The Best Mascaras For Thin Lashes
Maridav/Shutterstock By Jackie Manno/July 13, 2022 3:56 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. According to Newsweek, thick, dark, and long eyelashes are perceived as most attractive. But let’s face it, not all of us were blessed with abundant lashes. While you could try to augment your lashes with expensive serums or extensions, a more budget-friendly option is to go with a trusty mascara that you can use on a daily basis.
When choosing mascara for thin lashes, it’s best to look for an option that adds volume while still being lightweight. That’s because if your lashes are thin, they’re more prone to being weighed down and looking droopy, according to Who What Wear. You’ll also want a mascara that adds curl without clumping. And if you’re one of the many people with fine, sparse lashes (no shame here), you’re likely looking for some of the best mascaras to add thickness and volume that will trick people into thinking you have lashes for days. Read on for some of our favorites.
Benefit BADgal Volumizing Mascara
Sephora
According to Who What Wear, if you have thin lashes and would like to augment them, it’s best to look for a mascara that can layer on multiple coats without creating the heaviness found in many other products. That’s where this volumizing mascara from Benefit (available for $27 at Ulta) comes in. It boasts a lightweight formula that creates a full, voluminous look without weighing down your lashes or causing unsightly flaking — and Benefit claims that the effect will last for up to 36 hours.
As Byrdie stated, Benefit BADgal Volumizing Mascara boasts a matte finish that is ultra-pigmented, rich, and thick. The brush is designed to access those difficult-to-reach corners of the eyes, and also allows for lengthening and definition along with its mega-volumizing formula. Although this option may be priced higher than drugstore mascaras, its long-lasting and dramatic effect may warrant the extra cost.
Milk Makeup KUSH High-Volume Mascara
Sephora
CBD has been all the rage, and hopping on the trend is this vegan mascara from the innovative brand Milk Makeup ($26 at Sephora). This particular product is infused with hemp-derived cannabis oil that not only adds significant volume, but also claims to condition and moisturize for healthier lashes overall (via PopSugar). The mascara’s most unique feature is its “heart-shaped fibers,” which allow the formula to stay on all day while giving your lashes plenty of long-lasting curl (via StyleCraze). Milk Makeup KUSH High-Volume Mascara also has a creamy texture that glides on with ease, so you won’t need to apply an extra primer before using it, the write-up adds.
Keep in mind that this mascara has a large, thick applicator, which can be a learning curve for beginners (per PopSugar). However, it’s a great choice for those who prefer mascara with a thicker brush.
Stila HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara
Sephora
This versatile mascara from Stila (at Stila Cosmetics for $25) is called “extreme” for a reason: It gives your lashes some major curl and lift. Depending on how many coats you choose to use, you can go for a subtle, natural look or a bolder, more dramatic effect. According to PopSugar, Stila HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara has dense bristles that separate lashes the ideal amount to create definition. But perhaps the most notable characteristics of this product are its super dark black pigment and its melded wax formula, which can build up lashes without causing those unnatural spider-like clumps we all want to avoid (via Who What Wear). It also boasts a glossy finish and is made from nontoxic ingredients (via StyleCraze). The brush is a little bigger than average, but it’s effective at packing on the thickness.
“This is by far my favorite mascara. Without mascara, I look like I have no lashes at all. I can use this without even curling them and actually have people comment on my beautiful lashes … the volume I get for my thin lashes is fantastic. I had to get used to the large applicator, but totally worth the results,” one reviewer raved.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Sephora
Despite the rather risqué product name, it’s not hard to understand why this item ($28 at Sephora) is one of America’s best-selling mascaras, according to the Too Faced website. The special hourglass shape of the brush is ideal because it coats all lashes and suits all eye shapes, according to Who What Wear. The heavy brush provides a lot of control of the application process, and just two coats will achieve a long, voluminous look without clumping, the write-up said.
You can even layer up to a whopping five coats without having to worry about flaking (via Byrdie). It’s also formulated with peptides for healthier lashes and tree extract for some intense volume. You can also purchase a waterproof version that will stay on all day smudge-free (per Who What Wear). Although the price tag isn’t particularly modest, the influx of rave reviews indicates it may be worth the investment.
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes
Sephora
This mascara from Tarte (available at Sephora for $24) is made with all-natural ingredients, including plant extract that nourishes your lashes. According to StyleCraze, it is “clinically proven” to add volume in just one coat, so you won’t have to apply multiple layers upon layers like you would with many heavier mascaras. It also comes with short, dense bristles (via Allure), which makes it a great choice for covering those hard-to-reach lower lashes. And thanks to its lightweight formula and waxy texture, you’ll never have to worry about dealing with that uncomfortably stiff feeling on your lashes (via PureWow). Plus, its formula is free of chemicals, including parabens, gluten, sulfates, and dyes, per Sephora. Choose from classic black or brown colors.
