Beauty Best L'Oreal Voluminous Mascaras: Top 4 Compared and Ranked
The L'Oreal Voluminous line is one of the longest-running mascara franchises in the drugstore, and its staying power comes from a simple truth: different lashes need different wands. Over the years L'Oreal has built the Voluminous name into a family of mascaras that share volumizing DNA but diverge in brush design and finish. This guide covers the four most-searched members: the Original in Waterproof Carbon Black, Miss Manga in Blackest Black, Feline in Black, and the newer Panorama in Blackest Black.
The Original is the benchmark everything else is measured against. Its classic volume-building brush and rich Carbon Black pigment deliver the thick, dark fringe that made the line famous, and the waterproof version survives humidity, tears, and long days. It is the safe pick when you want proven performance without thinking about it. Miss Manga takes the same volumizing idea in a stylized direction: its cone-shaped brush builds a spiky, doll-like lash with extra emphasis on the outer corners, for the wide-eyed manga look.
Feline is the cat-eye specialist. Its curved panther brush pushes lashes outward and upward, creating a winged, eyeliner-adjacent effect that elongates the eye. It is the pick for anyone who wants their mascara to do the work of a subtle wing. Panorama is the newest of the four, with a multi-level bristle brush designed to coat every lash from inner to outer corner for a fanned, panoramic effect with serious length. If your lashes are short or straight, Panorama length is the most noticeable upgrade.
In this guide, we review all four mascaras in detail, compare them brush to brush, and walk through the buying criteria that matter: brush design, formula behavior, waterproof versus washable, lash-type matching, and technique. We also keep it honest about clumping, flaking, and removal, because every mascara has trade-offs.
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 Original Mascara, Waterproof, Carbon Black Volume-building brush designed to thicken lashes up to 5x.
- L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara, Blackest Black Cone-shaped Mega Impact brush reaches inner and outer corners.
- L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Feline Mascara, Black Panther brush with a curved shape for an eyeliner-like effect.
Full reviews and comparisons below.
On This Page
Our Top Picks
Best for: Classic volumized lashes that survive the day
#1 Best OverallL'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara, Waterproof, Carbon Black
- Volume-building brush designed to thicken lashes up to 5x
- Waterproof formula holds up in humidity, sweat, and tears
- Carbon Black shade for maximum lash intensity
- Washable versions of the line exist if waterproof is too stubborn
Pros
- One of the most repurchased drugstore mascaras for a reason
- Builds real volume without needing a lash primer first
- Waterproof version stays put through long, humid days
Cons
- Waterproof formula needs an oil-based remover at night
- Can clump if you pump the wand or layer too many coats
- Tube dries out faster once the waterproof seal is broken
Best for: Doll-like top-lash drama with a manga-inspired look
Runner-UpL'Oreal Paris Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara, Blackest Black
- Cone-shaped Mega Impact brush reaches inner and outer corners
- Blackest Black pigment for intense definition
- Formula designed for a fanned, wide-eyed effect
- Part of the long-running Voluminous mascara family
Pros
- Cone brush grabs tiny corner lashes other wands miss
- Creates that spiky, separated manga lash aesthetic easily
- Deep black color photographs well for nights out
Cons
- Spiky look is a specific style, not an everyday natural lash
- Can feel drier in the tube than the Original formula
- Needs careful removal to avoid rubbing delicate lashes
Best for: A cat-eye lash look with length and thickness
Best ValueL'Oreal Paris Voluminous Feline Mascara, Black
- Panther brush with a curved shape for an eyeliner-like effect
- Lengthening and thickening formula in one pass
- Black shade keeps the look sharp rather than soft
- Designed to wing lashes outward like a feline eye
Pros
- Curved brush naturally pushes lashes outward for a lifted look
- Gives eyeliner-adjacent definition without actual liner
- Works well on straight lashes that need a curl illusion
Cons
- Curved brush takes a few uses to master the angle
- Less ideal if you prefer a straight, even lash fringe
- Formula can transfer to lids on very oily skin by evening
Best for: Corner-to-corner fanned lashes with panoramic length
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Panorama Mascara, Blackest Black
- Multi-level bristle brush coats lashes from corner to corner
- Panoramic effect formula for length plus volume
- Blackest Black shade for high-contrast definition
- One of the newer Voluminous line extensions
Pros
- Brush design separates while it volumizes, fewer clumps
- Length is noticeable even on short, straight lashes
- Holds a curl better than some older Voluminous versions
Cons
- Slightly pricier than the Original in the same line
- Multi-level brush can deposit too much at the base if rushed
- Availability and shade range vary by retailer
Brush design and what it does to lashes
In mascara, the brush is the product as much as the formula, and the four Voluminous wands could not be more different. The Original uses a classic full, dense bristle brush that deposits a lot of product quickly, which is why it builds volume fast but can clump if you overwork it. Miss Manga uses a cone-shaped brush, narrow at the tip and wide at the base, which lets you reach tiny inner-corner lashes with the tip while the base bulks up the outer lashes for that doll-like flare. Feline uses a curved brush that mirrors the lash line, pushing lashes outward as you sweep, which creates the winged cat-eye effect without any eyeliner skill. Panorama uses a multi-level bristle brush with staggered bristle lengths that catch lashes at different heights, separating while coating for a fanned look. The practical lesson is to match the brush to your goal: bulk with the Original, stylized flare with Miss Manga, winged lift with Feline, and separated length with Panorama. If you have tried one Voluminous and disliked it, the brush was probably the issue, not the brand.
