The Definitive Guide to Mascara Wands for a Dozen Different Lash Looks

Thin, short, light, or dark: there's a type of mascara for each type of eyelash.

Mascara is one of the most beloved beauty products of all time, on par with red lipstick. Practical and fast, a single pass is enough to revive a look, making it brighter and more feminine. At the core of makeup, eyes are the foundation. Without them, the finished result wouldn’t be the same. However, it is not easy to find the perfect mascara: some color but don’t stretch, some define but don’t curl, and some stretch the lashes but clump. Lots of this depends on the shape of the brush: in fact, there is an applicator for each type of eyelash. From the ball brush to natural bristles, here are seven different types of brushes.

S-shaped curve brush

Expect every one of your lashes coated. Lancôme may not be the first brand that innovated and first introduced the S-shaped brush, but it has become one of the most memorable for its iconic Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara. Ever since its launch, the creation has remained one of the most popular in the massive sea of eye makeup products.

Cone-shaped brush

Whether it's shorter, finer lashes towards the inner corner or the annoyingly hard-to-reach ones that everyone has, this design of brush caters to the shape of eyes, with its tapered tip grasping on the teeny tiny ones while the round base coats the rest. Make Up For Ever is ready to do it all, adding volume, length, and curl with just a few versatile swipes.

Skinny brush

Have short, fine lashes? Achieve a defined natural-looking eye makeup look? Look no further. Here comes the savior, in a myriad of elegant forms like Tom Ford's Ultra Length Mascara. Get ready to make passers-by wonder how you achieved such a mesmerizing transformation.

Ball brush

One of the newest applicators that gives both volume and definition. Thanks to the sphere shape, the eyelash base can be trimmed and even the shorter ones can be brought in line. Givenchy's Phenomen'eyes has become iconic for this very reason, using its 360-degree approach to truly bring your lash game to the next level.

Triple ball brush

For length, volume, and curliness, this really does it all. The brush is literally made with bristles shaped like three balls instead of the conventional comb brush. Gen Z-favorite brand Milk's Ubame Mascara features this shape, and the way it allows for easy application at all angles is truly revolutionary.

Bottle brush

One of the best brushes out there, this applicator captures all the lashes and adds volume while fanning them out. Smith and Cult's Lash Dance employs this shape to bring the drama, and pairing the product's thickening effect with the colorful makeup that's trending again is a surefire way to capture attention during a night out.

Plastic bristle brush

Promise on no flakiness or clumpiness? Smashbox's Super Fan has garnered significant acclaim for its firm, 360-degree design, which delivers a powerful dose of color and length in all directions while keeping a covetable lightness.

Mascara, like foundation, is the basis of every successful make-up. And the right brush can make a big difference.

Hourglass brush made of synthetic fibers

With a wide base that gradually thins towards the tip, the hourglass brush increases lash volume while making them fuller. Particularly suitable for those with thin eyelashes and would like to see them more defined. As one would expect from the house that defines Parisian nightlife, Yves Saint Laurent Beauty's The Shock will bring the drama you've been waiting for.

Shop all the featured brushes below.