13 Best Mascaras for Length and Volume

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Have you ever caught yourself admiring someone’s lashes, wondering how they achieve that perfect blend of length and volume? 

The answer might be simpler than you think—it could all boil down to discovering the best mascara for length and volume. 

Finding that one mascara that enhances your eyes and is perfect for you may seem hard but it can be easier than you think.

Mascara isn’t just another item in your makeup bag; it’s sometimes the only product that you may be wearing that day.

Yet, with the endless options available, how do you pinpoint the one that delivers both the length and the volume you desire?

I’ve put together a list of the 13 best mascaras for stunning lashes, carefully selected for their dual promise of extending and volumizing. 

And I won’t stop there—I’ll also share some easy application tips to help you achieve a perfect application every time. 

So, let’s get started.

Understanding Mascara

Selecting the best mascara, especially for those with shorter lashes, requires understanding what makes a product great.

Let’s see what makes a mascara stand out and look into the various types available. We can even find the best mascara for short lashes.

What Makes a Great Mascara?

First and foremost, a top-tier mascara offers a blend of lengthening and volumizing capabilities. 

For those with shorter lashes, the best mascara for short lashes is one that can not only extend the length of each lash but also add a noticeable volume without clumping or flaking throughout the day.

Another key feature to look for is the formula’s staying power. 

Waterproof and water-resistant mascaras are lifesavers for long days, humid conditions, or emotional movie nights. 

Yet, it’s important to balance durability with gentleness; a great mascara should be easy to remove at the end of the day to avoid damaging your delicate lashes.

The wand plays a pivotal role too. 

A well-designed brush can dramatically improve the application, helping to evenly coat each lash, reaching even the tiniest hairs at the corners of the eye. 

For short lashes, a slender brush with tightly packed bristles can offer more precise control and better access to shorter hairs, ensuring no lash is left behind.

Types of Mascaras

As you step into the mascara aisle, the variety can be overwhelming. 

Here’s a breakdown of the types of mascaras you’ll encounter:

1. Lengthening Mascara: Ideal for those with short lashes, lengthening mascaras are formulated with fibres that adhere to the tips of your lashes, extending them beyond their natural endpoint. The best mascara for short lashes in this category will visibly elongate your lashes without creating a spider-leg effect.

2. Volumizing Mascara: These mascaras aim to make each lash thicker and fuller, creating a more dramatic and bold look. They’re perfect for adding density to sparse lashes, giving the illusion of a thicker lash line.

3. Waterproof Mascara: Designed to resist water, sweat, and tears, waterproof mascaras are perfect for maintaining your look in challenging conditions. However, they require a dedicated remover to avoid lash damage.

4. Non-clumping Mascara: Formulated to prevent lashes from sticking together, these mascaras usually contain silicone or silk extracts. They’re great for achieving a natural, defined look, especially for those with shorter lashes seeking definition without the bulk.

5. Tubing Mascara: A unique formula that creates small tubes around each lash, offering incredible length and durability. Tubing mascaras are particularly suitable for short lashes, as they provide significant extension and are easily removed with warm water, minimizing damage.

Remember, the best mascara for short lashes will not only enhance length and volume but also cater to your personal needs and lifestyle.

The 13 Best Mascaras

I’ve delved deep into the beauty industry’s vast offerings to bring you the best mascaras for length and volume. 

Each of these selections is a standout, promising to elevate your lash game to new heights. 

Whether your priority is a waterproof formula, sensitivity, or affordability, you’ll find a match among these distinguished choices.

1. Lash Sensational by Maybelline

• What makes it special? Its unique, fanning brush reveals layers of lashes, adding a dramatic length and volume.
• Key features: Lengthening, Volumizing, Water-resistant
• Price range: Budget-friendly

2. Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara by Too Faced

• What makes it special? Known for its intensely dark formula and hourglass-shaped brush, it delivers unparalleled volume.
• Key features: Waterproof, Volumizing
• Price range: High-end

3. They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara by Benefit

• What makes it special? This mascara lengthens curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes for a spectacular “false-lash” effect.
• Key features: Lengthening, Volumizing, Curling
• Price range: Mid-range

4. Organic Wear Natural Origin Mascara by Physicians Formula

• What makes it special? Made with natural and organic ingredients, it’s gentle yet effective for sensitive eyes.
• Key features: Organic, Hypoallergenic, Volumizing
• Price range: Mid-range

5. Lash Blast Volume Mascara by CoverGirl

• What makes it special? Offers instant volume and fullness with its unique brush designed to max out each and every lash.
• Key features: Volumizing, Smudge-proof
• Price range: Budget-friendly

6. Roller Lash Curling Mascara by Benefit

• What makes it special? Its patented Hook ‘n’ Roll brush instantly lifts and curls lashes, enhancing length and volume.
• Key features: Curling, Lengthening, Volumizing
• Price range: Mid-range

7. Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Volume Mascara by Lancôme

• What makes it special? Provides high-volume, dramatic lashes in a single stroke without clumping.
• Key features: Volumizing, Lengthening
• Price range: High-end

