I’ve always been complimented on my natural lashes. While they definitely have volume and length without needing the help of mascara, I’m always on the hunt for one that offers definition. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed my eyelashes have begun to grow in the most unusual patterns; curling and twisting away from each other unless corralled by a high performing mascara to capture each lash within its bristles and whip them back into shape.
As a beauty editor, I’ve tested hundreds of mascaras touting unique formulas for length, definition, and volume in a tube; but very few products have exceeded my expectations for what I can expect for a mascara I can trust to deliver the look I want with a couple quick swipes. That’s why I always come back to the mascara offerings from a well-known French brand that holds their own: L’Oréal Paris.
Below, I’m sharing ten of their best mascaras that continuously check all of my boxes as well as a couple of mascara primers that can be used for the best possible results.
The 10 Best L’Oréal Paris Mascaras, Listed
Best Overall: L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Washable Mascara
L’Oréal Paris
Bambi Eye Washable Mascara
As someone with almond-shaped eyes, I love giving them an even wider appearance with the Bambi Eye Washable Mascara. The formula coats the lashes evenly from inner to outer corner with the help of a brush that uses long and short bristles to lift and lengthen each lash. After a full day of wear, there’s never any smudging or flaking (even when I absentmindedly rub my eyes) and can be easily removed with micellar water.
Customer Review: “I love this mascara! I don’t even have to use an eyelash curler when applying it. It is not clumpy and lasts all day. It is easy to remove with an oil based remover. I always get so many compliments on my eyelashes when wearing it.”
Best for Enhancing Natural Length: L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara
L’Oréal Paris
Voluminous Original Mascara
To play up the natural length of my lashes while keeping them separated, the Voluminous Original Mascara is my go-to. Designed to build lashes to 5x their natural thickness, its formula clump and smudge-free formulas combines panthenol and Ceramide-r to protect and condition. Out of the seven stunning shades offered in this product line, I tend to switch of between Black and Black Brown for the most natural look.
Customer Review: “I love this mascara. I’ve tried various different mascara over the years at price points all over the board and none of them compare to this one. The shape of the wand is the best, makes it super easy to apply. Goes on evenly and doesn’t clump. Gives a nice thick look without getting spiderweb-y. Stays on all day and rarely smudges. I only notice that it will flake when it’s about time for a new tube and is getting dry”
Best for a Two-Second Lash Lift: L’Oréal Telescopic Lift Washable Mascara
L’Oréal Paris
Telescopic Lift Washable Mascara
I haven’t had a single lash lift since adding this lifting and volume boosting mascara to my makeup bag. With up to +5MM visible length and 36 hours of wear without smudging or flaking, the Telescopic Lift Washable Mascara is a must for anyone wanting to lift and define the lashes while adding volume. The only qualm I have with it is the slight clumping that occurs when layered over another mascara.
Customer Review: “I just tried this, and wow! I’ve never been so impressed by a mascara brush! I feel like [L’Oréal has] just revolutionized the mascara brush! It is absolutely perfect for every angle, curve and the shape of your eye. I’ve only used it this once, but I am addicted for life. The brush gets every lash, effortlessly!”
Best for Adding Definition: L’Oréal Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara
L’Oréal Paris
Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara
Having trouble with those hard-to-reach corner lashes? This is the mascara that solved the issue for me. Not only do it given my lashes a stunning fanned-out appearance, but its formula is clump and flake-free as well as completely smudge resistant. The secret to its success is the multi-level bristle brush which works to capture and lift each lash for smooth and even product application.
Customer Review: “I really like it. Makes my lashes look long & full. I have very sparse lashes so normally I get more on my skin than the lashes, but not with this product! Stays on, washes off easily too!”
Best for the Falsie Look: L’Oréal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara
L’Oréal Paris
Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara
I’m not one for lash extensions or wearing falsies on the daily, but I can achieve a similar look by coating my natural lashes with this mascara. It glides onto the lashes with a collagen-infused formula, evenly distributing the product on each lash with a brush designed to amplify volume while lengthening them.
Customer Review: “This has been my go-to mascara for a decade. I have been gifted other mascaras (with a much higher price tag) and they cannot compare. This mascara gives volume, doesn’t dry out fast, and is easily applied without any clumps. Try it out!”
