Why a Metal Mascara Deserves a Spot in Your Makeup Kit

No brush, no problem!

Published on Jun 4, 2025

If there’s one quick way to make your eyes appear larger and brighter, it’s by having lifted lashes. Curled lashes, enhanced by mascara, creates the illusion of eyes that are both wide and awake. Beyond formulas, the applicator matters too. A big and thick brush leads to dense-looking lashes, while a skinny and fine-toothed brush works better for separating and lengthening strands, and so on.

So… what if the mascara has no brush? Enter: mascaras with metal wands, an enduring beauty trend in the cosmetics industry.

As surprising as it may be, metal applicators for mascara originated in 1957. That's right, it was one of Helena Rubinstein's many cosmetics innovations. She launched the world's first mascara wand which came in a sleek gold tube—no messy brushes in sight. It was streamlined and straightforward (and the formula was even waterproof).

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Photo courtesy of The Jewish Museum via Medium.

Numerous decades after its invention, metal mascara continues to be discovered and loved by old and new beauty enthusiasts alike.

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How does metal mascara work?

Mascaras with metal applicators, also called metal mascara (even though metal has nothing to do with their formulas), are applied the same way as mascaras with traditional bristles—starting from the roots of your lashes and working your way up to the tips.

These wands come with grooves, where the formula becomes trapped. The trick to making this structure work better for you is by aligning your lashes to these ridges, then swiping upwards and outwards. This allows the product to apply directly and evenly to each lash, and with the wands being thin, you can get close to your eyelashes without the hassle of smearing it all over your eyelids.

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Photo courtesy of Barenbliss.

If you’re after a naturally lifted look for your lashes, metal mascara may be the one for you. They separate the lashes well and provide the right amount of length. Having been popularized by the beauty industries of South Korea and Japan, they primarily address the common concerns arising from the struggle of having straight Asian lashes; they allow for a stronger hold, a better coat and lengthening effect, and a more precise and targeted application.

Another bonus point for metal mascara is they’re more sanitary. Given the material used, they can easily be sterilized or wiped before being returned to the tube.

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The Best Metal Mascaras to Try Out

Convinced to see if they can convert you? Here are fine metal mascaras to check out for those sky-high, long-lasting, and fluttery lashes—all without the clumping.

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Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.