Mascara Wand Types: Volume Mascara, Lengthening Mascara, and More

Tell us if this sounds familiar. You’ve just finished blending out your eyeshadow and reach for your trusty mascara to complete your eye makeup look. You carefully place the wand at the base of your lashes and sweep upward, expecting length and definition—but end up with clumpy lashes instead. If this happens frequently, the issue might not be your application technique; it could be the wand you’re using. Not all mascara brushes are designed the same, and their shapes can affect how the formula applies and the results you get. The wand you’ll get with a volume mascara may look (and perform) quite differently from one made for lengthening or defining the lashes. Choosing the right wand shape for your lash goals can help you get the results you want.

Ahead, we’ll break down different types of mascara wands and their benefits, explain when to use each one, and share some of our favorite L’Oréal Paris mascaras for volume, length, definition, and more.

What Does Mascara Do?

Mascara is designed to enhance the appearance of your eyelashes by adding color, thickness, length, definition, or a combination of these effects. Its results come from the interaction between two key components: the mascara formula and the eyelash brush (typically referred to as a mascara wand). The formula coats individual lashes with product, while the brush picks up and distributes that product across your eyelashes.

The formula’s role is to deposit product onto the lashes and create the desired effect. Depending on the formula, mascara can make lashes look thicker and fuller, add the appearance of length, or provide more definition. Some formulas are also designed to be buildable, allowing you to apply additional coats for a more intense effect.

The brush’s role is to control how the formula is distributed. The wand determines how much product is picked up and deposited, while the bristles help coat lashes from root to tip. Factors such as bristle size, bristle density, and wand shape can affect how evenly the formula distributes across the lash fringe and how well individual lashes separate. That’s why the wand can be just as important as the formula when choosing a mascara for your desired lash look.

What Are The Different Types of Mascara Brushes?

There are several different mascara wand shapes, each designed to help create a specific lash effect. From full brushes that deposit plenty of product to skinny wands that target individual lashes, each type can help you achieve a different lash look. Here’s a quick breakdown of different mascara wands and what they do:

Classic mascara brush

Standard mascara brushes feature a straight mascara wand and brush with medium bristles arranged evenly around the end of the wand. The balanced brush—not too long, not too short—picks up and deposits mascara easily for even, one-swipe coverage.

Why it works: Medium-length bristles pick up and deposit just the right amount of mascara to add length and volume without making your lashes appear clumpy or overloaded.

Jumbo mascara brush

Jumbo mascara brushes feature a large, full brush with densely packed bristles. The larger surface area picks up and deposits more mascara across the lashes, helping build visible volume and thickness in fewer swipes.

Why it works: Dense bristles coat lashes with plenty of product to create a fuller, more dramatic look, making this brush shape well suited for volume mascara.

Skinny mascara brush

Skinny mascara brushes feature a narrow, uniform shape with bristles evenly spaced around the wand. The slim brush reaches individual lashes and distributes mascara from root to tip for precise, even coverage.

Why it works: The narrow shape helps coat and define individual lashes without adding too much bulk, making it a good match for lengthening mascara.

Tapered mascara brush

Tapered mascara brushes are wider at the base and gradually narrow toward the tip. The wider end coats multiple lashes at once, while the tapered tip reaches shorter lashes along the inner and outer corners.

Why it works: The varying brush widths make it easier to coat lashes from corner to corner, which is why this shape is often paired with hybrid formulas for length and definition.

Curved mascara brush

Curved mascara brushes feature bristles arranged along an arc rather than a straight line. The curved shape follows the natural line of the lashes as you apply mascara, helping coat and lift them upward.

Why it works: The shape helps enhance the appearance of curled lashes and is often paired with hybrid formulas that provide length and definition.

Mascara comb

Comb mascara brushes feature short, spaced bristles or teeth arranged along the wand. The spaces between the bristles help distribute mascara across individual lashes while keeping them separated.

Why it works: The comb-like design helps prevent lashes from sticking together, making it especially well suited to lengthening mascaras that emphasize separation and definition.

Which L’Oréal Paris Mascara Is Right For Your Lash Goals?

The right mascara depends on your lash goals, whether you want to build volume, add length, or create separation and definition. Below, we’ve rounded up some of our top picks for different lash needs to help you find the formula and wand that best suit your desired look.

L’Oréal Paris Big Deal Buildable Waterproof Mascara

If you like to switch up your lash look regularly, this mascara deserves a spot in your rotation. It features a lightweight, buildable formula that layers beautifully, so you can make your lashes as subtle—or as bold—as you’d like. A few swipes create soft, natural-looking length and volume, but you can apply up to 30 coats for a bold (yet clump-free!) lash look. There’s also a washable version, too.

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Mascara

This classic volume mascara boasts a thick, dense brush that captures every lash to create soft, natural-looking volume from root to tip. When you apply it, wiggle the wand slightly back and forth at the root—this little trick helps create the illusion of thicker fringe without making your lashes look weighed down. Use a black or brown shade for a natural everyday lash look, or opt for one of the colored mascaras for a subtle, playful pop.

