Elevate Your Lashes to New Heights: The 8 Best Mascaras for Length and Volume

If you’re looking for a mascara that can give you both long and voluminous lashes, you might be overwhelmed by the number of options available. How do you know which mascara is right for you? What are the factors to consider when choosing a mascara? And what is the difference between volumizing and lengthening mascara anyway?

Understanding the Basics of Mascara

There are two main types of mascara: volumizing and lengthening. Volumizing mascara adds thickness and fullness to the lashes, making them look more dramatic and noticeable. Lengthening mascara adds length and definition to the lashes, making them look longer and more fluttery.

Some mascaras offer both volume and length in one product, which is ideal if you want to achieve a balanced and versatile lash look. These mascaras usually have a special formula that coats each lash with fibers or polymers that add both thickness and length. They also have a brush that can comb through the lashes and separate them without clumping.

Things to Consider when Choosing Mascara

When choosing a mascara, there are several factors to consider besides volume and length. You should also think about:

• The color of the mascara: black is the most common and universal color, but you can also experiment with brown, blue, purple, or other colors to suit your eye color and mood.
  
• The waterproofness of the mascara: waterproof mascara is great for humid weather, swimming, or crying, but it can also be harder to remove and more drying for the lashes. Non-waterproof mascara is easier to remove and more gentle for the lashes, but it can also smudge or flake throughout the day.
  
• The sensitivity of your eyes: if you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, you should look for a mascara that is hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested, or natural/organic. These mascaras are less likely to irritate your eyes or cause allergic reactions.
  
• The shelf life of the mascara: mascara has a shorter shelf life than other makeup products, usually around 3 to 6 months. You should replace your mascara regularly to avoid bacterial growth and eye infections. You should also avoid pumping the wand in and out of the tube, as this can introduce air and bacteria into the product.
  
  
  Now that you know what to look for in a mascara, let’s move on to our recommendations for the 8 best mascaras for length and volume. These are the mascaras that we have tried and loved, and that have received rave reviews from other customers. Here they are:

1. YSL Beauty Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils

This mascara is our top pick for the best overall volumizing and lengthening mascara. It has a creamy formula that coats every lash with rich pigment and a glossy finish. It also has a nylon fiber brush that separates and defines the lashes, creating a false-lash effect.

– It is long-lasting and smudge-proof. You don’t have to worry about your mascara flaking or smudging throughout the day. It stays put until you remove it with a gentle makeup remover.

– It is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. The formula is ophthalmologist-tested and does not irritate the eyes. It also does not clump or weigh down the lashes, making it comfortable to wear.

– It comes in six shades to suit different preferences and occasions. You can choose from black, brown, burgundy, blue, green, or violet. The colors are vibrant and flattering, adding a pop of color to your eyes.

2. Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

This mascara is our top pick for the best budget-friendly volumizing and lengthening mascara. It has a conic-shaped fiber brush that delivers dramatic volume and length, without clumping or weighing down the lashes. It also has a long-lasting formula that stays put throughout the day.

It’s ideal for anyone who wants to achieve a bold and glamorous eye look without spending too much money or time. The brush is designed to coat every lash from root to tip, creating a full and fluttery effect. The formula is also enriched with natural ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E, which nourish and protect the lashes. The mascara is cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly, so you can feel good about using it.

Whether you’re going for a natural or dramatic look, this mascara can help you enhance your eyes and make them pop. It comes in two shades: black and deep black, so you can choose the intensity that suits you best. It’s also easy to remove with warm water or makeup remover, without leaving any residue or smudging.

3. Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara

This is our top pick for the best waterproof volumizing and lengthening mascara. Its big, fluffy brush delivers up to 12 times more volume and up to 24 hours of smudge-free wear. The creamy formula coats every lash with intense black pigment, creating a fanned-out effect.

What makes Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara special? It features wavy fibers that capture even the smallest lashes, a long-wearing and water-resistant formula, an intuitive brush shape that prevents clumping, and it is safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Loved by celebrities like Demi Moore and praised by Town & Country magazine, this mascara is the perfect touch for any look, from light and simple to bold and dramatic.

4. Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Lift & Curl Mascara

If you’re looking for a mascara that can do it all, look no further than Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Lift & Curl Mascara. This mascara is our top pick for the best curling, volumizing and lengthening mascara on the market. It has a unique flat-to-fat brush that allows you to customize your lash look. You can use the fat side to load up on volume and create a dramatic effect, or you can use the flat side to define and curl your lashes for a more natural look. The brush also hugs every lash from root to tip, ensuring even coverage and separation.

The mascara also has an ultra-black formula that adds length and lift to the lashes, without clumping or flaking. The formula is enriched with jojoba oil and acacia gum, which nourish and condition the lashes, making them softer and stronger. It’s is also water-resistant and long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about smudging or fading throughout the day. 

