When the name CoverGirl comes to mind, mascara is often the first product that follows, closely evoking RuPaul’s iconic song of the same name. For many, their very first mascara purchase was a bright orange tube of CoverGirl Lashblast, and the brand has been a consistent choice for achieving big, fluttery lashes time and time again. Despite a recent rebrand and a transition to being 100 percent cruelty-free, CoverGirl has consistently focused on mascara throughout its 58 years of existence, remaining a major player in the drugstore beauty market. While many brands are choosing not to launch new mascaras, CoverGirl continues to innovate and release new formulas.
However, with such a wide array of options, standing before the mascara display at the drugstore can be an overwhelming experience. Understanding the differences between mascaras like the Super Sizer and Exhibitionist, or what sets Clump Crusher apart from Flourish, is challenging when only able to examine a wand through plastic packaging. To address this, Glamour editors put every tube to the test, providing detailed insights into what each option offers. Read on for our honest reviews of the best CoverGirl mascaras.
Exploring the Best CoverGirl Mascaras
CoverGirl offers a diverse range of mascaras, each designed to cater to specific lash needs and desired effects. From defining individual lashes to providing dramatic volume and length, there's a CoverGirl mascara for almost every preference.
Best for Separation: CoverGirl Peacock Flair Mascara
The unique, swirling wand of the CoverGirl Peacock Flair Mascara was initially met with hesitation but ultimately proved effective. While tapered combs might not be ideal for those seeking mega-full and mega-long lashes, this mascara excels at separation. When applied alone, it can be a bit clumpy, but layering it over a mascara applied with a thick, fluffy brush yields impressive results. The tapered wand is excellent for defining each lash, especially in the inner and outer corners, adding a significant "va-va-voom" factor. It's a great option for declumping volumizing formulas or for achieving a more natural-looking tint.
Best Waterproof Formula: CoverGirl Exhibitionist Mascara
For those who find themselves easily moved to tears, a strong waterproof mascara is a beauty routine essential. CoverGirl's Exhibitionist mascara stands out as the best among the tear-proof options tested. It not only withstands emotional moments, like watching the final scene of A Star Is Born (twice), but it's also remarkably easy to apply. Just two coats provide natural, feathery lashes that hold up throughout the day.
Best for Twiggy Lashes: CoverGirl Katy Kat Eye Mascara
Embracing the mod aesthetics of the sixties, the CoverGirl Katy Kat Eye Mascara delivers the distinctive, intentionally clumpy lashes popular during that era. This mascara is inky black and provides volume that verges on chunky, while also offering impressive length, even with a few leftover lash extensions. For those seeking a dramatic, bold lash look, this mascara does not disappoint.
Closest Thing to Lash Extensions: CoverGirl The Super Sizer Fibers Mascara
The hype around fiber mascara formulas is significant, and the CoverGirl The Super Sizer Fibers Mascara lives up to it. This mascara effectively latches onto lashes, providing extra length and shape, mimicking the effect of lash extensions without the high cost. Despite an accidental sneeze immediately after application, which temporarily created "raccoon eyes," the mascara surprisingly stayed put for the remainder of the day.
Best Definition: CoverGirl Flourish by Lash Blast Mascara
True to its name, the CoverGirl Flourish mascara enhances buildable definition. Its small wand and precisely placed bristles grab onto each lash, making them stand out. The formula is noteworthy for its ideal consistency - not too wet - allowing for multiple coats without a heavy feel, likely due to its formulation with coconut, avocado, and papaya oils. Even without being waterproof, it remains in place throughout the day, resisting watering eyes during commutes.
The Overachiever: CoverGirl Super Sizer Mascara
The CoverGirl Super Sizer Mascara quickly became a favorite, overshadowing other mascaras in the reviewer's collection. A single quick swipe delivers next-level volume, achieving a look comparable to false lashes, all while remaining clump-free. The formula's staying power ensures it remains on the lashes all day long, eliminating the need for reapplication.
Best for Natural-Looking Lashes: CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara
The CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara offers a satisfying instant result. A single coat is sufficient to perk up lashes, thanks to the easily maneuverable curled wand and rubber bristles that smoothly glide the formula on. As the name suggests, this mascara is best suited for a natural look, providing clump-free lashes without significant added volume.
Best for Lower Lashes: CoverGirl Total Tease Mascara
The dual-sided brush of the CoverGirl Total Tease Mascara, featuring traditional bristles on one half and short, spiky bristles on the other, initially seemed unusual. However, using the standard side for upper lashes and the shorter bristles for lower lashes proved highly effective. It successfully coats and defines the small lower lashes, thickening them without clumping and stretching them for a bold appearance. The versatility of the brush is a significant advantage, although it may require some getting used to.
Best Curl Enhancer: CoverGirl Super Sizer The Big Curl Mascara
For those with big eyes who desire long, attention-grabbing lashes that remain clump-free, the CoverGirl Super Sizer The Big Curl Mascara is an excellent choice. The curved brush automatically lifts the lashes upon application, making it a convenient option to keep in a purse for quick touch-ups and lash lifts throughout the day.
Best Long-Wear Formula: CoverGirl Lash Blast Active (and Wrap Tubing Mascara)
Workout makeup is a topic of debate, but the CoverGirl Lash Blast Active and its tubing mascara counterpart, the Wrap Tubing Mascara, are noteworthy for their performance during physical activity. These mascaras apply smoothly, without flaking or running, and provide an elongated effect without multiple applications. While surviving extreme sweatiness for extended periods might seem ambitious, testing proved their resilience.
The CoverGirl Wrap Tubing Mascara, priced at $12, is formulated with key ingredients such as castor oil, vitamin E, glycerin, and panthenol. In testing, this mascara demonstrated impressive length and definition, even after intense, 60-minute workouts in a 96-degree room. While some minor flaking was observed in extreme conditions, it was minimal and barely noticeable. The mascara also performed exceptionally well during a night out, remaining smudge-proof and flake-free. The brown shade, however, tends to be very dark, appearing almost black.
For those with naturally fine and straight lashes, the Wrap Tubing Mascara, when used with a lash curler, can create a lash extension effect that remains subtle, especially in the brown shade. It has proven effective for everyday wear and performs exceptionally well during sweaty workouts, such as cardio boxing and weightlifting, with lashes appearing even better afterward-defined, long, and clump-free. The formula is long-wearing and suitable for hot weather or gym sessions, with minimal flaking.
The brush of the Wrap Tubing Mascara is praised for its perfection, applying pigment evenly and smoothly with zero clumps. Unlike other tubing mascaras that can feel wet or sticky, this one strikes a balance with the right texture for easy coverage. It also boasts impressive staying power, remaining intact during intense Peloton workouts and daily wear without irritating sensitive eyes. While it excels at definition and lengthening, it offers less curling capability for stick-straight lashes.
Overall, the CoverGirl Wrap Tubing Mascara has set a new standard for drugstore mascaras, offering excellent results, long-lasting wear, and affordability. It held up through normal office days and nights out without smudging and kept lashes long and defined during sweaty workouts with minimal flaking-a rare feat for a $12 product.
CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Review
The CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof mascara in Very Black has been a long-standing favorite for many, consistently chosen over higher-end options. It holds a curl exceptionally well without altering the shape of curled lashes. The mascara offers long wear throughout the day without crumbling. However, it can be challenging to remove, often requiring a two-phase oil-on-water style remover or even extra virgin olive oil for effective cleansing.