The 14 Best Volumizing Mascara For Plump, Fluttery Lashes

Best Overall

Yves Saint Laurent Extreme Volume Mascara

View On Sephora $32 View On Nordstrom $28 View On Yslbeautyus.com

Benefits: Volumizing, long-lasting, high pigment | Size: 0.44 ounces | Shades: 3 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

YSL’s Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara promises BIG lashes, and it delivers. It excels at plumping with a formula that builds from natural-looking volume after one swipe to falsies-style lashes after five. The mascara comes in three color options–black, brown, and electric blue– to complement numerous looks and provide long-lasting, intense pigment. If the matte black packaging wasn’t enough to signal that this is a luxe product, you can even get your mascara engraved. 

During testing, we found this mascara easy to apply; two quick coats gave us full, voluminous lashes on the top and bottom–and no clumps. The formula dried quickly and stayed put all day without smudging or flaking, and came off fairly easily at bedtime without tugging or pulling like some of the other options we tried. (Tip: use a reusable makeup eraser cloth instead of a wipe or washcloth). Our one quibble is that the curl we achieved with the initial application didn’t last the day, but that’s pretty common for most mascaras.

Best Budget

Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Falsies Mascara

View On Ulta $7 View On Target $9 View On Walmart $10

Benefits: Lengthens, thickens, curls | Size: 0.44 ounces | Shades: 3 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

This drugstore favorite promises a false-lash look thanks to its patented “spoon” shaped brush and lightweight, buildable formula. Three shades of black (yes, that’s a thing) coat lashes in rich pigment that lasts all day and all night. 

Although this mascara is marketed for its dramatic effects, we found one coat was perfect for daytime wear.  The curved brush and lightweight formula volumized and lifted our lashes really well, creating an impressive curl without needing a tool. It dried quickly without any major clumping and we didn’t notice any smudging under our eyes for several hours (although there was some minor flaking). Our lashes looked great all day, and when it came time to remove the mascara a little cleansing balm did the trick. 

Best Lifting

Benefit Cosmetics Fan Fest Fanning Mascara

View On Sephora $16 View On Ulta View On Target $16

Benefits: Fanning & volumizing | Size: 0.3 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

If you prefer your lashes to look separated, lifted, and voluminous, this is the formula for you. Benefit's Fan Fest has a flexible fiber brush that grabs each lash from the inner to the outer corners of your eye, separating and defining effortlessly. It promises to stay put no matter what your day entails with its smudge-proof, water-resistant, and sweat-proof capabilities.

One or two coats was enough for noticeable volume and lift—any more than that and it began to look clumpy. The finished result was glamorous (which makes this formula better suited to evening looks than everyday wear) and the full effect lasted all day without smudging—an impressive feat. We found this mascara slightly challenging to apply. The thick brush was harder to control than the thinner ones we’ve used and we smudged some product around our eyes accidentally. It was also somewhat difficult to remove, but that’s common with waterproof and water-resistant formulas. We suggest adding an eye makeup remover to your evening skincare routine when wearing this one.

Best Splurge

Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara

View On Chanel View On Ulta $40 View On Nordstrom $40

Benefits: Instant volume and intense color  | Size: 0.21 ounces | Shades: 3 | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

Chanel's Le Volume mascara has a genius formula that actually expands as it dries, plumping the lashes for an eye-opening result (think 1960s Twiggy). Its “snowflake” brush combines short and long fibers that work to coat every lash with deeply pigmented color—black, brown, or blue. 

We love how lightweight this formula is; it coated and lifted our lashes for a bold look that wasn’t overly dramatic. The formula never turned clumpy or spidery, but we did have to watch out for accidental transfer while applying, as it’s thin and wet when it comes out of the tube. We didn’t notice a lot of curl or length, but we were pleased with the overall effect, which was quite pigmented and fanned out. Despite being water-resistant the mascara came off easily with a splash of micellar water and some face wash.

