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Japanese beauty products are famous for their high-quality and efficient design. They must be able to withstand the hot and humid summers, and their mascaras have a reputation for creating long lashes without smudging. From affordable drugstore cosmetics to premium beauty brands, here are our recommendations for 10 of the best Japanese mascaras for extra-long, curled lashes.
How we decided
- PerformanceProducts must resist smudging, sweat, and humidity while maintaining curl and length
- Effect on Lash AppearanceMascaras are selected for their ability to lengthen, curl, separate, and volumize lashes naturally or dramatically
- Formulation and CareIngredients that nourish, condition, or protect eyelashes, such as hyaluronic acid, plant extracts, or serums, are prioritized
- User-FriendlinessConsideration of wand shape, brush type, ease of application, and versatility
Shiseido Majolica Majorca Lash Expander
This mascara from Shiseido is a favorite among beauty bloggers, earning high praise for its long-lasting effect that lengthens lashes without feeling heavy. The mascara is filled with fibers that help to lengthen each lash by attaching to them, creating a fuller and longer lash. The Shiseido Majolica Majorca Lash Expander is also resistant to water and sweat so it won’t smudge at all.
The mascara wand is a curved comb design to stop clumps from forming, and the light texture dries quickly and lasts up to 12 hours without any reapplication needed.
Pros
- Lengthens lashes with fiber technology
- Waterproof and sweat-resistant
- Lightweight, quick-drying formula
Cons
- May require careful application to avoid clumps
- Removal can be slightly time-consuming
Pmel Perfect Curl Separating Clear Mascara Base
This product is one of the most popular mascara base products, perfect for priming eyelashes to keep them looking long, thick, and curled all day long. Here at Japanese Taste, it has earned many 5-star reviews from customers who recommend using it to achieve curly lashes all day long or for when you don’t want to use waterproof mascara. The formula contains nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and hydrolyzed protein to protect lashes and ensure easy application.
Pmel Essence Mascara Base comes with a soft brush that reaches into even tight, small areas between lashes and hard-to-reach corners. Use this primer before applying mascara or after using an eyelash curler for maximum curls.
Pros
- Nourishes lashes with hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil
- Soft brush reaches tight corners
- Keeps lashes curled all day
Cons
- Works best with additional mascara
- May not add volume alone
Isehan Long & Curl / Volume & Curl Mascara
This popular drugstore brand of mascara is available in two types: Long & Curl or Volume & Curl. Featuring a curved shaped wand that helps to separate lashes without becoming clumpy, the Long & Curl product elongates lashes whilst the Volume & Curl mascara focuses on creating thick, curly lashes. Both types of mascara are smudge-proof and have the same curl-lock ingredients to keep your eyelashes looking great all day long.
The Isehan mascaras are also waterproof and resistant to sweat and rubbing and contain six types of beauty serums to nourish the eyelashes.
Pros
- Waterproof and smudge-proof
- Curved wand separates lashes evenly
- Contains six beauty serums for lash health
Cons
- Some may prefer a more dramatic effect
- May flake slightly over long wear
Canmake Lash Curling Mascara
This affordable and versatile lash curling product from Canmake can be used in three ways to boost and curl lashes.
Firstly, it can be used to freshen up your makeup, providing an instant boost to lashes that may have started to lose their curl during the day. Secondly, it can be used as a special topcoat on top of your regular mascara to give your lashes extra volume. Finally, it can be used by itself as a clear mascara for natural-looking lashes that stay curled all day long.
The mascara comes with a double-sided comb applicator, the short side lifts lashes, whilst the long side carefully separates them. The waterproof formula stops the mascara from smudging and contains conditioning treatment to keep lashes looking healthy.
Pros
- Multi-use: topcoat, solo, or refresh curls
- Double-sided comb separates and lifts lashes
- Curls Double-sided comb separates and lifts lashes
Cons
- Not ideal for very dense lashes
- May require touch-ups for long wear
Ettusais Eye Edition Mascara Base
This Japanese mascara base features a fine brush that is quick to apply, separates the lashes, and lifts from the root to prevent clumps from forming. The lightweight formula contains beauty ingredients such as amino acid and hyaluronic acid to hydrate eyelashes and keep long-lasting curls in place.
