People often assume that you must spend a fortune to get lashes that graze your eyebrows. It turns out that marketing budgets account for more of a price tag than the actual ingredients inside the tube.
You can find the best mascaras volume has to offer without paying premium prices. Let's compare these popular formulas to see which ones actually deliver on their promises of thickness and length.
Key Takeaways
- Look for a brush with a tapered or arched shape if you struggle to reach the tiny lashes near the inner corners of your eyes.
- Prioritize formulas labeled as buildable if you prefer to layer your coats for a custom effect rather than one single heavy application.
- Check the bristle density because high volume usually requires a brush that can deposit a significant amount of product in one sweep.
- Choose a washable formula if you want to avoid harsh scrubbing that might weaken your natural lashes during removal.
- Consider fiber formulas if your primary goal is to add physical length rather than just darkening the existing hair.
| The Speed Demon |  |
Maybelline The Rocket Volumizing Mascara | Extremely fast application | High impact pigment | Coats lashes instantly | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Height Specialist |  |
Maybelline Sky High Washable Mascara | Great reach | Lengthens and defines | Flexible brush head | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Curvature Expert |  |
L'Oreal Voluminous Original Curved Brush | Exceptional curling power | Thickens without crunch | Ergonomic curved wand | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Budget Hero |  |
Essence Lash Princess False Effect | Dramatic false lash look | Intense black color | Unique cone brush | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Daily Staple |  |
L'Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara | Consistent volume build | Resists flaking | Classic reliable formula | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Dark Contrast |  |
Maybelline Sky High Very Black | Deep intense black | Increases lash length | Lightweight buildable formula | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Corner Sweeper |  |
L'Oreal Voluminous Panorama Mascara | Excellent lash separation | Feline eye effect | Smudge resistant | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Surrealist Choice |  |
Maybelline Falsies Surreal Extensions | Surreal extension look | High volume impact | Fiber based formula | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Separator Pro |  |
Maybelline The Falsies Fiber Mascara | Adds noticeable bulk | Spoon brush applicator | Fiber enriched formula | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Maybelline The Rocket Volumizing Mascara
If you are always running late, this is your new best friend. The supersonic brush is designed to load your lashes with product quickly, ensuring you get a dense, dark fringe without spending ten minutes in front of the mirror.
It excels at coating every single lash from root to tip. Just keep in mind that the large wand can be a bit clumsy if you have very small eyes or sparse lower lashes.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Product Name:The Rocket
- Volume Feature:Supersonic brush
- Formula Type:Washable
- Primary Effect:Volumizing
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Fast glide application
- Additional Feature:Glump free finish
- Additional Feature:Intense black pigment
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Maybelline Sky High Washable Mascara
This one is famous for its flexible brush that reaches even the tiniest lashes. It is perfect for anyone who wants a wide awake, fanned out look that feels incredibly lightweight throughout the day.
The formula is quite thin, which is great for building up layers. Be aware that it takes a little extra time to dry between coats to avoid any clumping on the tips.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Product Name:Lash Sensational Sky High
- Volume Feature:Buildable formula
- Formula Type:Washable
- Primary Effect:Lengthening and defining
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Slim wand design
- Additional Feature:Fanned out effect
- Additional Feature:Lightweight formula
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L'Oreal Voluminous Original Curved Brush
Sometimes a straight wand just does not cut it. This curved brush hugs your lash line to lift and push everything upward, giving you a natural looking curl without needing a mechanical tool.
It is a fantastic staple for creating thick, soft lashes that do not look stiff or crunchy. It can be a little messy if you press too hard, so use a steady hand.
- Brand:L'Oreal Paris
- Product Name:Voluminous Original
- Volume Feature:Curved brush
- Formula Type:Washable
- Primary Effect:Volumizing
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Soft lash finish
- Additional Feature:Easy removal
- Additional Feature:Classic formula
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Essence Lash Princess False Effect
You do not need to spend a fortune to get dramatic results. This cult classic uses a specialized cone shaped brush to grab lashes at the corners, creating a flared look that mimics false lashes.
It is very pigmented and provides a high level of volume and length in just two coats. Because the formula is quite wet, be careful not to blink too fast while it sets.
