When it comes to choosing a mascara, we’ll be the first to admit the options can be overwhelming. There are drugstore mascaras that deliver sky-high length, curl your lashes without a curler and even tubing mascaras that won’t budge on oily eyelids. But when it comes to bringing the drama, a volumising mascara is your best bet.
Everyone knows a good volumising formula is essential to mastering bold looks (enter: mascara cocktailing). And we’ve rounded up the best volumising mascaras, from drugstore faves to splurge-worthy picks, to take your lashes from thin and whispy to bold and dramatic.
The best volumising mascaras in Australia
The Holy Grail…
Lancôme Lash Idôle Volumising Mascara
Lancôme’s luxurious Lash Idôle mascara is definitely worth the splurge. Formulated with white tea extract to condition the lashes, one coat delivers a lush, glossy finish. The signature arched wand effortlessly fans out each lash from root to tip for a lightweight, long-wearing finish that won’t flake or smudge.
“The brush is slightly angled, the mascara itself is not overly thick, and I found that the two of these things in combination had a lovely effect on my lashes, which was a subtle and non-clumpy coating. I also found that this mascara created a lengthening effect on my lashes, and as it was buildable meant that it had a really natural finish.” – Joanna981
Read more Lancôme Lash Idôle Volumising Mascara reviews.
$57 at Adore Beauty
The viral sensation…
essence i love extreme crazy volume mascara
If you’re looking for bang for your budget, this volumising drugstore mascara is your answer. It’s already solidified its status as TikTok’s favourite mascara, and just one coat will explain exactly why. It’s ophthalmologist-tested and features a large, dense brush to coat each and every lash for an ultra-voluminous finish.
“I have bought $60 mascaras but this is definitely my new favourite!… I would honestly say my lashes look like false lashes after I apply 2-3 coats!” – aatikah.s
Read more essence i love extreme crazy volume mascara reviews.
$8 at Priceline
For smaller eyes…
Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara
The Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara is ideal for those with smaller eyes or those wanting a doe-eyed look. It comes with a jumbo-sized brush that lifts and fans lashes from root to tip to provide the illusion of wider eyes. The formula remains smudge-free and holds a curl for up to 8 hours. It’s sulphate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free and vegan.
Have you tried the Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara? Leave your review here…
$60 at Myer
The OG…
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
If you grew up playing with your mum’s makeup, chances are you’ve tried the Maybelline Great Lash Mascara. This mascara has been around for 40 years! The lash-doubling formula conditions and thickens lashes while the small brush allows for precise application ideal for building volume. It’s hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested, and suitable for those who wear contact lenses.
Read more Maybelline Great Lash Mascara reviews.
$12.49 at Chemist Warehouse
The reformulation…
Rimmel London Scandal’Eyes Reloaded Mascara
Rimmel’s Scandal’Eyes Reloaded Mascara is the reformulation of their original Scandaleyes – already a tried and tested drugstore fave. It comes with a max-density brush that evenly coats each individual lash to provide extreme volume and maximum impact. It’s heatproof, sweatproof, and lasts for up to 24 hours. What’s not to love?!
“I found that the mascara applied easily, was a great dark colour, and didn’t clump – even after a second coat. For me this product worked great as a mascara for a smoky eye/ more dramatic look and enjoyed using it for nights out.” – Joanna981
Read Rimmel London Scandal’Eyes Reloaded Mascara reviews.
$11.99 at Chemist Warehouse
The natural finish…
NYX Professional Makeup Worth The Hype Volumising & Lengthening Mascara
Looking for a more natural vibe? This NYX mascara gives you just the right amount of volume and length to boost your natural lashes without going OTT. The weightless formula offers the perfect finish to your everyday makeup. And if you do decide to go for a more dramatic, doll-like look, another coat (or two) will deliver just that.
Read more NYX Professional Makeup Worth The Hype Volumising & Lengthening Mascara reviews.
$15.15 at Catch
For sensitive eyes…
Covergirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
Turn up the volume with Covergirl’s Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara. Your lashes will gain 10 times more volume in just a few swipes – no clumps or smudging in sight. The vegan formula is infused with argan and marula oils to nourish your lashes and, like all Covergirl products, it’s 100 per cent cruelty-free.
“I have tried many mascaras and this is a standout for sure. The packaging is cute and I love that it is vegan too. I wear contacts most days and have not trouble. I don’t find it to transfer onto the eyelids like some other mascaras out there.” – eva.pinky
Read more Covergirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara reviews.