Best for a Natural Finish: L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Voluptuous Volume Mascara
L’Oréal Paris
Lash Paradise Voluptuous Volume Mascara
For more ethereal eye makeup moments, I love a feather lash look. The Lash Paradise Voluptuous Volume Mascara gives volume and 2x length while keeping the lashes looking feathery. I’ve applied three swipes of this mascara to my lashes without experiencing any flaking, smudging, or clumping. Plus, it lasts all day and comes in a variety of shades to make it easy for you to find your best match.
Customer Review: “I don’t wear mascara every day, but when I go out I like to use it to add some length to my eyelashes. It does a good job of making my lashes look fuller. As I’ve gotten older, my lashes tend to not stand out as much, so I needed something to give me a little more color and length. I would buy again. I like most L’Oreal products and this was a good buy”
Best for Adding Volume: L’Oréal Voluminous Waterproof Butterfly Mascara
L’Oréal Paris
Voluminous Waterproof Butterfly Mascara
Another waterproof mascara option I love is the Voluminous Waterproof Butterfly Mascara since it keeps my lashes looking natural while adding ample length and volume for a winged-out effect. It builds the length of the lashes at the roots and stretches them outwards using cocoon fibers while the wing tip butterfly brush gives them a soft and fluttery finish. I’m sensing a theme here.
Custom Review: “The only mascara you should use if you have eyelashes that face straight down like a broom. I curl mine and it’s the only one that keeps them curled. Buy this for your uncurled stubborn eyelashes. Trust me… I’ve tried many more expensive mascaras and they aren’t as good as this one!”
Best Lightweight Formula: L’Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara
L’Oréal Paris
Air Volume Mega Mascara
One of the things I look for the most while shopping for a new mascara is a formula that gives my lashes a bold look without weighing them down. L’Oréal’s Air Volume Mega Mascara is lightweight, but packs a heavy punch with a whipped formula that creates long-lasting volume without flaking or smudging. It also comes with an easy-to-use mascara brush that coasts each lash from root to tip using a large brush with long bristles.
Customer Review: “This mascara is lush. It provides great volume without giving me clumps on my lashes. The formula really is lightweight and I forget that I have mascara on at all. The brush is still able to separate and coat each lash even after multiple uses. The mascara consistency leans more towards being liquid so that it goes on fresh and dries quickly.”
Best Waterproof Formula: L’Oréal Double Extend Tubing Mascara
L’Oréal Paris
Double Extend Tubing Mascara
Some of the best mascaras I’ve come across as a beauty editor has a dual function, and this L’Oréal Paris mascara is by far one of the best I’ve used on my short and stubby lashes. As a tubing mascara, its formula uses polymers that wrap around each individual lash to add length; but this product also includes a primer to provide a foundation for your mascara to stay on all day.
Customer Review: “This mascara is 10/10 stars! The two in one is perfect for makeup novices like myself, it goes on beautifully and doesn’t clump, PLUS it doesn’t give me raccoon eyes halfway through the day as many others do!”
L’Oréal Paris
Extra Volume Collagen Mascara
You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort when you want to add length to your lashes. The Extra Volume Collagen Mascara, for example, is delivers volume and length without sacrificing the comfort or health of your lashes. In fact, it keeps them healthy using a formula infused with a collagen-based lash plumping technology for added volume without clumping, smudging, or flaking.
Customer Review: “Wonderful mascara! I have allergies, but somehow I am able to use this one and have been for 20 years. keeps my lashes supple, great coverage, no flaking. collagen helps my lashes grow. love this mascara!”
Shop the Best Mascara Primers
L’Oréal Paris
Voluminous Primer Mascara
Customer Review: “I’ve been using this mascara primer and I love it, using this prior to mascara has made a huge difference.I have naturally long and curly eyelashes, but the effect on my eyelashes after use this product is like magic, my lashes looks fuller and longer. Easy to apply and good quality for the price.”
L’Oréal Paris
Lash Paradise Primer Mascara
Customer Review: “I love this product and I will be ordering it again. This makes eyelashes look thicker and full. Adds length as well. I have used a variety of these products before and this is definitely my favorite one so far. Goes on smooth and simple to use. Highly recommend especially for the value.”
