Beauty Maybelline Falsies Face-Off: Lash Lift vs Volum Express
Lash Lift and Volum Express both promise falsies lashes, but they get there with different brushes and formulas.
| Factor | Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Washabl | Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Washabl |
|---|---|---|
| Main benefit | Lifts and curls lashes from the root | Builds bold volume and thickness |
| Brush design | Double-curved lifting brush | Spoon brush that scoops lashes up |
| Best for straight lashes | Yes, curl holds all day | Less lift, more density |
| Best for sparse lashes | Length without much thickness | Kera-fiber fills gaps fast |
| Price range | About eight to nine dollars | About five to seventeen dollars |
Our Verdict
Lash Lift in Very Black wins for most buyers because lift flatters every eye shape and the formula resists clumps. Choose Volum Express if your lashes are sparse and you crave thickness, or grab the waterproof two-pack for summer.
More Top Picks in This Category
Not sold on either of these two? Here are more bestselling options worth considering.
Best for: A flared, winged lash look on a budget.
Maybelline Volum Express Falsies Push Up Angel Washable Mascara, Blackest Black
- Push-up wing brush shape
- Sweeps lashes outward for wings
- Styling formula holds the lift
- Washable, soap-and-water removal
Pros
- Winged lash effect from a tube
- Cheapest in the Falsies family
- Holds the curl all day
Cons
- Wing effect needs practice
- Formula dries fast in tube
- Not waterproof
Best for: Classic falsies volume for everyday wear.
Maybelline Volum Express Falsies Volumizing Washable Mascara, Blackest Black
- Patented spoon brush
- Kera-fiber volume formula
- Up to 8x more volume claim
- Flexible wand lifts and separates
Pros
- Classic volume at a low price
- Separates without clumping
- Great for lower lashes too
Cons
- Older formula, less lift
- Can flake by evening
- Brush picks up a lot of product
Best for: Humid climates and long wedding days.
Maybelline Volum Express Falsies Volumizing Waterproof Mascara, Very Black, 2 Count
- Waterproof falsies volume
- Two-tube value pack
- Spoon brush plus kera-fiber
- Contact lens safe
Pros
- Survives humidity and tears
- Two tubes cut the per-unit cost
- Same volume as the classic
Cons
- Needs oil remover to take off
- Heavier feel than washable
- Can dry lashes with daily use
Want the Full Picture?
Falsies Lash Lift vs Volum' Express: Which Falsies for Which Lashes
The Falsies line splits by lash goal, and the picks above cover both sides. Lash Lift is the length-and-curl formula: it grabs the lashes and holds the curl, suiting straight lashes that need lift more than thickness. Volum' Express is the thickness formula: it builds dramatic volume, suiting sparse lashes that need fullness. The Push Up Angel variant adds the winged brush for outer-corner emphasis. The lash-type matching: short straight lashes take Lash Lift; sparse thin lashes take Volum' Express; already-long lashes take either lightly to avoid the spidery overload. The waterproof question within the line: waterproof versions hold curl better on straight lashes but cost more lashes at removal; choose waterproof for humid days and events, washable for daily wear. Layering the two is the advanced move: Lash Lift first for the curl foundation, Volum' Express over it for the fullness; the combination delivers the falsies effect the line is named for. For the volumizing mascara category broadly, the Wonderlash guide covers wands and formulas for volume.
Mascara on Hooded Lids: Transfer Prevention
Hooded lids are mascara's hardest test, because the lash tips touch the lid with every blink. The transfer prevention system: curl lashes thoroughly so the tips point up and away from the lid; apply mascara focusing on the roots and mid-lash, keeping product off the very tips where contact happens; choose tubing or waterproof formulas that resist the moisture and oil of the lid fold; and set the lid crease area with a light dusting of translucent powder to absorb the oils that dissolve mascara. The formula ranking for hooded lids: tubing first, waterproof second, water-resistant third, regular last; regular mascara on hooded lids transfers within hours regardless of brand. The upper waterline tightlining trick helps too: filling between the upper lashes with liner reduces the mascara needed at the roots, which reduces the product available to transfer. Lower lashes on hooded eyes: skip mascara or use a dedicated lower-lash formula sparingly, because lower-lash transfer onto the under-eye is the second failure mode. Check the lid fold at midday the first few wears; the transfer pattern shows exactly where to adjust. For the tubing solution specifically, the Glossier Lash Slick guide explains why tubing never transfers.
Mascara Hygiene: Beyond the 3-Month Rule
Replace every 3 months is the whole of most mascara hygiene advice, but the details matter more. The pumping problem: pumping the wand introduces air that dries the formula and bacteria that contaminate it; instead, swirl the wand gently inside the tube. The sharing rule is absolute: never share mascara, because eye infections transmit directly through the wand; this includes testers in stores, which are bacterially notorious. Signs of contamination before the 3-month mark: a change in smell toward chemical or sour, a change in texture toward clumpy or dried, and any eye irritation or stye after use; discard immediately on any of these, not at the calendar date. The contact lens angle: apply mascara after lens insertion, use tubing or low-flake formulas to avoid particles under lenses, and discard at the first sign of flaking increase. Travel and heat: mascara left in hot cars degrades faster; the formula breaks down and the bacterial risk rises. The 3-month clock starts at opening, not purchase; an unopened tube stored cool stays good until the printed date. For sensitive eyes that react to preservatives, the Clinique Rimmel guide covers mascara tips formulated for reactive eyes.