7 of the best volumising mascaras for next-level lashes
Ayesha Muttucumaru
Beauty & Skincare
Reading time: 6 minutes
Fake a fuller flutter with these magic wands & top make-up artist tips
On the lookout for longer lashes and volume? You’re not alone. There’s a reason why #eyelashes, #falseeyelashes and #mascara have attracted billions of views on TikTok as we try to find ways to boost our eye make-up game and master our own ‘is she wearing false lashes’ look.
A slick of mascara is the ultimate quick fix for condensing our make-up routine and helping us feel more put together in an instant. How can we unlock its full potential? From essential prep to top curling dos and don’ts, here are the tips pros swear by for clump-free, eye-opening perfection. Plus, we round-up our Boots' top volumising mascara and beauty product picks to help you curate the ultimate toolkit.
Top mascara prep tips
"The most important part of the prep is to ensure there’s no excess oil on your lashes," says make-up artist and Max Factor UK ambassador, Caroline Barnes. "This can usually come from your skincare or possibly your foundation or concealer."
To create the perfect canvas, "take a cotton bud, dip it into a cleansing water and wipe over your lashes," Caroline recommends.
For stronger, healthier lashes, why not try adding a treatment into your morning and evening routines? Lash care is fast becoming the new hair care thanks to a bevy of new lash serums designed to help nourish and condition.
Top lash curling tips
A great eyelash curler can help you get the most out of any mascara.
Like with most things though, it’s how you use one that counts most.
If you have extremely straight lashes (like we do), you may find curling from ends to roots in sections transformative. Taking inspo from make-up artist Erin Parsons' TikTok (that’s been liked a massive 3.5 million times), start with a gentle couple of pinches at the tips, working your way back to the base. The curl you get will surprise you.
And want a trick to make your curl last longer? "A really great way of getting lashes to curl is to warm up your eyelash curler very lightly with a hairdryer," make-up artist Mira Parmar suggests. “Give it a couple of seconds to cool though before using it.”
"Then rest the curler on your cheek and curl lashes as close as you can to the lash line."
Another top tip? "Using a waterproof mascara underneath your normal mascara is a pretty amazing way to help your curl last all day," says Mira.
Try: MASQD The Eyelash Curler
• Precision grip
• Made of carbon steel
With a design that allows you to get as close to the lash line as possible, this thoughtfully crafted eyelash curler helps keep your curling efforts as ouch-free as possible.
For extra oomph, try a mascara primer. When it comes to volume, it’s your secret weapon.
Top tightlining tips
When it comes to a false lash effect, an eyeliner isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, tightlining is a true insider trick for feigning a more voluminous flutter.
"Tightlining involves lining your upper waterline," explains Mira. "It can make lashes look fuller and bolder and adds definition."
Sounds tricky, but nail the basics from the get-go and you’ll be hooked. "Use a great waterproof kohl liner or a gel liner," Mira suggests for longer-lasting (and cleaner) results. Avoid liquid eyeliners as they may run and irritate your eyes.
If you’re using a gel liner, Mira recommends using an angled or small brush to apply it. Using a pencil? "Always sharpen it so you get a more precise and defined finish," she recommends. "Then warm it up on the back of your hand to flatten the tip so it’s more comfortable to apply."
Top mascara application tips for false-lash effect lashes
So you’re prepped, curled and tightlined, what next? Finding the right volumising mascara wand.
Look for a brush that works for your lashes. "Flexi wands are amazing because they can get into all the small nooks and crannies," Mira recommends. We also love hourglass, full and oversize brushes for added fullness.
Worried about clumps? "To get the best flutter, concentrate the mascara at the base of your lashes and feather it towards the tips," Caroline recommends. "This way, it has a solid foundation to lift from and the product won’t weigh lashes down."
As well as technique, certain tools can help. "Use an eyelash comb in between coats to separate lashes and make them look longer and more defined," suggests Mira. Try No7’s Lash Comb and Brow Brush for double the grooming benefits.
How many coats is best? It depends on the look you’re hoping to achieve. "If I’m after something super simple and natural, I might go for one or two," says Mira. "If I want drama, then three coats, using a zigzag motion from root to tip to ensure every lash is coated and looking fabulous."
Another top trick? Mix up your mascara shades. "Ombre your lashes – use a brown mascara for the base and a black mascara for the tips," Mira tells us. "It’ll make them longer and more 3D."
7 of the best volumising mascaras at Boots
From cult to future classics, affordable to luxe, here are 7 of Boots' favourite volumising mascaras to suit any budget.
Best for clump-free volume
Try: Max Factor False Lash Effect Volumising Mascara
• Size: 13.1ml
• Available in three shades
Caroline Barnes’ top pick, the densely packed bristles on the brush volumise and separate lashes in one fell swoop. Great for even application from root to tip, we also love its flake-proof formula.
Best for a fanned-out effect
Try: Maybelline Falsies Surreal Extensions Mascara
Maybelline mascaras are beauty fan favourites for a reason. They tend to deliver, don’t break the bank and boast impressive tech. This new launch is no exception thanks to its formula containing different sized fibres and its spiralled, extended helix brush that elongates and enhances.
Best for a fanned-out effect
Try: L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara
• Size: 6.4ml
For a conditioning formula, try this. "It’s not only super black, but it’s full of lash-loving ingredients like castor oil," says Mira. "It lengthens and volumises, plus it’s brilliant on the purse strings." We’ll be stocking up.
