The 22 Best Volumizing Mascaras of 2023

Best Overall

YSL Beauty Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils

4.6

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This buildable mascara from Yves Saint Laurent gets top honors for its ability to trick others into thinking you’re wearing false lashes—it’s that dramatic. Not only does the intense black formula thicken and lengthen the lashes for insane fanned-out definition, but it’s also infused with Moroccan argan oil and provitamin B5 to nurture and condition your lash hairs. It also won’t budge, smudge, or flake, so you can relax knowing you’ll be raccoon eyes-free all day and night.

Price at time of publish: $29

Benefits: Volumizes, strengthens, lengthens, conditions | Size: 0.2 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Budget

Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

4.8

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Social media is full of beauty product suggestions, and deciding which items live up to their TikTok reputation can be difficult. This beloved formula is no stranger to your feeds, and we understand why. Beloved by beauty gurus and the Byrdie staff, this mascara lifts and lengthens lashes for a fraction of the price of prestige competitors. The sculpting wand separates the lashes and adds definition. Plus, it promises to last from your morning cycling class through after-work drinks without smudging.   

Price at time of publish: $5

Benefits: Lengthens, adds volume, applies evenly  | Size: 0.4 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Drugstore

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

4.8

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When it comes to this drugstore classic from L’Oréal Paris, you can’t go wrong. The 200+ bristle brush captures every single lash to create a full, feathery look with intense volume, while the soft-glide formula ensures the lashes remain soft, not crunchy. 

Take it from Tulve, who counts this one as his ultimate mascara. “Not only do I know I can pick up a tube anywhere in an emergency, but no variation of the formula has ever given me a problem,” he says. “I carry a Carbon Black, Black Brown, and a waterproof of this formula in my kit at all times. Plus, they recently introduced four jewel-tone colors that are a perfect pop of color for anyone’s makeup wardrobe.”

Price at time of publish: $13

Benefits: Volumizes, lengthens, conditions | Size: 0.28 ounces | Shades: 4 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Splurge

Pat McGrath Labs FetishEyes Mascara

4.2

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Sure, this mascara might be a little splurgy, trust us when we say it’s worth it. Consider it the ultimate day-to-night mascara: “It’s a luxe, buildable formula that allows for natural thickness for the day, and will effortlessly build up for a dramatic volume for a quick makeup change,” says Tulve. As the name suggests, in addition to defining and thickening the lashes, it provides a pretty impressive lengthening effect, too.

Price at time of publish: $32

Benefits: Volumizes, lengthens, conditions, defines | Size: 0.27 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Classic

Dior Diorshow Iconic Mascara

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This cult-favorite mascara was originally dreamed up for fashion shows and red carpet events, so you just know it’s good. While its extra-hold, smudge-proof formula that provides 24 hours of curl is worth raving about, it’s really all about the brush. The oblique cut shape coats each lash for a lifted and curled fan effect worthy of your own red carpet moment. It provides dramatic volume on its own, but for even more of a thickening effect, you can pre-plump your lashes with the Maximizer 3D Triple Volume Lash Primer.

Benefits: Volumizes, curls | Size: 0.33 ounces | Shades: 3 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Waterproof

Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara

4.8

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We all know and love Monsieur Big and its ability to create bold, supersized lashes that mimic the look of falsies, but hear us out—its waterproof twin might be even better. Still creamy and buildable, this waterproof, sweat-proof, and smudge-proof formula will provide you with head-turning lashes for up to 24 hours. Rain and humidity don’t stand a chance!

Price at time of publish: $30

Benefits: Volumizes, lengthens | Size: 0.33 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Curling

Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara

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It’s all about the brush when it comes to this volumizing and curling matte black mascara from our queen, Rihanna. Called the flat-to-fat brush, you first swipe your lashes with the flat side to load on the product, lifting the lashes and building up volume, then use the flat side to define, curl, and separate. Plus, it’s long-wear and water-resistant.

Price at time of publish: $26

Benefits: Volumizes, lifts, curls, lengthens | Size: 0.42 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No, but is water-resistant | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Lengthening

Bite Beauty Upswing Full Volume Mascara

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When you’re craving both volume and added length, get you a formula that can do both. This lightweight, flake-resistant formula from Bite Beauty does it all—it curls, too! It’s formulated with tree berry wax, deeming it both clean and vegan, providing your lashes with buildable thickness and length for a fluttery, full-fan effect.

