The 15 Best Volumizing Mascaras of 2022

(Image credit: Getty Images/Nicky J Sims)

published 24 November 21

Mascara has been having a moment. Given that masks remain a necessary accessory and our lipstick collections are getting a little dusty, it's all about opening up your gaze and letting your eyes shine. Maybe you've added some new palettes to your arsenal, freshened up your dwindling eyeliner collection with some glittery options, or fully committed to rehabbing your brows back to their full, bushy glory. But there's one thing that will always take your eye look to the next level: a big, bad, volumizing mascara.

Sure, more length is always great, but lately, we're all about pumping up the pigment and thickness of each hair to balance out much of our face being covered. For those with barely-there hairs, a volumizing formula can cling to even the slightest lashes and create the illusion of dense, inky fringe that's usually only achievable with falsies. Even if you love your natural lashes the way they are, a formula that amps up your God-given assets can take any smoky eye or feline flick up a notch. For those no-makeup makeup days, a coat or two of mascara can make you look instantly together, even if you're feeling like you're all over the place. Here, we've rounded up the best, most volume-inducing formulas for every type of lash and occasion so you can put your best gaze forward.

For Every Edge

FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara

A dramatic upper lash is one thing, but add an equally thick bottom lash and your IG-worthy look is now red carpet-ready. The flat wand makes it easy to reach every nook and cranny, even the short lashes in the corner.

For a Night Out

Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara

If you have an eyeshadow palette on deck for your Saturday night look, this is the formula to pair it with. Its buildable formula is jet black and pumps up both length and volume for an intense gaze.

For Lush Lashes

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara

Even the smallest lashes are renewed with each swipe of this thick formula that hugs individual hairs with the love they deserve. Thank you Selena and thank you castor oil.

For Dramatic Eyes

UOMA Beauty Drama Bomb Extreme Volume Nourishing Mascara

Make Twiggy proud and flick some of this mascara on for a '70s-approved look. Just add a white liner on your water line, give your lower lashes a good swipe, and you’re good to go.

For A Soft Glam

Babe Lash Volumizing Mascara

Your lashes deserve to be the star of the show, and Babe Lash is going to make sure of that. For quick application or just a simple everyday look, this peptide-filled formula will have you questioning every bad mascara you’ve ever used.

For Long Nights

Caliray Come Hell Or High Water Clean Mascara

There is no false advertisement here. This mascara really sticks through it all, come hell or high water. Each swipe gently coats and conditions with argan oil, so the formula won’t damage your lashes.

For Natural Wisps

r.e.m. beauty Flourishing Volumizing Mascara

The magic is literally in the wand. Those hairs that seem to always hide in between each other are no match for the diverted brush that expertly applies a pigmented, midnight black hue for a smooth finish.

For Feathery Fringe

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

We love a classic, and this is one of the best. Its brush coats lashes in the lengthening and thickening formula from root to tip for an especially lifted look.

For A Buildable Look

PAT McGRATH LABS Dark Star Volumizing Mascara

There are going-out lashes. and then there are what we like to call full-on party lashes. Whichever look you're going for, this super pigmented option is can be layered on to achieve your desired thickness.

For Curling

Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara

This curved wand pushes lashes up and out for a cute curled effect, and the lightweight formula feels like you're going barefaced.

For a False Lash Effect

Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift Mascara

The name says it all. If you're not so handy with lash glue and faux fringe, a couple layers of this formula will take your lashes up about ten notches.

For Fragile Lashes

Wander Beauty Mile High Club Mascara

If you went overboard with the lash extensions and now your fringe needs a little rehabilitation, you don't have to sacrifice that falsies look you love. This formula contains castor seed oil that conditions and nourishes lashes in addition to giving them in inky, voluminous lift.

For A Cat Eye

Dior Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Volume HD Mascara

The spiky brush in Dior's offering helps separate your lash hairs for that thick fanned out look we love, and it's enriched with vitamin B and cotton extract to strengthen lashes while you rock it.

For A Bombshell Beat

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara

CT's newest mascara provides off-the-charts volume and length thanks to a couple special ingredients. A lash-lifting polymer keeps hairs in place, while carnauba wax and microcrystalline wax add body and texture, just like your favorite styling spray would.

For A Smoky Eye

Gucci Mascara L'Obscur

For a killer eye look that's the star of your weekend beat, reach for this buildable option. If gives the lashes a slight curl and a deep coat of black pigment that instantly make the whites of your eyes appear whiter and your shadow bolder.

Alexis Gaskin

Alexis Gaskin is a Freelance Beauty Writer for Marie Claire who can often be found painting her nails to match every outfit. She covers beauty, skincare, and fat fashion and will get distracted by any and all Halsey-related content or anything glittery.