Best Hydrating Mascara of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2026

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Hydrating mascara is a type of mascara that contains conditioning ingredients to keep lashes healthy and moisturized. These ingredients may include oils, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid, which can help prevent lash breakage and promote growth. Hydrating mascara is especially beneficial for those with dry or brittle lashes, and can give a more natural look compared to traditional mascaras. It's also great for those who wear mascara frequently, as it can help prevent damage caused by constant use. Overall, hydrating mascara is a great option for those looking to keep their lashes healthy and beautiful.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Plumping Mascara Cover #TOP 1
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Plumping Mascara
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Waterproof Plumping Mascara Cover #TOP 2
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Waterproof Plumping Mascara
ftb score rating icon 9.8
b.pure Hydrating Mascara 0.21 oz Cover #TOP 3
b.pure Hydrating Mascara 0.21 oz
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 4 Hydrating Mascara

#TOP 1

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Plumping Mascara

I00097887
Black/Brown 03
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Plumping Mascara Cover
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Plumping Mascara Enriched with Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, and Keratin for Dry or Brittle Lashes, Black/Brown 03,.21 oz

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Plumping Mascara is a specially formulated mascara that provides a boost of hydration and coats every lash to help strengthen and instantly plump the look of lashes. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and keratin, it nourishes to hydrate and replenish dry, brittle lashes for healthy, fuller looking lashes. The mascara is non-smudging, non-flaking, and ophthalmologist-tested to be safe for contact lens wearers.

What We Like
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and keratin
Non-smudging, non-flaking, and ophthalmologist-tested
Nourishes to hydrate and replenish dry, brittle lashes

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Waterproof Plumping Mascara

I00097884
Black 07,
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Waterproof Plumping Mascara Cover
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Waterproof Plumping Mascara with Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, Enriched formula with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E and Keratin, Black, 0.21 oz

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Waterproof Plumping Mascara is a great choice for those looking for a mascara that will hydrate and replenish dry, brittle lashes. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and keratin, this mascara provides a boost of hydration and coats every lash to help strengthen and instantly plump the look of lashes. It is non-smudging, non-flaking and ophthalmologist-tested to be safe for contact lens wearers. Customers have reported that this mascara looks great and is long-lasting, however, it can be difficult to remove.

What We Like
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and keratin
Non-smudging, non-flaking and ophthalmologist-tested
Long-lasting and looks great
#TOP 3

b.pure Hydrating Mascara 0.21 oz

Dollar Tree_1.25_880
black
b.pure Hydrating Mascara 0.21 oz Cover
B.Pure B Pure Hydrating Mascara 0.21 oz

The b.pure Hydrating Mascara is designed to keep your lashes nourished and healthy with its moisturizing formula, making sure they stay soft and strong. Its waterproof finish means you can wear it all day without worrying about smudges or fading, perfect for busy or active lifestyles. The straight wand and cylindrical brush work together to give your lashes full coverage, boosting volume and definition for a bold look. Plus, this mascara suits everyone with its unisex design and classic black shade, making it a versatile choice for any style.

What We Like
Moisturizing formula
Waterproof and smudge-proof
Volume enhancing brush
Unisex design
#TOP 4

tarte maneater mascara

black
tarte maneater mascara Cover
tarte maneater mascara – Extreme Curl, Volume & Length, Longwear, Cruelty Free

The tarte maneater mascara gives your lashes impressive volume, length, and curl, making your eyes look bigger and more lifted with just one coat. Its creamy formula keeps your lashes healthy and conditioned, preventing flaking, clumping, or smudging throughout the day. This mascara is designed to last for up to 16 hours, so you can enjoy long-lasting wear without needing touch-ups. With these benefits, the tarte maneater mascara helps you achieve a bold, eye-catching look that stays fresh and comfortable all day long.

What We Like
Massive volume
Long-lasting wear
Conditioning formula
Enhances eye appearance
Buying Guide Image

Hydrating Mascara Buying Guide: What You Need to Know

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a hydrating mascara, there are a few key factors to consider. In this article, we will explore some of the most important factors to consider in order to find the perfect hydrating mascara for you.