$21.95 at Priceline
The drugstore fave…
L’Oréal Paris Paradise Mascara
The L’Oréal Paris Paradise Mascara delivers intense volume and impressive length in just one coat. The whipped volumising formula is super buildable, so you can customise your desired look. It’s also enriched with nourishing castor oil for soft, supple lashes with no flaking or clumping in sight.
“This mascara is definitely the best drugstore mascara available- even overtaking many high-end products I have tried. The wand is perfectly shaped to ensure coverage of lashes from the inner to the outer corner and lengthens lashes nicely. It also volumises lashes without causing clumps and is easily buildable for a more dramatic look.” – gossipgirl123
Read more L’Oréal Paris Paradise Mascara reviews.
$26, currently on sale for $13 at Coles
The local buy…
Runway Room Power Lash Volumising Mascara
This Aussie-made mascara hydrates and thickens lashes, with a volumising wand for maximum impact. The unique formula contains silk powder to add volume and allows for multiple coats without clumping. If you happen to end up with mascara on your eyelids (us,too!), this formula is designed for effortless removal – just wait 30 seconds for it to dry and it will simply flick off. Amazing!
Have you tried the Runway Room Power Lash Volumising Mascara? Leave your review here.
$39.95 at Runway Room
Main image: @tati_vk
Have you tried any of these volumising mascaras? Which is your favourite?
Benefit They’re Real is one of my favourites.
Yeah it’s a good one!
Some great mascara recommendations!
Yeh! Love this article!
Essence mascaras are nearly always out of stock at my local Priceline.
Same here – I’ve been trying to get hold of Essence Make Me Brow.
Not for me these days thanks. Eyelash tinting lasts
I must admit eyebrow tinting is great but I still love mascara for extra effect.
So many brands to choose
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara is always my go to
I’ve heard good things about the Maybelline one. I really wanna try it
Great selection, I tried quite few mascara brands : Natio, Maybelline, Revlon, Nude by Nature and others I can’t remember.
I’ve got an unopened Lash Paradise that I’m waiting to start when I finish my current mascara.
I hadn’t heard of Runway Room – I love that it’s Aussie-made! ❤
It’s Brandan Fevolas (ex AFL player) wife’s brand.
Brendan*
Oh that is interesting!
Have tried a few of these but am currently loving ABH lash brag
I’ll take the OG.
Covergirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
I’ll give that one a shot
Would love to try Runway Room Mascara and hooly dooly that Lancôme Lash Idôle Volumising Mascara sounds awesome
I’ve been using Clinique’s Lash Power now for a few years because it doesn’t smudge after/during the beach swims! I need that in my life
I posted my comment and then saw yours @Clearcystalwater. I’ve stuck with Clinique’s Lash Power for the same reason. I goes on well and stays on and comes off easily too.
That is amazing. Most of mascaras I use smudge and are so hard to remove
I’ve stuck with Clinique’s Lash Power for a while now. Time to give one of these products a try.
Bobbi Browns sounds amazing but expensive.
Lash paradise looks good, especially when it’s on special.
I don’t have a favourite mascara. Always trying new ones.
Yes unfortunately I have to look at price too so that does restrict my choices.
Definitley need to try some of these
I’ve used a few of these mascaras but my current favourite is L’oreal Telescopic.
Yes! I am using atm carbon black version. Adds length sort of.
Want to try lash paradise.
For my flimsy lashes, best ones are tubing mascaras. Need to get a new one. Atm using loreal telescopic
Some I have tried and others I haven’t, great ones here.
I love the look of L’Oréal Paris Paradise Mascara and at a good special price too. Caster oil is meant to be great for hair .
I love the Lancôme Lash Idôle Volumising Mascara.
essence mascara is always a win for me
really good tips!
will use some of these!!!
I love her plum lashessss
will deffinetly be asking for these for my birthday
There are so many I haven’t tried!
It’s about time I replaced my mascara, too.
can you update your tubing mascara article
Lots of great options here
I love the colours! It is so bright and eye-catching.
I love Lancome but haven’t tried this mascara. I’m definitely goi g to purchase this one.
I’m into tubing mascaras, so what would be great to know the best combo tubing/volumising.
Some good ones to try here.
I love a good volumising mascara.
The OG Maybelline didn’t work for me, but i definitely want to try NYX mascara i love their products
Love these suggestions. Definitely need to try.
I’m a Maybelline girly through and through
im all on the tubing mascara no, so great