Best Mascaras For Dramatic Lashes

What to Look for in Mascaras for Dramatic Lashes

Achieve bold, voluminous lashes by choosing a mascara designed for dramatic impact—here’s what to consider before you buy.

1. Brush Shape and Size

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The wand plays a crucial role in how the mascara applies. Look for large, densely bristled brushes or hourglass shapes that help coat each lash evenly and maximize volume.

2. Formula Type

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Volumizing and lengthening formulas are key for drama. Opt for mascaras labeled as 'volumizing', 'lengthening', or 'intense black' to enhance lash fullness and definition.

3. Buildability

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A buildable formula lets you layer coats without clumping or flaking, allowing you to customize your level of drama from bold to ultra-glamorous.

4. Long-Lasting Wear

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Look for smudge-proof or waterproof options if you need your dramatic look to last all day—or all night—without fading, flaking, or running.

  1. 1
    The Volume Mascara

    Kevyn Aucoin

    The Volume Mascara

    $32
    39 REVIEWS
    A volume-building mascara that thickens, separates, and dramatically lengthens lashes with its innovative tubing formula.
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  2. 2
    Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

    Hourglass

    Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

    $33
    32 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A transformative, tubing mascara that stretches each lash to deliver dramatic length and definition for the look of lash extensions in an instant.
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  3. 3
    So Intense Mascara

    Sisley-Paris

    So Intense Mascara

    $85
    48 REVIEWS
    Its ultra-pure, double-coated pigments provide long wear and intense color.
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  4. 4
    Cosmic Growth Mascara

    Lune+Aster

    Cosmic Growth Mascara

    $26
    102 REVIEWS
    BestSeller Exclusive
    Lash-enhancing vegan mascara volumizes, lengthens and strengthens in two to four weeks.
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  5. 5
    Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara

    Charlotte Tilbury

    Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara

    $29
    3,883 REVIEWS
    A mascara that gives lashes instant and long-lasting volume, length, and lift with an exclusive "Load, Comb, and Lift" technology brush.
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  6. 6
    Straight Up Volumizing Peptide Mascara

    RMS Beauty

    Straight Up Volumizing Peptide Mascara

    $15
    941 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A clean and smudge-free mascara that delivers 12 hours of full lift and volume.
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  7. 7
    Exagger Eyes Volume Mascara

    Charlotte Tilbury

    Exagger Eyes Volume Mascara

    $29
    920 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A volumizing, long-wear mascara, with a smudge-proof formula that gives lashes nine times the volume and a double curl effect from root to tip.
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  8. 8
    Smokey Eye Mascara

    Bobbi Brown

    Smokey Eye Mascara

    $41
    556 REVIEWS
    Kohl-pigmented mascara delivers high-drama by instantly creating extremely black, stretched out lashes that are the perfect complement to a smokey eye look.
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  9. 9
    Extreme Volumizing Mascara

    Tom Ford

    Extreme Volumizing Mascara

    $60
    511 REVIEWS
    A luscious, deep black mascara that creates intense lashes for a dynamic effect. 
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  10. 10
    Climax Mascara

    Nars

    Climax Mascara

    $26
    290 REVIEWS
    Buildable volume with an intense black pigment in a lightweight, flexible formula that won't clump or smudge.
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What to Look for in Mascaras for Dramatic Lashes

Achieve bold, voluminous lashes by choosing a mascara designed for dramatic impact—here’s what to consider before you buy.

1. Brush Shape and Size

Citrus catapult arrow

The wand plays a crucial role in how the mascara applies. Look for large, densely bristled brushes or hourglass shapes that help coat each lash evenly and maximize volume.

2. Formula Type

Citrus catapult arrow

Volumizing and lengthening formulas are key for drama. Opt for mascaras labeled as 'volumizing', 'lengthening', or 'intense black' to enhance lash fullness and definition.

3. Buildability

Citrus catapult arrow

A buildable formula lets you layer coats without clumping or flaking, allowing you to customize your level of drama from bold to ultra-glamorous.

4. Long-Lasting Wear

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for smudge-proof or waterproof options if you need your dramatic look to last all day—or all night—without fading, flaking, or running.

Get ready to elevate your eye game with our carefully curated selection of the best mascaras for dramatic lashes. Say goodbye to lackluster lashes and hello to full, voluminous fringe as we bring you a lineup of top-rated mascaras that have been raved about by beauty enthusiasts just like you. Whether you're aiming for length, volume, or curl, these mascaras are guaranteed to deliver the drama you desire. So, if you're ready to take your lashes to new heights, look no further than our expertly ranked collection of must-have mascaras.

FAQ

What features should I look for in a mascara to achieve dramatic lashes? + -

For dramatic lashes, look for mascaras with volumizing and lengthening formulas, richly pigmented colors, and brushes designed to separate and lift each lash. Curved or hourglass-shaped wands can also help create a bold, eye-catching effect.

How can I apply mascara to maximize volume and drama? + -

To maximize volume, start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the wand upward in a zigzag motion. Layer multiple coats while the mascara is still slightly wet, focusing on the outer corners for extra drama.

Are there specific types of mascara brushes that enhance dramatic lash looks? + -

Yes, thick and densely bristled brushes are great for adding volume, while curved or hourglass-shaped wands help lift and curl lashes. Tapered tips can reach smaller lashes for a more defined, dramatic finish.

Can I combine different mascaras to achieve a more dramatic effect? + -

Absolutely! Many people layer a lengthening mascara over a volumizing one to get both fullness and length. Just be sure to let each coat dry slightly before applying the next to avoid clumping.

How do I prevent clumping when building up mascara for dramatic lashes? + -

To prevent clumping, use thin coats and comb through your lashes with a clean spoolie between applications. Avoid pumping the wand in the tube, as this introduces air and can cause the formula to thicken.