Formula behavior: volume, length, and clumping
All four formulas aim for volume, but they distribute it differently. The Original is the thickest and most building, giving up to 5x fuller-looking lashes in the classic claim, and it layers well for evening intensity. Miss Manga has a slightly drier, more defining formula that supports the spiky separated aesthetic rather than a solid fringe. Feline balances length and thickness to keep the cat-eye look sharp rather than chunky. Panorama leans most toward length, with a formula designed to extend the lash tip visibly. Clumping risk tracks with how wet and how much product the brush deposits: the Original clumps most if you pump the wand or apply many coats, while Panorama separates best. A useful habit for all four is to wipe excess off the wand on the tube rim before applying, and to work one eye at a time so the first coat does not dry before the second. No drugstore mascara is clump-proof, but technique closes most of the gap.
Waterproof versus washable formulas
The Original is covered here in its Waterproof Carbon Black version, which holds through humidity, sweat, tears, and even swimming, but demands an oil-based or dual-phase remover at night. Waterproof formulas also tend to hold a curl better, since they resist the moisture that droops curled lashes. The trade-off is removal effort and potential lash stress from rubbing, plus waterproof tubes dry out faster once opened. Miss Manga, Feline, and Panorama are covered here in their standard washable forms, which come off with warm water and cleanser or micellar water and are kinder to lashes with daily use. If your lashes are straight and refuse to hold a curl, waterproof is worth the removal hassle. If you wear mascara daily and prioritize lash health, washable wins. Never sleep in any mascara, waterproof or not, since dried product makes lashes brittle and prone to breakage. Choose based on your climate, your lash shape, and how much removal effort you tolerate nightly.
Matching mascara to your lash type
Lash type determines which Voluminous works best, and mismatches explain most bad reviews. Short, sparse lashes need the building power of the Original or the length of Panorama; Miss Mangas spiky look can expose sparseness rather than hide it. Long but fine lashes do well with Panorama separation or Feline definition, since heavy volume can overwhelm them. Straight, downward-pointing lashes benefit most from waterproof Original, which holds a curl, plus a lash curler used before application. Thick, dense lashes that just need darkness can use any of the four, with Feline giving the most interesting shape. Small eyes suit Miss Mangas corner-reaching cone, while the Originals big brush can feel clumsy on them. Hooded eyes do well with Feline, since the outward wing opens the eye, but should avoid overloading the lower lashes, which transfers. When in doubt, Panorama is the most forgiving all-rounder across lash types. When uncertain, Panorama forgives the widest range of lash types.
Application technique for clump-free volume
Technique separates good mascara days from spider-lash days. Start with clean, dry lashes and curl first if you curl, since curling after mascara breaks lashes. Wipe excess product off the wand, then apply with the brush at the base of the lashes, wiggling side to side to deposit product at the roots where volume reads most. Pull straight through to the tips in one smooth motion rather than pumping repeatedly, which introduces air and dries the tube. Apply the second coat while the first is still slightly tacky, not fully dry, to avoid a crunchy layered look. For lower lashes, use the tip of the wand with a light hand or skip them for a cleaner look. If clumps form, a clean spoolie combed through while wet separates lashes instantly. Let each coat set for thirty seconds before blinking hard to prevent transfer to the lids. Slow, deliberate strokes always beat rushed, repeated pumping.
