The mascara that makes your lashes look fuller isn't always the most expensive one — it's the one with the right brush and formula for your lashes. Makeup artist Nikol Johnson compares two popular drugstore volumizing mascaras to show what actually creates volume and how to judge a mascara before you commit.
Key Takeaways
- Volume comes mostly from the brush shape and bristle density, not the price.
- A buildable formula that layers without clumping beats one thick coat every time.
- For thinner or sparser mature lashes, look for a mascara that lifts and separates as it volumizes.
- Technique — wiggling at the root and coating from base to tip — doubles the payoff of any mascara.
What makes a mascara volumizing?
Volume is created when the brush deposits product evenly and coats each lash from root to tip. Denser, fuller brushes grab more lashes and build thickness; thinner brushes are better for definition and separation. The formula matters too — a creamy, buildable one layers into fullness, while a dry or stiff formula tends to clump. When you test a mascara, watch for even coating and whether a second coat adds volume or just weight.
How do you make thin or mature lashes look fuller?
Start at the very base of the lashes and wiggle the wand as you sweep upward — that root-level deposit is where fullness begins. Build in thin layers rather than one heavy coat. If lashes are sparse or have lost density over time, a lifting-and-volumizing formula like Nikol's VOLUME UP Mascara helps open the eye and add thickness without the clumping that can make mature lashes look spidery.
Is a drugstore mascara as good as a high-end one?
Often, yes. Mascara is one category where drugstore formulas genuinely compete with luxury ones. The real test is the brush-to-formula match and how it wears on you — whether it flakes, smudges, or holds a curl through the day. Judge it on your own lashes over a full day, not on the tube.
The specific third-party mascaras compared in this video are linked in the video description on YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of mascara is best for volume?
Look for a volumizing formula paired with a full, densely bristled brush. That combination coats and thickens each lash; thin brushes are better for definition than volume.
How do I stop my mascara from clumping?
Build in thin layers, wipe excess product off the wand, and re-coat before the previous layer fully dries. Clumping usually comes from too much product at once or a formula that's drying out.
What mascara is best for older, thinning lashes?
Choose a lightweight, buildable volumizing mascara that lifts as it coats, so lashes look fuller and the eye looks more open without heaviness.
Should I curl my lashes before or after mascara?
Always curl before applying mascara. Curling after can crimp or break coated lashes.
