Best Mascara for Volume and Length (UK, 2026)
Most of us want both: lashes that look long and full. The best all-rounders pair a brush that separates with a formula that thickens. Here are the picks UK reviewers rate highest for doing both, plus how to choose between them.
Quick picks
- Best overall Lancôme Lash Idôle
- Best budget Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High
- Best cheap volume L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise
- Best waterproof volume Benefit Badgal Bang Waterproof
- Best lift L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama
- Best Avon pick Avon Lash Genius Multitask & Multiply Mascara
How to choose between volume and length
Pick the one that matters more
Lengthening mascaras stretch lashes, volumising ones thicken them. A mascara that claims both usually does one well and the other adequately. If your lashes are short, favour length. If they are sparse, favour volume.
Brush shape
Fluffy, dense brushes build volume. Slim, flexible or comb-style brushes build length and definition.
Layering technique
Apply a lengthening mascara first and a volumising one over the top while still wet. Do not apply another coat after it dries, or it will clump.
Waterproof and tubing
If you need it to last, choose a waterproof formula. If you want clean and easy, choose tubing.
Comparison
| Mascara | Price | Waterproof | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lancôme Lash Idôle | £28 RRP, often reduced | No | Best overall |
| Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High | About £8 to £13 | No | Best budget |
| L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise | About £9 | No | Best cheap volume |
| Benefit Badgal Bang Waterproof | About £25 | Yes | Best waterproof volume |
| L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama | About £13 | No | Best lift |
| Avon Lash Genius Multitask & Multiply Mascara | About £8.50 to £12 (often on offer) | No | Best Avon pick |
Our picks in detail
Lancôme Lash Idôle
The Guardian named the Lash Idôle range its best overall, with the Curl Goddess version praised for lift. One of the most reviewed mascaras at Boots.
Pros
- Full, lifted, separated lashes
- Very well reviewed at Boots
- Waterproof version available
Cons
- Full price is high, so wait for an offer
Choose it if: People who want one mascara that does volume, length and lift well. It is the Guardian's best overall and one of the most reviewed mascaras at Boots.
Skip it if: Budget shoppers at full price: it is £28 RRP. It is frequently discounted, so wait for an offer or compare retailers before buying.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High
The mascara that turns up in nearly every UK round-up, from drugstore guides to Glamour and Wirecutter. A flexible brush stretches lashes out for length with a soft, fluttery finish.
Pros
- Strong length for the price
- Flexible brush reaches small corner lashes
- Widely stocked, often on offer
Cons
- Small 7.2ml tube
- Volume is moderate, not dramatic
Choose it if: People who want clear length and a soft, fluttery finish on a drugstore budget, and anyone with short or straight lashes who wants a mascara that reaches the corner lashes.
Skip it if: Anyone wanting a thick, dramatic false-lash look. It builds length first, and volume is moderate. The 7.2ml tube is small, so it works out pricier per ml than it first looks.
Read the full review of Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High
L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise
Marie Claire UK picked this as its best affordable mascara. A lush, fluffy brush builds volume and length together for an everyday full look.
Pros
- Full, fluttery look
- Low price
- Good all-rounder for everyday
Cons
- Formula can feel wetter than tubing or fibre types
Choose it if: People who want an everyday full look with some length: Marie Claire UK named it best affordable mascara. A good first choice if you are not sure whether you prefer length or volume.
Skip it if: Those who want a clean, tubing-style finish or maximum curl. The formula is on the wetter side, so give it a minute to dry before you blink.
Benefit Badgal Bang Waterproof
Woman & Home's number one waterproof mascara and joint winner at Good Housekeeping, which singled it out for dramatic volume that lasts.
Pros
- Dramatic volume
- Tops two UK waterproof guides
- Lasts through a long day
Cons
- Pricier than drugstore options
Choose it if: People who want dramatic volume that stays put. It was number one in Woman & Home's waterproof guide and tied for top at Good Housekeeping.
Skip it if: Anyone on a tight budget or with very sensitive eyes. It is a premium-priced waterproof formula.
Who What Wear's best-for-volume pick in its affordable list, and a Reddit favourite for length, lift and thickness, though some users find it a touch smudgy.
Pros
- Real volume and lift
- Reddit favourite
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Some reviewers report slight smudging
Choose it if: Anyone who wants noticeable volume and lift from a high-street tube. Who What Wear picked it as the best affordable mascara for volume, and Reddit shoppers like its length and lift.
Skip it if: Anyone who gets smudging easily: some reviewers report it smudges slightly, so it may not suit oily lids or humid days.
Read the full review of L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama
Avon Lash Genius Multitask & Multiply Mascara
Avon's best-selling "5-in-1" mascara, which promises volume, length, definition, lift and a deep black from one wand. Customers rate it 4.3 out of 5 from 589 reviews on Avon's own site, which makes it the most reviewed Avon mascara.
Pros
- Rich black, all-in-one look
- Smart Control brush separates lashes
- Often discounted well below the £12 list price
Cons
- Some shoppers find the brush too thick for precise application
- A few report flaking after several hours or a thick texture as the tube runs low
Choose it if: People who want one affordable mascara that does a bit of everything. It is Avon's most-reviewed mascara, and the "easy to apply, no clumps, lasts all day" comments recur.
Skip it if: Anyone who prefers a slim, precise brush: a few reviewers find the brush thick. Also skip it if you want a proven waterproof for swimming; there is a separate Waterproof version.
Read the full review of Avon Lash Genius Multitask & Multiply Mascara
Which should you buy?
- Best overall: Lancôme Lash Idôle. The Guardian's top pick for volume, length and curl.
- Best budget: Maybelline Sky High.
- Best cheap volume: L'Oréal Lash Paradise.
- Best waterproof volume: Benefit Badgal Bang Waterproof.
- Best lift: L'Oréal Volume Million Lashes Panorama.
Related guides: short, straight lashes, drugstore mascara, how to apply mascara.
FAQ
How do I stop mascara clumping?
Wipe the wand on the tube rim, apply in thin layers and comb through while wet with a clean spoolie.
Can I layer two mascaras?
Yes: a lengthening mascara first, then a volumising one on top while it is still wet. Do not add a coat after it dries.