If you want thicker, fuller, and visibly lifted lashes, the right volumizing mascara can make all the difference. We tested and analyzed top mascaras across price points, formulas, brush types, and user feedback to help you find the ideal option for your lash goals — whether dramatic volume, natural thickness, waterproof wear, or sensitive eyes.
People often search for the best mascara for volume and length because the right formula can dramatically enhance lash thickness and definition. Additionally, the right mascara enhances the appearance of your natural lashes and helps you achieve your desired look. Ultimately, performance matters more than the brand name or price tag. A higher price does not always guarantee better results. Some affordable mascaras outperform luxury options when it comes to volume and length.
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What Is Volumizing Mascara?
Volumizing mascaras are formulated to coat more product on each lash, creating the appearance of thicker, fuller lashes. Unlike lengthening mascaras (which emphasize extension), volumizing formulas focus on depth, density, and lift — often with richer pigments, thicker formulas, and uniquely shaped wands that build up volume lash by lash.
How We Chose the Best Volumizing Mascaras
We evaluated products using key criteria:
✔ Volume impact — how full lashes look after application.
✔ Brush design — does the wand separate and coat evenly?
✔ Formula quality — smudge-proof, buildable, comfortable wear.
✔ User experience — verified reviews and expert feedback.
✔ Suitability — for sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers, or waterproof needs.
The Best Mascaras To Consider For Your Eyelashes
Mascara is one of the most popular eye makeup products because it enhances eye shape and makes lashes appear fuller and more defined. In this article, I have selected the top mascaras for different types of eyelashes. Most of the mascaras listed below are smudge-free and volumizing, thickening, and lengthening.
Some mascaras are best to hold the curl with other features like fuller lashes and a bold appearance. Additionally, I have also included the original reviews from verified customers on prominent websites like Amazon, Byrdie, and Walmart. These reviews help support informed purchasing decisions. Let’s dig in and choose the best mascara according to your lashes and desired appearance.
Best Volumizing Mascaras to Try in 2026
Best Waterproof: Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
This mascara provides very smooth application and doesn’t get chunky. Additionally, it stays on despite water. Covergirl Lash Blast is available in four colors, so it is best to wear Covergirl Lash Blast when going to parties or weddings. It has no clumps or flaking and adds noticeably fuller-looking volume to the upper and bottom eyelashes. A customer rated this mascara five stars and said it can survive strong airflow or wind exposure.
Additionally, she said it lasts against the powerful waves of the beach while swimming or during the shower. It stays on your eyelashes and does not smudge. She noted that the mascara remained intact throughout extended wear without significant smudging or flaking. At the end of her review, she recommends elf makeup remover balm to wipe off it.
Most Popular Volumizing Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Why we love it:
✔ Hourglass-shaped wand creates voluptuous volume
✔ Buildable formula that defines and curls
✔ Loved by makeup artists and beauty influencers
Best for: Dramatic evening looks and shorter lashes
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Too Faced’s Better than Sex Mascara is a popular product that works particularly well for short and fine lashes. The buildable and volumizing formula is designed to make lashes darker, fuller, and more defined. It contains film-forming polymers, which create and set a curl in the lashes, and Acacia Senegal tree oil, which adds volume. A combination of peptides makes it easy to condition lashes with every coat. This mascara is unique in its formula, and its packaging adds to its charm.
This mascara looks excellent in a luxurious baby pink bottle with a large, flat brush. The hourglass brush separates, curls and coats individual lashes, making them look more perfect. Let the formula dry slightly before you apply more coats to avoid clumping.
Read complete review: Why Better Than Sex Mascara is highly popular?
Best Clean Volumizing Mascara: ILIA Limitless Lash Lengthening Mascara
Why we love it:
✔ 99% natural ingredients, cruelty-free, and clean formula
✔ Comfortable on sensitive eyes
✔ Dual-sided brush separates and fans lashes
Best for: Clean beauty lovers and sensitive eyes
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Ilia, a clean beauty brand, has created a water-resistant mascara (not fully waterproof). It contains keratin and shea butter, and beeswax to condition, nourish, and fortify lashes. The mascara also holds curls and lifts them. The formula is safe for sensitive eyes and features a dual-sided brush that separates each lash. The formula is cruelty-free and gluten-free and can be washed with warm water. Ilia is a trusted brand by many Hollywood makeup artists, such as Nathalie Eleni (client: Anya Taylor), who have worked with Amber Heard.
