Top 5 Lengthening & Thickening Mascaras Reviewed

Do you dream of lashes that touch your eyebrows? Imagine batting your eyes and having everyone notice your long, full lashes. We all want that, right? But finding the perfect mascara that actually makes your lashes look longer and thicker can feel like a treasure hunt. There are so many tubes on the shelf, and it’s tough to know which one will give you the dramatic look you’re hoping for without clumping or flaking.

That’s where we come in! This blog post is your secret weapon to navigating the world of lengthening and thickening mascaras. We’ll break down what makes a mascara work wonders for your lashes. You’ll learn how to spot the best formulas and understand what ingredients to look for. Get ready to discover your new go-to mascara, and say goodbye to disappointing lash days forever!

Top Lengthening And Thickening Mascara Recommendations

No. 1
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Lengthening, Defining,...
  • Lengthening Mascara: This volumizing washable mascara formula is infused with bamboo extract and fibers for long, full and lightweight lashes that don't flake or smudge
  • Lash Extension Brush: Features our exclusive Flex Tower mascara brush that bends to volumize and extend every single lash from root to tip; Ophthalmologist and allergy tested, suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
  • It's All in the Eyes: Subtle lines, smokey vibes, custom brow looks, classic tones or a shot of color; Our eyeshadow, eyeliner, brows and mascara collections are designed to transform your look
  • Create any look with Maybelline; foundation, BB creams, concealers, and setting powders for the perfect canvas, eye shadows, mascara, brow pencils, and eyeliners for any eye look and lip products, from showstopping lipstick to plumping lip gloss
No. 2
essence | Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara | Volumizing & Lengthening | Cruelty Free &...
  • If you receive this mascara UNWRAPPED, it did not come from essence cosmetics.
  • NO FALSIES NEEDED! Lash Princess False Lash Mascara defines and separates lashes while achieving a bold look.
  • DRAMATIC VOLUME: the conic shape fiber brush delivers dramatic volume and sculpted length WITHOUT clumps or globs.
  • CLAIMS: Cruelty Free. Free from gluten, silicones, parabens, oil, fragrance, alcohol, & microplastic particles. Made in Luxembourg.
No. 3
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Lengthening, Defining,...
  • Lengthening Mascara: This volumizing washable mascara formula is infused with bamboo extract and fibers for long, full and lightweight lashes that don't flake or smudge
  • Lash Extension Brush: Features our exclusive Flex Tower mascara brush that bends to volumize and extend every single lash from root to tip; Ophthalmologist and allergy tested, suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
  • It's All in the Eyes: Subtle lines, smokey vibes, custom brow looks, classic tones or a shot of color; Our eyeshadow, eyeliner, brows and mascara collections are designed to transform your look
  • Create any look with Maybelline; foundation, BB creams, concealers, and setting powders for the perfect canvas, eye shadows, mascara, brow pencils, and eyeliners for any eye look and lip products, from showstopping lipstick to plumping lip gloss
No. 4
essence | Lash Without Limits Extreme Lengthening & Volume Mascara (01 | Extra Black) | Volumizing &...
  • LASH WITHOUT LIMITS: Get ready to take your lashes to new heights with essence Lash Without Limits Extreme Lengthening & Volume Mascara. Experience lashes that defy gravity with extra length and incredible volume!
  • FLEXIBLE ELASTOMER WAND: The innovative and flexible elastomer brush reaches even the shortest lashes for precise application. Apply as many coats as you like until the desired length & volume is achieved.
  • 4 SHADES: Dial up the drama with (01 | Extra Black), keep it natural with (02 | Brown), go the distance with (03 | Waterproof Black), or try (04 | Tubing Black) for smudge-proof, flake-free length that wraps every lash in bold, budge-proof definition.
  • CLAIMS: Vegan & Cruelty Free. Free from parabens & microplastic particles. Made in Italy.
No. 5
L'Oreal Paris Extensionist Mascara, Lengthening, Volumizing, and Curling Formula For a Lash...
  • +5MM Lash Lift Effect: This volumizing mascara instantly elevates lashes to be so curled and extended they appear up to 5MM closer to your brows for a bold, eye-opening look
  • 24HR Extended Wear: Long-lasting mascara volume and length formula delivers length, volume, and sculpted curl that holds all day without smudging or flaking
  • Precision Sculpting Comb: Unique curling mascara brush with 300 bristles separates, defines, and curls each lash individually for instant, clump-free lift
  • Magnetic Lash Extension Formula: Made-to-extend formula with magnetic pigments and lengthening mascara fibers that adhere to each other for an extreme lash extensions look. Available in washable mascara and waterproof mascara formulas
No. 6
4D Silk Fiber Lash Mascara, Waterproof Long Lasting Mascara Black Volume and Length Natural,...
  • INSTANT LASH BOOST: 4D silk fiber lash mascara gives your eyelashes a boost of volume and length instantly. Lashes look thicker and longer from root to tip. This black volume and length mascara defines and separates lashes while achieving a bold look.
  • EASY TO APPLY: The smooth and creamy mascara sweeps evenly to coat every lash without clumping, flaking, or drying out, creating attractive and flawless eyelashes with just one single application.
  • LONG LASTING: Go about your day free from flaking & fading! This black length mascara does not flake, fade, or wear, making it a perfect all-day, long lasting mascara. You don't need to reapply it during the day.
  • NATURAL & SAFE: 4D silk fiber lash mascara contains gentle ingredients that are safe and friendly for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Doesn't hurt lashes.
No. 7
L’Oreal Paris Original Voluminous Mascara, Building Mascara Volume and Length Formula, Washable,...
  • Voluminous Mascara is uniquely formulated to resist clumping, soften and build lashes up to 5X their natural thickness; The Volume Maximizing Brush thickens lashes evenly and smoothly; Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
  • L'Oreal Paris Mascara: Get the long, full eyelashes you love with our best mascaras and primers; Choose from our innovative volumizing formulas and variety of brushes
  • Create you perfect eye makeup look with our collection of Voluminous mascaras, achieve sleek lines with smudge proof eyeliner, define your brows and discover eye shadow palettes with shades made for every eye color
  • Because You're Worth It: L'Oreal Paris Makeup helps you create the look you want with our full line of makeup including foundations, concealers, highlighter makeup, brow pencils, eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks and much more
No. 8
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Lengthening, Defining, Curling,...
  • Sky High Lash Impact: Our Sky High Mascara features a volumizing and lengthening mascara formula for long, full lashes with a light as air feel.​ Now available in a new burgundy mascara shade
  • Lash Extension Brush: Features our exclusive Flex Tower mascara volume and length brush that bends to volumize and extend every single lash from root to tip. Ophthalmologist and allergy tested, suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
  • Full Volume Meets Limitless Length: This washable mascara formula is infused with bamboo extract and fibers for lightweight lashes that don't flake or smudge. Maybelline Sky High Mascara is available in washable and waterproof mascara formulas
  • Maybelline Has What You Need: Create any look with foundation, BB cream, concealer and highlighter for the perfect canvas, eye shadow, brow pencil, mascara and eyeliner for any eye look and lip products, from matte lipstick to au natural lip gloss

