How to Get Thicker Eyelashes with Volumising Mascara

There’s something undeniably captivating about thick, voluminous lashes – they frame your eyes and emphasise your natural beauty. If you’ve ever wondered how to get thicker eyelashes, the secret lies in the right mascara formula – and your technique.

When it comes to mascara, there are a plethora of styles to help you enhance your eyes’ appearance and achieve the lash volume you have in mind. One of the most coveted mascara varieties is volumising mascara, which works by thickening lashes and adding intense volume.

Below, learn how to make your lashes thicker and avoid common mistakes that can affect fullness.

What makes eyelashes look thicker and fuller?

Thick, full lashes begin at the root – and while natural density and length do play a role, this can be easily enhanced. The volume of your lashes is shaped by the lift, curl and definition of each lash, which can look dramatically fuller with a quality mascara.

“Mascara has the power to completely elevate your look,” says Lara Srokowski, Beauty Director and lash expert. A nourishing formula not only adds beautiful volume and definition instantly – it also helps to keep your lashes soft, healthy and resilient.”

A volumising mascara coats the entirety of each lash, building density without clumping. And when learning how to get thicker eyelashes, it’s about a combination of lash care and using effective beauty products.

How to make your lashes thicker with mascara: A step-by-step guide

Your voluminous lash journey starts by finding the best mascara and then mastering the art using it. With the right formula and technique, you can easily build lash density and definition.

Ahead, learn how to make lashes thicker with confidence, in five easy steps.

Step 1: Choose the right volumising mascara formula

The best volumising mascaras lift, separate and build the body of your lashes, without weighing them down. Look for formulas enriched with conditioning agents and waxes that add plushness while maintaining flexibility.

Our Hypnôse Volumising & Non-Clumping Mascara is formulated with emollient waxes to coat each lash evenly. Another fantastic option is the Le 8 Hypnôse Mascara, an innovative product that features active black balm and a variety of amino acids to deliver full-bodied volume and support lash care.

Step 2: Select the right wand shape for volume

When learning how to get thicker lashes, your wand plays as much of a role as your formula. A well-designed brush defines, separates and enhances each lash.

Both curved and straight wand designs are powerful tools for elevating volume. Fuller wands distribute mascara evenly while building intensity with each sweep. Lancôme’s Hypnôse Drama Mascara features a curvaceous, oversized brush that follows the natural shape your lashes – hugging the lash line to coat and amplify evenly.

Step 3: Use a lash curler first

Simple steps make a difference when building effective lash routines. Before reaching for your mascara, give your lashes a gentle curl. This will improve lash length by shaping them upwards and outwards. It also stops rogue lashes from pointing in a different direction to the rest.

To do this, position your lash curler close to your lash line and press lightly for a few seconds. This gently repositions your lashes so your mascara wand can evenly distribute product and add more volume.

Step 4: Opt for a lash primer

A lash primer is designed to maximise colour and encourage length and volume across each lash. It also helps reduce the chance of clumping or smudging once you apply your mascara.

For an extra volumising boost, coat your lashes with the Cils Booster XL Mascara Lash Primer. Its light, silky formula is an excellent match for all lashes, adding visible length and definition from root to tip.

Step 5: Apply in layers with the wiggle-and-pull method

The wiggle-and-pull method (sometimes called wiggle-and-drag) is an effective method when exploring how to make your lashes thicker. When applying mascara, use it to amplify fullness and prevent smudging.

To do this, position your mascara brush at the very base of your upper lashes and wiggle the wand from side to side while inching upwards. The movement allows more product to settle near the roots, while avoiding clumping and enhancing volume where your lashes are most sparse.

We recommend waiting around 20 to 30 seconds after you apply each layer to prevent clumping. And as for how many layers to apply, it’s your personal preference – though we’d suggest no more than three.

Step 6: Don’t forget the bottom lashes

Finish your look with some attention to your lower lashes – this provides symmetry and opens the eyes further, enhancing overall definition and volume. You can also apply your lash primer to your bottom lashes to intensify colour and length.

Use the tip of your mascara brush to lightly coat your lower lashes. Because these lashes are naturally thinner, apply less product and fewer layers to keep them smudge-free.

Common mascara mistakes that can stop you from achieving fuller lashes

As with all makeup, it’s the technique that elevates the result – and mascara is no different. If you’ve been wondering how to get fuller and longer eyelashes, read on to discover common mascara mistakes and what to do instead.

Layering too quickly: Applying multiple coats before the first has a chance to set can lead to unwanted clumping. Let each layer partially dry before building volume – this helps preserve definition and separation.
Skipping the base: Starting mid-lash and ignoring the roots can interfere with volume. Pressing the wand gently into the base and wiggling upwards creates lift and density along the length of each lash.
Using dry or old mascara: A formula past its prime loses both texture and performance. We recommend replacing your mascara every three months.
Reapplying over old product: Touching up lashes without removing old layers can lead to stiff, clumpy lashes. Always start with a clean lash line for the smoothest finish.
Neglecting lash curlers: Curling your lashes is fundamental when learning how to make lashes thicker. It instantly opens your eyes and boosts lift – especially for straight lashes.

How to care for your lashes for a naturally thicker look

Developing voluminous lashes begins with the right nourishment. Use the following tips to grow lashes stronger with proper care.

Remove makeup gently: Avoid rubbing or tugging – use a soft cotton pad and our Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover to dissolve mascara comfortably.

Nourish and condition: Apply a lash serum – such as the Lash Revitalizing Serum – to help strengthen and hydrate delicate lashes.

Avoid harsh contact: Resist the urge to rub your eyes, especially when tired or removing makeup. This can weaken your lashes and cause fallout.

Be consistent: Like skincare, lash care rewards consistency. A simple, daily routine can make a visible difference in how thick and full your lashes look.

Can you naturally grow thicker lashes?

Your eyelashes follow a natural cycle of growth, rest and renewal. Mastering how to grow thick lashes means supporting this process with care. This will encourage each lash to grow to its maximum length and volume.

A balanced diet, good hydration and plenty of sleep helps every part of your body. But for some extra care, you can also use lash serums for extra nourishment and protection. To take care of your lashes and general eye area, we recommend the Advanced Génifique Light-Pearl Eye Serum, which can help your lashes feel stronger.

Now that you know how to get thicker lashes, it’s time to complete the look with bright, refreshed eyes. Next, learn how to get rid of dark circles around your eyes.