- Brand:Essence
- Product Name:Lash Princess
- Volume Feature:False lash effect
- Formula Type:Washable
- Primary Effect:Volumizing
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Flared lash effect
- Additional Feature:High pigment load
- Additional Feature:Cone shaped applicator
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L'Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara
This is the gold standard for a reason. It builds volume cleanly and consistently, making it a reliable choice for your everyday makeup routine when you need your lashes to look full but not over the top.
The formula is designed to resist clumping and flaking, which is exactly what you want for a long workday. It stays put nicely, though it is definitely not waterproof.
- Brand:L'Oreal Paris
- Product Name:Voluminous Original
- Volume Feature:Volumizing
- Formula Type:Washable
- Primary Effect:Volume
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Smooth application
- Additional Feature:Smudge resistant
- Additional Feature:Thickening effect
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Maybelline Sky High Very Black
If you love the Sky High formula but want an even deeper, darker pigment, this is the one to grab. The intense color provides a beautiful contrast against your skin, making your eyes pop with minimal effort.
Like its sibling, the lengthening brush is the real star here. Just remember that the long wand requires a bit of practice to navigate around your nose and inner corners.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Product Name:Lash Sensational Sky High
- Volume Feature:Buildable
- Formula Type:Washable
- Primary Effect:Multiplying and curling
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Flexible brush
- Additional Feature:High contrast color
- Additional Feature:Defines lashes
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L'Oreal Voluminous Panorama Mascara
This brush is essentially a miniature fan for your eyes. It is engineered to stretch lashes outward toward the corners, which is ideal if you want that trendy, feline eye shape.
It does a great job of separating lashes, so you get volume without the dreaded spider leg look. It is smudge resistant enough to last through a busy afternoon.
- Brand:L'Oreal Paris
- Product Name:Voluminous Panorama
- Volume Feature:Multi-level bristles
- Formula Type:Washable
- Primary Effect:Volumizing and lengthening
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Longwear finish
- Additional Feature:Precise corner application
- Additional Feature:Fanned out look
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Maybelline Falsies Surreal Extensions
If you want your lashes to look like they have been professionally extended, look here. This mascara uses fiber technology to add visible length and volume that looks almost too good to be true.
It is perfect for those who want a bold, high fashion appearance. Because it builds so much volume, avoid layering it too many times, or it can feel a little heavy on delicate lashes.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Product Name:The Falsies Surreal
- Volume Feature:Surreal extensions
- Formula Type:Washable
- Primary Effect:Volumizing and lengthening
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Extended wear
- Additional Feature:Bold lash look
- Additional Feature:Fiber technology
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Maybelline The Falsies Fiber Mascara
This classic relies on micro fibers to latch onto your natural lashes, creating the appearance of fuller, thicker hair. It is a fantastic option if your lashes are naturally thin and need a little extra bulk.
The spoon shaped brush is very clever because it curves to the shape of your eyelid. Just keep a lash comb nearby, as the fiber formula can sometimes cause a few lashes to stick together.
- Brand:Maybelline
- Product Name:The Falsies
- Volume Feature:Separating fibers
- Formula Type:Washable
- Primary Effect:Volumizing
- Count:1
- Additional Feature:Curved spoon brush
- Additional Feature:Dense lash effect
- Additional Feature:Micro fiber technology
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my mascara from clumping when I want more volume?
Start by wiping the excess product off the wand onto a tissue before you apply it. Use a zig-zag motion at the base of your lashes to distribute the bulk where you need it most, then pull the wand straight through to the tips.
Why does my mascara always smudge under my eyes by the afternoon?
This usually happens because the oils on your skin break down the wax components in the formula. Try dusting a little translucent powder under your eyes or using a tubing mascara that forms water-resistant cylinders around each lash instead of painting them.
Should I use a lash primer before applying volumizing mascara?
A primer acts like a double-sided tape that gives the mascara something extra to grip onto. It adds an initial layer of thickness that makes your final coat look significantly more dramatic, though it does add an extra step to your morning routine.
How many coats of mascara are actually necessary?
Two coats are usually the sweet spot for achieving noticeable volume without creating a spider-leg effect. If you go for a third coat, apply it immediately while the second layer is still damp, otherwise the brush might pull at your lashes and cause flaking.
Is it possible to use volumizing mascara on sensitive eyes?
Yes, but you must look for formulas labeled as ophthalmologist-tested or hypoallergenic. These versions omit harsh preservatives and fragrances that commonly trigger irritation, and they are much kinder to your delicate eye area throughout the day.