Your Guide to Longer, Fuller Lashes: Choosing the Best Lengthening and Thickening Mascara

Want lashes that wow? A good lengthening and thickening mascara can make all the difference. It can give you that fluttery, dramatic look you’ve always wanted. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will help you find the perfect mascara for your dream lashes.

What to Look For: Key Features

When you’re shopping for mascara, keep an eye out for these important features:

  • Brush Design: The wand is super important! Look for brushes with:
    • Dense Bristles: These grab more mascara and coat every lash.
    • Tapered Tips: Great for reaching those tiny inner corner lashes and the bottom ones.
    • Curved Shapes: These help lift and curl your lashes.
    • Multiple Bristle Lengths: Some brushes have short and long bristles. This helps separate lashes while adding volume and length.
  • Formula Type: Mascaras come in different formulas.
    • Wand-Style Brushes: These are the most common. They usually have a good balance of lengthening and thickening.
    • Fiber Mascaras: These have tiny fibers that stick to your lashes to make them look longer and thicker. You often use them with a base coat.
    • Tubing Mascaras: These wrap around your lashes like tiny tubes, giving length and volume. They’re also great for smudge-proof wear.
  • “No Clump” Promise: Nobody likes clumpy lashes! Good mascaras are designed to go on smoothly without sticking lashes together.
  • Long-Lasting Wear: You want your mascara to stay put all day. Look for formulas that are smudge-proof and won’t flake.
  • Waterproof vs. Washable: Waterproof is great if you cry or sweat a lot, but it can be harder to remove. Washable formulas are easier to take off at the end of the day.
Important Materials and Ingredients

The ingredients in your mascara matter. They affect how it performs and how it feels on your lashes.

