Best Mascaras for Volume…. so let’s just address the mascara wand in the room—why does achieving bold, luscious lashes feel like a high-stakes game of Russian roulette?
You think you’ve found the best mascaras for volume. It promises “drama” and “instant XXL lashes” on the packaging. You buy it. You apply it. And somehow… you look like a wet raccoon trying out for a soap opera. Or worse—crunchy. Like your lashes could snap if someone sneezes in your direction.
Been there. Too many times.
That One Time I Glued My Lashes Shut (By Accident…ish)
So, here’s a little horror story to kick us off. Picture this: It’s senior year prom. My mom gave me a tiny bottle of what she swore was the best mascara for volume she used in the ’90s—like, straight-up drugstore relic. I ignored the smell (burnt rubber and sadness), did one coat, got cocky, went in for round two… and glued my upper and lower lashes together.
I had to pry my eyeball open with a Q-tip. IN A LIMO.
Moral of the story? Volume mascara can be amazing… or a disaster in a tube.
But when it’s good? It’s really good. Like, flirty-batting-your-eyes-at-the-cute-barista kind of good.
What Actually Makes a Mascara Volumizing?
Okay, so let’s nerd out for just a sec (I promise I’ll keep it short and semi-chaotic). Volumizing mascara isn’t just about making lashes look longer—that’s the lengthening crew’s job. This stuff thickens, builds body, and gives you those “is she wearing falsies?” vibes without the glue and inevitable eyelash-losing trauma.
Here’s what usually sets a good volumizing mascara apart:
- Thicker formulas – not soupy, not crusty. Like… frosting consistency.
- Fluffy brushes – more bristles = more bulk application.
- Buildability – you wanna layer without clumping into spider-leg territory.
And now that we’ve got that outta the way…
My Ride-or-Die Volume Mascaras (And Some That Let Me Down, Big Time)
1. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Oh she’s dramatic. Like, high-school-theater-kid-during-finals dramatic.
Listen, the name is… bold. But this mascara? She delivers. It gives me lashes that almost hit my eyebrows (okay, not really, but it feels like it). Thick, black, and just messy enough in that hot-girl-on-the-go way.
Downside: It flakes a little if you layer like a maniac (guilty).
2. L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise
Aka: The dupe that actually dupes.
This one has no business being under $15. I’ve had full glam makeup artists use it on me. It gives major volume without making my lashes feel like dried-up twigs. It’s buildable without going into clump city.
Hot tip: The waterproof version is a different beast—less volume, way harder to remove.
3. Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift
It’s like Red Bull for your lashes. This one’s more of a lift and volume situation, but I love how it opens up my eyes on dead-tired Mondays when I’m running on three hours of sleep and a cold slice of pizza.
And it stays put. Like, cry-at-a-wedding-and-sweat-during-Zumba put.
4. Lancôme Monsieur Big
I didn’t expect to fall in love with this one. And yet… here we are.
It’s fancy without being fussy. It gives volume that actually builds without turning your lashes into one giant uni-lash. Plus, it doesn’t flake even after a long day of trying to pretend you know what you’re doing in Zoom meetings (just me?).
5. Glossier Lash Slick
Okay. So this isn’t technically the best mascara for volume. It’s more for natural days. But sometimes you wanna look cute at Trader Joe’s without giving full Kardashian. This one’s my “I’m not wearing any makeup 😉” mascara.
Great for lower lashes though!
The Ones I Wanted to Love (But… No)
Benefit BADgal BANG!
People swear by this. I was excited. I tried it. And somehow, I got more length than volume—and it smudged by 2 p.m. Maybe it’s my oily eyelids. Maybe it’s Maybelline. Wait no—different brand.
Pro Tips (from Someone Who’s Cried in Mascara… Frequently)
Let’s be honest. The best mascaras for volume can still betray you if you don’t know how to use ‘em. So here’s my mess-learned wisdom:
🖌️ Wiggle that wand
Don’t just swipe it straight up. Wiggle at the base—think tiny dance party at your lash line. That’s how you get maximum root volume.
🥵 Don’t pump the wand
You’re pushing air in. Air = dry formula = flaky lashes. No thank you.
👀 Let it dry between coats
Not all the way—just give it a sec so you don’t smear everything into oblivion.
💧 Waterproof = commitment
Great for weddings or surprise rainstorms. Terrible for your lashes if you’re removing it nightly without mercy. Use an oil-based remover or risk looking like a raccoon every morning.
Confession Time: I Used to Sleep in My Mascara
I know. Gross. But in college, I’d “freshen it up” the next morning with another coat. This explains the sad lash fallout of 2014. If you want real volume, your actual lashes have to survive. So yeah—please remove your makeup before bed. (Even if you’re just gonna scroll TikTok until 2 a.m.)
Final Thought That’s Not Actually Final
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mascara. Some people love subtle, feathery vibes. Others (me) want drama. Like, if my lashes don’t almost hit my glasses, I feel underdressed.
So if one mascara doesn’t work for you? Don’t panic. Try another. Mix ‘em. Layer a lengthening over a volumizing. Become your own chaotic lash scientist.