5. Bite Beauty Full Volume Mascara

For clean, vegan, and flake-resistant supersized lashes, try Bite Beauty Upswing Full Volume Mascara. With its intense black formula and hourglass-shaped brush, it claims to deliver major lift, length, and curl. The sleek packaging and curved brush ensure even application without poking or scratching.

The vegan tree berry wax-infused formula provides lightweight and buildable volume, while the rich black color adds drama. Best of all, it’s clean, cruelty-free, and gentle on sensitive eyes. Overall, Bite Beauty Upswing Full Volume Mascara impresses with its performance, quality, and ethical standards. A must-try for anyone seeking big lashes.

6. Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes Mascara

This is a 5-in-1 product that promises to curl, separate, volumize, lengthen, and dramatize your lashes with just a few swipes. The formula is glossy black and has a creamy texture that glides on smoothly without clumping or flaking. The brush is designed to catch every lash and coat them evenly from root to tip. The result is a full, fluttery, and fabulous lash look that lasts all day.

What we love most about this mascara is how versatile it is. You can apply one coat for a natural, everyday look, or layer it up for more drama and intensity. It also works well with other eye products, such as eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lash curler. It doesn’t smudge or weigh down your lashes, and it’s easy to remove with a gentle makeup remover.

7. Uoma Beauty Drama Bomb Mascara

This mascara lives up to its name by providing bold and dramatic lashes that make a statement. The highly pigmented formula and the unique hourglass-shaped brush combine to effortlessly coat each lash, resulting in voluminous and curled lashes without any clumps or smudges.

The hourglass-shaped wand easily coated every lash from root to tip, helping to give a showgirl glam look. The formula is also flake-proof, smudge-proof and water-resistant, so it lasted all day without any touch-ups.

But what we love most about this mascara is that it contains avocado oil, castor oil, jojoba oil and rice wax to help strengthen, moisturize and promote lash growth. These ingredients are also vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your eyes.

8. Dior Diorshow Iconic Mascara

What sets the Dior Diorshow Iconic Mascara apart is its innovative brush design. The wand is uniquely shaped, with a subtle curve that effortlessly coats each lash from root to tip. This allows for precise application and ensures that every lash is evenly coated, resulting in a beautifully defined and elongated look.

The formula is lightweight and buildable, allowing you to layer the mascara for even more impact without clumping or heaviness. It stays put throughout the day, without any flaking or smudging, keeping your lashes looking bold and voluminous from morning to night. The deep black shade adds an extra touch of intensity, creating a captivating gaze.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can mascara make my lashes grow longer?

A: Mascara doesn’t have the ability to make your lashes grow longer. However, it can enhance the appearance of your lashes by adding length, volume, and definition. If you’re looking to enhance the growth of your lashes, consider using lash serums or treatments specifically formulated for promoting lash growth.

Q: How can I prevent mascara from clumping?

A: To avoid clumping, make sure to wipe off excess product from the wand before applying. This helps to ensure a smooth application without an overload of mascara. Additionally, using a clean wand or lash comb immediately after applying mascara can help separate any clumped lashes and create a more natural and even look.

Q: Can I wear mascara if I have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses?

A: Yes, there are mascaras specifically formulated for individuals with sensitive eyes or those who wear contact lenses. Look for mascaras labeled as hypoallergenic or suitable for sensitive eyes. These mascaras are usually formulated with gentle ingredients that minimize the risk of irritation or discomfort. However, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test on a small area of your skin or consult with an eye care professional if you have specific concerns.

Q: How often should I replace my mascara?

A: It’s important to replace your mascara regularly to maintain eye health and ensure optimal performance. As a general guideline, mascara should be replaced every three to six months. Over time, bacteria can accumulate in the mascara tube, increasing the risk of eye infections. Additionally, mascara formulas can dry out or become clumpy over time, affecting their ability to coat your lashes evenly.

Q: How do I remove mascara without damaging my lashes?

A: To remove mascara without damaging your lashes, it’s important to be gentle and use a proper technique. Start by using a gentle eye makeup remover that is suitable for your skin type and sensitivity. Soak a cotton pad with the makeup remover and hold it against your closed eye for a few seconds to allow the mascara to dissolve. Then, gently swipe downwards along your lashes to remove the mascara.

Avoid rubbing or tugging, as this can lead to lash breakage. If needed, repeat the process until all traces of mascara are removed. It’s also advisable to use a clean cotton pad for each eye to prevent transferring any residue or bacteria.

Q: Can I layer different mascaras to achieve a specific look?

A: Yes, layering different mascaras can be a fun and effective way to customize your lash look. For example, you can start with a lengthening mascara as a base coat to elongate your lashes, and then apply a volumizing mascara on top to add fullness and drama. Experiment with combinations to find the perfect pairing to achieve your desired effect. Just ensure that you allow each coat to dry before applying the next to prevent clumping.