When it comes to what makes the best mascara, it’s all about personal preference. Do you want something lengthening, something that will hold a curl or something that will deliver volume? You’ve also got to think about how much you want to spend. Do you want one of the best high-street mascaras, such as a L’Oréal mascara or Maybelline mascara? Or, do you fancy investing in some luxury makeup and going for a formula from the likes of YSL or Dior? Whatever you’re after, you can trust that we have the best recommendations around.
You see, the Who Who What UK beauty team are very passionate when it comes to this topic. We have spent years putting some of the most popular mascaras to the test, and we’re constantly taking pictures and writing reviews for you all to see the incredible results.
We’ve spoken a lot about lengthening formulas over the years, but we thought it was time to focus on the best volumising mascaras on the market. Yep, these are the mascaras to use when you want to make a statement with your makeup. Forget subtle, wispy results, as these formulas will deliver an impactful look and will have everyone asking you what false lashes you are wearing. Intrigued to know more? Keep on scrolling for our tried and tested edit of the best volumising mascaras of all time.
The Best Volumising Mascaras, Tried & Tested
1. L’Oreal Paris Paradise Big Deal Mascara
(Image credit: Eleanor Vousden)
L’Oréal Paris
Paradise Big Deal Mascara
Best for: A false-lash effect
Why it’s the best: New from L’Oreal Paris, the Paradise Big Deal Mascara ticks all the boxes. Not only does it add serious volume, but it also delivers on length, giving a false-lash effect. It features a flexible wand and the formula is buildable, allowing you to tailor your results.
Who What Wear UK editor review: “This has easily become my favourite mascara I’ve tried for a long time, and the £13 price tag makes it even more of a bonus. Two coats gives a little more drama without clumping and three coats is enough for a full false lash-look with volume,” says beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden.
For
- Affordable
- Buildable
- Flexible wand
Against
- Needs two or three coats for serious volume
- Can transfer a little bit
2. Lancôme Hypnôse Waterproof Mascara
(Image credit: Shannon Lawlor)
Lancôme
Hypnôse Waterproof Mascara
Best for: Natural-looking volume
Why it’s the best: This is an absolute classic. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love this mascara. The precise brush coats every lash for a separated, voluminous finish. Plus, the formula is enriched with provitamin B5 to care for your lashes too.
Who What Wear UK editor review: “Lancôme Hypnôse is, hands down, one of the best mascaras ever made. While it isn’t the first formula that might come to mind when you think of volume, it is, in my opinion, the best mascara out there for creating natural-looking fullness. It’s one of those mascaras you just know will never let you down in that it delivers a fuller, longer, more prominent lash with zero fuss. I love the way the natural bristles coat every lash for a fuller look that never feels like too much, making it the ultimate daily mascara choice for those who, like me, take a more minimal, natural-looking approach to their makeup,” says beauty director, Shannon Lawlor.
For
- Brush coats every lash
- Adds a full-looking finish
- Formula cares for your lashes
Against
- A little more expensive
- Might be too natural for some
3. Benefit BADgal BANG! Volumising Mascara in Rebel Brown
Benefit
BADgal BANG! Volumising Mascara in Rebel Brown
Best for: An alternative to black mascara
Why it’s the best: Benefit’s BADgal BANG! Volumising Mascara is such a popular choice, and you can now get it in this limited-edition brown shade for a more natural finish. The volumising formula coats and separates every lash, and the flexible brush makes it easy to apply multiple coats.
Who What Wear UK editor review: “I love this mascara. The wand is so easy to use, makes my lashes look voluminous and the brown shade looks so soft and natural for everyday wear,” says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
For
- Easy-to-use wand
- Adds volume without clumping
Against
- Not everyone will love the brown shade
4. Charlotte Tilbury Exaggereyes Volume Mascara
Charlotte Tilbury
Exaggereyes Volume Mascara
Best for: Buildable volume
Why it’s the best: Designed to deliver 28 hours of volume and curl (yes, really), this mascara is one to reach for when you want to make a statement. The formula features plumping polymers alongside jojoba waxes to nourish your lashes while it gets to work. The curved brush may be a little bigger, but it makes sure to coat every lash, every time you use it.
