Mascara's almost uncanny ability to brighten up a face in a minute flat can inspire some pretty intense devotion to the ones that work best. With hot and humid right around the corner, we're more inclined than usual to keep makeup light and easy, so finding one looks great without much else becomes even more critical. To get the most mileage out of a minimal makeup routine, one key is making sure your mascara offers the best boost for your unique lashes. Below are three that we like best – which mascaras do you reach for time and again? Let us know in the comments section.

Lengthening: YSL Everlong Mascara ($27.50 at Neiman Marcus)
This formula keeps on lengthening coat after coat without becoming clumpy – the nubby rubber brush deposits just the right amount. It comes in five colors, with even the more unexpected hues (like royal blue) surprisingly subtle and wearable.

Darkening: Neutrogena Clean Lash Tint ($7.99 at Drugstore.com)
Ladies with lighter lashes can attest to the amazing eye-enhancing power of lash tint, and this Neutrogena version is as good as it gets. It’s so light that it won’t even feel like you’re wearing makeup – but the tint stays on all day, making eyes pop without looking all done-up.

Volumizing: Sephora Lash Plumper ($16 at Sephora)
The large brush has tons of bristles, meant to get into even the corners of your eyes and distribute the formula from root to tip, thickening those little lashes and imparting some eye-defining drama with just a swipe or two.