Volumizing Mascaras Can Make Lashes Look Clumpy and Droopy—16 That Rise to the Occasion

Very few mascaras have captured my attention for as long as Covergirl's Lash Blast Volume Mascara. Since discovering it during the latter years of my college career, I've sworn by it to deliver instant volume when I'm after a bold makeup look. A few swipes of this add amazing thickness and plumpness to my lashes.

"Do you ever stray from your tried and true product, only to come running back? This is that for me, again and again. I get sucked into trendy TikTok mascaras, I fall for the insta ads, but I always miss this one and come back to it because nothing compares. This is the true top dog for me! Length and volume without clumps or flakes and stays all day, literally can’t ask for more. I’ll never stray again, Lash Blast volume!" — Amazon customer

Pros: Uses a patented, volume-boosting hypoallergenic mascara formula

Cons: Not entirely flake- or smudge-proof when worn all day

Key Specs: 0.44 oz tube

Endless volume and length are easy to achieve with the help of this Maybelline find. While it's marketed largely as a lengthening mascara, I've noticed that its bamboo extract–infused formula also offers buildable volume for full, fanned-out lashes. Its exclusive Flex Tower brush is the secret behind its versatile nature since it bends from all angles to define lashes from root to tip.

Customer Review: "I have straight, thick, and long asian lashes which have proven to be an absolute pain to apply mascara to over the years. I am able to curl my lashes with this product using no lash curler and they stay up! This formula is not clumpy, the brush has lots of tiny bristles which really helps coat each lash. I have the brown and black formulas and both are great." — Ulta Beauty customer

Pros: Separates and defines each individual lash to perfection

Cons: You may experience clumping if you don't allow the product to dry between layers

Key Specs: 0.27 oz tube

Offering up to +5MM visible length for up to 36 hours, this L'Oréal Paris mascara is a all-time favorite among Who What Wear's beauty team. Not only is the Telescopic Lift Volumizing Mascara long-lasting and lengthening, but it features a brush with double-hook bristles that create major volume by catching and charging every lash. It makes my natural lashes look like falsies!

"I recently tried out this mascara and I must say, it has completely exceeded my expectations. It is not too wet or too dry, making it easy to apply without clumping or smudging. The brush is designed perfectly to coat each lash evenly, from root to tip, resulting in incredible length and volume. Even with just one coat, my lashes looked fuller and more dramatic." — Target customer

Pros: Brush uses double-hook bristles to add volume and length to each lash

Cons: Formula feels heavy on the lashes—stick with a couple of swipes

Key Specs: 0.33 oz tube

Clearly, L'Oréal Paris has a treasure trove of volumizing mascaras to pick from, including the Voluminous Panaorama Washable Mascara (a long name for a product that packs a heavy punch). Using a formula that is clump- and water-resistant, this mascara keeps the lashes fanned out so your eyes look 1.4 times bigger. It also stays in place for up to 24 hours.

"A mascara that lengthens and gives me volume? I thought it was a pipe dream, but not only does this formula provide that, but the shape of the brush allows me to achieve a nice feathery look, too. And it washes off without rubbing with simple soap and water. My new favorite go-to mascara." — Ulta Beauty customer

Pros: Features an extremely lightweight formula with long-lasting wear

Cons: There's light flaking that can be removed easily without any smudging

Key Specs: 0.33 oz tube

One of the main things I look for in the formula of my volumizing mascaras are ingredients that encourage healthy lashes long after I've applied the product. This mascara by DHC is enriched with vitamin C to strengthen the lashes while polymer fibers add volume without smudging, smearing, or flaking for a more dramatic appearance. I like wearing this one when I'm going for a more natural, no-makeup makeup look (which is nearly every day).

"I have tried many different brands of mascara. My lashes are long but straight. Usually I will curl them and as soon as I put a thick heavy mascara on, it straightens the lashes out again. This mascara has this amazing tiny brush to get all your lashes covered. The formula is not thick and clumpy. It goes on smoothly covering each lash individually. I am setting up a subscription for this so I am never without it!" — Dermstore customer

Pros: Washes of easily in warm water, no makeup remover required

Cons: It's ultra light, so lengthening effect isn't ideal for more dramatic makeup moments

Key Specs: 0.17 oz tube

Shiseido's products have been on my radar for a long time, and its Imperial Lash Mascara Ink is by far one of my favorite products from the Japanese brand. It's formulated with ultrafine crushed pigments and a blend of waxes to lift, lengthen, and add volume to the lashes while an innovative brush grabs hard-to-reach lashes near the inner corners of the eyes and bulks up bottom lashes. It's easy to use and extremely effective for all types of lashes.