L’Oréal Paris Volume Liberté Volumizing Mascara

For bold, high-impact volume without the heavy feel, reach for this innovative mascara. One swipe delivers up to 800% more volume, while its serum-infused formula with vitamin B5 helps lashes feel soft, nourished, and conditioned. Plus, the tapered, S-shaped wand is designed to capture each and every lash, delivering root-to-tip coverage without clumping or flaking. The unique click-to-open packaging is another bonus: Unlike traditional mascaras, which you need to twist to open, this one opens (and closes) with just a click. Press the gold button on the front of the tube to open. When you’re done using the mascara, slide the wand back into the tube and press to create a mess-free, airtight seal.

L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Lengthening Mascara

If precision is what you’re after, the Telescopic Original Mascara is a great option. Its flexible silicone wand features two rows of precision hooks that help coat and separate individual lashes, adding noticeable length without making lashes look clumpy. The formula also provides up to 24 hours of smudge-proof wear, making it a reliable choice when you want your eye makeup to stay put.

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara

For corner-to-corner volume and a wide-eyed look, reach for this beloved mascara. Its softly tapered wand helps capture even the smallest lashes for a fanned-out effect, making eyes appear up to 1.4 times larger with a single coat. We love the washable formula for its easy removal, but there’s also a waterproof version for even more durable wear.

L’Oréal Paris Extensionist Mascara

If you like the look of lash extensions but not the upkeep, this lengthening mascara is worth adding to your makeup bag. Its formula combines lengthening fibers and magnetic pigments to create dramatic-looking length with up to 24 hours of smudge- and flake-resistant wear. The unique wand features a curved side to lift and curl lashes and a straight comb to separate them, with more than 300 bristles working together to coat, lift, and define every lash for an extension-like effect. And, before you ask, yes—there’s a waterproof version, too.

How To Apply Mascara Correctly

Whether you’re using a volume mascara or a lengthening formula, the basic application process remains more or less the same. Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps you’ll want to take to ensure flawless-looking fringe every time.

1. Start with clean, dry lashes

Make sure your lashes are clean and free of leftover makeup, oil, or skincare before applying mascara. If you usually use an eyelash curler, curl your lashes before applying mascara.

2. Place the mascara brush at the roots

Next, position the mascara wand as close to the roots of your upper lashes as you comfortably can, holding it horizontally. Starting at the base helps distribute product along the full length of the lashes rather than concentrating it at the tips.

3. Sweep from root to tip

Using a controlled upward motion, sweep the wand from the roots toward the tips of your lashes. Continue across your fringe, taking care to coat the lashes as evenly as possible.

4. Add a second coat

If you want more volume, length, or intensity, apply additional coats according to the product’s directions. Allow each coat to set as directed before layering to help maintain even, clump-free coverage.

5. Use the tip for hard-to-reach areas

Use the tip of the wand to reach smaller lashes in the inner and outer corners or along the lower lash line, when appropriate. A tapered or precision wand can make it easier to target these areas without applying excess product.

How To Avoid Clumpy Mascara

Clumping can happen when too much product builds up on the lashes or when the lashes aren’t sufficiently separated during application. A few simple adjustments can help you get a smoother, more defined finish.

• Avoid overloading your lashes: Start with an even amount of mascara on the brush, and wipe away excess product if the wand comes out heavily coated.
• Apply thin coats: Rather than adding several layers at once, build intensity gradually and apply thin, even layers. This can help prevent excess product from accumulating on the lashes.
• Distribute the formula evenly: Use the brush to work the mascara through the full length of your lashes instead of repeatedly depositing product in the same area.
• Focus on separation as you apply: Pay attention to whether individual lashes are sticking together as you coat them. A comb-style or separating brush can help distribute product between lashes and create a more defined look.
• Follow the product directions: Different formulas have different layering recommendations, so check the individual mascara’s instructions before adding additional coats.
• Use the right formula for your goals: If you’re after thick, full lashes, use a volume mascara rather than applying several coats of a lengthening formula. A volumizing formula can help visibly thicken your lashes in one coat, while a lengthening formula may take several. The same applies in reverse: If you want longer lashes, use a dedicated lengthening mascara rather than one designed to thicken your fringe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mascara

What type of mascara wand is best?

Different mascara wands serve different purposes, so no single wand is “best.” Skinny mascara brushes are great for precision and definition; thicker brushes can help add volume; and comb brushes help separate the lashes for a more natural look. Choose whichever suits your needs best.

What is the best volumizing mascara I can buy at a drugstore?

If you’re looking for an affordable volumizing mascara you can get at the drugstore, we recommend the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara. It delivers dramatic, corner-to-corner volume to help create fanned-out lash looks. The classic L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Mascara is also an excellent choice, and it comes in several shades, including black, brown, and burgundy. Finally, for dramatic volume, try the L’Oréal Paris Volume Liberté Volumizing Mascara, which leaves lashes looking up to 800% more voluminous.

What is the best lengthening drugstore mascara?

Our favorite affordable drugstore mascara for length is the L’Oréal Paris Extensionist Mascara. It provides intense length, bringing your lashes up to five millimeters closer to your brows for an extension-like effect without the pricey salon appointment.

Next Up: Our 7 Best Waterproof Mascaras That Don’t Smudge or Budge

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris