As someone with seriously straight lashes, a good mascara is an essential part of my makeup routine.
Luckily for me (and Beauty Space readers!), there are plenty of mascaras out there to suit lash colours, lash effects and any budget!
If you’re looking for a multi-purpose mascara that provides volume and length, we have rounded up some of our faves. Whether you’re looking to give your natural lashes some definition or create the ‘false lash effect’, these are the best-rated mascaras you can buy in Australia.
10 of the Best Mascaras for Volume and Length
Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara
Loved by beauty editors and makeup artists, Lancome Lash Idole Mascara is the next best thing to lash extensions.
Offering a feathery-soft fan effect, this mascara enhances lash volume and length while retaining a weightless feel.
Uniquely designed brush with 125 different bristle sizes and 360 micro-bristles ensure a flawless application and lash separation for a doll-like look. With its promise of no smudging or clumping, it’s the go-to for those with oily skin and eyelids.
Size: 8ml Waterproof: No Shades: 1
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Scult Mascara
From the renowned experts in lashes and brows, Anastasia Beverly Hills introduces their latest marvel—Lash Scult Mascara.
This mascara gifts you the ‘extension effect’ without any flaking or clumping, thanks to its drier formula that allows buildable volume. The specialised wand grips and fans out each lash, avoiding the ‘spidery’ look.
While it’s not technically waterproof, it resists humidity remarkably well and washes off easily with gel or balm cleanser. Bonus: It’s infused with collagen, biotin, and peptides to nourish and enhance your lashes.
Learn more about it in my Lash Sculpt Mascara review.
Size: 10ml Waterproof: No Shades: 1
Clinique High Impact Mascara
Elevate your lash game with Clinique’s High Impact Mascara, said to be the ‘perfect balance of volume and length.’
The deep black hue delivers impact and definition to the eyes. This mascara goes on smoothly and beautifully separates and lengthens the lashes as you apply.
This ophthalmologist-tested formula ensures clump-free lashes that won’t smudge. A must-have for sensitive eyes and lens wearers.
Size: 7ml Waterproof: No Shades: 2
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Achieve the royal look without the royal price tag with Essence Lash Princess Mascara.
The conic fibre brush effortlessly coats each lash, creating a false-lash effect that’s both long and voluminous. With over 200,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, it’s a cult favourite for a reason. Even better? Its affordable price range of $8-$15 AUD shows you don’t have to splurge for standout lashes.
If you’re after a mascara that delivers without denting your wallet, this one’s worth a swipe.
Size: 8.5g Waterproof: No Shades: 1
YSL BEAUTY Lash Clash Mascara
For those who love their lashes as bold as their personalities, YSL BEAUTY’s Lash Clash Mascara is a standout.
Beyond its luxurious packaging, the formula truly delivers, offering noticeable volume and length without clumps. The secret? A patent-pending brush packed with bristles, designed to maximise the formula’s volumising power.
It’s buildable and fragrance-free, all while delivering a couture black finish. If you’re on the hunt for a mascara that embodies rebellious beauty, this one checks all the boxes.
Size: 8.87g Waterproof: No Shades: 2
Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara
Elevate your lash game with Rare Beauty’s Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara.
This lightweight, buildable formula packs a punch, offering both volume and length. The unique curvy brush combines long and short bristles to coat every lash evenly, adding lift and definition.
With its ultra-black, water-resistant formula, you can trust it to stay put all day—no flaking or smudging. Housed in sleek packaging, it’s not just a mascara; it’s a stroke of beauty genius from the ethereal Selena Gomez that flatters universally.
Size: 8ml and 13.5ml Waterproof: No Shades: 1
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara is an Amazon favourite with over 40,000 5-star reviews, and for good reason.
This beauty staple features a Flex Tower brush that bends for a precise application, volumizing each lash from root to tip. The rich, black formula, infused with bamboo extract and fibres, offers buildable, lash-lengthening coverage that glides on effortlessly.
Choose from the original or waterproof version, and let your lashes soar to new heights.
Size: 7ml Waterproof: Yes Shades: 1
HOURGLASS Unlocked™ Instant Extensions Mascara
For a lash transformation that rivals salon extensions, consider HOURGLASS Unlocked™ Instant Extensions Mascara.
Its moulded brush is precision-engineered to target every lash, delivering immediate drama. Plus, its smudge-proof finish keeps your lashes in top form all day. The mascara attaches microfibers to your lashes, offering unreal lift, length, and definition.
