8 Best Mascaras For Thin Lashes, Makeup Artist-Recommended – 2024

Enhance the look and thickness of your thin lashes with this selected range of mascaras.

Reviewed by Anastasiia Tomchenko, Professional Makeup Artist & Hairstylist Anastasiia Tomchenko Anastasiia TomchenkoProfessional Makeup Artist & Hairstylist linkedin_icon
Written by , MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijani Roy Chowdhury MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Edited by , MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijita De MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Fact-checked by , MA (English Literature) Madhumati Chowdhury MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Last Updated on
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Not everyone is born with thick lashes that need little grooming. So, this one is for all the folks with thin, sparse lashes who are looking for a good volumizing mascara. Apart from the basic strokes of eyeliner and lipstick, the best mascara for thin lashes is like the icing on a cake, as it enhances your look for your statement-making outings, making you look more awake and vibrant. Invest in the perfect mascara that will deliver exceptional results by adding the much-needed definition and thickness that your fine strands require. Not only do they make sure your lashes look voluminous, but they also don’t tug at the strands too hard or harden them to the point of falling off in clumps. Here are the 8 best mascaras that you can purchase if you have thin lashes along with reviews for your reference. Check them out!

Top PicksCheck Price
Maybelline New York's Full 'N Soft Waterproof Volumizing Mascara
Price on Amazon
Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara
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Lancôme's Glossy Black Mascara
Price on Amazon
COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume Mascara
Price on Amazon
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara
Price on Amazon
Milk Makeup High Volume Mascara
Price on Amazon
L’Oreal Paris Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara
Price on Amazon
Chanel Waterproof Mascara
Price on Amazon

8 Best Mascaras For Thin Lashes That Actually Work Along With Reviews

1. Best Overall: Maybelline New York’s Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Volumizing Mascara

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4.3
Maybelline New York's Full 'N Soft Waterproof Volumizing Mascara Image: Maybelline New York

The Maybelline New York’s Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Volumizing Mascara is a true fan-favorite mascara, made with a hypoallergenic, advanced thickening formula infused with vitamin E that enhances your sparse lashes to create a fringe of big and curvy lashes. This mascara has been used and loved by professional makeup artists like Ana Takahashi. It comes in a super-saturated shade of intense pitch-black color so you can get a bold, fearless look that lasts all day long. Not only is it waterproof and perfect for contact lens wearers, but its Quick Dissolve System allows for quick and easy removal without leaving your eyelashes feeling dry or brittle. This makeup artist-approved mascara has been tested by an ophthalmologist to be safe for contact lens wearers.

Color: Waterproof very black | Product Dimensions: 1.33 x 2.75 x 5.62 inches | Weight: 0.8 Ounces

Pros

  • Lash-boosting formula
  • Waterproof
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Ophthalmologist-tested
  • Long-lasting
  • Natural ingredients
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons

  • None

protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply a thin coat of translucent loose powder between two coatings of mascara for thicker lashes.

2. Best Long-Wearing: Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara

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4.3
Stila Image: Stila

The mascara that gives your lashes a sky-high lift, this glossy and dramatic mascara is great for length, curl, and darker lashes. If you’re a fan of the deep dark black, this exclusive triple black colored mascara is your go-to choice. Hannah Martin, a renowned makeup artist, has used this mascara on Princess Eugenie of the British royal family. It makes your lash look thicker and longer making you party-ready. Its strong curl-holding formula is suitable for daily use and occasional party nights. This makeup artist-approved mascara formula defines your lashes and separates them, which makes it suitable for dramatic eye makeup. Its no-flake formula creates an illusion of eyes that are bigger, bolder, brighter, and more awake. It adds volume to your lashes and is made from non-toxic ingredients that are free of chemicals, such as plant botanicals. It has also been clinically tested to be safe for contact lens wearers and suitable for all-day wear. Take a look at this video to get more information on the product along with a tester’s experience of using it.

Color: Black | Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 0.8 inches | Weight: 0.8 Ounces

Pros

  • Lifts your lashes
  • Adds volume and length
  • Brighter and bolder eyes
  • Cruelty-free
  • No parabens
  • Safe for lens wearers

Cons

  • Might weigh slightly heavy on the lashes
  • Can be difficult to remove with water alone
  • Could cause allergic reactions

protip_icon Pro Tip
If your favorite mascara has become clumpy, tightly secure the cap and let the tube sit in a glass of hot water for a few minutes. This thins out the formula for use.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

Almost 3,787 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.

3. Best Lightweight: Lancôme’s Glossy Black Mascara

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4.4
Lancôme's Glossy Black Mascara Image: Lancôme

The Lancôme’s Glossy Black Mascara is a special treat for people who want to make their eyes pop. The curved mascara is endorsed by Zendaya, a famous celebrity and singer, which led to its popularity among her fans. She even swears by using it regularly. This sulfate-free mascara from a celebrity-endorsed brand comes in an easy-to-use gel form and features a curved wand with 360 micro-bristles that help you volumize every single lash. The conditioning white tea extract and other natural plant extracts help keep your lashes healthy, while the no-smudging or flaking formula ensures your eye makeup lasts for an all day wear. Whether you are looking for lift or length, this celebrity-favorite black mascara will offer you the dramatic look you desire without fuss or mess.