Best Buildable

CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara

View On Amazon $10 View On Ulta $13 View On Target

Benefits: Volume-boosting, hypoallergenic | Size: 0.44 ounces | Shades: 4 | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

With its chunky wand and silicone-bristle brush, Covergirl’s Lash Blast mascara makes it easy to coat and define every lash. The hypoallergenic formula is gentle on the eyes (contact lens wearers will appreciate) while delivering impressive volume and lift—all at a great price. It comes in four shades and offers waterproof and non-waterproof versions. “This is an old standby for me,” says makeup artist Krissy Vanderwoude, “I use it on almost every bridal client of mine, and not a single one has complained about irritation. The formula is so creamy and it doesn’t dry out or flake at all.” 

We concur! Following a fresh application, we thought Lash Blast was comparable to more expensive brands. It took three coats of this thin, liquidy formula to get the lifted, separated effect we were after, and the mascara never bled or smudged, even during our workouts. However, by the end of the day, it seemed to wear off, so we would recommend reapplying once. On the plus side, that made it easier to remove before bed with our favorite oil cleanser. 

Read our full review: Covergirl's Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara Is Even Better Than the Original

Best Shades

Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

View On Sephora $33 View On Ulta $33 View On Nordstrom $29

Benefits: Lengthens, nourishes, curls | Size: 0.33 ounces | Shades: 4 | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

As the name implies, the Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara is a beloved makeup staple that glides from lash root to tip, providing instant volume and definition. To complement its head-turning effects, the formula nourishes lashes with cotton nectar, helping to fortify and smooth them with each application.

It took us a little while to master the curved brush, but once we did, this mascara blew us away. It’s amazing at separating and curling lashes—so much so that we’ve abandoned our lash curler. The formula is buildable and we could add length and volume with a second coat. The result was glamorous and dramatic and stayed on all day without any flakiness. In short, Diorshow Iconic Overcurl gives great results effortlessly.

Best for Sensitive Eyes

Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara

View On Amazon $28 View On Drhauschka.com

Benefits: Ophthalmologically tested, lengthens, fans, volumizes | Size: 0.27 ounces | Shades: 2 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses and need a more gentle formula, Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara won’t let you down. This ophthalmologically tested formula manages to volumize and fan out lashes without irritating the eyes. Plus, it is infused with protective ingredients like quince seed, silk extract, and candelilla wax to fortify lashes in the long term. 

We liked the natural effect of this mascara. The first coat was subtle with a lot of separation. The second coat was more dramatic, giving a noticeable boost to length and volume. The formula was thin and wet, so we had to be mindful of product transferring onto our eyelids, but once it dried it stayed on through yoga classes and even overnight (don’t judge us) without smudging. When it was time to remove the mascara, it came off pretty easily with a double cleanse routine. 

Best for Everyday

Estée Lauder Turbo Lash High Powered Volume + Length Mascara

View On Ulta View On Nordstrom $30 View On Esteelauder.com

Benefits: Lengthens, thickens, volumizes, conditions | Size: 0.27 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Look no further than Estée Lauder’s Turbo Lash for a mascara with impressive volumizing and lengthening capabilities that aren’t overly dramatic. Infused with microscopic silica spheres that give the formula a whipped, buildable texture, the mascara glides on easily for noticeably thicker lashes. Meanwhile, and castor oils provide a dose of moisture to condition and protect each lash. 

We loved this one as an everyday, go-to mascara. It was bold without being OTT (i.e. no falsies effect) and buildable without ever clumping. It did smudge a little during the day, particularly on the lower lashes. It’s not intended to be an ultra-long-lasting formula, and we found that after a nine-hour day, we needed reapplication to freshen the look.

Best Tubing

Hourglass Cosmetics Instant Extensions Mascara

View On Amazon $32 View On Sephora $15 View On Ulta $32

Benefits: Lift, definition, smudge-proof | Size: 0.35 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re not a tubing mascara convert yet this option might just convince you. Its high-impact formula coats each lash in lightweight fibers (or tubes), providing a fanned-out result that’s long-wearing yet incredibly easy to remove—just add warm water. 

