Beauty Best LOreal Superstar Mascara Picks for Dramatic Volume
L'Oreal Voluminous Superstar is the mascara line for anyone who wants lashes that look false without the glue. The Superstar name covers a family of volume-focused mascaras and the lash-boosting primer designed to supercharge them, and together they deliver the kind of thick, fanned-out lashes that define a dramatic eye look. If your lashes are naturally fine or sparse, this is the drugstore line most likely to transform them.
The two products in this guide work as a system. The Voluminous Lash Boosting Primer goes on first as a conditioning base that grips the mascara and amplifies its volume, while the Voluminous Original Mascara in Black 305 delivers the classic thick-lash payoff the line is famous for. Used together, they build more volume than either product alone, which is the whole point of the Superstar concept.
In this guide, we compare the best L'Oreal Superstar picks for dramatic volume. We cover how the primer changes your mascara results, whether the original Voluminous formula still holds up against newer launches, application techniques that prevent clumping, and how to choose between washable and waterproof based on your day.
Whether you want everyday noticeable lashes or full-glam volume for an event, the Superstar line has a combination that works. Read on for our full comparison, layering tips, and answers to the most common questions about getting superstar lashes from the drugstore.
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 Paris Voluminous Lash Boosting Primer, 2-Pack Lash-boosting primer for amplified volume.
- L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara, Black 305 Original Voluminous volume-building formula.
Full reviews and comparisons below.
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Our Top Picks
Best for: Superstar-level volume with a lash-priming base coat
#1 Best OverallL'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Boosting Primer, 2-Pack
- Lash-boosting primer for amplified volume
- Two-pack for extended use
- Lightweight conditioning base
- Pairs with any Voluminous mascara
Pros
- Boosts volume of any mascara layered over it
- Two-pack is good value
- Conditions lashes during wear
Cons
- Adds an extra step to routine
- White primer needs full mascara coverage
- Two-pack may dry out before finishing
Best for: Classic Voluminous volume in the iconic black shade
Runner-UpL'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara, Black 305
- Original Voluminous volume-building formula
- Black 305 classic shade
- Volume Maximizing Brush
- Clump-resistant application
Pros
- Legendary volume at a drugstore price
- Builds without major clumping
- Widely repurchased classic
Cons
- Not waterproof, can smudge on oily lids
- Thick formula takes practice
- Needs makeup remover for full removal
Why primer changes everything
Mascara primer is the step most people skip and the one that makes the biggest difference for fine lashes. The Voluminous Lash Boosting Primer coats each lash in a lightweight conditioning base that the mascara then grips, which means more product adheres per lash and the volume builds faster with fewer coats. It also contains conditioning ingredients that keep lashes flexible, so the layered result looks thick rather than crispy. Apply one coat of primer, let it set for about 30 seconds until tacky but not wet, then apply mascara immediately. The 2-pack format makes sense because primer gets used up faster than mascara when you apply it daily, and having a backup avoids the mid-week discovery that you are out.
The original Voluminous formula
Voluminous Original in Black 305 is the mascara that built L'Oreal's lash reputation, and it remains a top seller for good reason. The Volume Maximizing Brush has dense bristles that load a lot of product, and the thick creamy formula builds fast, which is exactly what you want for a superstar effect. Two coats give most people dramatically thicker lashes, and the black 305 shade is a true deep black that defines the lash line. The formula is clump-resistant when applied with a light hand, though the thickness means you should wipe excess off the wand before the first coat. It is not waterproof, so it removes easily but can smudge on very oily lids by late afternoon.
Layering technique for maximum volume
The order and timing of your layers determine whether you get lush volume or spidery clumps. Start with curled lashes, as mascara holds a curl far better than it creates one. Apply primer to the upper lashes only, wiggling at the base to deposit product at the roots where volume matters most. While the primer is still tacky, apply the first coat of mascara with the same wiggle-and-pull motion, then immediately apply a second coat before the first fully dries, since layering wet-on-wet prevents the crispy separated look. For lower lashes, skip the primer and use one light coat of mascara to avoid smudging. The whole routine adds about 60 seconds to your makeup and roughly doubles the visible volume.
Preventing clumps and flakes
Clumps happen when too much product meets too little separation, and the thick Voluminous formula is unforgiving of heavy-handed application. The fixes are simple: wipe the wand on the tube rim before each coat, work one eye at a time so product does not dry between coats, and keep a clean spoolie handy to comb through lashes while the second coat is still wet. If you still get clumps, you are likely using too many coats; two well-applied coats beat four rushed ones. Flaking usually means the mascara is old, since volumizing formulas thicken with air exposure over two to three months. Replace your tube quarterly, and never pump the wand, which forces air in and accelerates drying.
Washable versus waterproof
The washable versions of these products remove with soap and water or regular makeup remover, which is gentler on lashes and faster at night. They suit normal days, office wear, and anyone whose eyes water occasionally. Waterproof formulas survive tears, humidity, and workouts without smudging, but they require oil-based remover and more rubbing, which stresses lashes over time. For the Superstar line specifically, most users prefer washable for daily volume and reserve waterproof for events, weddings, or summer days. If your lashes are straight and refuse to hold a curl, waterproof formulas do hold curl better, which is the one functional reason to choose them daily.
Value and how long tubes last
A single tube of mascara lasts about three months with daily use before the formula thickens and the hygiene window closes. The primer 2-pack stretches further because you use less per application, typically lasting four to five months for both tubes. At drugstore prices, the primer-plus-mascara system costs less per month than a single prestige mascara, which makes it one of the best value volume routines available. Buy the primer in the 2-pack to avoid reordering, and replace mascara on a schedule rather than waiting for it to dry out, since old mascara is the top cause of both clumps and eye irritation.
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 loreal superstar 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
You do not have to, but primer noticeably increases volume, especially on fine or short lashes. It gives the mascara more to grip and conditions lashes so layered coats stay flexible. If your lashes are already thick, mascara alone may be enough. Try the combination for a week and compare; most people do not go back.
Wipe excess off the wand, apply two coats wet-on-wet rather than four dry layers, and comb through with a clean spoolie while the second coat is still damp. Replace the tube every three months, since thickened old formula is the main clump culprit.
The washable formulas are ophthalmologist tested and generally well tolerated, but any volumizing mascara with fibers or thickening agents can irritate very sensitive eyes. If your eyes water easily, patch test on lower lashes first and remove thoroughly every night.
Yes, the washable formula is suitable for contact lens wearers. Insert lenses before applying makeup and remove them before taking makeup off to avoid trapping fibers or remover under the lens. Waterproof versions are also lens-safe but need oil remover, so be extra careful at removal.
Use a dedicated eye makeup remover or micellar water on a cotton pad, hold it against closed lashes for 20 seconds to dissolve the layers, then wipe gently downward. Avoid harsh rubbing, which breaks lashes. The washable formula should come off cleanly in one or two passes.