Best Thickening Mascara of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2026

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Thickening mascara is a must-have for those who want to achieve fuller and more voluminous lashes. This type of mascara contains ingredients that help to plump up each individual lash, making them appear thicker and more defined. Many thickening mascaras also have a unique brush design that allows for easy and precise application, ensuring that every lash is coated evenly. Whether you prefer a natural or dramatic look, thickening mascara is a great addition to any makeup routine. With a variety of brands and formulas available, there's sure to be one that suits your needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara Cover #TOP 1
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Primer Cover #TOP 2
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Primer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Washable Mascara Cover #TOP 3
Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Washable Mascara
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Thickening Mascara

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara

340 Black
Black
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara Cover
L'Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Original Curved Brush Mascara, Black, 0.28 Fl Oz

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara is a volume-building mascara that thickens lashes up to 5 times their natural thickness. The curved brush applicator helps evenly coat and thicken lashes, leaving them soft and supple without clumps or flakes. This washable mascara, enriched with Panthenol and Ceramide-R, is easy to remove and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. With L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara, you can achieve longer, fuller lashes and a dramatic eye look with just one application.

What We Like
Volume-building formula
Curved brush for even application
Easy to remove
#TOP 2

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Primer

0041554081336
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Primer Cover
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Serum Infused Lash Primer for Mascara, Lengthening, Thickening, Tinted and Washable Formula, Soft Black, 1 Count

Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Serum Infused Lash Primer is a tinted formula that conditions and nourishes lashes to prep for the perfect mascara application. It features an exclusive Flex Tower mascara brush that bends to volumize and extend every single lash from root to tip. It builds onto the lashes to extend length and amplify volume impact for clump resistant, longer, thicker-looking lashes. Ophthalmologist and allergy tested, suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

What We Like
Tinted formula conditions and nourishes lashes
Flex Tower mascara brush volumizes and extends lashes
Clump resistant, longer, thicker-looking lashes
#TOP 3

Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Washable Mascara

K3752300
VERY BLACK
Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Washable Mascara Cover
Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Washable Mascara Volumizing, Lengthening, Lifting, Curling, Multiplying, Eye Makeup, Very Black, 1 Count

Get an instant lash lift effect from this washable lengthening mascara that delivers dramatic volume, length, and lift to lashes. The double curved lifting brush and fiber-infused formula grabs lashes at the root to lift, thicken, and lengthen without clumps, smears, or flakes. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lenses.

What We Like
Provides dramatic volume, length, and lift to lashes
Double curved lifting brush and fiber-infused formula for no clumps, smears, or flakes
Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lenses

Estee Lauder Mini Mascara

49908
Extreme Black
Estee Lauder Mini Mascara Cover
Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume and Length Mascara | 01 Extreme Black, Travel Size, 0.09 Fl Oz

Get bigger lashes with Estee Lauder Mini Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara 01 Black. This travel size mascara is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, and it comes unboxed. With 0.1 oz / 2.8 ml of product, you can achieve voluminous lashes every time.

What We Like
Travel size for convenient use
Unboxed for easy access
Provides volume to lashes

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Building Mascara

071249059098
Blackest Black
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Building Mascara Cover
L’Oreal Paris Original Voluminous Mascara, Building Mascara Volume and Length Formula, Washable, Blackest Black, 0.26 Fl Oz., 1 Count

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Building Mascara is a bold, volume-building mascara that can make your lashes up to 5x fuller. Its Volume Maximizing Brush quickly thickens and builds lashes evenly for a full and bold look. This clump-free and smudge-resistant mascara is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. It contains Panthenol and Ceramide-R and helps protect and condition lashes.