“I love this mascara! It’s my go-to for work and every day when I want my lashes to look defined but don’t want to look like I’m too done up. It’s buildable so I can add a few extra coats before heading to happy hour after work. I actually think it gets better as it dries out and it doesn’t look clumpy!” one reviewer raved.
Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara
Sephora
If you want a subtle, natural effect, then we recommend looking elsewhere for a different mascara. However, if you’re looking to make your thin lashes intense, bold, and dramatic, this product from Lancome (at Sephora for $27) is definitely for you. What makes this mascara unique is that it comes with a wand that varies the sizes of its bristles (via Allure). This feature allows you to work the applicator in multiple angles to reach every lash, including the tiny corners, so nothing goes neglected. It also boasts a super-rich black color for inky, pigmented results. One beauty writer on Allure even said she believed it almost doubled the thickness of her lashes, to the point where it almost mimicked the look of “falsies.”
“I have tried many, but for my thin lashes, this one plumps up my lashes the best. And it lengthens too. My go-to fave,” said one reviewer on Sephora.
Pat McGrath LABS FetishEyes Mascara
Sephora
If you’re up for a splurge, this $32 mascara from the makeup legend Pat McGrath will not disappoint. The high-end brand’s first mascara, which launched in 2019 (via Byrdie), is much more than just its racy name. Not everyone with thin lashes wants to trick people into thinking they’re not wearing makeup — some people want a mascara that packs a serious punch and can be seen from a mile away. With its ultra-thick wand crafted with densely packed bristles, and super-saturated and pigmented formula, it creates some major volume in just one stroke (per Byrdie). Pat McGrath LABS FetishEyes Mascara is perfect for evening wear during a night out on the town, because the words “subtle,” “natural,” and “casual” are not in its vocabulary.
“This is my favorite mascara by far. It’s so lengthening and pretty and gives me that perfect fluffy long separated eyelash look, but it’s still very dark so my eyelashes are fully defined,” said a reviewer on Sephora.
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
Sephora
Jumping on the scandalous name bandwagon, this $26 mascara from the trendy Urban Decay promises to deliver some mega-volumizing results. One thing that stands out is the creamy and hydrating texture of its formula, as PopSugar commented. While some mascaras can be too wet and goopy or too dry and flaky, the write-up noted that this particular product is the perfect in-between, which is an often difficult feat. Similarly, the brush is large enough to create impressive volume, but not so large that it can’t get under every lash from root to tip. You can choose between the non-waterproof or waterproof version (both at the same price at Sephora); however, Byrdie notes that the waterproof mascara can be a struggle to remove.
As one Sephora reviewer wrote, “I love the look of fat, thick lashes and this one delivers! My lashes are a bit wimpy, but with Perversion, they look full. The brush makes all the difference in the world. I apply one coat for a daytime look and two coats for a dramatic evening look.”
The Best Mascaras For Thin Lashes
Maridav/Shutterstock
By Jackie Manno/July 13, 2022 3:56 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. According to Newsweek, thick, dark, and long eyelashes are perceived as most attractive. But let’s face it, not all of us were blessed with abundant lashes. While you could try to augment your lashes with expensive serums or extensions, a more budget-friendly option is to go with a trusty mascara that you can use on a daily basis.
When choosing mascara for thin lashes, it’s best to look for an option that adds volume while still being lightweight. That’s because if your lashes are thin, they’re more prone to being weighed down and looking droopy, according to Who What Wear. You’ll also want a mascara that adds curl without clumping. And if you’re one of the many people with fine, sparse lashes (no shame here), you’re likely looking for some of the best mascaras to add thickness and volume that will trick people into thinking you have lashes for days. Read on for some of our favorites.
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
When choosing mascara for thin lashes, it’s best to look for an option that adds volume while still being lightweight. That’s because if your lashes are thin, they’re more prone to being weighed down and looking droopy, according to Who What Wear. You’ll also want a mascara that adds curl without clumping. And if you’re one of the many people with fine, sparse lashes (no shame here), you’re likely looking for some of the best mascaras to add thickness and volume that will trick people into thinking you have lashes for days. Read on for some of our favorites.
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
“This L’Oréal mascara is hands down the best one I’ve EVER owned, and I will never try another so long as they keep making this one! No clumps, makes them full with one application, and doesn’t flake,” one satisfied reviewer wrote.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
“This is a dream come true for mascara junkies like me. The applicator brush (the key to everything for me) is perfectly designed, from the firm plastic bristles that coat and separate lashes with just the right amount of product, to the curve of the brush that enables you to (finally!) reach every last little corner lash (no, really!), to the smooth formula allowing me to layer several heavy coats without it clumping or turning to spider eye,” one enthusiastic reviewer wrote.
