10 Best Tried and True Japanese and Korean Mascaras in 2022 (opera, DHC, and More)
That’s why we ordered the 38 most popular mascaras from Japan’s e-commerce giants (such as @cosme, Amazon, and Rakuten) and tested for the following:
- Curl longevity
- Finish
- Ease of Use
- Smudge Resistance
- Ease of Removal
This is how we tested and found the most exceptional Japanese and Korean mascaras.
Quick List - Top Japanese And Korean Mascaras
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How to Choose Japanese and Korean Mascara – Buying Guide
Make Sure the Mascara’s Formulated to Give You the Finish You Want
There are two main types of mascara: lengthening and volumizing. Depending on which you use, you’ll end up with a slightly different look, so get the one that’s going to give you the finish you need.
If You’re Going for Dainty, Long Eyelashes, Get Lengthening
If you want to go extra long, see if you can mascara that has fibers in it–known here as the fiber + long type. But there is a bit of a learning curve to fiber mascara, so if you’re a klutz with makeup, you might just decide it’s not worth the effort. We’ll talk about this in more detail later.
If You’re Looking for Impact and to Really Open up Your Eyes, Get Volumizing
Volumizing mascara makes it look like you have more and thicker eyelashes. It’s great if you don’t have many eyelashes or if your eyelashes you do have no body or spring to them.
It also really enhances your irises and pupils, so if you’re looking for a dramatic flair, you can’t go wrong with volumizing. The only thing is that it clumps rather easily, so you may want to comb out your eyelashes as you’re laying it on.
Match the Type of Mascara to Your Skin Type and Particular Situation
If You Want to Remove Your Makeup With Hot Water, Look for Tubing Mascara
But even though tubing mascara is only supposed to come off with hot water, there are plenty of products that start smearing as soon as they’re wetted with lukewarm water, way beneath 100℉. So if your eyes water constantly, especially during allergy season, you might find that your mascara came off without you even noticing–something to watch out for.
If You Want Your Makeup to Look on Point the Entire Day, Get Waterproof Mascara
The only issue is that waterproof mascara doesn’t mix well with oil. If you secrete a lot of sebum around your eyes, with certain brands, there’s a good chance you’ll wind up looking black around the eyes at the end of the day. However, recently, companies have been coming out with waterproof mascaras that are sebum-resistant, so look out for those.
Pay Attention to the Brush, as It Determines Finish and Ease of Application
You wouldn’t think it, but the shape of the brush has a huge effect on your final look. We talk about the four most common brush shapes below; look out for which one seems easiest to use and will give you the finish you want.
Anyone Can Get More Voluminous Lashes With a Good Arch
It’s curved in a way that fits the human eye, such that you can effectively coat all your eyelashes with a single swipe. We especially love that it makes it easier to apply mascara to the very roots of your lashes.
Reach Into Nooks and Crannies With a Rocket Brush
When you use the center of the brush, you add some more volume to all your lashes; when you use the tip, you can apply mascara to more delicate areas, such as the corners of your eyes and your under lashes.
Separate Out Each Single Eyelash With a Comb
Take Complete Control With a Gourd-Shaped Brush
Furthermore, if you use just the tip of the brush, it’s easy to apply mascara to small areas. If you take the time to master this brush, you can play around with all kinds of subtle looks.
Stay Away From Fiber Mascara if You're a Beginner
Fiber mascara’s great because it’s extra volumizing, adding on both length and thickness to your lashes. However, because there are a lot of products out there that utilize fibers of different shapes and sizes, they clump fairly quickly. When applying, take your time and comb out your lashes between coats.