What We Like
Long-lasting formula
Dramatic volume and length
Easy to remove
Affordable price
Variety of colors
#TOP 6

GrandeDRAMA Intense Thickening Mascara

GN1008
Black
GrandeDRAMA Intense Thickening Mascara Cover
Grande Cosmetics GrandeDRAMA Intense Thickening Black Mascara with Castor Oil, Volumizing, Conditioning, Buildable formula (0.32 oz)

The GrandeDRAMA Intense Thickening Mascara with Castor Oil by Grande Cosmetics is an excellent choice for those who want to achieve lush, dense looking lashes. The mascara is infused with castor oil, which promotes healthy lash growth. The hourglass wand is designed to individually thicken and separate each lash, delivering unrivaled thickness and intensity. The mascara also features a rich matte black finish that complements any makeup look.

What We Like
Infused with castor oil for healthy lash growth
Hourglass wand individually thickens and separates each lash
Delivers unrivaled thickness and intensity
Rich matte black finish complements any makeup look

Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift Mascara

K3752200
BLACKEST BLACK
Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift Mascara Cover
Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Washable Mascara Volumizing, Lengthening, Lifting, Curling, Multiplying, Eye Makeup, Blackest Black, 1 Count

Transform your lashes instantly with Maybelline Mascara. Its washable lengthening formula infused with fibers adds dramatic volume, length, and lift to your lashes. The lifting brush with a double-curved separator and volumizing formula grabs lashes from the root to lift, thicken, and lengthen without clumps, smears, or flakes, giving you the perfect false eyelash effect. With Maybelline, you can create any look with its collection of eyeshadows, eyeliners, and brow pencils. Use Garnier Micellar Water to remove the mascara gently. Maybelline Mascara, the perfect choice for those who want voluminous, lifted, and long-lasting lashes.

What We Like
Fast delivery
Lengthens lashes significantly
Easy to remove
Creates a full lash look
No need for lash curler

Almay Thickening & Tint Mascara 402 Black

402 Black
Almay Thickening & Tint Mascara 402 Black Cover
Almay Thickening & Tint Mascara, Instant Soft Full Volume, Conditions & Darkens Natural Lashes Over Time, No Flaking or Clumping, 402 Black, 2 count

The Almay Thickening Mascara is designed to give you fuller, darker lashes right away while gradually enhancing their natural color over time. This mascara applies smoothly without clumps or flakes, making your makeup routine quick and mess-free. It creates a bold, noticeable look by thickening your lashes from the base to the tip, so your eyes stand out. Plus, it contains a special lash-care formula that helps improve the health and strength of your lashes, ensuring they look better and feel softer with regular use. This mascara is a great choice if you want volume, care, and easy application all in one product.

What We Like
Instant lash thickening
Gradual lash tinting
Smooth, clump-free application
Lash conditioning complex
#TOP 9

GrandePRIMER Pre-Mascara Lengthener & Thickener

GN1007
Black
GrandePRIMER Pre-Mascara Lengthener & Thickener Cover
Grande Cosmetics GrandePRIMER Pre-Mascara Lengthener & Thickener with Peptides - Smudge-Proof, Water-Resistant & Contact Lens Safe - for Longer & Thicker Looking Lashes (0.32 oz)

Grande Cosmetics' GrandePRIMER Mascara is a nutrient-rich pre-mascara that enhances your lashes. Infused with lash plumping nutrients, it instantly adds volume and density, making your lashes look fuller. The formula goes on white and melts into your lashes, softening and lengthening them. Peptide amino acids feed your lashes to encourage volume, thickness, and vibrancy. Each application strengthens and conditions your lashes, making your mascara effects pop. With GrandePRIMER Mascara, you can easily prepare your lashes before applying mascara, achieving the best results in just a few simple steps.