"This mascara really curls your lashes without an eyelash curler. This gives you no clumps and it lengthens. Gives good volume and definition. It does not flake or smudge. Also lasts all day when I get home it still looks fresh like I just put it on. This is the only one I will buy for now on." — Nordstrom customer

Pros: Features a brush that can reach those hard-to-reach inner-corner lashes

Cons: Has a thick formula that can start to feel heavy after a couple of layers

Key Specs: 0.29 oz tube

Here's another mascara that does wonders for the health of my eyelashes. As a beauty editor, I'm constantly wearing makeup, and this mascara by Grande Cosmetics ensures my lashes are nourished with a formula that conditions them with peptides and panthenol. Just three days into using this conditioning peptide mascara, I noticed my lashes felt stronger and looked fuller. I'm especially obsessed with the newly launched brown shade!

"I purchased and could not believe the results my lashes were longer thicker and definition of each lash this does not clump, easy to apply. This is the best by far mascara I have ever used. Highly recommend. Excellent in every way, I am purchasing another won't ever be without now." — QVC customer

Pros: Uses a blend of peptides and panthenols to coat and condition the lashes

Cons: Formula may be irritating to extremely sensitive eyes

Key Specs: 0.29 oz tube

Finding a mascara that's light on the lashes and comfortable to wear all day can be challenging, but it's certainly not impossible, as proven by this volumizing mascara by Stila. Its ink-like formula uses film formers to lock in moisture while conditioning the lashes with polymers for a glossy finish. It also has a flexible, multi-length brush that works wonders for lengthening, defining, and adding volume to the lashes without smudging or flaking.

"I received a sample of this mascara many years ago. I liked it so much, I bought it. Over the years, I've tried other mascaras but I keep going back to this one. I love it. I have long lashes and as I age, they have thinned a little, but not much. When I put this mascara on, my lashes look like they did in my twenties. Thank you for the great product!" — Ulta customer

Pros: Has buildable color for a dramatic, full, and long lash look

Cons: Since the brush has a tendency to pick up a lot of product, it goes quickly

Key Specs: 0.44 oz tube

This mascara has popped up in a number of mascara-driven conversations with my co-workers. It's a waterproof mascara that targets every eyelash (even those small, pesky ones in the corners of your eyes) with a brush featuring 360-degree micro bristles for a fanned-out effect. Whenever I use this one, I like to prep my lashes with a mascara primer for the best finish possible and then layer the product for a lash-extension look that complements my almond-shaped eyes.

"I absolutely love this mascara—it is my favorite! The blend is perfect for layering or using as is which I'm a fan of because I can do a more natural look or a more bold look. The curved brush is great for getting the corner lashes and also combing through lashes on a micro-level to ensure no clumps or bumps! The waterproof blend is great for beach/pool/rainy days as it stays on lashes!" — Nordstrom customer

Pros: Delivers fully fanned-out volume with no clumping or flaking

Cons: Leaves slight smudging under the eyes after a full day of wear

Key Specs: 0.96 oz

Clinique's ultra-pigmented, fiber-infused High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara uses an extremely lightweight gel formula that coats each of your lashes. Its formula is full of fibers that are deposited throughout the lashes for added dimension to pump up the volume. It's also comfortable for all-day wear, doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes, and doesn't budge easily.

"My new favorite mascara! This is by far the best mascara I’ve found to lengthen and fill my lashes without being clumpy or hard to remove! I also have sensitive eyes that run from almost every brand but not this one!! Will definitely purchase again and highly recommend!" — Sephora customer

Pros: Gel formula deposits dimensional fibers in lashes with every swipe

Cons: Uneven application and smudging after first layer of mascara

Key Specs: 0.27 oz

I've been using this mascara over the past few months and can honestly say it hasn't let me down. It's a clean, smudge- and flake-free mascara that instantly delivers length and volume and sticks around for up to 12 hours. Its formula also uses pro peptides to keep the lashes nourished. I'm a huge fan of giving my lashes a few swipes with this mascara when I'm going for a natural, wide-awake finish rather than one that brings on the drama.

