The 5 Best Mascara’s of 2025 for Volumized Lashes

Simple, thick, and truly one of the best — a little goes a long way. E.l.f. gives your lashes more for less and really boosts your look by darkening and defining them. It’s bold, long-lasting, and budget-friendly.

I’ve been wearing E.l.f. mascaras for years — it’s my favorite go-to. Whether I’m filming a TikTok, running errands, or just out and about, it always delivers a neat, polished finish. I love the natural feel and clean formula powered by vitamin E, making it nourishing for lashes. Plus, it’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free. Shop E.l.f Volumizing Mascara – bold, dark, and fluttery lashes for just $10–$16!

“Oh na-na, what’s my name?” Co-owned and founded by Rihanna — and yes, I love her music just as much as I love her mascara. It lifts and pulls lashes outward, giving instant volume with a rich, dark finish. Lights, camera, action! This long-wear HELLA THICC formula really shows up on the eyes.

It’s also a defense against humidity. This mascara is transfer-resistant, meaning your mascara won’t smudge, flake, or leave you with raccoon eyes. You’ll be happy with the results. Shop Fenty Beauty Hella Thicc Mascara — lift and volumize like Rihanna for $13–$21! It’s also sold in mini travel sizes.

Lasting up to 24 hours, Lash Idôle Flutter Extension absolutely delivers — it elongates lashes while still feeling weightless and clean. The luxe name-brand reputation really lives up to its name, keeping every lash lifted and defined.

Its nano-bristles grab even the tiniest lashes, whether they curl like mine or grow naturally straight. I tested this mascara during a string of summer trips from New Orleans to Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay Area.

My lashes held up beautifully the entire time. No clumping, no flaking — just long, fluttery lashes all day. The mascara comes in travel sizes as well as full size, perfect to slip into your purse or pocket.

Shop Lancôme Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara — long-lasting, lightweight lashes for $16–$21!

Instantaneously, you see 9x the volume with just one swipe — and yes, it’s true. The Mega Brush delivers a clump-free, professional look, so your lashes never stick together. I’ve used this colossal mascara throughout college, on set, and during business trips, and it never lets me down. The yellow bristles act as a plumping applicator infused with 2x the collagen, giving lashes a full, lifted look.

According to the brand, it’s ophthalmologist-tested and safe for contact lens wearers. And it holds up beautifully through humid days or long shoots.

For the best results, I like to wiggle the brush at the base of my lashes and swipe upwards. This layers — the lashes, giving them a dramatic volume without clumping.

Shop Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Mascara — instant 9x volume for $11.

When I saw actress and singer Zendaya try Mega Plush, I knew I had to give it a go. It’s one of the blackest mascaras available, with 40% less hard wax for massive lashes that coat every strand, giving serious volume and a thick, luscious finish.

I love that Mega Plush doesn’t dry out, keeping my lashes soft while enhancing their natural curl. Its Flexor brush gently coats every lash with supple, buildable volume. Ophthalmologist-tested and safe for contact lens wearers, it holds up beautifully even in humid conditions or long shoots. It’s timeless, and I highly recommend it as a regular staple alongside other favorites.

Shop Maybelline Volum’ Express The Mega Plush Mascara — plump, soft lashes that last all day for under $10!