Ettusais Eye Edition Mascara is also waterproof and resistant to sweat and tears, meaning you don’t have to worry about it smudging. Use this product regularly to achieve thicker, darker lashes.
Pros
- Fine brush lifts lashes from the root
- Hydrates with amino acids and hyaluronic acid
- Waterproof and smudge-resistant
Cons
- Needs mascara on top for full color
- Lightweight formula may not hold very heavy lashes
BCL Browlash EX Curl Lock Mascara Sheer Brown
This powerful Lengthening and Separating Mascara makes your eyelashes look even longer without making them look unnatural. Although this mascara does not contain fibers, it effectively separates and elongates your lashes evenly thanks to its special-designed comb wand.
Pros
- Evenly separates lashes
- Lengthens without unnatural look
- Simple, fiber-free formula
Cons
- Does not add significant volume
- May not hold extreme curls all day
Flowfushi Mote Lash Japanese Clear Black Mascara 6g
One of Japan’s most popular mascaras, this range of products from Flowfushi features eleven different kinds of mascara with unique ‘smart’ brushes to create different finishes and effects.
Each Mote Mascara formula is made from 100% naturally derived minerals, so it won’t damage your eyelashes. The Mote Mascara series also incorporates technology that helps to curl lashes and is waterproof without being difficult to remove.
The range of mascaras is also available to purchase in different colors such as navy blue and brown. Expect more voluminous, longer lashes by using this product.
Pros
- 11 types for different lash effects
- 100% naturally derived minerals
- Waterproof yet easy to remove
Cons
- Can be pricey
- Some colors may be subtle on dark lashes
Imju Opera Mylash Mascara Advanced
This mascara from Imju won the ‘Best Mascara’ award at the @cosme event, one of Japan’s most anticipated beauty awards ceremonies. This product is perfect if you are looking for a mascara that looks natural, creating long wispy-like lashes.
This mascara is also ideal if you want to achieve a ‘no makeup’ look without lashes appearing clumpy or heavy. The mascara comes with a slim application brush, making it easy to apply to each individual lash, including shorter ones and corner lashes.
The Imju Opera Mylash Mascara Advanced also contains beauty serums including plant and silk extracts to keep your eyelashes nourished.
Pros
- Creates wispy, ‘no makeup’ look
- Slim brush reaches short lashes
- Contains nourishing plant and silk extracts
Cons
- Not suitable for dramatic volume
- May need multiple coats for bold look
Pmel Perfect Long & Curl Natural Mascara
This Japanese mascara brand claims that they have developed the ‘perfect mascara’ for consumers seeking long and fuller lashes, but still want a natural look. This is a clear-black mascara that includes black and brown fibers. These effectively elongate every eyelash with a natural grown-up feel. It also has a long-lasting upward-curling effect.
With this mascara, your eyelashes will gain the perfect amount of length, volume, and curl, but they will not look unnatural in the slightest.
Pros
- Natural finish with fiber-enhanced lashes
- Long-lasting upward curl
- Clear-black formula for subtle effect
Cons
- Fiber may irritate sensitive eyes
- Moderate volume, not extreme
DHC Mascara Perfect Pro Double Protection Black
This mascara from Japanese skincare and cosmetics brand DHC utilizes Japanese innovation and technology to create a lengthening mascara that is water-resistant and smudge-proof.
The mascara is designed using polymer tube technology, so instead of covering your lashes with thick layers of product like regular mascara, it wraps each individual lash in a glossy black coating, giving you major volume that’s long-lasting.
The fine-bristled, flexible wand reaches the tiniest lashes, even on lower lash lines, and this mascara will not flake, smear, or clump. This mascara from DHC was also named ‘Best Conditioning Tubing Mascara’ by Cosmpolitan, thanks to its vitamin E antioxidants that help to condition and strengthen your lashes.
Pros
- Tubing technology prevents clumps and smudges
- Fine-bristled wand reaches lower lashes
- Vitamin E conditions and strengthens lashes
Cons
- Removal requires warm water
- May feel stiff if over-layered