Color: Glossy Black | Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 5 inches | Weight: 0.28 Ounces.

Pros

  • Smudge-proof
  • Clump-free formula
  • Easy to remove
  • Long-lasting
  • Long-lasting volume and curl

Cons

  • None

protip_icon Pro Tip
Pumping your mascara wand into the tube forces air into the product and spreads bacteria. Gently twirl the wand in the formula and pull it up instead.

Maybelline New York's Full 'N Soft Waterproof Volumizing Mascara
Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara
Lancôme's Glossy Black Mascara
Color- Black Glossy Black
Dimensions- 5.5 x 0.8 x 0.8 inches 3 x 3 x 5 inches
Weight- 0.8 Ounces 0.28 Ounces.
Rating
Reviews-3,787-
Price-$25$30

4. Best Clump-Free: COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume Mascara

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4.2
COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume Mascara Image: Covergirl

The COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume Mascara is a must-have product for achieving thick, luscious lashes with its buildable volume. It contains Hyaluronic Complex and Bamboo Serum to instantly plump and volumize your natural lashes. This affordable mascara comes with a slim brush that is curved and soft, making application a breeze: just one coat gives you beautiful volume and definition, while multiple coats of this curved mascara offer a more dramatic look. The gentle formula can be used for everyday wear. After four weeks of use, you will notice thicker, longer, stronger-looking lashes that will make all your friends jealous.

Color: 105 – Black | Product Dimensions: 7.09 x 2.95 x 2.83 inches | Weight: 4.48 Ounces.

Pros

  • Gives your curvy and big lashes
  • High quality
  • Increases lash volume
  • Adds length
  • Value for money
  • Not tested on animals

Cons

  • None

protip_icon Pro Tip
Hold the mascara wand horizontally for thicker lashes and wiggle it from lash line to ends to help hold curl.

5. Best Non-Flaking: Bestidy 4D Silk Fiber Mascara

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3.8
4D Silk Fiber Lash Mascara Image: Bestidy

Get instantly lengthy and weightlessly voluminous lashes with Bestify 4D Silk Fiber Mascara. It curls your lashes with a rich black color without clumping or flaking like those heavy mascaras. The waterproof, smudge-free formula lasts all day, giving you thicker and longer lashes. This rich black waterproof mascara also contains beeswax to condition your lashes for a shiny look. In addition, this hypoallergenic formula is gentle and will give you glamorous lashes for all occasions.

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Smudge-free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Easy to remove
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • Adds mild volume
  • Daily use may cause thinning of lashes
  • May clog pores

6. Best Hydrating: Milk Makeup High Volume Mascara 

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4.2
Milk Makeup High Volume Mascara Image: Milk Makeup

Blackest of the black, the Milk Makeup High Volume Mascara not only lengthens and adds volumes to your natural lashes but also conditions lashes. Its gravity-defying formula contains hemp-derived cannabis oil that acts as a conditioner for your lashes. This affordable mascara has a creamy and rich texture which helps in easy application and acts as a lash primer. It makes your lashes smoother and thicker. The rich and creamy formula also makes the removal process easier. The unique feature of this dramatic mascara is that it has hollow heart-shaped fibers that help lock your lashes giving it long-lasting volume and curl.

Color: Black

Pros

  • Blackest of black
  • Vegan
  • Free from animal testing
  • Heart-shaped fibers
  • Long-lasting volume and curl
  • Creamy texture

Cons

  • Might be a little clumpy
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 821 rave reviews on Amazon.

7. Best Smudge-Proof: L’Oreal Paris Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara

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4.3
L’Oreal Paris Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara Image: L'oreal Paris

The new L’Oreal Paris Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara offer you 20x more volume and up to 2x more length. It is smudge-proof, non-clumping, and non-flaking. This beloved mascara will provide your lashes with that feathery soft look without compromising on volume or length. Reviewers noted that it will help you achieve a seamless volumizing effect for up to 16 hours without fading. The cleverly-shaped applicator brush comes with 200+ bristles which twists and hugs the lash line and makes the application very convenient and professional.

Color: Washable Blackest Black | Product Dimensions: 0.77 x 2.75 x 7 inches | Weight: 1.09 Ounces

Pros

  • Adds volume and length
  • Travel-friendly packaging
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Easy to remove
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • None
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The overwhelming 88,454 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.

8. Best Affordable: Chanel Waterproof Mascara 

Mascara for thinning eyelashes is easy to apply, does not clump and adds volume to your lashes making it gorgeous, the Chanel Waterproof Mascara is just what you’re looking for. It comes in a cylindrical black packaging and is great for an instant boost of volume for your lashes. This long-lasting mascara is one of the best waterproof mascaras and also adds length to your lashes and is easy to apply. It is formulated as a high-quality solution and is one of our customer favorites. It is the best drugstore mascara for short thin lashes.