Who What Wear UK editor review: “I saw this mascara being used backstage at London Fashion Week, and was desperate to give it a go. While it didn’t add as much volume as I expected after just one coat, you can easily build it up for seriously intense impact,” says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
For
- Curved brush coats every lash
- Plumping polymers adds buildable volume
Against
- May need more than one coat
5. Maybelline The Colossal Go Extreme Mascara
(Image credit: Grace Day)
Maybelline
The Colossal Go Extreme Mascara
Best for: Affordable volume
Why it’s the best: If you’ve ever read anything we’ve written about Maybelline mascaras, then you’ll know that this is the one to rely on for volume. Yep, it provides serious impact without breaking the bank. It has a collagen-infused formula and a double curved wand so it ticks all the boxes. For just £9, you can’t go wrong.
Who What Wear UK editor review: “This mascara is proof that the size and shape of the wand makes all the difference. Although it’s not great for defining individual lashes, if you like a thick, clumpy lash effect, this is the Maybelline mascara for you,” says contributing beauty editor, Grace Day.
For
- Affordable
- Double curved wand
- Collagen-infused formula
6. L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara
L’Oréal Paris
Volume Million Lashes Mascara
Best for: Separating lashes
Why it’s the best: I know what you’re thinking, another L’Oréal mascara? Sorry, but they really are the best. As the name suggests, this mascara adds lots of volume thanks to the extra-large brush, which features both long and short bristles to separate and coat every lash. Yep, no clumping here.
Who What Wear UK editor review: “I’ve used this mascara for as long as I can remember. It’s such a reliable option for everyday volume. It can smudge a little bit sometimes, but for the results, I really don’t mind,” says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
For
- Large wand coats every lash
- Adds volume without clumps
7. Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara
(Image credit: Shannon Lawlor)
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Vast Lash Mascara
Best for: Subtle volume
Why it’s the best: This chic mascara features a long-wearing formula that never smudges, yet still manages to add subtle volume. It has a curved brush to contour the lashes and while one coat adds a fluttery effect, you can easily build it up for more impact.
Who What Wear UK editor review: “In my opinion, Vast Lash is one of the best mascaras around. It adds subtle volume that doesn’t blow your socks off, but still manages to make all of the difference. It’s one of those formulas that you can swipe on in seconds and be on your way,” says beauty director, Shannon Lawlor.
For
- Adds subtle volume
- Doesn’t smudge
8. YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara
YSL
Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara
Best for: An evening makeup look
Why it’s the best: Yes, this mascara is beautiful to look at, but it also looks beautiful when applied to the lashes. It comes with an oversized brush to help boost volume, alongside a long-wearing formula with smudge-resistant boosters to make sure your lashes look good all day (or night) long.
Who What Wear UK editor review: “This is the mascara I reach for when I’m going out with the girls or heading on a date night with my boyfriend. I love how it makes my lashes looks, as it makes them stand out just that little bit more. Plus, it never smudges which is a huge plus for me,” says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
For
- Looks chic
- Adds volume
- Doesn’t smudge
Against
- A little more expensive
- Bigger brush can be harder to apply
9. L’Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara
(Image credit: Eleanor Vousden)
L’Oréal Paris
Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara
Best for: Defined volume
Why it’s the best: Okay, I swear this is the last L’Oreal mascara in this roundup. I can’t help it, the formulas are so good! The Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara has been designed with multi-level bristle brush technology to coat every single lash to add defined volume and a beautiful fluttery effect.
Who What Wear UK editor review: “I’ve been testing this mascara and the results are really impressive. Although it can transfer a little bit throughout the day, it adds so much volume and defines my lashes, all for £13,” says beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden.
For
- Affordable
- Defines lashes
- Adds noticeable volume
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