This mascara is a gift for people who are Contact Lens Wearers, a very safe product. Contact lens wearers can use it confidently when used as directed. Additionally, Limitless lash lengthening mascara is ophthalmologist-tested, and safe for sensitive eyes. So, contact lens wearers and people with sensitive eyes can use this product without hesitation.
Best Drugstore Volumizing Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara
Why we love it:
✔ Flex Tower brush coats each lash from root to tip.
✔ Ophthalmologist-tested for sensitive eyes.
✔ Lightweight feel with dramatic lift.
Best for: Budget buyers wanting buildable volume and curl hold.
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Maybelline Sky High Waterproof Mascara will be your new best friend if you want to lift and define your lashes. Plus, it is ophthalmologist-tested, suitable for sensitive eyes, and the waterproof formula is easily removable with waterproof eye makeup remover. Sky High Waterproof Mascara features a unique Flex Tower brush. You can get your desired volume with just one coat. It coats each lash from root to tip and separates them to give you dramatic lashes. The formula is ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for sensitive eyes. It is ideal for people with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Maybelline Sky High Mascara Review: A Certified Beauty Gem
Best Luxury Volumizing Mascara: Christian Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
Why we love it:
✔ Long-wearing, waterproof performance
✔ Curved XXL brush for dramatic volume
✔ Iconic luxury finish
Best for: Special events and those who want long-lasting wear
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
It comes in three exquisite colors: maroon, blue, and black 090. These colors are very rich; they will make your eyes pop without being clownish. The blue color is rich, and it delivers noticeable color payoff. It is effortless to remove with any makeup remover. Your eyelashes will not look chunky and gloopy according to user feedback. Lift Model ExtrmeTM ingredients and latex polymers are present in this mascara, which is lightweight and does not feel heavy. This iconic best mascara gives a new, defined look to older women’s eyelashes with a richer, deeper color. It provides the most eye-opening look for up to 24 hours, one of Dior’s longest-wearing formulas. Overall, it gives your eyes a mesmerizing appearance.
Best for Thinning Lashes: Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash Lifting & Volumizing Mascara
Why we love it:
✔ 360° micro-dot brush builds volume from root to tip
✔ Lightweight, smudge-resistant formula
✔ Conditions lashes while volumizing
Best for: Fine or thinning lashes needing lift and fullness
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
The Lash Idole Mascara is a fantastic choice for thinning lashes and will assist you in getting beautiful lashes. Each lash quickly multiplies and thickens thanks to the lightweight, clump-resistant formula. Additionally, it multiplies, curls, and stretches even the shortest lashes. This volume mascara creates the appearance of fuller lashes thanks to its 360 microdots.
Read more about Lancôme Mascaras: How many Lancôme Mascaras are in the Market
Best for False Lash Effect: Maybelline Falsies Push Up Drama Waterproof Mascara
Why we love it:
✔ Push-up cup brush lifts and volumizes
✔ Flexible plumping formula
✔ Great for layered dramatic looks
Best for: Dramatic volume that mimics false lashes
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
This Maybelline Falsies Push Up mascara. This one goes on easy every time. The magic is that it does not clump and gives your lash a more volumized look with perfect length. It includes rice bran wax to optimize lash volume, making it flexible. The push-up cup brush features cup-shaped bristles that separate and lift lashes. The new creamy plumping formula delivers instant volume and holds the curl.
Best Lightweight Volumizing Mascara: NARS Climax Mascara
Why we love it:
✔ Weightless feel with buildable volume
✔ Soft feathery finish without clumps
✔ Deep black pigment for bold definition
Best for: Fine lashes or those who dislike heavy formulas
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Anyone having straight eyelashes will receive outstanding lash volume and long-lasting curl from this mascara. You won’t be let down if you prime. Just keep that in mind; discover the ideal mascara! According to user feedback, short and thin lashes may not require a lash curler with this formula. This mascara has perfect weight—not too wet. Innovative mascara provides deep black color and buildable volume in a thin, flexible consistency that won’t clump or smudge.
