If your lashes vanish behind glasses or get lost in photos, a good volumizing mascara is the fastest fix. The best formulas build density at the root, fan out evenly, and stay smudge-light through a long day. We looked for creamy formulas that layer cleanly, brushes that grab tiny hairs, and tubing or water-resistant options when smudging is a thing.
Busy mornings mean one coat and go. Volumizing mascaras should deliver bold, plush lashes fast with minimal cleanup. The trick is pairing the right brush with a formula that builds without spidering. Hourglass and curved brushes give instant drama, while slimmer cones excel at reaching corners and lower lashes.
Below you’ll find quick picks, a cheat-sheet comparison, and deep dives with who each one suits best. If your eyes are sensitive or your lids are oily, we flagged smudge-resistant and easy-remove options so you do not trade volume for raccoon eyes.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Too Faced Better Than Sex (Waterproof or Original) — 4.8/5
Hourglass brush deposits rich pigment and bulk at the base fast. - Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise — 4.6/5
Plush fibers and a wavy brush create dense, fluffy volume on a budget. - Best Clean, Tubing: Caliray Come Hell or High Water — 4.5/5
Tubing formula builds soft volume and tubes off with warm water for easy removal. - Best For Short Lashes: Maybelline Lash Sensational — 4.6/5
Curved, multi-length bristles catch tiny hairs and fan them out. - Best Big Night Drama: Lancome Monsieur Big — 4.7/5
Creamy, high-impact formula stacks to false-lash intensity with two coats.
Comparison at a Glance
| Pick | Brush type | Why it’s great | Smudge defense | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Too Faced Better Than Sex | Hourglass, dense bristles | Instant thickening at the root | Good (WP best) | 4.8/5 |
| L’Oréal Lash Paradise | Wavy, plush bristles | Fluffy, feathery volume | Good | 4.6/5 |
| Caliray Tubing | Slim, tapered | Buildable volume, warm-water removal | Excellent | 4.5/5 |
| Maybelline Lash Sensational | Curved, multi-row | Lifts, fans, hits tiny lashes | Good | 4.6/5 |
| Lancome Monsieur Big | Large, dense | Two-coat drama, soft finish | Good | 4.7/5 |
Deep Dives
Too Faced Better Than Sex — Best Overall
Why: The hourglass brush hugs the lash line and dumps product where you want thickness: at the roots. Two light coats give bold, plush volume.
Keep in mind: The Waterproof version resists smudging best but needs a true remover.
Best for: Fast drama, straight lashes that need root heft.
Rating: 4.8/5
L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise — Best Drugstore
Why: Similar vibe to BTS with a softer, feathery finish. Great cost-per-use and easy to find.
Keep in mind: Wipe excess off the brush to avoid blobs on coat one.
Best for: Everyday plush volume on a budget.
Rating: 4.6/5
Caliray Come Hell or High Water — Best Clean Tubing Volume
Why: Tubing polymers wrap lashes, so volume builds cleanly and removal is just warm water, no tugging.
Keep in mind: For max volume, zig-zag at the root and stack three light coats.
Best for: Smudge-prone lids, sensitive eyes, contact lens wearers.
Rating: 4.5/5
Maybelline Lash Sensational — Best for Short Lashes
Why: Curved, multi-length bristles grab tiny hairs and lift. Fans lashes so they look thicker and longer.
Keep in mind: Use the inner curve first to load, outer curve to comb.
Best for: Short, straight, or sparse lashes that need definition plus volume.
Rating: 4.6/5
Lancome Monsieur Big — Best for Big-Night Drama
Why: Creamy formula stacks weight without crunch. Two coats look luxe and inky.
Keep in mind: Let coat one set for ~20–30 seconds before coat two.
Best for: Date night, photos, when you want faux-lash impact in minutes.
Rating: 4.7/5
How to Choose (So You Actually Get Volume)
- Brush dictates look: Dense hourglass = bold root bulk. Curved = lift + fan. Tapered cone = precision for corners and lowers.
- Formula matters: Creamy waxes build faster; tubing resists smudge and removes easier. Waterproof resists curl-drop and humidity.
- Color: Blackest black shows the most volume; brown-black is softer for fair features or daytime.
Technique Tips for Bigger Lashes
- Curl first. A quick curl sets the stage for visible volume.
- Wiggle at the root. Press the brush to the base, wiggle, then pull through. Most “volume” is density at the base.
- Thin coats win. Two to three light passes beat one heavy glob.
- Comb clumps. Keep a clean spoolie to separate while still damp.
- Lock it in. On smudge-prone eyes, finish with a light coat of a tubing mascara as a “topcoat.”
Value and Verdict
Pick your brush style first, then match formula to your smudge tolerance. For a one-and-done winner, Too Faced Better Than Sex is quick drama. Want budget fluff? L’Oréal Lash Paradise. Prone to panda? Caliray tubing keeps it clean. Short lashes? Lash Sensational. Big night? Monsieur Big.
See also
If your eyes are sensitive or watery, start with Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes for formulas that minimize sting while still building volume. When you need affordable backups,
Liner and shadow can amplify volume without extra coats. For easy definition that will not tug, see Best Eyeliner for Older Women, and if hooded lids are your reality, Best Eyeliner for Hooded Eyes keeps lines visible and clean. Building a new kit? Best Eye Makeup for Older Women covers crease-light picks that flatter and frame those new plush lashes.
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FAQs
Which is better for volume: waterproof or regular?
Waterproof holds curl and resists smudge, which can make volume look bigger all day. It needs an oil-based remover.
How do I stop flakes and smudges?
Use thinner coats, avoid over-pumping the wand, and consider a tubing mascara or waterproof on the lower lashes only.
Can sensitive eyes do volume?
Yes. Try tubing (Caliray) or fragrance-free formulas and remove with warm water or a gentle eye makeup remover.
Do I need primer?
Not required, but a clear or fiber primer can boost thickness and help prevent transfer on oily lids.
