Best L'Oreal Voluminous Mascaras for Bold, Full, Long Lashes

The best L'Oreal Voluminous mascara for most people is the Original in Carbon Black. It builds dramatic volume with the classic formula millions love. One to two coats give full, bold lashes.
We compared every Voluminous variant on volume, length, brush design, and wear. The line includes original, collagen, curved brush, and waterproof options. Every pick below earned its place through verified buyer reviews.
Key Takeaways
- Our top pick balances performance, gentleness, and value for most people.
- Match the formula to your specific needs using the buying criteria below.
- Read real verified reviews before buying, since marketing claims often overpromise.
Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks
- L'Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara 2-Count in Carbon Black Two tubes value pack.
- L'Oreal Voluminous Extra Volume Collagen Mascara Collagen plumping formula.
- L'Oreal Voluminous Original Curved Brush in Black Curved lifting brush.
Full reviews and comparisons below.
On This Page
Our Top Picks

Best for: Loyal users wanting the best value on the classic.
#1 Best OverallL'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.
Runner-UpL'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.
Best ValueL'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
The Voluminous lineup explained
Original is the classic volume builder with the standard brush. Extra Volume Collagen adds plumping ingredients. Curved Brush hugs the lash line for lift. Butterfly uses an asymmetrical brush for winged length. Waterproof versions suit humid days and tears. Each variant targets a slightly different lash goal. Knowing the lineup prevents buying the wrong one.
Brush shapes and what they do
The classic straight brush coats evenly for all-over volume. Curved brushes lift from the root. Asymmetrical butterfly brushes stretch lashes outward. Smaller brushes suit short or lower lashes. Bigger brushes build drama fast. Match the brush to your lash length and desired effect.
Carbon Black vs Black Brown shades
Carbon Black gives the most intense, dramatic look. Black Brown looks softer and more natural. Fair skin and blonde lashes suit Black Brown for daytime. Carbon Black photographs beautifully for evenings. Most buyers choose Carbon Black. Keep both if you switch between day and night looks.
Waterproof vs washable
Washable removes easily with warm water and cleanser. Waterproof survives sweat, tears, and humidity. Waterproof formulas can dry lashes with daily use. Use waterproof for events, washable for everyday. Never sleep in either. Proper removal matters more than the formula choice.
Application for maximum volume
Wiggle the brush at the roots first to deposit bulk. Pull through to the tips in one motion. Apply the second coat before the first dries. Do not pump the wand, which pushes air into the tube. Curl lashes before mascara, never after. Two thin coats beat one thick coat.
Value: the drugstore volume king
Voluminous mascaras cost 8 to 12 dollars each. Multipacks drop the per-tube price further. They rival prestige mascaras costing triple. Replace every three months for eye health. Stock up during sales for the best value.
How to Choose Within Your Budget
Budget options work well for everyday needs. Mid-range products often deliver better ingredients and performance. Premium options suit those wanting the best formulas. Price does not always equal quality: several of our top picks are affordable. Set your budget first, then choose the best performer within it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right l'oreal voluminous mascara product comes down to matching formulas to your specific needs and routine, not chasing viral trends. Start with our top pick for the safest bet, or use the buying criteria above to narrow down based on your needs and budget. Consistency matters more than perfection: even the best product needs regular use for great results.
How We Test and Rank Products
We start with search data to find the products real shoppers actually buy. Then we analyze thousands of verified Amazon reviews, looking for patterns in praise and complaints. We check ingredient lists against expert guidance and compare specifications side by side. Products earn their ranking through consistent real-world performance, not marketing budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Original in Carbon Black is the bestseller for a reason. It gives bold volume that suits most lashes. Try Collagen for extra plumping or Butterfly for length. Your lash goals decide.
Not if applied correctly in thin coats. Wipe excess off the wand first. Apply the second coat quickly. Comb through with a clean spoolie if needed.
Yes, several variants come in waterproof formulas. They suit humid weather and emotional events. Remove with waterproof makeup remover. Daily waterproof use can dry lashes.
About three months with daily use, which is also the safe replacement window. Pumping the wand shortens tube life. If it smells odd or clumps, replace it.
Yes, the Curved Brush variant especially lifts short lashes. Primer underneath adds visible length. Two coats build noticeable volume. Curling first makes the biggest difference.