Finding the best mascara for contact lens wearers can feel like a mission impossible. It’s hard enough to find a mascara that lengthens, volumizes, and holds a curl, let alone one that doesn’t smudge, flake, and cause eye irritation.
After countless trials, I’ve narrowed my list to five absolute favorites. These holy grail mascaras will give you bold, beautiful lashes, without the tears and cloudy vision.
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1. Best Overall: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
The TikTok hype? For once, it’s justified. Sky High is super lightweight and non-flaky, so no need to worry about specks falling into your eyes or onto your contacts.
Its bamboo formula flexes on your lashes instead of turning brittle and flaking.
The color payoff is amazing – a deep, true, eye-popping black! Some brands claim to be “very black,” but this one actually is.
Even after hours of wear, the mascara comes off easily with a regular cleanser. The wand is thinner, too, which I love because it doesn’t feel bulky or messy to use.
2. Best Lengthening: Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara
One of my biggest pet peeves is mascara that starts flaking by mid-afternoon, especially since that can be so uncomfortable with contacts.
But with this formula, I haven’t had any issues. It stays put without smearing my under-eye area.
Healthy Lengths glides on smoothly without clumping, but it really does add noticeable length.
It’s not the most volumizing, but it gives my lashes a natural, everyday look. If you want to look put-together but not overdone, I can’t recommend Neutrogena enough.
3. Best Waterproof: Almay Waterproof Mascara
Waterproof formulas aren’t always gentle, especially if you are wearing contacts or have sensitive eyes.
Almay’s Waterproof mascara is an answered prayer! It’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and ophthalmologist-tested, so it’s super gentle on the eyes.
And this mascara does it all! It delivers volume, length, and definition, all while nourishing my lashes with keratin.
4. Best Value: essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
At just $5, Lash Princess feels like finding designer makeup at dollar store prices. I was skeptical at first, but I quickly realized this mascara has a cult following for a reason.
The conic-shaped fiber wand grabs every lash – yes, even those teeniest lashes in the corner! Plus, it separates them perfectly so they don’t clump.
Despite its bold finish, I’ve found this formula to be quite gentle. It’s not waterproof, but it holds up well for a regular day out.
5. Best Vegan: CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
This vegan formula is a newer discovery of mine, and I’m impressed! It’s weightless yet builds impressive volume, and the applicator brush fans out lashes without clumps.
I do recommend wiping the brush a bit if you prefer a lighter application, as it can go on a bit heavy straight out of the tube. But with a little control, the results are pretty dramatic.
If you’re picky about what you put on your lashes, you’ll be pleased to know Lash Blast is free of common eye irritants like talc, parabens, sulfates, and mineral oil.
To Wrap Up
I hope you’ve found the perfect match from my list of the best mascara for contact wearers. Remember, always put your contacts in before applying mascara to avoid any product transfer.