Benefit BADgal Volumizing Mascara
Sephora
According to Who What Wear, if you have thin lashes and would like to augment them, it’s best to look for a mascara that can layer on multiple coats without creating the heaviness found in many other products. That’s where this volumizing mascara from Benefit (available for $27 at Ulta) comes in. It boasts a lightweight formula that creates a full, voluminous look without weighing down your lashes or causing unsightly flaking — and Benefit claims that the effect will last for up to 36 hours.
As Byrdie stated, Benefit BADgal Volumizing Mascara boasts a matte finish that is ultra-pigmented, rich, and thick. The brush is designed to access those difficult-to-reach corners of the eyes, and also allows for lengthening and definition along with its mega-volumizing formula. Although this option may be priced higher than drugstore mascaras, its long-lasting and dramatic effect may warrant the extra cost.
As Byrdie stated, Benefit BADgal Volumizing Mascara boasts a matte finish that is ultra-pigmented, rich, and thick. The brush is designed to access those difficult-to-reach corners of the eyes, and also allows for lengthening and definition along with its mega-volumizing formula. Although this option may be priced higher than drugstore mascaras, its long-lasting and dramatic effect may warrant the extra cost.
Milk Makeup KUSH High-Volume Mascara
CBD has been all the rage, and hopping on the trend is this vegan mascara from the innovative brand Milk Makeup ($26 at Sephora). This particular product is infused with hemp-derived cannabis oil that not only adds significant volume, but also claims to condition and moisturize for healthier lashes overall (via PopSugar). The mascara’s most unique feature is its “heart-shaped fibers,” which allow the formula to stay on all day while giving your lashes plenty of long-lasting curl (via StyleCraze). Milk Makeup KUSH High-Volume Mascara also has a creamy texture that glides on with ease, so you won’t need to apply an extra primer before using it, the write-up adds.
Keep in mind that this mascara has a large, thick applicator, which can be a learning curve for beginners (per PopSugar). However, it’s a great choice for those who prefer mascara with a thicker brush.
Keep in mind that this mascara has a large, thick applicator, which can be a learning curve for beginners (per PopSugar). However, it’s a great choice for those who prefer mascara with a thicker brush.
Stila HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara
This versatile mascara from Stila (at Stila Cosmetics for $25) is called “extreme” for a reason: It gives your lashes some major curl and lift. Depending on how many coats you choose to use, you can go for a subtle, natural look or a bolder, more dramatic effect. According to PopSugar, Stila HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara has dense bristles that separate lashes the ideal amount to create definition. But perhaps the most notable characteristics of this product are its super dark black pigment and its melded wax formula, which can build up lashes without causing those unnatural spider-like clumps we all want to avoid (via Who What Wear). It also boasts a glossy finish and is made from nontoxic ingredients (via StyleCraze). The brush is a little bigger than average, but it’s effective at packing on the thickness.
“This is by far my favorite mascara. Without mascara, I look like I have no lashes at all. I can use this without even curling them and actually have people comment on my beautiful lashes … the volume I get for my thin lashes is fantastic. I had to get used to the large applicator, but totally worth the results,” one reviewer raved.
“This is by far my favorite mascara. Without mascara, I look like I have no lashes at all. I can use this without even curling them and actually have people comment on my beautiful lashes … the volume I get for my thin lashes is fantastic. I had to get used to the large applicator, but totally worth the results,” one reviewer raved.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Despite the rather risqué product name, it’s not hard to understand why this item ($28 at Sephora) is one of America’s best-selling mascaras, according to the Too Faced website. The special hourglass shape of the brush is ideal because it coats all lashes and suits all eye shapes, according to Who What Wear. The heavy brush provides a lot of control of the application process, and just two coats will achieve a long, voluminous look without clumping, the write-up said.
You can even layer up to a whopping five coats without having to worry about flaking (via Byrdie). It’s also formulated with peptides for healthier lashes and tree extract for some intense volume. You can also purchase a waterproof version that will stay on all day smudge-free (per Who What Wear). Although the price tag isn’t particularly modest, the influx of rave reviews indicates it may be worth the investment.
You can even layer up to a whopping five coats without having to worry about flaking (via Byrdie). It’s also formulated with peptides for healthier lashes and tree extract for some intense volume. You can also purchase a waterproof version that will stay on all day smudge-free (per Who What Wear). Although the price tag isn’t particularly modest, the influx of rave reviews indicates it may be worth the investment.
