Finding the Best Mascara for Short Lashes can feel like a challenge. You want something that adds length, volume, and definition without smudging or clumping. The good news is that many beauty brands now make mascaras specifically designed to transform short lashes. Whether you’re after a bold, dramatic look or something more natural for everyday wear, these five mascaras are highly rated for delivering amazing results.
In this article, we’ll be comparing five of the best mascaras for short lashes. Each one has been carefully selected based on its ability to add length, volume, and definition, with some even offering waterproof formulas. We’ll break down the key features, shades, and why customers love each mascara. Let’s dive in!
What to Look for in a Mascara for Short Lashes
When choosing a mascara for short lashes, keep these things in mind:
- Lengthening Formula: Look for a mascara that adds length to make your lashes look longer and more defined.
- Volumizing Formula: A bit of volume can make your lashes look fuller and enhance their length.
- Buildable Coverage: Choose a mascara you can layer without clumping for a more dramatic effect.
- Waterproof or Smudge-Proof: If you need long-lasting wear, go for a waterproof formula to avoid smudging.
Top 5 Mascaras for short eye Lashes
1. Lancôme Définicils High Definition Mascara
Lancôme is known for its luxurious beauty products, and this mascara is no exception. The finely tapered brush ensures every lash is coated, giving you natural-looking length and separation

- Waterproof: No, but it’s smudge-proof.
- Shades: Black and Deep Black.
- Lengthening Formula: This mascara is specifically designed to add noticeable length to your lashes, giving them a defined, separated look.
- Volumizing Formula: While it focuses more on length, it also provides a subtle volume boost for a fuller lash appearance.
- Buildable Coverage: This mascara allows you to layer without clumping, giving you control over the level of length and volume you want to achieve. You can easily build it up for a more dramatic look.
- Customer Review:
“I love how lightweight this formula feels. My lashes look longer and more defined without feeling heavy!”
2. Clinique High Impact Mascara
Clinique, a brand synonymous with gentle, allergy-tested products, offers a mascara that provides both length and volume. It’s perfect for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

- Waterproof: Available in waterproof and regular formulas.
- Shades: Black and Black/Brown.
- Lengthening Formula: Clinique’s mascara works wonders to lengthen short lashes, giving them a natural, elongated look.
- Volumizing Formula: It adds a bit of volume as well, making lashes appear thicker and fuller without feeling heavy.
- Buildable Coverage: Clinique’s formula offers buildable coverage that enhances both length and volume with each coat, without clumping or flaking, making it ideal for a customized lash look.
- Customer Review:
“This mascara is a game-changer for my short lashes. It doesn’t irritate my eyes and still gives me a bold lash look.”
3. Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara
Tarte is renowned for its cruelty-free, vegan formulas, and this mascara is no exception. It’s a multitasker that lengthens, curls, volumizes, and conditions lashes in one swipe.

- Waterproof: Yes, a waterproof version is available.
- Shades: Black.
- Lengthening Formula: This mascara is known for its ability to dramatically lengthen short lashes with just a few coats.
- Volumizing Formula: It also builds impressive volume, making lashes look thick and full without clumping.
- Buildable Coverage: This mascara provides buildable coverage that allows you to layer multiple coats for added length and volume, giving you the flexibility to go from a natural look to more dramatic lashes.
- Customer Review:
“I’m obsessed! My lashes look fuller and longer, and the formula doesn’t budge all day.”
4. Pat McGrath Labs FetishEyes Mascara
Created by the iconic makeup artist Pat McGrath, this mascara delivers a dramatic, high-impact look with just a few coats. It’s perfect for creating bold, statement lashes.

- Waterproof: No, but it’s long-wearing.
- Shades: Xtreme Black.
- Lengthening Formula: Pat McGrath’s mascara adds amazing length to short lashes, creating a bold, elongated effect.
- Volumizing Formula: It also provides great volume, giving lashes a dramatic, fuller appearance.
- Buildable Coverage: Pat McGrath’s mascara offers buildable coverage, allowing you to easily layer for a more intense, voluminous look without any clumping or heaviness.
- Customer Review:
“This mascara is like magic for my short lashes! They look so thick and long, I can’t believe it.”
5. Glossier Lash Slick Mascara
Glossier is known for its minimalist, “your skin but better” approach to beauty, and this mascara follows suit. It lengthens and separates for a fluttery, natural look.

- Waterproof: No, but it’s water-resistant.
- Shades: Black.
- Lengthening Formula: Glossier’s formula is designed to give a natural, lengthened look with a lightweight feel.
- Volumizing Formula: It adds subtle volume to enhance the length, creating a soft, fluttery lash effect.
- Buildable Coverage: Glossier’s formula builds up gently, giving you natural volume and length with each coat. It’s perfect for those who want to enhance their lashes without the risk of clumping.
- Customer Review:
“It’s perfect for everyday wear. My lashes look long and defined, and the formula doesn’t flake at all!”
Tips for Applying Mascara to Short Lashes
Here are some simple tips to help you make the most of your mascara:
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Curl Your Lashes First: Use an eyelash curler before applying mascara to give your lashes more length and lift.
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Start from the Base: Applying mascara starting from the base of lashes, then wiggle upward. This lifts your lashes and makes them look fuller.
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Use Zigzag Motion: To prevent clumps and separate your lashes, apply the mascara in a zigzag way.
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Layer, But Don’t Overdo It: Build up the mascara gradually. Apply one or two coats, but don’t go too heavy to avoid clumping.
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Don’t Forget the Bottom Lashes: Lightly coat your bottom lashes for a balanced, full-eyed look.
Conclusion
From luxury brands like Lancôme and Pat McGrath to minimalist favorites like Glossier, these mascaras prove you don’t need long lashes to make a big impact. Each one is specially designed to bring out the best in short lashes, whether you want bold volume or a soft, natural look.
Have you tried any of these mascaras? Which one are you adding to your beauty bag next? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 💕