Tears Without Fear: Mascara Recommendations from Wedding Professionals

Mascara Recommended by Wedding Professionals
Trends
Our team put mascara to the test to find the best options for lengthening, voluminizing and dazzling all day
Written by
Lara Burnap

Published:

Washington Wedding Day Fall/Winter 2024

If you happen to have a mascara mishap and your makeup artist is no longer onsite, be sure to not wipe it away as it could smear even more! Instead, use a Q-Tip or the edge of a tissue and swipe upwards to only remove the mishap in the targeted area. 

Kristel Richardson, K. Marina Beauty

The eyes will have it with BENEFIT COSMETICS’ “THEY’RE REAL!” BEYOND MASCARA ($29). The secret is in the wand: Apply horizontally in a side-to-side motion and sweep from top to bottom to increase, lengthen and lift; apply vertically with gentle upward strokes to curl and separate. “This has been my mascara for years. It’s not messy or clumpy and feels like me … but enhanced.” —Brooke Beise, publisher, Minnesota Bride

The hourglass-shaped wand is the secret in TOO FACED’S BETTER THAN SEX MASCARA ($29). This mascara defines, lengthens and curls lashes to their fullest potential—and the waterproof formula bests even the heaviest of tears. “I wore this on my wedding day! Tears don’t stand a chance.” —Jessi Pallan, creative director, Iron Diamond Media

For dramatic lashes, LAST CLASH EXTREME VOLUME MASCARA BY YVES SAINT LAURENT ($32) is a highly pigmented mascara that coats lashes with an oversized, double-conical brush. Just one sweep of this long-lasting formula (up to 24 hours!) delivers volume—and builds with each stroke. For the ultimate luxury, order a personally engraved tube with your wedding date or monogram. “I love this mascara, it feels luxe and adds so much volume to my lashes— plus, it never smudges!” —Sonja Babich, CEO, Iron Diamond Media

GRANDE COSMETICS’ GRANDEDRAMA INTENSE THICKENING MASCARA ($25) includes castor oil to condition while delivering length, volume and staying power. The vegan formula, which can be built up, instantly lifts and separates lashes for a well- defined look. “I have thin lashes, so this is my go-to for adding length and volume without clumps. I love how it nourishes and adds a subtle shine.” —Lara Burnap, editor-in-chief, Minnesota Bride

EXTREME-LENGTH MASCARA + LASH PRIMER BY HONEST BEAUTY ($19.99) offers the best of both worlds by combining primer and mascara. Made with jojoba esters, this clean mascara effortlessly plumps and lengthens. “Clean, budget-friendly and the best mascara I’ve found, it gives you length and volume, thanks to an effective primer.” —Chelsea Gibson, managing editor, Iron Diamond Media

THE PROS RECOMMEND:

“My best pick for wedding day mascara is Chanel Le Volume (Waterproof ). It is a tear-proof volume that doesn’t break down or flake in hot weather.” —Kristel Richardson, K. Marina Beauty