10 Best Japanese Lengthening Mascaras
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | dejavu Fiberwig Ultra Long | | Get Amazingly Clean and Long Lashes | |
2 | Cezanne Airy Curl Mascara | | This Lengthening Mascara Looks Natural and Doesn’t Smudge | |
3 | D-UP Perfect Extension Mascara | | Perfect if You’re Looking for a Crisp, Clean Look | |
4 | EYEMANIA Innocent Long | | Has a Perfect Finish and Ramps up the Volume | |
5 | Flowfushi Mote Mascara Natural 1 | | Mascara That's So Easy to Remove | |
6 | Heroine Make SP Long & Curl Mascara Advanced Film | | Heroine Make’s Tubing Mascara Was Exemplary | |
7 | Browlash NEO Lash Up Mascara Long | | Separates out Lashes and Extends Smoothly to a Sharp Point | |
8 | Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Long Long Long | | Got Straight A’s on Everything but Removal | |
9 | Opera MyLash Advanced | | It Doesn’t Smudge and Is Easy to Remove | |
10 | Heroine Make SP Long & Curl Mascara Super Waterproof | | If You Prize Smudge Resistance Over Finish, Then You Might Like This One |
Get Amazingly Clean and Long Lashes
It was also long-lasting, with almost no transfer. You can use eyedrops, or your eyes can water all through allergy season, but this mascara will not run. This one’s a godsend during pollen season.
It’s also available for a reasonable price, so even if you’ve never used mascara before, this would be a good first one to try.
This Lengthening Mascara Looks Natural and Doesn’t Smudge
We also loved that, even though this was tubing mascara, it was resistant to water–almost as much as a waterproof mascara would be. You can use this mascara anywhere and at any time. It was really good for the really low price.
Perfect if You’re Looking for a Crisp, Clean Look
But this separated out every strand and then fanned out our lashes. The brush did only have bristles, but they were closely packed all the way around the body, so it brushed out lashes just as a comb would. However, it didn’t add much volume to our lashes; this mascara’s perfect if you’re looking for a more clean, sleek look. We also had no complaints about smudging or drooping.
Has a Perfect Finish and Ramps up the Volume
However, it smeared just a little too much for a tubing mascara. Quite a bit transferred when we rubbed at it, so depending on your personal habits, this mascara might not last for a full day.
Mascara That's So Easy to Remove
This one’s perfect if eye makeup removers usually irritate your skin, or if you want to have one less thing to worry about at the end of the day.
Heroine Make SP Long & Curl Mascara Advanced Film
Heroine Make’s Tubing Mascara Was Exemplary
The finish was long, straight, and clean, but we didn’t like how you could still kind of see the fiber. It’d be best to comb your lashes and get rid of excess fiber in between coats.
Separates out Lashes and Extends Smoothly to a Sharp Point
The only thing we didn’t really like was the thickness of the brush. Even though it was arched the fit the curve of an eye, it was difficult to coat fine hairs, like the ones on the bottom lid and in the corners of the eye.
Got Straight A’s on Everything but Removal
However, the product adhered very closely to the lashes, so we had to take time and carefully remove it. But you can take advantage of the fact that this one doesn’t come off with hot water and wear it at the hot springs or during the dog days of summer.
It Doesn’t Smudge and Is Easy to Remove
When we thought of the finish, we couldn’t help feeling that there were other, better products you could choose from. But it was true that it won’t smudge and you can remove it in a snap, so we understood why it was so popular on @cosme (the go-to makeup database in Japan).
Heroine Make SP Long & Curl Mascara Super Waterproof
If You Prize Smudge Resistance Over Finish, Then You Might Like This One
You can probably see from the picture, but the fibers stuck to the lashes, looking like split ends. Even though this was a lengthening mascara, it also thickened our lashes quite a bit; this is not a product that will leave you with a delicate finish.
We Liked That the Brush Was Thin and Easy to Use
This might be good if you’re looking for a more natural, straight lash look.
16 Best Japanese Volumizing Mascaras
Products That Didn't Make The Cut
And why they didn't quite make it.
