The 5 Best Mascaras To Use On Your Bottom Lashes

Applying mascara to your top lashes is a totally different process than applying it to your bottom lashes. Our top lashes are on average more voluminous compared to their bottom counterparts, which makes applying mascara easier to navigate. On the upper lid, we can grow anywhere between 90 and 160 lashes, while the lower lid typically grows around 75 (via The Conversation). Though our lashes act as a barrier from debris — preventing dust and other potentially harmful materials from getting into the eye — they also help us convey emotion (via Georgia Eye Associates). This is amplified all the more by the addition of makeup.

When it comes to finding the best mascara for those more-delicate bottom lashes, it can be difficult to find a product that doesn't smudge, clump, or even flake off throughout the day. In fact, the issue of bottom lash mascara is a topic highly-contested in the makeup world. According to mbg lifestyle, some makeup artists argue it "accentuates dark circles" while others use mascara on the bottom lashes to "frame the eye." If you do choose to wear mascara on your lower lashes, it's important to choose a product that won't create dark circles from fallout. 

Whether your main goal is lightweight wear or a dramatic lengthening effect, we've got you covered. Sourced below are five highly rated and reviewed mascaras from a variety of retailers — all ideal for those baby bottom lashes.

Considering that the growth of bottom lashes is typically sparse when compared to top, finding a mascara that adds length to your lower lashline may be part of your mission. As advertised in its Amazon product description, L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Lengthening Mascara works to give the appearance of up to 60% extra length with the help of its Precision Brush applicator. 

According to Byrdie, the applicator has two sides: a flat side and a comb side. When applying, the flat side works to lengthen; the comb separates lashes and helps prevent clumping. This mascara is backed by rave reviews. One Amazon customer highly recommended it to "everyone and anyone." Rated as one of "The 22 Best Mascaras ELLE Editors Will Never Stop Buying" in spring of 2022, L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Lengthening Mascara is top tier not only for its dramatic effects, but also for its affordability. 

You can find it on Amazon for around $10. 

We've all had days that end up a bit sweatier than expected. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara works to combat any environmental mishaps that may smudge your carefully applied makeup. Best of all, you won't get those inky mascara stains dulling your under-eyes by mid afternoon. According to Style Craze, waterproof formulas are perfect for preventing this kind of residue and will leave your lashes looking fresh into the wee-hours (if need be). 

When challenged to keep their clientele smudge-free under the intense gaze of red carpet cameras, celebrity makeup artists will often opt for waterproof solutions (via The Hollywood Reporter). Especially if you lead an active lifestyle (or are planning on attending a movie premier), it's best to go with a formula you know won't budge like Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara. This mascara has a lot of fans, and in spring of 2022, Allure included it in their list of "Best Mascaras of All Time." 

Though take care to use a powerful makeup remover before you go to bed — this mascara tends to cling. 

If you're looking for a quality lower lash mascara that ranges beyond a traditional black or brown, check out thrive causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara in shade Nola. Not only will this dark blue formula spice up your bottom lashes with a unique shade, it also works to add volume. As advertised by thrive, their Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara uses tubing technology to create the appearance of extensions without going to the salon. 

Rather than applying a waterproof formula to prevent smudging, tubing mascara is an easy-to-remove alternative. Simply wash it off with warm water or a go-to cleanser before bed. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King told Allure polymers cling to the lashes like "saran wrap" and work to add that extra length. The formula also uses a combination of shea butter and castor seed oil to gently condition the lashes. This promotes healthy growth, according to Cosmopolitan. 

But product reviews speak for themselves. One customer claimed, "I cannot wear another mascara." Another went so far as to say, "I'm in heaven."

Because bottom lashes are thin, they're sometimes hard to target individually with a regular mascara brush. Chunky applicators can be overkill, clumping together our delicate lower lashes and creating the appearance of dark circles. Pixi by Petra Lower Lash Mascara has a specialized, super-slim brush designed specifically for your under-eye. The short bristles work to separate each individual lash, making sure your baby lashes don't end up looking too heavy. 

If you have the habit of making a bit of a mess when doing your makeup, this delicate product may be the solution. According to reviews on Influenster, Pixi by Petra Lower Lash Mascara is great for lightweight wear and a natural finish. However, if you're lookin to achieve a more dramatic effect, it can also be easily layered. In 2022, Byrdie highlighted it as one of the 12 best mascaras at Target. So next time you're wandering those overwhelming makeup aisles, just head towards this mascara. 

You can even buy it at your local drugstore for only $11. 

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara has an expertly designed, micro-precision brush for coating the bottom lashes. Byrdie highly recommends this mascara, specifically noting how the brush is "compact enough to grasp your lashes with no clumping involved." Though the formula isn't waterproof, it is smudge-proof. This prevents your mascara from running and creating dark circles. It also means that the solution can be effectively removed with warm water or a favorite makeup remover — no scrubbing and potential lash loss necessary. 

To best apply, especially on your bottom lashes, simply hold the specially engineered applicator vertically and, as per Sephora, "wiggle" the brush through your lashes. The product is long-wearing, meaning you don't have to worry about reapplication on active days out. If you're looking to go the extra mile, MasterClass recommends a layer of lash primer before using mascara. This quick extra step will help further prevent smudging, which is especially important on those susceptible lower lashes.