The Best Volumising Mascaras For Bold, Dramatic Lashes

Not all mascaras are made equally. Some are good at making your eyelashes appear longer, some subtly separate and define. But when you’re after a dramatic, false lash effect (minus falsies), a well-formulated volumising mascara is what you need.  

Below, we reveal what to look for in a good volumising mascara, application tips for maximum drama and our favourite products that you need to try.

How do volumising mascaras work

As we already know, depending on the result a mascara promises (length, definition, curl or volume), you will notice slight differences in its formulation. 

“Mascaras that claim to only lengthen tend to be thinner in consistency,” explains Charlotte McHale, Clarins Training Manager. “But volumising mascaras tend to have a thicker, more waxy formula. That’s how they add some build to the lashes.”

But it’s a fine line between a mascara that thickens your lashes and one that makes them clump together – the latter is no good.

“That’s quite a hard balance to strike,” says McHale. Plus, volumising mascaras tend to have denser and fluffier brush applicators.

To simplify your search, we’ve compiled some of our favourites below. 

What’s the best mascara for volume?

1. Clarins Supra Volume Mascara

Not only does the formula of the Supra Volume Mascara, £23 add loads of volume, it also cares for your lashes and keeps them moisturised and protected. That’s because the formula contains Clarins’ lash boosting complex. Ingredients like panthenol and sphinganine in it work as lash conditioners. The mascara comes in both black and brown shades. 

2. Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara

If you love tubing mascaras, this one will be for you. Tubing mascaras coat lashes in a kind of film that only budges when it comes in contact with warm water – not cold water or even eye make-up remover. Kevin Aucoin’s The Volume Mascara, £22 supplies loads of volume. Unlike traditional volumising mascaras, this one features a slim brush that allows you to get super close to the roots of your lashes.  

3. Huda Beauty Legit Lashes Mascara in Legit Blue Mini

For lovers of more playful, colourful make-up, we recommend trying the Huda Beauty Legit Lashes Mascara in Legit Blue, £13. It’s double ended, so you can choose between length and volume (or use both!). The electric blue shade is universally flattering but if you don’t want to invest in the full size, we recommend picking up the mini version. 

4. By Terry Lash-Expert Twist Brush Mascara

The By Terry Lash-Expert Twist Brush Mascara, £27 also comes with two settings – one for length and the other for volume. You can access them by twisting its innovative wand that transforms the shape of its brush. The buildable formula lets you add coat after coat, till you achieve your desired level of volume. 

5. Pacifica Vegan Collagen Fluffy Lash Mascara

Looking for a vegan mascara that’s also volumising? Try Pacifica’s Vegan Collagen Fluffy Lash Mascara, £20. It’s planet-friendly as it comes in a 100% glass bottle, making it easier to recycle. It’s also a great pick if you have sensitive eyes. 

How to get the most volume from your mascara

In addition to choosing the right mascara, you need to get the application right. To get a bold, false lash effect, follow these tips. 

Layer up

One coat simply isn’t going to do the job. If you really want loads of volume, two to three coats are key. 

“Don’t wait for those layers to dry in between – I think that’s a mistake many people make,” says McHale. “If you put wet mascara over dry mascara, clumping is inevitable. Instead, just keep adding more while the layers are still wet. That way, the lashes will still be flexible enough that you can separate any clumps that may start to form.” 

Separate clumps

If you do end up with a few clumps despite your best efforts, comb them out before the mascara dries. You can use a lash comb or even just a clean spoolie to do this. It will break up the clumps and take away any excess mascara. 

Try a lash primer

Need some extra help? An eyelash primer is a great product to add to your routine, if your natural lashes are thin or sparse. We like the Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer, £19 for this. It coats the lashes and gives your mascara something to cling to, thereby creating the illusion of thicker lashes. 

Cheat a bit with eyeliner

Use a soft, dark eyeliner pencil to lightly scribble between the roots of your lashes. This will help fill any gaps you may have and make your lash line appear fuller. 

“That makes the base of the eyelashes look thicker,” says McHale. “Then you get an almost conical shaped appearance to the lash, and that gives a bit of a false lash effect, without any false lashes involved.” 

She adds: “It also doesn’t take up any eyelid space. So, if you’ve got hooded eyes, or small eyes, this technique doesn’t make the eyes look smaller by eating into any additional ‘real estate’ around the eye area.” 

Choose a lash-boosting mascara

“If possible, use a mascara that’s got some sort of lash benefit in it,” is McHale’s last piece of advice. “If you want thicker eyelashes, you don’t want them just when you’ve got mascara on.” In short, if the mascara also takes care of your lashes and conditions them, you will naturally have fuller lashes and therefore more volume. 

Next read: The Beginner’s Guide To Getting Eye Make-Up Right