long lashes in a wink: best mascaras for short lashes
Long, luxurious lashes are a coveted facial feature. They’re flirty & famously glamorous — what’s not to love?
The problem, of course, is that unless you’ve won the genetic lottery & were born with ultra-thick, sultry lashes, you probably struggle to achieve this much-desired look. Maybe you’ve even tried solutions like eyelash extensions (which can damage your natural lashes) or lifts (where potentially harmful chemicals are used to curl the lashes permanently), only to be disappointed with the results or wish you’d saved your money. Maybe you’ve purchased makeup products with no luck, or you’re searching for a solution for the very first time.
Either way, you want a solution that works. And we’re here to help!
Thin, short or straight eyelashes don’t have to be a barrier to feeling beautiful. Many mascaras can address all these concerns & more.
Today we’ll be sharing our picks for the best mascaras for short, straight lashes & we’re confident one of them will make your lash dreams come true.
What mascara is best for short lashes?
The key to finding the best mascara for short lashes is to know exactly what you need. All lashes are unique & each makeup product provides its distinct benefits. When you narrow down exactly what features you need from a mascara, you give yourself the best chance of finding the perfect fit.
Here are 5 factors we encourage you to consider:
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clump-tree formulation
Some mascara formulas are more prone to clumping than others. It’s essential for anyone with short or thin lashes to keep this in mind since clumps are more likely to make their way into the eye when lashes are sparse. Look for formulas containing natural waxes, oils & butters, as these ingredients prevent clumping & glide on easily.
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volume enhancement
Looking for that va-va-voom factor? A volumizing formula is key. When searching for the best mascara for short, thin lashes, it’s always a good idea to keep volume in mind & seek out products with natural fibers, glycerin, xanthan gum & other fortifying ingredients for a mega-fluffy final result.
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fiber infusion
As mentioned above, natural fibers make lashes fuller without weighing them down or providing a flakey finish. These fibers attach themselves to the lashes & make the mascara more buildable, resulting in a bolder, more noticeable look.
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brush style
Formula is definitely the first thing you should consider when hunting for a good mascara for short lashes, but it’s not the only thing. The type of brush the mascara comes with will also determine how thick & silky your lashes appear. We recommend short-lashed beauties go for a curved or tapered brush with short, closely spaced bristles.
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smudgeless finish
There’s no point in achieving the ultra-full lash look you’ve been fantasizing about if it will be smeared under your eyes a couple of hours later. This is why it’s always worth seeking a smudge-proof or transferproof formula. They’ll provide more extended wear & reduce the number of times you have to touch up your look.
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This white-tinted tubing primer boosts volume, length & lift while wrapping each lash in protective tubes for healthier- & stronger-looking lashes.
Bonus: It makes mascara removal a breeze—no tugging or scrubbing!
the 5 best mascara for short, straight lashes
A high-quality volumizing & curling mascara is an investment that won’t come with buyer’s remorse (especially if your lashes are short, thin or straight). Sure, you could pinch your pennies & opt for the best drugstore mascara for straight lashes, but here’s the thing — for just a little more, you can feel great about buying high-performance products that are formulated with a blend of naturally-derived ingredients.
Our mascaras are long-lasting, highly pigmented & thoughtfully formulated to provide you with unbelievable results.
If you’re ready to invest in the best mascara for short, straight lashes that won’t clump, smudge or harm your skin, keep reading.
These are our recommendations just for you!
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Prepare to be mindblown! Our micro-tubing technology wraps each individual lash, adding vivacious volume, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. But that’s not all — this weightless formula feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. Join us in saying farewell to heavy, cakey lashes!
our favorite skinvigorating™ ingredient:
Carnauba wax comes from Brazil & is often referred to as the “Queen of Waxes.” We love it because it maximizes the staying power of mascara, helping it adhere to the lashes & providing a thick, luxurious coat.
what our tartelettes are saying:
“This is the best mascara tarte™ has released! It leaves no flakes under the eyes. I don’t have to worry about smudged eyes at the end of the day!” - Kat
“This is the mascara to end all mascaras. Imagine your top three favorites coming together to make the perfect one… tarte™ did that! Length, volume, staying power, wow factor. This mascara does it all!” - Brookelynn
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lights, camera, lashes™ platinum mascara
Infused with the Platinum Lash Serum Cocktail—featuring biotin, peptides, green tea, and nourishing oils—it delivers fuller, stronger-looking lashes. Enjoy 16-hour long wear with 24-hour flake-free, smudge-proof magic. The bristle brush ensures extreme volume, length, and curl in every swipe.
our favorite skinvigorating™ ingredient:
Jojoba Seed Oil hydrates, strengthens, and protects lashes, promoting a healthy, glossy finish.
what our tartelettes are saying:
“This mascara is a game-changer! My lashes have never looked fuller or longer. Plus, it stays put all day without smudging.” - Jamie
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Experience lash extensions in a tube! This revolutionary XL tubing mascara features a 24-hour flake-free and smudge-proof formula. Lengthening tubes wrap each lash for XL length, lift, and volume. The creamy, buildable formula removes easily with just warm water—no harsh tugging required. Infused with a TLC complex of niacinamide, biotin, and panthenol, it promotes thicker, longer, and more conditioned-looking lashes.
our favorite skinvigorating™ ingredient:
Carnauba wax ensures smooth application with lengthening and volumizing benefits, enhancing the overall lash appearance.
what our tartelettes are saying:
“This mascara gives me that dramatic look I love without any of the mess. It's my go-to for nights out!” - Riley
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Unleash your inner maneater with this all-in-one mascara! Designed with over 500 flexible bristles, it lengthens, curls, and volumizes every lash for a fierce, fanned-out effect. The plant-derived formula ensures long-lasting wear without clumping or smudging. Go ahead, make them stare!.
our favorite skinvigorating™ ingredient:
Jojoba and carnauba waxes condition and protect lashes, promoting a healthy, glossy finish.
what our tartelettes are saying:
“I can't get over how full and lifted my lashes look. Plus, it stays put through my busiest days.” - Jordan
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We can’t discuss the best mascara for thin, short lashes without mentioning this tartelette fan favorite! It’s swim-proof, cry-proof & safe for contact lens-wearers, making it our most powerful long-lasting formula. It also lengthens, volumizes & curls! Now that’s a true triple threat.
our favorite skinvigorating™ ingredient:
Avocado oil is a super-ingredient in promoting hair growth, preventing breakage & enhancing shine — which makes it an ideal addition to our maneater™ waterproof mascara. You’ll love how lustrous it makes your lashes look!
what our tartelettes are saying:
“Finally a waterproof mascara that doesn’t clump! I’m very happy with this purchase.” - Lindsey
“Best mascara I have been used! I have short eyelashes & this mascara makes them pop!” - Nichole
Ready to find your best mascara for short lashes?
We want to make sure you find a product that meets your unique preferences & needs.
Here’s how we can help:
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virtual try-on
You can now try before you buy, all from the comfort of your couch! Our virtual try-on is a convenient way to confirm a product works for you before you purchase. Experiment with looks until you find one (or two) you love!
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online mascara quiz
Want to be extra confident you’ve found the best mascara for short eyelashes? Double-check your pick with our online mascara quiz. We’ll provide you with a personalized recommendation based on your responses. Plus, the quiz only takes a few seconds to complete & you’ll get your answer instantly!
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contact us
Still have questions about mascara options? Want to know more about a specific product & its ingredients? Having trouble with your order? We’re always happy to help. Reach out to us & we’ll do our best to provide you with the information you need!