Okay, so let’s just address the mascara wand in the room—why does achieving bold, luscious lashes feel like a high-stakes game of Russian roulette?
You think you’ve found the best mascaras for volume. It promises “drama” and “instant XXL lashes” on the packaging. You buy it. You apply it. And somehow… you look like a wet raccoon trying out for a soap opera. Or worse—crunchy. Like your lashes could snap if someone sneezes in your direction.
Been there. Too many times.
That One Time I Glued My Lashes Shut (By Accident…ish)
So, here’s a little horror story to kick us off. Picture this: It’s senior year prom. My mom gave me a tiny bottle of what she swore was the best mascara for volume she used in the ’90s—like, straight-up drugstore relic. I ignored the smell (burnt rubber and sadness), did one coat, got cocky, went in for round two… and glued my upper and lower lashes together.
I had to pry my eyeball open with a Q-tip. IN A LIMO.
Moral of the story? Volume mascara can be amazing… or a disaster in a tube.
But when it’s good? It’s really good. Like, flirty-batting-your-eyes-at-the-cute-barista kind of good.
What Actually Makes a Mascara Volumizing?
Okay, so let’s nerd out for just a sec (I promise I’ll keep it short and semi-chaotic). Volumizing mascara isn’t just about making lashes look longer—that’s the lengthening crew’s job. This stuff thickens, builds body, and gives you those “is she wearing falsies?” vibes without the glue and inevitable eyelash-losing trauma.
Here’s what usually sets a good volumizing mascara apart:
- Thicker formulas – not soupy, not crusty. Like… frosting consistency.
- Fluffy brushes – more bristles = more bulk application.
- Buildability – you wanna layer without clumping into spider-leg territory.
And now that we’ve got that outta the way…
My Ride-or-Die Volume Mascaras (And Some That Let Me Down, Big Time)
1. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Oh she’s dramatic. Like, high-school-theater-kid-during-finals dramatic.
Listen, the name is… bold. But this mascara? She delivers. It gives me lashes that almost hit my eyebrows (okay, not really, but it feels like it). Thick, black, and just messy enough in that hot-girl-on-the-go way.
Downside: It flakes a little if you layer like a maniac (guilty).
2. L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise
Aka: The dupe that actually dupes.
This one has no business being under $15. I’ve had full glam makeup artists use it on me. It gives major volume without making my lashes feel like dried-up twigs. It’s buildable without going into clump city.
Hot tip: The waterproof version is a different beast—less volume, way harder to remove.
3. Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift
It’s like Red Bull for your lashes. This one’s more of a lift and volume situation, but I love how it opens up my eyes on dead-tired Mondays when I’m running on three hours of sleep and a cold slice of pizza.
And it stays put. Like, cry-at-a-wedding-and-sweat-during-Zumba put.
4. Lancôme Monsieur Big
I didn’t expect to fall in love with this one. And yet… here we are.
It’s fancy without being fussy. It gives volume that actually builds without turning your lashes into one giant uni-lash. Plus, it doesn’t flake even after a long day of trying to pretend you know what you’re doing in Zoom meetings (just me?).
5. Glossier Lash Slick
Okay. So this isn’t technically the best mascara for volume. It’s more for natural days. But sometimes you wanna look cute at Trader Joe’s without giving full Kardashian. This one’s my “I’m not wearing any makeup 😉” mascara.
Great for lower lashes though!
The Ones I Wanted to Love (But… No)
Benefit BADgal BANG!
People swear by this. I was excited. I tried it. And somehow, I got more length than volume—and it smudged by 2 p.m. Maybe it’s my oily eyelids. Maybe it’s Maybelline. Wait no—different brand.
Pro Tips (from Someone Who’s Cried in Mascara… Frequently)
Let’s be honest. The best mascaras for volume can still betray you if you don’t know how to use ‘em. So here’s my mess-learned wisdom:
🖌️ Wiggle that wand
Don’t just swipe it straight up. Wiggle at the base—think tiny dance party at your lash line. That’s how you get maximum root volume.
🥵 Don’t pump the wand
You’re pushing air in. Air = dry formula = flaky lashes. No thank you.
👀 Let it dry between coats
Not all the way—just give it a sec so you don’t smear everything into oblivion.
💧 Waterproof = commitment
Great for weddings or surprise rainstorms. Terrible for your lashes if you’re removing it nightly without mercy. Use an oil-based remover or risk looking like a raccoon every morning.
Confession Time: I Used to Sleep in My Mascara
I know. Gross. But in college, I’d “freshen it up” the next morning with another coat. This explains the sad lash fallout of 2014. If you want real volume, your actual lashes have to survive. So yeah—please remove your makeup before bed. (Even if you’re just gonna scroll TikTok until 2 a.m.)
Final Thought of Best Mascaras for Volume
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mascara. Some people love subtle, feathery vibes. Others (me) want drama. Like, if my lashes don’t almost hit my glasses, I feel underdressed.
So if one mascara doesn’t work for you? Don’t panic. Try another. Mix ‘em. Layer a lengthening over a volumizing. Become your own chaotic lash scientist.