What You Should Know Further: With the help of the Lash Moisture Complex, lashes are lifted and thickened in a whipped, creamy texture that never feels heavy or stiff. Ribbed bristles on the unique, full-bodied brush catch and coat each lash for a potent effect. Lashes are wrapped in blackened pigments for powerful dimension and rich color.
Best Overall Volumizing Mascara: L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara
Why we love it:
✔ Builds noticeable volume without clumps.
✔ Waterproof but easy to remove with proper makeup remover.
✔ Great for everyday and special occasions.
Best for: Sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers, and day-to-night wear.
Tip: Use light upward strokes starting at the roots for maximum volume.
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
L’Oréal Paris Original Volume Building Waterproof Mascara is formulated with a unique waterproof formula that contains intense black pigments that thicken and lengthen the lash. This mascara is designed to build visibly fuller-looking lashes with each coat. It is also easy to wash off using a suitable waterproof makeup remover. It can be used on sensitive eyes and is the best waterproof mascara for people who wear contact lenses. Suppose you are looking for something long-lasting and black that would make your lashes longer if they are short and hard to grow out of.
The color (Carbon Black) is lovely, just what you want. A nice dark black color defines lashes in a naturally dramatic look. It stays on well throughout the day; no smudges, don’t feel wet either. No crumbles.
Best for Length + Volume Combo: L’Oréal Lash Paradise Mascara
Why we love it:
✔ Feathery soft finish
✔ Volume and length in one sweep
✔ Non-clumping, non-flaking formula
Best for: Everyday glam and natural-enhancing volume
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
The Cuban-born American singer and songwriter Karla Camila Cabello Estrabao, famous as Camila Cabello, has mentioned Lash Paradise in beauty interviews. In interviews, she has discussed the makeup products she uses regularly. Camila Cabello said she had been using this mascara since she was not famous, and L’Oréal Lash Paradise is her favorite mascara.
Lash Paradise Mascara Review: Ratings and Buying Guide – 2026 Updated.
Best for mature lashes and older women: Primelash Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
A reviewer named Michelle S.” wrote about this mascara on Amazon. She said she has thin and short eyelashes; this mascara is a game changer for her eye appearance. She specifically bought this mascara after watching ads on YouTube or television. With just one coat, she noticed that the lashes looked feathery, lengthened, and fuller.
After the first coat, she waited to see the lashes behavior, whether they shrank back or not. She noticed that it lengthened the lashes, and they did not shrink back after drying the mascara. After drying the mascara, she applied a second coat and experienced that her lashes looked feathery again and thicker without stick-looking lashes. Primelash mascara is the top choice for her, and she will continue to buy it. Continue reading to discover more reviews for prime lash mascara.
Expert Tips: How to Apply Volumizing Mascara
✔ Start at the roots and wiggle the wand upward — this builds density.
✔ Layer lightly — multiple thin coats create fuller volume without clumps.
✔ Use a lash curler first for extra lift before mascara.
✔ Remove gently with a quality eye makeup remover to protect lashes.
Volumizing vs Lengthening Mascara Comparison Table — What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Volumizing Mascara | Lengthening Mascara |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Thicker, fuller lashes | Longer-looking lashes |
| Formula type | Rich, creamy, buildable | Lightweight, fiber-based |
| Brush style | Dense, hourglass, fluffy | Slim, straight, comb-like |
| Ideal for | Sparse or fine lashes | Short lashes |
| Final look | Bold, dramatic volume | Natural, elongated definition |
Can You Use Both?
Yes. Many people apply a lengthening mascara first to extend the lashes, then layer a volumizing mascara on top for added thickness. This technique helps create a balanced, false-lash effect without clumping.
Expert Tip
If your lashes are short and thin, look for mascaras labeled “volume + length”. These hybrid formulas combine the benefits of both without weighing lashes down.