Didn't Leave the Best Finish
Canmake Gokubuto Mascara didn’t smear and it kept our lashes curled. However, when it dried, it looked powdery and clumpy. The mascara stayed, but it was awkward and clumpy from the very beginning. Furthermore, the brush was thick and hard to use. If you aren’t careful, you’re going to get mascara on your eyelids.
When we pulled the brush out of SANA Super Quick Mascara, we were frankly shocked at how much product was on it. We wiped off excess on a tissue, but even so, the mascara clumped and stuck our lashes to one another. It was also very uneven and left us with thick lashes, thin lashes, and everything in between.
Smears Too Much
As soon as we sprayed on some water after applying RE:DUA by A-first Volume Mascara, rivulets of black started trickling down. When we rubbed at it, it just made everything worse. In the end, everything around the lashes was a muddy shade of black. It smeared too easily.
Missha 4D Mascara, likewise, also smeared with water and oil. Plus, it didn’t add on much volume, so if you’re looking for thick lashes that will throw your eyes into sharp relief, forget it. We did like that it kept our lashes separate from each other, but it certainly didn’t make them dense or luxurious.
How We Tested the Mascaras
We tested the 38 most popular Japanese and Korean mascaras for each of the following things:
- Curl Staying Power
- Finish
- Ease of Use
- Smudge Resistance
- Ease of Removal
Test ① Curl Staying Power
We applied all the mascara to fake eyelashes and stuck them to a wall for eight hours. We looked at how much the lashes sagged, both right after application and after eight hours had passed. We then graded each product on a five-step scale from 1.0 to 5.0.
※In order to get as close as real life as possible, we also sprayed on some artificial sebum after four hours.
Mascara That Separates Out Your Lashes and Were Voluminizing Stayed Curled the Longest
At the end of the day, most of the lashes that stayed curled were coated with “separating” mascara. This is the kind that combs out each individual lash. It may be because, since the lashes were spread out, each individual lash had to carry less weight, which kept it perky for hours.
In addition, volumizing mascara also tended to preserve curl. As long as the lashes were coated in a mascara that spread easily, rather than one that was dense and viscous, they could keep that nice upward arch for an entire day.
Test ② Finish
We applied mascara onto each of our sets of fake eyelashes and tried to make sure we got a nice clean finish with no clumps. If it was a lengthening mascara, we checked to see if the lashes were actually longer; if it was volumizing, we checked to see if they were thicker. We then ranked each product on a scale from 1.0 to 5.0.
Mascara That’s Been Fortified With Superfine Fiber Lengthens and Plumps up Your Lashes
Many mascaras that have fiber mixed into them clump easily and are difficult to use. However, as long as the fiber strands are super thin, then you’ll get a nice finish. Just make sure you aren’t coating your lashes with too much fiber at once. If a huge glob of the stuff gets stuck on your brush, wipe off the excess with a tissue before applying.
On the other hand, liquid mascaras that were thick and viscous received low ratings. They kept getting caught on things, making it impossible to get a smooth coat.
Test ③ Ease of Use
We checked for things like whether we could get a smooth coat, no clumps or gaps, or whether it was easy to get just the right amount of product. We then rated each mascara on a scale from 1.0 to 5.0.
Brushes With Densely Packed Bristles Coat All Your Lashes
Furthermore, if the brush was soft overall, lashes didn’t get caught on it. This made for a smoother application and a beautiful, painless finish. On the other hand, if the brush was stiff and the bristles sparse, it made for a scraggly final look.
Test ④ Smudge Resistance
We affixed the coated fake eyelashes onto sheets of paper and sprayed them with a mixture meant to simulate water and sebum. We then rubbed each five times with a wad of cotton and checked for smudging. We rated each mascara on a scale from 1.0 to 5.0.
Dense Liquid Waterproof Mascaras Were Not Only Resistant to Water, but Also to Rubbing
In the waterproof mascara world, products that were thick but had some stretch to them were the least likely to smear. They were heavy, but that also allowed them to really adhere to the lashes and withstand friction.
