5 and arginine to promote stronger, healthier-looking lashes,” she says.

“Not only does it have a perfectly bristled brush that coats and separates all my lashes, but the deep brown color adds just the right amount of pop to my eyes without being overwhelming like some black mascaras can be. I prefer the subtle dimension it gives me. Best of all, it doesn’t budge an inch during the day, but comes off fairly easy at night,” says Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco.