So, How Do Volumizing Mascaras Actually Work? A MUA Explains

In the beauty space, plumping typically comes into the conversation around one of two things: skin and lips. But there's no reason to sleep on the plumping possibilities when it comes to your lashes. For luscious, doe-like lashes that help accentuate your eyes and provide the perfect finishing touch to the rest of your face beat, volumizing mascaras are the makeup secret weapon every beauty fan needs. But how do these formulas differ from those of, say, a lengthening product?

"Volumizing mascara focuses on thickening your lashes and generally gives them a bolder, heavier feel," explains celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon. This makes them ideal for people who have sparse lashes who want to fake a bit more overall lash density, or for whom the thickness of the individual hairs has thinned out over time. And although the choice to apply multiple coats of mascara is entirely dependent on your personal beauty aesthetic, Aharon says that volumizing formulas often only require one coat to achieve their full effect.

Formulas of volumizing mascara usually contain more fiber and wax, and brushes are typically dense and brittle. Essentially, the mascara itself is thicker and clings more easily to the lashes.

The trick with this type of mascara is all in how you apply it to your lashes. As the makeup artist explains, you'll want to flip your brush vertically to sculpt and define your eyelashes, and then go back through them horizontally to finish your application. "It deposits more product on each individual lash hair this way," says Aharon. Just be sure to not overload the hairs with too many coats, as she says this can have the opposite effect and weigh down your lashes. Also look for formula that is creamy but not too wet as that can also cause them to look droopy instead of lifted and full. However, once you find the ideal number of coats and a formula that delivers your preferred level of volume, you'll soon be known by friends and strangers alike for having the most enviable, voluminous lashes around.

Looking for a new volumizing mascara to add to your makeup routine? Shop 10 essential formulas to try, all of which are makeup artist-approved.