How to Apply Mascara for Maximum Volume (Pro Technique)
Getting dramatic, full lashes isn’t just about the mascara you choose — application technique matters just as much. Follow these expert steps to maximize volume without clumping or smudging.
Step 1: Start With Clean, Dry Lashes
Always apply mascara to clean, oil-free lashes. Residual skincare or makeup can prevent the formula from gripping properly and reduce volume.
Pro tip: If your lashes feel slippery, lightly dust them with translucent powder before applying mascara.
Step 2: Curl Your Lashes First (Optional but Powerful)
Use an eyelash curler before applying mascara, especially if you have straight or downward-pointing lashes. Curling opens up the eyes and enhances the volumizing effect.
Step 3: Wipe Off Excess Product
Before applying, gently wipe excess mascara off the wand. Too much product at once leads to clumps rather than volume.
Step 4: Wiggle the Wand at the Roots
Place the wand at the base of your lashes and wiggle it side to side before pulling upward.
This technique deposits more product at the roots, creating the appearance of thicker, fuller lashes.
Step 5: Build Volume With Thin Layers
Apply 2–3 thin coats, letting each layer dry slightly (10–15 seconds) before adding the next.
✔ Thin layers = more volume
✖ Thick single coat = clumps and drooping lashes
Step 6: Focus on Outer Corners
Apply an extra coat to the outer lashes to create a lifted, eye-opening, false-lash effect.
Step 7: Use the Wand Tip for Definition
Hold the wand vertically and use the tip to tap and coat sparse areas, especially inner and lower lashes.
Step 8: Separate if Needed
If lashes clump, gently separate them using a clean spoolie or lash comb while the mascara is still slightly wet.
Extra Tips for Long-Lasting Volume
✔ Use waterproof or water-resistant mascara if your lashes lose curl easily.
✔ Avoid pumping the wand — it dries out the formula.
✔ Replace mascara every 3–6 months for hygiene and performance.
For maximum lash volume, apply mascara in thin layers, wiggle the wand at the roots, and allow each coat to dry slightly before adding more. This technique builds thickness without clumping.
Mascara Replacement Safety: When Should You Replace Mascara?
For eye health and optimal performance, mascara should be replaced every 3–6 months after opening. Using mascara beyond this period increases the risk of bacterial growth, eye irritation, and infections.
Why Mascara Expires So Quickly
Mascara is a liquid eye product, which makes it more vulnerable to contamination. Each time you use the wand, bacteria from your eyes and the surrounding environment can transfer into the tube.
Over time, this can lead to:
- Eye redness or irritation
- Styes or eye infections
- Poor mascara performance (clumping, dryness, flaking)
How Long Does Mascara Last After Opening?
| Type of Mascara | Recommended Replacement |
|---|---|
| Regular mascara | 3–6 months |
| Waterproof mascara | 3–6 months |
| Clean / natural mascara | 3 months (sometimes sooner) |
💡 Clean beauty mascaras often expire faster because they contain fewer preservatives.
Signs You Should Replace Mascara Immediately
Replace your mascara right away if you notice:
- A dry, thick, or clumpy texture
- A strong or unusual odor
- Eye irritation after application
- The wand looks excessively dirty or crusted
Mascara Hygiene Tips (Expert Advice)
✔ Do not pump the wand — it pushes air and bacteria into the tube.
✔ Avoid sharing mascara with others.
✔ Always remove mascara thoroughly before sleeping.
✔ Keep the cap tightly closed after each use.
Mascara should be replaced every 3–6 months after opening to prevent bacterial buildup and reduce the risk of eye irritation or infection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Every 3–6 months to avoid bacterial buildup and irritation.
Only if applied incorrectly or removed harshly. Always use a gentle remover and avoid tugging.
Some waterproof formulas can be drying — choose ophthalmologist-tested and sensitive-friendly versions.
Final Recommendation
For the best overall volumizing effect with reliable performance and everyday wearability, L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara tops our list. For drugstore value with great lift and sensitive-eye friendliness, Maybelline Sky High is a standout. And for luxury glam and dramatic volume, Too Faced Better Than Sex and Christian Dior Diorshow deliver iconic results.