What We Like
Boosts lashes
Instantly adds volume
Lengthens lashes
Nurtures lashes
Strengthens lashes

ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara (Travel Size Mini)

Black
ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara (Travel Size Mini) Cover
ILIA - Fullest Volumizing Mascara | Weightless, Buildable, Smudge + Flake-Free, Sensitive Eyes Safe | Full, Thick, Healthier Lashes | Non-Toxic, Vegan, Cruelty-Free (Travel Size Mini, 0.13 oz | 4 ml)

Get ready to experience weightless, buildable volume without flaking, smudging, or irritation with ILIA Fullest Volumizing Mascara. This clean beauty breakthrough comes in a travel-size mini and is perfect for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Its talc-free, fragrance-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan formula is fortified with active levels of haircare ingredients that condition and thicken each lash, giving you fuller, fluffier, and healthier-looking lashes. Its violin-shaped brush separates and defines each lash, ensuring that it looks its best.

What We Like
Travel-size mini
Clean beauty breakthrough
Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
Talc-free, fragrance-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan
Thickens and defines lashes for fuller, fluffier, and healthier-looking lashes
Buying Guide Image

What to Look for in Thickening Mascara

Choosing the Best Thickening Mascara

When it comes to choosing a thickening mascara, there are a few key factors to consider. In this article, we'll provide some tips and tricks to help you find the perfect mascara to give you the full, luscious lashes you desire.

Consider your lash type

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a thickening mascara is your lash type. If you have naturally thin or sparse lashes, you'll want to look for a mascara that is specifically designed to add volume and thickness. On the other hand, if you have thick, full lashes, you may not need a thickening mascara and can instead opt for a formula that will help to lengthen and define your lashes.

Think about the brush

The brush on a mascara is just as important as the formula itself. Different brush types can provide different results, so it's important to choose a brush that will work best for your lash type. For example, if you have thin lashes, a brush with long, densely-packed bristles can help to add volume and thickness. On the other hand, if you have thick lashes, a brush with shorter, widely-spaced bristles can help to separate and define your lashes.

Read reviews

Before making a purchase, it's always a good idea to do some research and read reviews from other people who have tried the product. Look for reviews that mention the brush type, the formula, and how well the mascara performed. This can give you a good idea of whether or not the mascara is likely to work well for you.

Test it out

If possible, try to test out the mascara before making a purchase. Many beauty stores will allow you to try out a sample of the product, or you can ask for a sample from the company itself. This will give you the chance to see how the mascara performs on your lashes and determine if it's the right fit for you.

Choose a reputable brand

When it comes to mascara, it's important to choose a reputable brand. Look for brands that have a good reputation and a history of producing high-quality products. This will ensure that you are getting a mascara that is safe to use and that will perform well.

Take your time

Choosing the right thickening mascara can take some time and effort, but it's worth it to find a product that works well for you. Don't be afraid to try out different formulas and brush types to find the perfect mascara for your lashes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does Thickening mascara do?

Thickening mascara helps volumize your lashes to make them appear fuller. With just 2-3 coats (no more than that please, or your lashes will start to get heavy and droop) you get a lush fan of thick lashes that enhance your eyes and define your face.

2. What mascara will make my eyelashes thicker?

The Best Mascaras For Longer, Thicker Eyelashes – Starting At $7. Maybelline Total Temptation Washable Mascara.IT Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara.Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara.CoverGirl Clump Crusher Extensions Mascara.Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara.Urban Decay Perversion Mascara.

3. What is the most thickening mascara?

Best Overall: YSL Beauty Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Not only does the intense black formula thicken and lengthen the lashes for insane fanned-out definition, but it's also infused with Moroccan argan oil and provitamin B5 to nurture and condition your lash hairs.

4. How can I make my thin mascara thicker?

Add 2-4 drops of eye drops or contact solution into your tube of mascara. Put the mascara wand back in carefully. You might make a little bit of a mess as you put the mascara tube together. Move the brush around inside the bottle and move it up and down pumping the wand to get the saline solution everywhere inside.

Editor's Notes

During our thickening mascara research, we found 48 thickening mascara products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,387,469 customer reviews through our big data system to write the thickening mascara list. We found that most customers choose thickening mascara with an average price of $13.18.

The thickening mascara are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of thickening mascara, including L'Oreal Paris, MAYBELLINE, Grande Cosmetics, Almay, ILIA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.