Wear time, flaking, and smudging
All four Voluminous mascaras are designed for all-day wear, but they fail in different ways. The waterproof Original rarely smudges but can flake slightly as the day wears on if applied too thickly. Miss Manga and Feline can transfer to the lower lid on oily skin by evening, especially in heat; an eyeshadow primer on the lids or a light powder under the eyes prevents most of it. Panorama holds up well through a normal day with minimal flaking reported. None of them are tear-proof except the waterproof Original, so emotional days call for that one. To check your personal wear, apply in the morning and inspect at the six-hour mark: flaking means too much product, smudging means oils are breaking the formula down. A lash primer underneath can extend wear for all four, though it adds a step. Remove thoroughly every night, since leftover mascara is the top cause of lash breakage and eye irritation.
Price and value for money
The Voluminous line is priced for experimentation: the Original around eight dollars, Miss Manga and Feline around nine, and Panorama around eleven. At these prices, owning two for different occasions costs less than a single prestige mascara, which is the smart way to shop the line. The Original is the value king, delivering the most proven performance per dollar and frequently discounted in multipacks. Panorama costs a bit more as the newer formula, and the premium is fair if length is your priority. Mascara has a short life: replace every three months once opened, since old mascara harbors bacteria and performs worse as it dries. Buying in bulk only saves money if you will actually use the tubes within their window. For the budget buyer, start with the Original; for the curious, add the one whose brush matches your lash goal. Watch for drugstore sales and multipacks, which regularly drop the per-tube cost even further.
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 rimel loreal voluminous 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
There is no single best, only the best for your lashes and goal. The Original is the best all-rounder for classic volume and the safest blind buy. Panorama is best for length and separation, especially on short or straight lashes. Miss Manga is best for a stylized, doll-like spiky lash. Feline is best for a cat-eye winged effect. If you can only buy one, choose the Original for volume or Panorama for length, since those cover the most common goals. Matching the brush to your lash type matters more than any ranking. Your lash type and desired finish narrow the choice faster than any ranking can.
The difference is mostly the brush and the intended look. The Original uses a classic dense brush for a thick, full fringe, while Miss Manga uses a cone-shaped brush designed to create separated, spiky, doll-like lashes with emphasis on the outer corners. The Original builds more uniform volume; Miss Manga gives a more stylized, wide-eyed effect. Formula-wise, Miss Manga runs slightly drier for definition. Choose the Original for everyday fullness and Miss Manga when you want a noticeable lash style. Swatch the wands side by side if you can: the brush shapes tell you more than any description about which look each one creates.
It depends on the version. The Original comes in both washable and waterproof formulas; this guide covers the Waterproof Carbon Black, which resists water, sweat, and humidity. Miss Manga, Feline, and Panorama are typically sold in washable formulas that remove with cleanser and water. Waterproof holds curl better and survives tears, but needs oil-based remover and can stress lashes with daily use. Check the tube carefully when buying, since packaging looks similar across versions. Read the tube front carefully at purchase, since the packaging across versions looks nearly identical and grabbing the wrong one is a common mistake. When in doubt, check the front of the tube before you buy.
It can, like any volumizing mascara, but clumping is mostly technique-driven. The Original clumps most when you pump the wand, which pushes air into the tube, or when you layer many coats. Prevent it by wiping excess off the wand, wiggling at the base instead of globbing mid-lash, and combing through with a clean spoolie while wet. Panorama clumps least thanks to its separating multi-level brush. Replace any mascara after three months, since dried-out formula clumps far more than fresh product. Fresh product plus the wipe-and-wiggle technique prevents the vast majority of clumping complaints. Technique plus fresh product solves nearly every clumping complaint.
Start with an eyelid primer or light powder if your lids get oily, since lid oils are the main cause of smudging. Let each coat set for about thirty seconds before blinking fully. Avoid applying heavy lower-lash coats if you are prone to transfer. In heat or humidity, the waterproof Original is the reliable choice. At night, remove fully with an appropriate remover rather than sleeping in it, which causes next-day flaking and lash damage. A lash primer underneath can also lock the mascara in place longer. Keeping blotting papers handy for midday touch-ups beats layering more mascara over smudged product.
Every three months after opening, without exception. Mascara is the eye product most prone to bacterial contamination because the wand goes back into the dark, moist tube after touching lashes. Old mascara also performs worse: it dries out, clumps more, and flakes sooner. If it ever smells unusual or the texture changes, discard it immediately regardless of age. Never share mascara, and do not pump the wand, which forces air and bacteria into the tube. Mark the open date on the tube with a sticker so you do not have to guess. Treat the three-month rule as non-negotiable for eye health.