Color: Washable Blackest Black | Product Dimensions: 0.77 x 2.75 x 7 inches | Weight: 1.09 Ounces

Pros

  • Brand credibility
  • High quality
  • Increases volume
  • Adds length
  • Water-proof

Cons

  • Might be expensive
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Buying Guide Of Mascaras For Thin Lashes

How To Choose The Best Mascara For Thin Lashes?

While there are many ways to go about how to choose the right mascara for thin lashes, the general rule of thumb is to choose a mascara based on the wand. For curvy and fluffy eyelashes, it is important to choose an expertly crafted mascara with a curved wand. This adds volume and length to your mascara so you rock your look with a single swipe.

How To Apply Mascara For Thin Lashes?

For the ones with thin lashes, the thing to keep in mind is that you don’t want them to become dense and weigh your eyelids down. Therefore, to maintain gorgeous lashes but also keep them lightweight, it is best advised to apply 2-3 coats of buildable mascara to your lashes. This will leave your lashes lightweight but also give it the desired length and volume, saving you from your thin, droop-prone lashes. Anastasiia Tomchenko says, “To give more volume, start by applying the first layer of mascara, let it dry, then powder the eyelashes while keeping your eyes closed. After that, apply a second layer of mascara. Another useful technique is to vertically position the mascara brush to thoroughly reach and coat smaller and harder-to-access lashes. To visually enhance lash density, you can apply eyeliner in the same color as the mascara along the lash line.” This expert-recommended way of applying mascara is a sure-shot way of getting the most amazing lashes.

Tips For Thin Lashes

To add the perfect volume and length to your lashes, here are a few tips and tricks that you can follow:

  • Prep your lashes with an eyelash curler for added length and curl
  • Apply mascara at the root of your lashes and hold for a few seconds
  • Next, slowly blink your eye as you apply mascara to the rest of your lashes
  • Wiggle the wand on your lashes to give your the perfect layer of mascara

Infographic: Tips For Removing Mascara Without Damaging The Eyelashes

While a good mascara enhances the beauty of the eyes, it is equally important to remove it properly at the end of the day. This not only ensures a clean canvas for the next application but also helps maintain the health and integrity of the eyelashes. Check out the infographic below for some easy and hassle-free hacks for removing mascara without damaging the eyelashes.

Tips For Removing Mascara Without Damaging The Eyelashes (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

There’s nothing to worry about if you are not blessed with long, voluminous, and thick lashes. With the best lash-building mascara for thin lashes, you can achieve lustrous, dramatic lashes in no time. The Maybelline New York’s Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Volumizing Mascara can be a good pick for those who want intense black lashes, while the Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara will work to give length along with volume. If you’re a fan of dramatically voluminous lashes, you will love the COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume Mascara. These expertly crafted mascaras will offer you the much-needed definition and make your lashes look voluminous. They are hypoallergenic, pigmented, long-lasting, and the best part is that they won’t clump after application. Instead, they give your lashes an instant lift. While choosing the best mascara to redefine your thin lashes, pick one that has a curved wand and get incredible volume and curls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mascara Bad For Your Eyelashes?

Wearing mascara enhances the volume of your lashes and makes you look gorgeous. It does not harm your thinning eyelashes as long as you make sure you are using one with a natural formula and remove it while taking off your makeup.

Does Wearing Mascara Thin Your Lashes?

Several mascara products give your lashes an increase in volume and make it dense. It is important to cleanse your lashes and remove the mascara at the end of the day. Good quality mascaras will never harm your lashes. However, cheap and low-quality products can have adverse effects on them.

How can you make thin eyelashes look thicker?

Curling your eyelashes and applying two coats of mascara can make thin eyelashes look thicker.

Should you curl your eyelashes before or after applying mascara?

You can curl your eyelashes before applying mascara. Curling it after mascara can make it look clumpy.

Can you put mascara on your bottom lashes?

Yes, putting mascara on your bottom lashes will give you natural-looking thick lashes and also define your eyes better.

What kind of mascara makes your eyelashes look thicker?

Any volumizing mascara such as the Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara can make your eyelashes look thicker.

Do eyelashes thin as you age?

Yes, thinning eyelash is a natural process of aging. Your eyelashes will shed as you mature.

What is the best drugstore mascara for thin eyelashes?

Mascaras from drugstore brands such as Maybelline New York or L’Oréal Paris are good options to invest in.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Srijani Roy Chowdhury, who penned this article, is passionate about makeup and has a keen eye for picking the best makeup products like mascaras. In this article, she lists the best mascaras for thin lashes. She spent hours browsing through many reviews, selecting only the best for you. Each of these products has been recommended as they make your lashes look thicker, among other benefits.

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Anastasiia Tomchenko
Anastasiia TomchenkoProfessional Makeup Artist & Hairstylist
Anastasiia is a highly accomplished makeup artist and hairstylist with a career spanning over 15 years. She has worked on photoshoots for international magazines and as a makeup artist on television. She has also prepared celebrities for various social events and models for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, ensuring they shine on the red carpet and the runway.

Read full bio of Anastasiia Tomchenko
Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Srijani Roy Chowdhury Associate Commerce Editor
Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.

Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Srijita De
Srijita DeCommerce Writer
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.

Read full bio of Srijita De
Madhumati Chowdhury
Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor
Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

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