Beauty Rimmel Thrill Seeker Guide: Length Plus Volume Mascaras
An educational guide from the Beauty AMZ research team. No hard sell, just what you need to know.
Why length plus volume is the holy grail
Mascara shoppers consistently rank length and volume as their top two desires, yet most formulas excel at one or the other. Lengthening mascaras use extending polymers and separating brushes to stretch lashes, but can look sparse. Volumizing mascaras use thickening waxes and dense brushes to multiply lashes, but can look stubby without length. The thrill-seeking category, exemplified by Rimmel Thrill Seeker, attempts the difficult dual: enough coating for volume plus enough extension and separation for length. Achieving both requires careful formulation, since the ingredients that thicken can also weigh down, counteracting length. The best dual-action mascaras, like our picks, solve this with hybrid brushes and balanced formulas that build without heaviness.
How dual-action mascara formulas work
Length-plus-volume formulas combine two ingredient systems. For volume, they use the standard volumizing toolkit: carnauba and paraffin waxes for body, film formers for adhesion, and high pigment loads for density. For length, they add extending polymers that form tiny tubes around lash tips, plus sometimes micro-fibers for physical extension. The brush must then manage this complex formula: dense enough to deposit volume, precise enough to separate for length. Lash Blast's oversized brush prioritizes the volume side of this equation, while Voluminous's classic curved brush balances both. Neither approach is wrong; they simply emphasize different aspects of the thrill-seeking ideal. Understanding this helps set expectations: no mascara truly doubles lash length, but the best create a convincing illusion through the combination of coating, extension, and curl.
The role of the eyelash curler
No discussion of maximum lashes is complete without the eyelash curler, the most underrated tool in makeup. Curling physically lifts lashes, exposing more of their length to both the eye and the mascara brush, which instantly makes lashes look longer and more voluminous. Studies and makeup artists agree that curled lashes can appear up to 50 percent longer than uncurled ones. For the best results, curl before mascara, positioning the curler at the base, squeezing gently, then walking it outward in two or three pulses. Heated curlers offer an alternative for stubbornly straight lashes. The combination of curled lashes plus a thrill-seeking mascara is what creates the truly dramatic results seen in advertisements, more than any single product alone.
Techniques for the boldest lashes
Beyond product choice, technique determines lash impact. After curling, apply mascara using the root-wiggle method: place the wand at the lash base, wiggle side to side to deposit volume where it matters, then pull through to the tips for length. Apply to the top of the upper lashes as well as underneath, since coating both sides multiplies the volume illusion. For the outer corners, hold the wand vertically and use the tip to build a winged, cat-eye fullness. Two coats is the sweet spot; the first builds the foundation, the second adds length to the tips. If you want even more drama, a thin coat of translucent powder on lashes between mascara coats adds grip for the second layer. Finish with a lash comb for separation if needed.
Caring for lashes under heavy mascara use
Bold daily mascara looks require diligent lash care to prevent damage. The heavier the application, the more important thorough removal becomes: use a dedicated eye makeup remover and gentle downward strokes, never harsh rubbing. Consider double cleansing on heavy mascara days. Replace thrill-seeking mascaras every three months without exception, since thick formulas dry out faster and old product causes the flaking and irritation that ruin the look. Take an occasional mascara-free day to let lashes recover, and consider a peptide lash serum if you wear bold mascara daily. Remember that healthy lashes are the foundation of every great lash look: no mascara, however advanced, can compensate for damaged, sparse lashes. Treat them well and they will reward you with the best possible canvas.
Recommended Products
These are the products our research team rates highest in this category.
Best for: Bold thrill-seeking lash volume
COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume Mascara 805 Black
- Maximum volume brush for multiplied lash effect
- True Black 805 shade for intense definition
- Zero-clump formula that separates while volumizing
- Cruelty-free Leaping Bunny certified
Pros
- Proven volumizing icon with huge reviews
- True black for maximum impact
- Excellent price point
Cons
- Large brush requires practice
- Not waterproof, may smudge on oily lids
Best for: Balanced length plus volume
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara Black Brown
- Volume Maximizing Brush for thick, full lashes
- Black Brown shade for refined definition
- Clump-free formula with panthenol and ceramides
- Washable easy-removal formula
Pros
- Excellent balance of length and volume
- Softer shade versatile for day to night
- Conditions lashes while volumizing
Cons
- Less raw volume than Lash Blast
- Classic brush less dramatic than oversized designs
Ready to Choose?
See our top product picks for rimmel thrill seeker, or jump straight to the head-to-head comparison of the two most popular options.