Disclosed is an oil-in-water anionic emulsion for eyelashes, and methods for its use, comprising a continuous phase comprising 35 to 55% by weight of water based on the total weight of the emulsion, a discontinuous phase comprising 15 to 25% by weight of a combination of waxes, wherein the combination of waxes comprises paraffin wax, carnauba wax, beeswax, and candelilla wax based on the total weight of the emulsion, and 5 to 15% by weight of the emulsion of an anionic surfactant system comprising stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, polyethylene glycol-40 (PEG-40) stearate, and stearyl stearate, wherein the oil-in-water anionic emulsion is capable of thickening the appearance of eyelashes.