The Importance of Hydration

First and foremost, it's important to understand why hydration is so important when it comes to mascara. The skin around our eyes is delicate and sensitive, and can easily become dry and irritated. This can lead to flakiness, redness, and even the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hydrating mascara can help to moisturize and nourish the delicate skin around our eyes, helping to prevent dryness and irritation. This can not only make our eyes look and feel more comfortable, but it can also help to prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles in the long term.

Ingredients to Look For

When choosing a hydrating mascara, it's important to look for products that contain ingredients that are known to be moisturizing and nourishing. Some of the key ingredients to look for include:

  • Hyaluronic acid: This ingredient is a natural humectant, which means it helps to attract and retain moisture. It can help to keep the skin around our eyes hydrated and plump, helping to prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

  • Vitamin E: This powerful antioxidant can help to protect the delicate skin around our eyes from damage caused by free radicals. It can also help to soothe and calm irritated skin, making it an ideal ingredient for hydrating mascara.

  • Niacinamide: This ingredient is a form of vitamin B3, and it can help to improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin. It can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it an excellent choice for hydrating mascara.

Application Techniques

In addition to choosing the right ingredients, it's also important to consider the application techniques for hydrating mascara. When applying mascara, it's important to start at the base of the lashes and work your way upwards, using a gentle zig-zag motion. This will help to coat each individual lash evenly, without clumping or smudging.

It's also important to avoid applying too much mascara at once, as this can lead to clumping and flakiness. Instead, apply several thin coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. This will help to create a natural, defined look without weighing down the lashes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right hydrating mascara can help to moisturize and nourish the delicate skin around our eyes, preventing dryness and irritation. By looking for products that contain moisturizing ingredients and using the right application techniques, you can find the perfect hydrating mascara for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What mascara doesn't dry out lashes?

Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara is a great option that doesn't dry out lashes. It has a unique brush shape and uses wax fibers to coat lashes easily. The mascara is infused with supple waxes to ensure that lashes remain soft and hydrated.

2. Is conditioning mascara good for your eyelashes?

Yes, conditioning mascara is beneficial for your eyelashes. It helps to soften and support lashes, which can become dry and brittle from frequent use of makeup. Look for mascaras with ingredients like castor oil, avocado oil, panthenol, and biotin, as they provide nourishment and strength to the lashes.

3. How can I wear mascara everyday without damaging my eyelashes?

To wear mascara every day without damaging your eyelashes, you can follow these tips: 1. Moisturize your lashes regularly. 2. Choose the right mascara for your needs. 3. Check the expiry date of your mascara and replace it when necessary. 4. Gently remove mascara, avoiding harsh rubbing. 5. Be careful not to rub or tug on your eyes.

4. What can I put in my mascara to make it moist again?

If your mascara has dried out, you can try adding aloe vera gel to make it moist again. Add one or two drops of aloe vera gel directly into the mascara tube and shake it for a couple of minutes. Make sure the aloe gel you use is chemical-free to avoid any harm to your eyes. Adjust the number of drops based on the consistency of your mascara.

5. Why do my eyelashes feel dry with mascara?

Eyelashes can feel dry with mascara due to wearing it overnight, which can further dry out the lashes. The lash roots are delicate, so it's important to remove makeup gently using a suitable method like wipes, pads, or a cleanser. Make sure to remove mascara every time you wear makeup to prevent dryness and damage to your lashes.

6. What is the best thing to condition your eyelashes with?

To condition your eyelashes, you can comb them and then moisturize them with Vitamin E, castor oil, or almond oil. These ingredients help keep the lashes soft and pliable. Additionally, using eyelash serums like Revitalash daily can nourish and strengthen the lashes, promoting their growth and overall health.

7. Is there a conditioning mascara?

Yes, there are conditioning mascaras available in the market. One example is the Conditioning Drama Mascara, which offers volume and length while also conditioning and strengthening lashes from the roots. It has a proprietary formula infused with nourishing peptides, transforming frail and brittle lashes into thicker and longer lashes.

Editor's Notes

During our hydrating mascara research, we found 48 hydrating mascara products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 104,728 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hydrating mascara list. We found that most customers choose hydrating mascara with an average price of $12.71.

The hydrating mascara are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hydrating mascara, including Neutrogena, b.pure, tarte. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 86 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.