Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara review: the little lash-lifter with big staying power

Kevyn Aucoin The Volume mascara proves that not all mascaras are created equal. The incredibly subjective nature of what defines the best mascara makes it almost impossible to trust the hype around certain products. But if you’re after a petite wand, a no-smudge tubing formula, and long, lengthy lashes, then your stars have aligned with this product. 

First impressions

Anyone with short, straight lashes will understand the struggle of learning how to apply mascara without smudging. Managing to fit a chunky, bristled mascara wand into your eye socket without black splodges ending up all over your lids is not easy. 

That’s why this skinny wand is perfect for those with smaller eyes, or short or dead-straight lashes. It fits easily into hard-to-reach areas like corner lashes, and you’ll have far better control of where the wand is going as it's so easily maneuverable.

Formula and ingredients

Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara boasts a tubing formula – but what exactly does that mean? Instead of brushing a coat of black pigment onto your lashes, the best tubing mascaras contain polymers in the formula envelope each eyelash, forming a cylinder or ‘tube’ around the length of the lash. 

The result? An even coating of mascara on lashes, incredible pigment pay-off, and no smudging. Ever. If that raises concerns about tricky removal, fear not. The tubes easily come off with warm water when you wash your face.

How does it wear?

If you prefer a formula that's somewhere between a natural-looking mascara and the best lengthening mascara, this is the winner. It’s not a thick, gloopy formula, and it won’t clump lashes together, but it will give natural-looking fullness. The length it gives is perfect for everyday drama – and if you're looking for some extra drama, it makes a great combination with a few individual lashes.

Another great benefit of this mascara is that it’s full of jojoba oil, making it really nourishing on lashes rather than drying. It’s perfect for encouraging growth and softness while giving a great definition. 

You might want to pass on this mascara if your lashes are already long and you need a bigger wand. The bristles' small design might not apply enough of the product for you to get huge volume. 

Similarly, if you’re not keen on tubing formulas, you might want to look elsewhere. They’re not for everyone, but they are easy to take off at the end of the day without scrubbing, which makes them some of the best mascaras for sensitive eyes too. 

And finally, the price. Make no mistake that the Kevyn Aucoin The Volume mascara is a luxury mascara, and it’s costly considering you should throw mascaras away after three months. 

Overall, if you’re constantly struggling with smudging mascara all over the place when you apply and need a smaller-than-average wand, buy this one. It’s a total winner in our short-lashed eyes, and you won’t be disappointed!