Christian Dior Diorshow Iconic Mascara
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes
This mascara from Tarte (available at Sephora for $24) is made with all-natural ingredients, including plant extract that nourishes your lashes. According to StyleCraze, it is “clinically proven” to add volume in just one coat, so you won’t have to apply multiple layers upon layers like you would with many heavier mascaras. It also comes with short, dense bristles (via Allure), which makes it a great choice for covering those hard-to-reach lower lashes. And thanks to its lightweight formula and waxy texture, you’ll never have to worry about dealing with that uncomfortably stiff feeling on your lashes (via PureWow). Plus, its formula is free of chemicals, including parabens, gluten, sulfates, and dyes, per Sephora. Choose from classic black or brown colors.
“I love this mascara! It’s my go-to for work and every day when I want my lashes to look defined but don’t want to look like I’m too done up. It’s buildable so I can add a few extra coats before heading to happy hour after work. I actually think it gets better as it dries out and it doesn’t look clumpy!” one reviewer raved.
“I love this mascara! It’s my go-to for work and every day when I want my lashes to look defined but don’t want to look like I’m too done up. It’s buildable so I can add a few extra coats before heading to happy hour after work. I actually think it gets better as it dries out and it doesn’t look clumpy!” one reviewer raved.
COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume Mascara
“This was the first drugstore mascara I tried that actually transformed my eyelashes. I have tiny short lashes and this LENGTHENS a lot while also giving volume,” one five-star reviewer wrote.
Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara
Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara
If you want a subtle, natural effect, then we recommend looking elsewhere for a different mascara. However, if you’re looking to make your thin lashes intense, bold, and dramatic, this product from Lancome (at Sephora for $27) is definitely for you. What makes this mascara unique is that it comes with a wand that varies the sizes of its bristles (via Allure). This feature allows you to work the applicator in multiple angles to reach every lash, including the tiny corners, so nothing goes neglected. It also boasts a super-rich black color for inky, pigmented results. One beauty writer on Allure even said she believed it almost doubled the thickness of her lashes, to the point where it almost mimicked the look of “falsies.”
“I have tried many, but for my thin lashes, this one plumps up my lashes the best. And it lengthens too. My go-to fave,” said one reviewer on Sephora.
“I have tried many, but for my thin lashes, this one plumps up my lashes the best. And it lengthens too. My go-to fave,” said one reviewer on Sephora.
Pat McGrath LABS FetishEyes Mascara
If you’re up for a splurge, this $32 mascara from the makeup legend Pat McGrath will not disappoint. The high-end brand’s first mascara, which launched in 2019 (via Byrdie), is much more than just its racy name. Not everyone with thin lashes wants to trick people into thinking they’re not wearing makeup — some people want a mascara that packs a serious punch and can be seen from a mile away. With its ultra-thick wand crafted with densely packed bristles, and super-saturated and pigmented formula, it creates some major volume in just one stroke (per Byrdie). Pat McGrath LABS FetishEyes Mascara is perfect for evening wear during a night out on the town, because the words “subtle,” “natural,” and “casual” are not in its vocabulary.
“This is my favorite mascara by far. It’s so lengthening and pretty and gives me that perfect fluffy long separated eyelash look, but it’s still very dark so my eyelashes are fully defined,” said a reviewer on Sephora.
“This is my favorite mascara by far. It’s so lengthening and pretty and gives me that perfect fluffy long separated eyelash look, but it’s still very dark so my eyelashes are fully defined,” said a reviewer on Sephora.
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
Jumping on the scandalous name bandwagon, this $26 mascara from the trendy Urban Decay promises to deliver some mega-volumizing results. One thing that stands out is the creamy and hydrating texture of its formula, as PopSugar commented. While some mascaras can be too wet and goopy or too dry and flaky, the write-up noted that this particular product is the perfect in-between, which is an often difficult feat. Similarly, the brush is large enough to create impressive volume, but not so large that it can’t get under every lash from root to tip. You can choose between the non-waterproof or waterproof version (both at the same price at Sephora); however, Byrdie notes that the waterproof mascara can be a struggle to remove.
As one Sephora reviewer wrote, “I love the look of fat, thick lashes and this one delivers! My lashes are a bit wimpy, but with Perversion, they look full. The brush makes all the difference in the world. I apply one coat for a daytime look and two coats for a dramatic evening look.”
As one Sephora reviewer wrote, “I love the look of fat, thick lashes and this one delivers! My lashes are a bit wimpy, but with Perversion, they look full. The brush makes all the difference in the world. I apply one coat for a daytime look and two coats for a dramatic evening look.”
