I don’t use a lot of drugstore makeup in my professional kit. I live in LA and the clients I work with expect name brands and luxury products when they sit down in my chair. However, there is one product that seems to be universally excluded from the high standards of Los Angeles, and that would beL’Oreal Voluminous Mascara.
This mascara has been in my kit since the beginning. When I was first starting out, most of the celebrity makeup artists that I assisted had a tube in their kit, which is what initially turned me onto the formula. 10 years later, L’Oreal is still one of the most consistently used products in both my professionalandpersonal kit.
L’OREAL VOLUMINOUS MASCARA REVIEW
When applying L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara, start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the wand left to right as you swipe up the lash.
VOLUMIZING
Personally, I want as much volume as I can get so I repeat this step 4-5 times while the mascara is still wet. This allows the product to build up, making lashes look super voluminous without appearing clumpy. L’Oreal claims that this mascara adds 5x the amount of volume to your lashes, but that seems a little bit exaggerated. I’d say it’s closer to 2-3x .
When I’m on set and I need a more natural look, I simply apply a few less coats and make sure to brush through the lashes for separation. It’s very versatile depending on the look you’re going for.
LENGTHENING
In the main shades, you have the option of either a straight wand or with a curved wand. I prefer the curved wand because I’ve found that it helps to lift the lashes while you build up product.
L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara not only adds volume but it also easily doubles the length of my lashes. I especially like using it on my lower lashes for a more dramatic look.
NO FLAKING
The formula is on the wetter side, which I like because it allows me to manipulate the lashes to look how I want them to, before fully drying. Once the mascara is dry, I have personally never had an issue with flaking or running.
On a few select clients over the years, I have seen the mascara run a little, and in that case I switch over to the waterproof version which eliminates the problem.
If you live in a very humid or hot climate, I do recommend the waterproof version as the regular version does start to transfer in extreme conditions.
COMFORTABLE
One of my favorite things about this mascara is that is keeps lashes soft.
I’ve recently been testing L’Oreal’sLash Paradise Mascara(which I’ve actually found gives more volume than the Voluminous Mascara) but it makes my lashes feel like they’re about to break off.
L’Oreal Voluminous adds volume and length while still feeling very comfortable for all-day wear.
L’OREAL VOLUMINOUS WATERPROOF FORMULA
Most of the traditional shades of L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara also come in a waterproof formula.I don’t notice a different in how the finished product looks when I use the waterproof version but it does feel a little drier, and I find it makes the lashes slightly more stiff.
As far as actually being waterproof, this mascara does not budge when it gets lightly wet in rain, snow or humidity. It does pretty good job of holding up in pools if you’re not underwater for long periods of time. If you’re using it in the ocean, it does start to run a little after extended exposure to the salt water.
The main reason I avoid the waterproof formula is because of how difficult is to remove. Bioderma is my go to makeup remover and it barely touches this stuff. I have to use oils to break it down which is a lot of work for everyday wear.
I don’t like waterproof mascara in general but there are instances where I do use it, and this is a good option.
RELATED POST: BIODERMA CREALINE // MY HOLY GRAIL MAKEUP REMOVER
COLOR RANGE
L’Oreal has created a broad variety of shades for this formula, ranging from the usual black and brown to more unique colors like blue and burgundy.
CLASSIC BLACK, CARBON BLACK & BLACKEST BLACK
Black mascara is a staple in most of our makeup kits, and L’Oreal has created 3 different shades of black to fit every level of drama anyone could possibly want.
Their classic Black shade is exactly what you’d expect and Blackest Black is slightly darker than that (even I don’t really notice a difference in color between these two).
NO MASCARA
“BLACK” MASCARA
“BLACKEST BLACK” MASCARA
CARBON BLACK MASCARA
Contrary to its name, the “Blackest Black” mascara is not actually the deepest of the shades. Carbon Black wins for the darkest pigment as they use a carbon compound in this formula vs the regular black iron oxide pigment in the other versions.
The result is a shade that represents a true deep black.
BLACK BROWN
I usually find that the color of brown mascara tends to looks a little unnatural. L’Oreal’s Black Brown shade has a bit more depth and comes off as a more natural looking brown. If you have a fair complexion or if you find black mascara to be too harsh, this is a great option for a softer look.
On set I use the black-brown to make lashes pop, without it looking too makeup-y.
DEEP BURGUNDY
While L’Oreal’s Deep Burgundy Voluminous Mascara might seem a little crazy out of the tube, it’s actually an extremely wearable shade. On your lashes, it looks more like a reddish brown, but it still contains that hint of purple which makes green and caramel brown eyes pop.
COBALT BLUE
L’Oreal’s Cobalt Blue Voluminous Mascara is their biggest statement color in the shade range. It’s a deeper blue that, depending on your lash color, doesn’t come off as bold as the tube suggests. Still, it works for a fun pop of color.
If you want the blue to be more vibrant, I’d recommend using awhite primeron your lashes first in order to neutralize the color your natural lashes.
One thing I’d note is that the Cobalt Blue formula doesn’t provide as much volume as the other shades.
PRICE POINT
Mascara not only has the shortest shelf life out all makeup on the market (3 months) but I also go through it faster than almost any of other product. Since it’s hard for me to spend $20+ on a product that I’m re-purchasing so regularly, drugstore mascara is my saving grace.
The best part about L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara is the low price point. Depending on where you live, the price ranges from $5-$12 USD.
MONEY SAVING TIPIf you live in a city where the mascara on the more expensive side (ahem LA)buy online to cut your costs in half, and while you’re at it useRakuten(formerly Ebates) to get a percentage back on most of your online purchases.
CRUELTY FREE?
While L’Oreal claims that they do not test their products on animals, they do still sell in China where animal testing is required by law. There are also a few other loopholes that allow them to test, andthis blog postby Cruelty Free Kitty does a great job at outlining it all.
INGREDIENTS
Water, Paraffin, Cyclomethicone, Stearic Acid, Beeswax, Triethanolamine, Acacia, Carnauba Wax, Dimethiconol, 2-Oleamido-1, 3-Octadecanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Polymethacrylate, Panthenol, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Ethoxydiglycol, Propylparaben, Simethicone, Polyquaternium-10. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Ultramarines
CLICK HERE TO BUY L’OREAL VOLUMINOUS MASCARA ONLINE
HAVE YOU TRIED L’OREAL VOLUMINOUS? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DRUGSTORE MASCARA?
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DISCLAIMER: This post is not sponsored. Links in this post are affiliate which means if you click them and purchase something, I receive a small commission.
Lindsey
I am a freelance makeup artist in Los Angeles working mainly in print and television. Makeup and traveling are my passion and my heart resides at La Isla De Los Monos Monkey Rescue Center in the Peruvian Amazon.
