Beauty L'Oreal Voluminous Guide: Formulas, Wands, and Lash Tips
An educational guide from the Beauty AMZ research team. No hard sell, just what you need to know.
The history of a drugstore icon
L'Oreal launched Voluminous in the 1990s and it became a global bestseller. Its promise was simple: lashes that look five times thicker. The formula built volume without the clumps of older mascaras. Decades later it still tops bestseller lists. The line has grown but the core promise remains. Few mascaras earn this kind of loyalty.
Every formula in the lineup
Original delivers classic bold volume. Extra Volume Collagen plumps with collagen. Curved Brush lifts with an ergonomic wand. Butterfly stretches with an asymmetrical brush. Waterproof versions lock everything through moisture. Black Brown softens the look. Understanding each variant prevents mismatched purchases.
How to choose your brush
Straight brushes suit most lashes for even coating. Curved brushes lift straight lashes from the root. Asymmetrical brushes wing out outer corners. Small brushes detail lower and short lashes. Try the classic first, then experiment. Brush preference is personal and worth exploring.
Pro application techniques
Curl lashes before any mascara touches them. Wiggle at the base to build root volume. Pull through to tips without overloading. Layer the second coat while the first is tacky. Use the wand tip vertically for lower lashes. Clean smudges after they dry for easy removal.
Removal and lash health
Soak a pad in remover and hold for 20 seconds. Wipe gently downward without scrubbing. Follow with a gentle cleanser. Never sleep in mascara. Replace tubes every three months. Condition lashes with oil occasionally. Healthy lashes hold mascara better.
Recommended Products
These five L'Oreal Voluminous picks cover every formula, brush, and shade in the iconic line. Each one builds bold lashes at a drugstore price.
Best for: Loyal users wanting the best value on the classic.
L'Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara 2-Count in Carbon Black
- Two tubes value pack
- Classic volume formula
- Carbon Black shade
- Volume Maximizing Brush
Pros
- Best per-tube price
- Iconic volume
- Stock up
Cons
- Two tubes expire together
- No shade choice
- Bulk buy
Best for: Drama lovers wanting the thickest lashes.
L'Oreal Voluminous Extra Volume Collagen Mascara
- Collagen plumping formula
- Extra thick volume
- Black shade
- Buildable
Pros
- Maximum fullness
- Layers well
- Affordable
Cons
- Can clump if rushed
- Heavier feel
- Wipe wand first
Best for: Straight lashes needing lift from the root.
L'Oreal Voluminous Original Curved Brush in Black
- Curved lifting brush
- Original formula
- Root lift
- Black shade
Pros
- Great lift
- Easy application
- Classic formula
Cons
- Brush learning curve
- Less even coating
- Not for tiny lashes
Best for: Fair skin and daytime wearers wanting softer definition.
L'Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara in Black Brown
- Softer Black Brown shade
- Original volume
- Natural look
- Classic brush
Pros
- Natural daytime look
- Flatters fair skin
- Same volume
Cons
- Less dramatic
- Fewer stockists
- Not for evening drama
Best for: Humid days and events needing winged waterproof lashes.
L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Waterproof Mascara
- Asymmetrical winged brush
- Waterproof formula
- Length plus volume
- Black shade
Pros
- Winged length effect
- Survives water
- Unique brush
Cons
- Hard to remove
- Drying with daily use
- Brush takes practice
Ready to Choose?
See our top product picks for l'oreal voluminous mascara, or jump straight to the head-to-head comparison of the two most popular options.
Removal Methods Ranked by Lash Loss
How you remove mascara affects lash health more than which mascara you wear. The ranking by lash loss runs: tubing mascara with warm water first, since the tubes slide off with no rubbing. Dual-phase eye makeup remover second, the oil phase dissolves even waterproof formulas with minimal friction. Micellar water third, effective on regular formulas but requiring more passes on waterproof. Oil cleansing balm fourth, gentle but slow. Scrubbing with a makeup wipe last, which causes the most lash fallout through pure friction.
The technique that protects lashes is soak, then slide: press a remover-soaked cotton pad over the closed eye for 20 to 30 seconds to dissolve the formula, then wipe downward gently. Never rub side to side, which tangles and pulls lashes. Waterproof Voluminous formulas need the full soak time, rushing it is what causes the lash loss people blame on the mascara. Our makeup removal guide covers remover choices for the full face without the damage.
Waterproof vs Water-Resistant vs Tubing: The Decision Matrix
These three categories solve different problems, and matching the category to your day beats brand loyalty. Choose waterproof for swimming, heavy sweating, weddings, and any day with tears likely, since only true waterproof film-formers survive full water immersion. Choose water-resistant for humid days and light workouts, where you need smudge resistance without the harsh removal waterproof demands. Choose tubing for oily lids, contact lens wearers, and sensitive eyes, where easy removal and no flaking matter most.
The trade-offs are honest: waterproof holds best but removes hardest and can dry lashes with daily use. Water-resistant is the comfortable middle that fails in real water. Tubing removes easiest and flakes least but softens in saunas and steam. Many people need two mascaras, a tubing daily driver and a waterproof for special days, rather than one formula forced to do everything. Match the category to the calendar; our Telescopic comparison breaks down waterproof versus washable wear.