"I love this! Have thin long lashes and this mascara went on smoothly, just right amount of volume and most importantly, kept my lashes curled all day. Usually they start to droop midday. Could not be happier with this find!" — Bluemercury customer

Pros: Uses a gentle and nourishing formula to condition the lashes

Cons: Its natural finish is not ideal for creating bold or glam eye makeup looks

Key Specs: 0.34 oz

This Hourglass mascara completely transforms my lashes from their fine, stubby state to something akin to fanned-out eyelash extensions. Its formula uses film-forming technology and lightweight fibers to evenly coat each lash from root to tip for a high-impact finish. I really like how easy its brush is to control so I can add the right amount of length and volume where my lashes need it most without any smudging or clumping.

"This mascara is everything it says. I put it on in the am and play pickleball, lunch, and into evening. It does not leave me with raccoon eyes and my eyelashes look healthy. It does not clump or irritate my eyes. I have told all my friends about this product." — Sephora customer

Pros: Offers instant volume, lift, and length in one even swipe

Cons: Formula flakes slightly throughout the day—use a setting spray!

Key Specs: 0.35 oz

Lancôme's Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Volume Mascara combats humidity while offering a long-lasting, high-volume finish for up to 24 hours of wear. Whenever someone tells me they want to have bold lashes without investing in lash extensions or applying faux lashes, I always recommend this one. Be sure to have an oil-based cleanser on hand for quick and easy removal.

"I love this mascara! The unique shape of the brush makes it easy for me to get into the corners of my lashes without overloading and clumping up the center. It holds curl nicely and gives good volume and length. No issues with smudging in my experience either" — Sephora customer

Pros: Makes lashes look full and long while holding a curl

Cons: Can be challenging to remove without an oil-based cleanser

Key Specs: 0.22 oz

If you know me, then you know I'm 100% down to pay a little extra for a product that's high-performance. Koh Gen Do's Long Lush Treatment Mascara has landed itself in my makeup bag on more than one occasion and will forever be a favorite of mine. Not only is it infused with Japanese black lacquer pigments in a non-fiber formula that gently coats the lashes, but it also layers extremely well and contains water-resistant polymers that prevent smudging and streaking.

"Another wonderful product from Koh Gen Do! I like the fact that you don't have to look at 5 different mascaras and decide which one to get. They give you one that is perfect and that's all you need. This mascara makes my lashes look full and fluff and stays on all day. I tried both colors and they look amazing on me (I have hazel eyes)." — Ken Goh Do customer

Pros: Infused with iconic Japanese black lacquer pigment for buildable color

Cons: Sweeping this mascara on the lashes isn't enough to hold a curl

Key Specs: 0.10 oz

Chantecaille is one of those rare brands that do both skincare and makeup remarkably well. I love using its Longest Lash Faux Cils Mascara to plump, lift, and lengthen my lashes without sacrificing comfort. The mascara uses a unique combination of natural waxes, rose water oil, and peptide technology to nourish the lashes while creating feathery texture and minimizing the risk of smudging.

"Wow, what a relief it is! I have to have mascara, it is my numero uno. I purchased this mascara and it yes does work, and it lasts for many-many months! It is slightly wet upon first application, it takes to curling and additional coats quite well. It may be the most versatile because of this. It kept it's freshness for so long, I was amazed! I always get eye issues and have had no problems with this or the silk infused gel eyeliners! Love!" — Nordstrom customer

Pros: Features an easy-to-use, non-clumping, double-helix brush for max definition

Cons: Offered at a luxury price point

Key Specs: 0.32 oz

This is a must for anyone looking to invest in a mascara that will achieve extra length and volume. Its formula is powered by a vitamin-rich peptide and ultra-pure, double-coated pigments that condition the lashes while making them long and luscious. It also comes with an innovative comb brush that separates and defines the lashes while distributing intense color. To put it simply, this mascara is perfect.

"I have long lashes but not thick. The applicator of this mascara is very unique in that it can reach to the bottom of the lashes and coat them thick with a natural look. When I apply it I don't even need to use it on the tip of my lashes because the roots are dark and thick enough. It's pricey but little goes long way, it's worth it. I wish I found it earlier." — Nordstrom customer

Pros: Comes in three ultra-pure, double-coated pigments for a bold finish

Cons: The applicator transfers a lot of product to the lashes at once

Key Specs: 0.27 oz