The 15 best volumising mascaras for gravity-defying and clump-free lashes

Our beauty team has tested dozens of formulas to find the best volumising mascaras that'll give you that false-lash effect

A selection of the best volumising mascaras from brands including Best Volumising mascaras from brands (L to R) Too Faced, Benefit and ILIA / in a pink textured 3-picture template
(Image credit: Too Faced, Benefit and ILIA)

Want to achieve thicker and perfectly feathered lashes that mimic the effect of falsies? These best volumising mascaras, which have been vetted by our beauty team, offer just that - without the need for glue (or nerves of steel).

Many of the best mascaras focus on volume and claim to deliver a similar level of drama to rival that of the best false eyelashes. However as Dominic Skinner, Global Senior Artist for M·A·C Cosmetics, notes: "Volumising mascaras represent the holy trinity of mascara needs – thickening, lengthening, and curling lashes," adding that, "it’s this combination that gives the general appearance of 'volume' whereas other mascaras may only focus on one or two of these attributes."

Thus, in the pursuit of finding the perfect mascara that meets all three of these criteria, we've tested dozens of products from the top brands, to bring you a comprehensive list of the best lash-boosting formulas...

The 15 best volumising mascaras, tested by our beauty team

Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Whether you're already a fan of our team's overall favourite - Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara - and are looking for your sign to repurchase, or perhaps you're just searching for a new affordable drugstore mascara, here's all the intel you need to buy with confidence... 

How we tested these volumising mascaras

A selection of best volumising mascaras tested including Maybelline, Milk Makeup, Bobbi Brown, MAC, Rare Beauty, and Sculpted by Aimee

(Image credit: Lucy Abbersteen)

To deduce which formulas are the very best volumising mascaras, we've trialled several dozen formulas and mascara brush types from various brands across all price points. Our testers wore the formulas on numerous occasions and, to get top marks, the mascara had to tick several of our beauty boxes. The following factors were all taken into consideration by woman&home's beauty testers. 

We looked for impressive staying power, a formula that’s easy to build without flaking or clumping and, most importantly, voluminous, thick results.  For extra points, we looked out for those formulas containing lash-loving ingredients, too 

  • Ease of application
  • How wet or dry the formula is
  • Brush size
  • Inclusion of lash-loving ingredients (like fatty acids and vitamin E)
  • Whether it clumped, flaked or smudged
  • Colors available
  • Price

How to choose the best volumising mascara for you

There are a couple of factors to consider when choosing the best volumising mascara for you, which some of the industry's leading makeup experts have broken down below. 

  • Your natural lashes. “Think about your natural lashes and what you would like to add to them,” says Aimee Connolly, makeup artist and founder of Sculpted by Aimee. “If you have naturally straight lashes, look for a mascara that adds volume and curl. If you have a hooded eye shape, consider a waterproof formula so that it won't easily transfer onto your eyelids, and if you have thin lashes opt for a lightweight formula that isn't too wet to avoid weighing your lashes down.” 
  • The wand. “What you want to look for is the wand,” says Skinner. “A comb is going to create a fine, separated lash. A densely compact brush will help add length. However, for volume, what you are looking for is a rubber style brush that will drop a generous amount of mascara to the lash base as it spreads it through the length of your lash while keeping everything separated.” This results in a dramatic, chunky look that perfectly complements full glam faces and moodier spring makeup looks alike. 

How to apply the best volumising mascaras

“When applying mascara, think about how you add volume to your hair – it’s all about the root,” says Skinner. “So, start by building up the product in the root of your lashes before drawing the mascara through to the tips, in an upward motion. A little side-to-side, zig-zag wiggle will give a "back comb" effect to help support the fuller lash look you want,” he continues. 

“Don’t forget your bottom lashes,” Connolly adds. “if you add a lot of volume to your top lashes, it's a good idea to balance the eyes by applying a light layer to the bottom lashes, too.” 

Emma Stoddart

Emma Stoddart is a freelance beauty journalist and self-confessed skincare aficionado with over five years’ industry experience. Emma has worked for some of the UK’s top women’s titles including Net-A-Porter, Stylist and Grazia. Her experience spans online and print as well as producing editorial shoots with some of the industry’s biggest artists, including Val Garland. Asides from working with them behind the scenes, she’s also had the chance to interview the likes of Patrick Ta, Pat McGrath, and Sam McKnight for all their insider tips and tricks.

With contributions from