Volumising Mascara: How to Get Fuller-Looking Lashes
Quick answer: For fuller-looking lashes, choose a mascara that builds volume without clumping, apply it to clean, dry lashes, and wiggle the wand at the roots before sweeping to the tips. For the most dramatic result, a fibre mascara adds extra thickness and length. Thin Lizzy Max Lash Mascara uses 3D fibres to give a lash-extension look in seconds.
Mascara is the one product many women won't leave the house without. It frames your eyes, lifts your whole expression and makes a tired face look more awake. But lashes often become finer and sparser over the years, and a mascara that once gave plenty of oomph can start to look thin, flaky or clumpy. Here's how to choose a volumising mascara that suits your lashes, and how to apply it for the fullest-looking result.
Why Lashes Can Look Thinner Over Time
As we get older, lashes can become shorter, finer and lighter in colour, and there may simply be fewer of them along the lash line. Hooded lids can also hide the roots, which makes lashes look shorter than they are. A good volumising mascara coats every lash, adds thickness and helps lashes look darker and more defined, so your eyes look brighter.
What to Look for in a Volumising Mascara
- Buildable volume: a formula you can layer without it turning into clumps.
- Separation: a brush that coats each lash, including the short ones at the inner corners.
- Long wear: no smudging under the eyes or flakes on your cheeks by mid-afternoon.
- Light feel: heavy formulas can weigh fine lashes down and make them droop.
- Easy removal: less rubbing at the end of the day is kinder to delicate lashes.
What Is a Fibre Mascara?
A fibre mascara uses tiny fibres that cling to the mascara on your lashes, adding extra length and thickness. It usually comes as a two-step system: a coat of mascara, then a layer of fibres, sealed with a second coat of mascara. The result looks much more like lash extensions than a standard mascara can, and you control how dramatic it gets. On days when you want something simpler, you can just wear the mascara on its own.
Our Picks
Max Lash Mascara
Best for: fuller, longer-looking lashes with a lash-extension look.
Max Lash is a 3D fibre mascara system. Brush on the mascara, add the fibres, then seal with another coat of mascara to build lashes that look thicker and longer in seconds. Repeat the fibre step for extra drama, or wear the mascara alone for everyday definition.
- 3D fibre mascara system
- Build from natural to dramatic
- A lash-extension look without glue
Big N Bad Mascara
Best for: length and lift that stays put and washes off with warm water.
A precision brush separates and coats every lash, even the short ones at the inner corner and along the lower lash line. The silky, lightweight formula visibly lengthens, lifts and thickens with minimal clumping, and resists smudges and flakes through the day. At night it washes away with warm water.
- One coat for definition, two for drama
- Resists smudging and flaking
- Washes off with warm water
How to Apply Max Lash Mascara
- Start clean: make sure your lashes are clean and dry. Keep eye cream away from the lash line, as it can stop mascara gripping.
- Curl first (optional): if your lashes are straight, curl them before you apply any mascara.
- First coat: place the brush at the base of your lashes, wiggle it slightly and sweep up and out to the tips.
- Add the fibres: while the mascara is still wet, brush the fibres onto your lashes, concentrating on the tips.
- Seal: apply another coat of mascara to lock the fibres in place.
- Build if you like: repeat the fibre and mascara steps for a more dramatic look.
- Finish the corners: use the tip of the wand to catch the short lashes at the inner and outer corners.
To remove, use warm water and a gentle cleanser, pressing a warm, damp cloth over closed eyes for a few seconds to soften the mascara before wiping it away. Avoid tugging or rubbing.
Want to make even more of your eyes? See our guides on choosing eyeliner for your eye shape and how to apply magnetic eyelashes.
What Customers Say
"I love this set, it makes your lashes appear so long and full. Most of the time I just apply the first application without the fibres. If I want my lashes to appear more dramatic I apply the fibres. Very easy to use."
Kim H., verified customer (Max Lash Mascara)
"Works brilliantly. Makes my eyelashes look thicker and longer, love this mascara."
Louise T., verified customer (Max Lash Mascara)
"I am very happy with this mascara, it does absolutely what it claims and lasts the whole day!"
Margaret I., verified customer (Big N Bad Mascara)
Read all Max Lash Mascara reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best volumising mascara for thin lashes?
Look for a lightweight, buildable formula that separates lashes well. If you want maximum fullness, a fibre mascara such as Max Lash helps lashes look even thicker and longer.
How do I stop mascara clumping?
Wipe excess product off the wand, apply coats while the previous one is still slightly wet, and comb through with the wand as you go. Replace your mascara regularly, as old mascara dries out and clumps.
Can I wear a fibre mascara every day?
Yes. Many people wear the mascara alone during the week and add the fibres for special occasions.
How often should I replace my mascara?
Every three months is a good rule, or sooner if it starts to smell different or turns dry and flaky.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy mascara in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Farmers, Life Pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse and Unichem stores across New Zealand. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
Fuller-looking lashes come down to the right formula and a little technique: clean lashes, a wiggle at the roots and coats applied in quick succession. For the biggest, most extension-like look, try a fibre mascara.