8. Full Fat Lashes by Charlotte Tilbury

• What makes it special? A five-in-one mascara that curls, separates, boosts volume, and lengthens lashes, promising a glamorous look.
• Key features: Curling, Separating, Volumizing, Lengthening
• Price range: High-end

9. Clump Crusher by CoverGirl

• What makes it special? Features a curved brush that delivers 200% more volume and length without clumping.
• Key features: Non-clumping, Volumizing, Lengthening
• Price range: Budget-friendly

10. Voluminous Lash Paradise by L’Oréal

• What makes it special? Its silky smooth formula glides on to deliver intense volume and length with just one coat.
• Key features: Volumizing, Lengthening
• Price range: Budget-friendly

11. Diorshow Mascara by Dior

• What makes it special? Offers a professional lash extension effect, with a formula that replicates the effect of lash extensions used by runway makeup artists.
• Key features: Lengthening, Volumizing
• Price range: High-end

12. Caution Extreme Lash Mascara by Hourglass

• What makes it special? Delivers dramatic volume and length with its 4DAmplifier brush, reaching even the smallest lashes.
• Key features: Volumizing, Lengthening
• Price range: High-end

13. Le Volume de Chanel by Chanel

• What makes it special? This high-precision mascara achieves instant volume and intensely lush colour in a single stroke.
• Key features: Volumizing, Intense Color
• Price range: High-end

Mascara Tips

Achieving captivating lashes isn’t just about finding the best mascara for length and volume; it’s equally about application. 

Preparing Your Lashes

Curling your lashes can dramatically change the look of your eyes, making them appear wider and more awake.

It creates a solid foundation for your mascara, allowing for smoother application and maximizing the lengthening and volumizing effects.

Tips for Lash Curling:

• Choose a Quality Eyelash Curler: Invest in a reliable tool to avoid pinching or pulling your lashes.
• Heat Your Curler (Optional): Briefly warming your curler with a blow dryer can help achieve a more pronounced curl. Ensure it’s warm, not hot, to the touch.
• Curl in Sections: Start at the base of your lashes, gently clamping down, and hold for a few seconds. Move the curler slightly up the lash and clamp again. Repeat until you reach the tips for a natural-looking curl.

The Application Process

Achieving the perfect coat of mascara involves more than just swiping the wand. Follow these steps to enhance every lash:

• Wipe Off Excess Mascara: Gently remove any excess product on the wand to prevent clumps.
• Start at the Base: Position the wand at the base of your lashes. Wiggle it back and forth slightly to deposit more mascara at the roots, creating the illusion of volume.
• Sweep Upwards: In a smooth motion, pull the wand up through your lashes to the tips. This motion helps separate the lashes and coats them evenly.
• Use a Zigzag Motion: As you move the wand up, zigzagging helps separate lashes further and adds volume.
• Don’t Forget the Corners: Use the tip of the wand to reach the smaller lashes at the corners of your eyes for a full lash look.
• Apply Multiple Coats (Optional): For added volume and length, wait for the first coat to dry slightly, then apply a second coat.

Common Mascara Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best mascara for length and volume can fall short if not applied correctly. Avoid these common mistakes for impeccable results:

• Pumping the Wand: Pumping the wand in and out of the tube introduces air, causing the mascara to dry out faster and increase the likelihood of clumps. Instead, gently twist the wand to get more product.
• Ignoring the Lower Lashes: Applying mascara only to the top lashes can make your eyes appear unbalanced. Lightly coat your lower lashes for a cohesive look.
• Not Cleaning the Wand: Regularly wipe your mascara wand with a tissue or clean it with makeup remover. This prevents buildup and ensures smooth application.
• Applying Too Many Coats: While it’s tempting to keep layering for more volume, too many coats can lead to spider lashes. Stick to one or two coats for the best effect.

4.1 How to Keep Your Mascara from Drying Out

Ensuring your mascara remains in top condition involves simple yet effective practices. Here are key tips to prevent your mascara from drying out:

• Tighten the Cap: After each use, make sure the cap is screwed on tightly to prevent air from entering the tube, which can lead to drying.
• Store Properly: Keep your mascara in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and humidity can alter the formula, affecting its performance.

4.2 When to Replace Your Mascara

Mascara, like all beauty products, has a shelf life. For the sake of hygiene and eye health, it’s essential to know when it’s time for a replacement:

• Follow the Three-Month Rule: Generally, it’s recommended to replace your mascara every three months. Regular use increases the risk of bacteria buildup, which can lead to eye infections.
• Monitor the Formula: If your mascara starts to clump, smell odd, or change texture, it’s time for a new one, even if it hasn’t been three months.
• Pay Attention to Eye Health: If you experience an eye infection, replace your mascara immediately to prevent re-infection.

I love lashes more than anything and I can never have enough.

I hope you’re able to find your holy grail mascara from this list.

These are definitely my picks for the best mascara for length and volume.