Best of all? It’s both cruelty-free and vegan. Swipe your way to instant extensions without ever setting foot in a salon.
Size: 10g Waterproof: No Shades: 1
Benefit BADGal Bang Volumizing Mascara
Looking for lashes that pop without the heaviness? Benefit’s BADGal Bang Volumising Mascara offers a lightweight formula that delivers buildable volume, mimicking the look of false lashes without any clumping.
The pitch-black shade adds intensity, while the flexible wand head lets you curl and maneuver each lash for maximum impact. Plus, you get water resistance with an option to upgrade to a fully waterproof version.
Size: 8.5g Waterproof: No Shades: 1
Types of Mascaras
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Volumising Mascaras
Volumising mascaras are like the magic potion for your eyelashes. They contain thicker formulas and specially designed brushes to coat every lash, making them appear fuller and more dramatic.
How to apply mascara for volume:
- Prep and Prime: Start with clean, dry lashes. Curl them if desired for extra lift. Choose a volumizing mascara formula to enhance thickness.
- Wiggle and Sweep: Place the wand at the base of your upper lash line, wiggle it back and forth to coat the roots, and then sweep upward and outward to cover the entire lash.
- Build Layers: Apply additional coats as needed, using the same wiggle-and-sweep technique, allowing slight drying time between coats for added volume without clumps.
- Final Touch: Use a lash comb or clean mascara wand to separate any clumped lashes, and clean up any smudges with a cotton swab if necessary. Enjoy your voluminous lashes!
Lengthening Mascaras
Do you crave those long, sweeping lashes? A lengthening mascara could be your best bet. These mascaras contain fibres that attach to the ends of your lashes, extending them like a gentle pull on a piece of string. They are also known as ‘tubing mascaras’.
Additionally, lengthening mascaras tend to have thin bristles that allow you to get right to the root of the last to the tip.
How to apply mascara for length:
- Prep Lashes: Start with clean, dry lashes, and choose a lengthening mascara with a formula designed to extend lashes.
- Vertical Application: Hold the mascara wand vertically, using the tip to coat lashes from base to tip, focusing on extending the length.
- Horizontal Sweep: Turn the wand horizontally and sweep it from the base to the tips of the lashes, ensuring full coverage and further elongation.
- Final Separation: Use a lash comb or clean mascara wand to separate and define lashes if needed, enhancing the lengthening effect. Enjoy your long, graceful lashes!
Combination Mascaras
Why choose between volume and length when you can have both? Combination mascaras offer the best of both worlds, acting like a double agent in your makeup bag. If you’re looking for the ultimate mascara multi-tasker, this is your go-to option.
Finding the best mascara for volume and length might seem like a daunting task, but with this guide, you’re now armed with all the knowledge you need! Remember, every pair of eyes is unique, and the best mascara for you is the one that makes you feel fabulous. So go ahead, bat those lashes, and let them speak for themselves!
FAQs
Is lengthening or volumizing mascara better?
This will totally depend on what you are trying to achieve. If you are after big, fluffy lashes opt for a volumizing mascara. If you want defined, long lashes, a lengthening mascara will be your best bet. Our above picks can help you achieve both.
What if the mascara irritates my eyes?
You should stop using the product immediately if it’s causing any irritation. If the symptoms from the product don’t improve, it’s best to see a medical professional. Those with sensitive eyes may react to the preservatives and chemicals in the mascara formulas.
How often should I replace my mascara?
For optimal freshness and eye health, consider replacing your mascara every 3 to 6 months. Over time, bacteria can accumulate in cosmetic items, heightening the risk of irritation and allergic responses. Additionally, mascaras are prone to drying out faster than other makeup products, so it’s advised to replace them regularly for the best results.
Can I use waterproof mascara daily?
It’s important to keep in mind that waterproof mascaras can be really drying!
Many experts and makeup artists suggest that you shouldn’t use it every day. It makes sense for occasions where you need longevity or know it’s going to be hot and humid, however, with daily use you will likely find your lashes drying out very quickly. To mitigate this you can use a nourishing mascara top coat and remove waterproof mascara with a gel/balm cleanser or hydrating oil-based makeup remover.
What’s the best way to remove mascara?
You will need an oil-based makeup remover – anything water-based will be practically useless on a waterproof formula. Ensure the product is safe for use on your eyes. Gently soften the mascara with the remover and makeup wipe to remove.