Hourglass says its mascara creates a lash extension effect and we agree. The formula lengthens and volumizes while still separating the lashes, and even after two or three coats, it adds thickness without getting clumpy. We found two coats were the sweet spot: one swipe to add length, and a second for volume. Admittedly, it was a bit tricky to apply on lower lashes and made them too long for our preference, but the formula remained in place all day without smudging. 

Read our full review: I Tested Hourglass' Unlocked Extensions Mascara and It Gave Me Fuller Lashes

Best Natural Look

ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara

View On Sephora $13 View On Iliabeauty.com $28 View On Kohls.com $28

Benefits: Thickens, defines, ophthalmologist-tested | Size: 0.32 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Not everyone aspires to a fluttery falsies look—or at least not every day. When you want something more natural but still noticeably more voluminous, try ILIA’s Fullest Volume mascara. The hourglass brush wraps lashes in the buildable formula, enhancing plumpness and length without any irritation (it’s ophthalmologist-tested and approved). One glance at the ingredients list and you’ll find haircare staples like provitamin B5 to nourish and arginine to strengthen. It also has a weightless quality that encourages fullness and flexibility. 

This mascara added substantial length to our lashes while also separating and volumizing them nicely. We weren’t familiar with the hourglass brush shape, but with practice, it really did target every lash—even the ones in the outermost corners. The formula consistency was on the thicker side but didn’t weigh down our lashes. It wore well all day long with just a few smudges, but admittedly we were rubbing our eyes due to allergies. 

Best Clump-Free

Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara

View On Amazon $30 View On Sephora $16 View On Nordstrom $26

Benefits: Lifts, volumizes | Size: 0.27 ounces | Shades: 2 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

The mark of a good mascara is its ability to boost lash length and thickness without unsightly clumping. Lancome’s Lash Idole does just that. The curved wand catches every lash, curling, and fanning as it coats them with a lightweight gel formula. 

This mascara added tons of volume, curled our lashes, and made our eyes pop. If you like a dramatic finish, this one's for you; two or more coats produce a glamorous look perfect for a night out. We appreciated that it was buildable but didn’t clump or smudge at all. The mascara is so lightweight that you can wear it all day without noticing, and by the evening it still looks freshly applied. Removal was no problem, we just used Ponds Cold Cream and an oil-based makeup remover face wash, plus our fingertips. 

Best Flake-Free

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Perfect Strokes Mascara

View On Sephora $11 View On Walmart $29 View On Walmart $29

Benefits: Lengthens, volumizes, clump and flake resistant | Size: 0.45 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It’s not a great feeling when you catch sight of yourself in the mirror and discover that your mascara has flaked underneath your eyes. This mascara from Rare Beauty sets out to spare you from that with its rich, volume-boosting formula that stays flake-resistant all day long.

This wasn’t the most volumizing mascara we tried, but it did add noticeable length to our lashes. Although the curvy wand did catch every lash, it made getting to the roots tricky, which hindered the volume we could create. Adding more coats helped. We loved that it achieved a more natural look that reliably lasted all day with no flaking. 

Best Wand

Tarte Maneater Mascara

View On Ulta $27 View On Target $15 View On Walmart $18

Benefits: Lengthens, volumizes, curls | Size: 0.3 ounces | Shades: 2 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The formula is essential for an effective mascara, but the brush is equally important. This wand is custom molded with over 500 bristles to separate and define every lash. “Every time I wear this mascara I am complimented on my lashes,” says Vanderwoude. “Not only is it richly pigmented, but it also makes my lashes look fluffy and long. It’s buildable for those who love a little extra drama, yet it maintains a feathery look to the lash.” 

We found this mascara effortless to use. The tiny bristles were surprisingly effective, enabling even distribution in three quick passes. The petite brush size also made it super easy to target the lower lashes. It wasn’t the most voluminous mascara we tried—it’s a more natural-looking option—but our lashes were noticeably fuller and longer. We were also impressed with how long-lasting it was. Even after a sweaty workout, the formula stayed put with minimal smudging.