Price at time of publish: $23

Benefits: Volumizes, lengthens, lifts, curls | Size: 0.4 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Fullness

Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes Mascara

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Not only does this buildable mascara lengthen, curl, boost volume, and separate, but its five-grooved brush deposits the formula right along the lash line to lift the lashes up and out while its bristles capture every lash from root to tip. The result? A truly eye-opening effect with a gorgeous glossy black finish.

Price at time of publish: $29

Benefits: Volumizes, defines | Size: 0.27 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Drama

Uoma Beauty Drama Bomb Extreme Volume Nourishing Mascara

4.8

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A lot of waterproof mascaras can be harsh or drying, which is why we love how nourishing this water-resistant and smudge-proof formula is. It’s infused with castor, avocado, and golden jojoba oils that moisturize your lashes while helping to promote future growth. But don’t be fooled! Even though it’s good for you, it still creates some serious drama. Formulated with synthetic beeswax and rice wax for that vegan and cruelty-free goodness, it provides extreme volume and length, while its hourglass-shaped brush defines and lifts.

Price at time of publish: $20

Benefits: Volumizes, lengthens, lifts | Size: 0.37 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Brown

Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara

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Often overlooked for its inkier, deeper counterparts, brown mascara is a great choice for anyone with light hair or those simply looking for a more natural-looking finish without sacrificing thickness. When it comes to brown shades, Tulve is a big fan of the Deep Cocoa shade from this Maybelline formula. “It’s hands down one of the best warm brown mascaras I’ve found recently,” he says. “This lightweight whipped formula builds up effortlessly to create easy, controllable volume.” The formula is enriched with coconut extract to keep those lashes of yours extra soft and hydrated.

Price at time of publish: $8

Benefits: Volumizes, lengthens | Size: 0.27 fluid ounces | Shades: 4 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Color Range

Sephora Collection Volume ON Mascara

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Sometimes we’re just feeling a look that’s a bit extreme, and that’s where these playful mascaras from Sephora come in. Not only do they provide perfect volume and curl, but they also add a serious pop of color. Available in four punchy shades, including turquoise and emerald green, we’ll be saving these for when clubbing is a thing again—or maybe a trip to the grocery store, because why not?

Benefits: Volumizes, curls | Size: 0.33 ounces | Shades: 4 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Innovation

Milk Makeup Kush High Volume Mascara

4.8

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We’re obsessed with this mascara for two reasons. First, it contains heart-shaped fibers (aw!) that latch onto the lashes, creating insane volume and fullness, and second, it's formulated with a buzzy ingredient of the moment, cannabis! (Not that kind.) This hemp-derived cannabis seed oil not only conditions the lashes but helps to fuse the fibers to them. Plus, the formula contains pure pigments that leave a vibrant black finish for an extra wow factor.

Price at time of publish: $20

Benefits: Volumizes, conditions | Size: 0.34 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Natural

Kosas The Big Clean Volumizing + Lash Care Mascara

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An extreme volumizing mascara and treatment bundled into one, this clean formula from Kosas is an absolute must. Botanical waxes, intense pigments, and an oversized spiraled brush work together to create full, fluffy lashes that don’t lack in volume, length, or curl. Plus, it’s formulated with hair care actives such as castor oil, provitamin B5, and biotinyl tripeptide-1 that support your lashes’ natural growth and repair.

Price at time of publish: $26

Benefits: Volumizes, strengthens | Size: 0.32 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Multi-tasker

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

5

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Thanks to its all-star formula (hi thickening collagen and curling polymers), this mascara has been a longtime staple in the internet’s lash hall of fame. It lengthens, curls, and plumps in a single swipe. It has also earned the pro’s stamp of approval. Indiana-based professional makeup artist, Krissy VanderWoude calls it “falsies in a tube.” “This mascara delivers a voluptuous, full, wispy look to the lash,” she says, “The brush was specifically designed in an hourglass shape, and it hugs each lash for excellent buildability.”