In addition, if you use a mascara that’s quick-drying, you can blink without having to worry about it transferring onto your skin. This is something else to keep in mind if you’re concerned about smudging.
Test ⑤ Ease of Removal
If it was tubing mascara, we dunked our coated fake lashes in 104℉ water. If it was any other type, we used cleansing oil. We then looked at how much residue we were left with and graded each product on a scale from 1.0 to 5.0.
Mascara That Bundles up the Lashes Tended to Be More Difficult to Remove
If the mascara swept your eyelashes into little bundles, chances are that you’d have to rub at them to get them to come off, even if they were tubing mascaras. We tested the products on fake lashes, and thank goodness we did because when we rubbed at the lashes to try to remove the mascara, they started falling out in droves. They're probably not good for the skin either.
It might be a bit of a pain, but if you do choose to use mascara that gives you that bundled-up effect, get yourself a good eye makeup remover and remove gently.
How to Get Beautiful Lashes With Mascara
You could get the best mascara in the world, but you still aren’t going to get the finish you want unless you know how to use it. You definitely don’t want to mess up and be left with streaks of black all over your lids.
Below, we’ve lined up a few tips and tricks that professional hair and makeup artists use, so be sure to try them out.
Wipe off Any Extra Product on a Tissue
It might seem to be a waste of good product, but if you don’t want your mascara to clump, you need to do it. It’ll also ensure the mascara slides smoothly onto your lashes without looking too jagged or bulky.
If you wipe off the wand that attaches the brush to the cap, you can further ensure that absolutely no product gets onto your skin.
Change the Angle and Direction of Your Brush Depending on Where You’re Applying
First, brush the lashes right above your iris straight up. Next, brush the lashes above the whites so that they fan out from either side. When you do so, make sure to brush from the roots of your lashes–this will ensure that they stay curled. If, however, mascara tends to smear when you apply from the roots, then apply mascara further up and use a clear top coat to firm up the bottom.
When applying mascara to the fine lashes at the corners of your eyes and your bottom lid, turn your brush so that it’s vertical, and you’ll have an easier time.
When Applying Multiple Coats, Brush Out Your Lashes With a Comb in Between Each Layer
Volumizing mascara and fiber mascara clump up really quickly, so we’d say that you need a comb for those. Combs will also make sure your lashes are all separate from one another, resulting in a more natural look. If, however, alternating between an applicator and comb sounds like too much trouble for you, look for a mascara where the applicator is a comb.
How to Remove Mascara in a Way That Won’t Remove Your Lashes
If it’s tubing mascara, then all you need to do is rinse it off with some hot water; but, otherwise, we’d venture to say that most people rub at their mascara to get it off. And if you were to do that every day, then over time, your lashes might start falling out, leaving you with awkward gaps.
For the sake of your lashes, get a good eye makeup remover and take the time to gently get rid of all your mascara.
<How to Remove Mascara>
- Thoroughly wet a cotton pad with eye makeup remover.
- Lay the cotton pads on top of your lashes and let it soak for 30 seconds.
- Fold the cotton pads around your lashes and gently wipe them off.
- Soak a cotton swab in eye makeup remover.
- Take the folded cotton pad and line it up against your bottom eyelid.
- Close your eyes and run the cotton swab from the roots of your lashes to the tips.
- Gently wash off any remaining residue with lukewarm water.
Make Your Eyes Pop With These Products
You may be looking for even more amazing products to really make your eyes pop. Or you might even be just looking for more choices of tried and true mascaras. Here are some more amazing picks and buying guides to help you out.
Top 5 Japanese And Korean Mascaras
No. 1: dejavu ｜Fiberwig Ultra Long
No. 2: Cezanne ｜Airy Curl Mascara
No. 3: D-UP ｜Perfect Extension Mascara
No. 4: EYEMANIA ｜Innocent Long
No. 5: Flowfushi ｜Mote Mascara Natural 1
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.