  • Waxes (like Beeswax or Carnauba Wax): These help give mascara its creamy texture and build volume.
  • Polymers: These are what help the mascara cling to your lashes, creating length and thickness. They also help the mascara last longer.
  • Pigments (like Iron Oxides): These give mascara its color, usually black or brown.
  • Oils and Emollients: These keep the mascara from drying out and make it glide on smoothly. They can also condition your lashes.
  • Panthenol (Vitamin B5): This can help strengthen and condition your lashes.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Some things make a mascara great, while others can make it not so great.

What Makes a Mascara Better:

  • A well-designed brush that separates and coats lashes evenly.
  • A smooth, non-drying formula that builds volume and length without clumping.
  • Ingredients that condition and strengthen lashes over time.
  • Long-lasting wear that doesn’t smudge or flake.
  • Easy removal without damaging your lashes.

What Can Make a Mascara Worse:

  • A brush that’s too big or too stiff, making it hard to apply and causing clumps.
  • A dry or goopy formula that’s difficult to work with and makes lashes stiff.
  • Ingredients that irritate your eyes or cause dryness.
  • Mascara that flakes or smudges easily throughout the day.
  • Formulas that are too hard to remove, leading to lash breakage.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you use your mascara and what you need it for will guide your choice.

  • Everyday Wear: For a natural, yet enhanced look, you might want a mascara that adds subtle length and thickness without being too dramatic. A brush that separates well is key here.
  • Special Occasions: If you’re going to a party or event, you might want a mascara that gives you bold volume and dramatic length for a real statement. A thicker brush or a fiber formula could be perfect.
  • Sensitive Eyes: If you have sensitive eyes, look for hypoallergenic formulas. These are usually free of common irritants like parabens and fragrances. Mascaras with conditioning ingredients are also a good idea.
  • Contact Lens Wearers: Many mascaras are safe for contact lens wearers. Look for smudge-proof formulas that won’t irritate your eyes.
  • For Short Lashes: If your lashes are naturally short, you’ll want a mascara that really focuses on lengthening. A tapered brush can help grab every lash.
  • For Thin Lashes: Thickening is your goal! Look for formulas that build volume and brushes with densely packed bristles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lengthening and Thickening Mascara

Q: What is the main goal of a lengthening and thickening mascara?

A: The main goal is to make your eyelashes appear both longer and fuller.

Q: What makes a mascara brush good for lengthening and thickening?

A: Good brushes often have dense bristles, tapered tips, or curved shapes to grab and coat lashes effectively.

Q: Are fiber mascaras good for making lashes longer and thicker?

A: Yes, fiber mascaras have tiny fibers that stick to your lashes to add length and volume.

Q: What’s the difference between waterproof and washable mascara?

A: Waterproof mascara stays on even when wet, but it’s harder to remove. Washable mascara is easier to take off.

Q: Can mascara really make my lashes grow longer?

A: Mascara makes lashes *look* longer by coating them. Some formulas have ingredients that might help condition lashes over time, but they don’t grow new lashes.

Q: What should I do if my mascara clumps?

A: Try wiping excess mascara off the wand before applying. Also, move the wand in a zig-zag motion from the base to the tip of your lashes.

Q: How often should I replace my mascara?

A: You should replace your mascara every 3-6 months. Old mascara can grow bacteria and cause eye infections.

Q: Are there any ingredients I should avoid if I have sensitive eyes?

A: Yes, you might want to avoid fragrances, parabens, and certain preservatives if you have sensitive eyes.

Q: Can I use a curling mascara and a lengthening/thickening mascara together?

A: Yes, you can often layer mascaras. You might apply a curling mascara first, then a lengthening and thickening one.

Q: What is a “tubing mascara”?

A: Tubing mascara wraps around each lash like a tiny tube, giving length and volume. It’s known for being smudge-proof and easy to remove with water.