The formula is not waterproof, but it sticks to lashes without smudging (and without scrubbing come cleanse time).

Price at time of publish: $28

Benefits: Lengthens, adds volume, curls  | Size: 0.27 fl ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Clean

Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara

4.6

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Clean or natural mascara formulas are notoriously hard to formulate. Without parabens or other preservatives, long lasting, dramatic results are hard to achieve. However, this nutrient packed mascara proves your lashes can look and feel good at the same time. Orchid stem cells support and improve lash health. Thanks to its clean formula and opthamologist approval, Vanderwoude recommends this mascara for those with sensitive eyes. The tubing technology coats the lashes and prevents flaking, layers well, and creates an easy removal process. Simply use warm water to loosen the makeup around the lashes. 

“This is a mascara for lovers of a bolder, more dramatic and defined look, as opposed to a light and airy, fluffy lash,” Vanderwoude says, “With this formula, it is important to layer while the previous coat is still wet. Although it is not waterproof, it is longwearing and doesn’t smudge throughout the day.” 

Price at time of publish: $25

Benefits: Lengthens, curls, volumizes | Size: 0.38 ounces | Shades: 3 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Drugstore Waterproof

Covergirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara

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“This is an old standby for me,” Vanderwoude says, “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.” As for volume, she stands by CoverGirl’s 10x more volume claim. 

Though waterproof mascara usually doesn’t smudge or flake, it does make it harder to remove. For easier removal, use an oil based cleanser, like one of these best eye makeup removers from our lab test.  

Price at time of publish: $12

Benefits: Lengthens, Thickens, Volumizes | Size: 0.44 ounces | Shades: 4 | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Brush

Tarte Maneater Mascara

4.9

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Yes, the formula is essential for an effective mascara, but the brush is equally important. The wand helps coat and shape each lash. This wand is custom molded with over 500 bristles to separate and define each and every lash. Infused with hydrating jojoba oil and lengthening carnauba wax, this volumizing formula nourishes and keeps lashes healthy. 

“Everytime I wear this mascara I am complimented on my lashes,” Vanderwoude says, “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.”

Price at time of publish: $24

Benefits: Lengthens, volumizes, conditions | Size: 0.3 ounces | Shades: 2 | Waterproof: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best For Sensitive Eyes

ILIA Beauty Limitless Lash Mascara

4.8

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For some, like those with contacts or sensitive eyes, mascara can irritate. This formula from Ilia has been tested by both ophthalmologists and contact wearers to ensure users can have a comfortable experience. Beyond that, this gentle formula is free from controversial nasties like phthalates, coal tar, mineral oil, and others. Instead, this buildable formula uses keratin to fortify and shea butter to condition. 

Price at time of publish: $28

Benefits: Lengthens, volumizes, holds curl, separates | Size: 0.27 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Buildable

MAC Macstack Superstack Mascara

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On a recent visit to the MAC counter (fun fact she used to work there), Vanderwoude bought the Macstack mascara thanks to its viral popularity. “This formula lived up to the hype,” she says, “I was instantly sold. It was love at first try for me.” 

This mascara is meant to be layered - hence the name “stack.” “You can apply as many coats as you want depending on your desired level of drama,” Vanderwoude says, The best part? “It never becomes clumpy.” The smaller brush lets you grab even the flimsiest lashes for a precise application. And this formula can really bring the drama—a coat or two for an everyday look—but you can easily layer it into a “I can’t believe they’re real” length. 

And while reviewers loved the big lash energy, a few mention that it can smudge or flake by the end of the day. You may want to add a dusting of powders on your lids and under eyes to keep mascara from smudging. 

Price at time of publish: $28

Benefits: Lengthens, volumizes, separates | Size: 0.41 ounces | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Luxury

Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara

4.5

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Nearly $40 is a lot to spend on a single tube of mascara, but if you're going to treat yourself to one thing from Chanel, this may as well be it. This volumizing mascara works to plump and expand each and every lash to create full-size flutter that turns heads. And you can choose from two highly pigmented hues, including classic black and inky blue.

Price at time of publish: $38

Benefits: Volumizes, plumps, expands | Size: 0.21 ounces | Shades: 2 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: No