Mascara shopping feels like a gamble. You spend money, you swipe it on, and sometimes your lashes look exactly the same as before. That frustration is real, and it is why drugstore mascaras get so much attention. L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Superstar Mascara has stayed on shelves for years, and it still shows up in beauty bags in 2026.
This mascara does something unusual. It packs a primer and a mascara into one tube with two wands. The promise sounds big: fuller lashes, longer lashes, and a lifted look without false lashes. But does it actually deliver on normal lashes, on a normal morning, with a normal budget?
I tested it for several weeks. I wore it to work, to the gym, and through one very humid afternoon. I watched it hold up, and I watched it fail in a few spots too. This review covers the unboxing, the formula, the wear time, the removal, and the honest downsides nobody mentions in ads.
In A Nutshell:
- It is a two step mascara in one tube. One end holds a white fiber primer. The other end holds the black mascara. You use the primer first, then layer the black formula on top. The system adds noticeable thickness, and that is the main selling point.
- Volume is the strongest result. My lashes looked visibly fuller after two coats. Length improved too, but volume wins by a mile. People with sparse lashes will see the biggest change.
- The brush is soft and wavy. It grabs short lashes near the inner corner and the lower lash line. That makes application easier for beginners who dislike stiff bristle wands.
- Wear time runs about six to eight hours on the washable version. The waterproof version holds longer and resists sweat better. Neither version is truly flake proof past the eight hour mark.
- The primer step slows you down. You need to work fast before the white base dries, and that learning curve annoys some users. Rushing creates clumps.
- Price sits in friendly drugstore territory. You get two products in one tube, so the value is solid compared to buying a separate lash primer.
What Is L’Oreal Voluminous Superstar Mascara?
- Voluminous Primer And Mascara: Super-volumizing mascara primer builds dramatic volume on every lash and creates an ultra-smooth base to maximize mascara performance; Super-extending mascara with a fiber-rich black formula
- L'Oreal Mascara: Get the long, full eyelashes you love with our best mascaras and primers; Choose from our innovative volumizing formulas and variety of brushes
Last update on 2026-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
L’Oreal Voluminous Superstar Mascara is a dual ended mascara from the Voluminous family. The tube holds 0.41 fluid ounces, which is larger than most single mascaras because it contains two formulas.
One end delivers a white fiber primer. This primer coats each lash with a thickening base and adds grip. The other end delivers the blackest black mascara, which locks the primer in place and darkens everything.
L’Oreal markets the product as a super volumizing and super extending system. The brand points to a soft wavy brush that catches every lash, including the tiny ones. The waterproof version includes a smudge resistant formula, and newer batches of the caring formula include floral oil for a softer feel on lashes.
You can buy it in washable or waterproof. Shades include Blackest Black and Blackest Brown. The washable version removes with warm water and cleanser. The waterproof version needs an oil based remover.
Unboxing Experience And First Impressions
The packaging arrived in a slim cardboard box with lash photos on the front. Nothing fancy, and that fits the drugstore price. I opened it in about five seconds.
The tube itself feels chunkier than a standard mascara. It has two caps, one at each end. The black cap covers the mascara. The white cap covers the primer. The label on each half tells you which side you are holding, which helps on a sleepy morning.
I pulled out the primer wand first. The bristles looked thick and the white formula sat heavy on the brush. My first thought was that it looked like liquid paper. Then I pulled out the black wand. The bristles curved in a gentle wave shape, and they felt soft between my fingers.
Both wands came loaded with product. I wiped each one on a tissue to remove the excess. That step matters, and skipping it causes clumps on the first use.
Key Features At A Glance
This mascara keeps its feature list short, which I appreciate. Here is what actually sits inside the tube.
The fiber rich primer builds bulk around each lash. Fibers cling to the lash surface and create a wider base for the black formula.
The wide angle wavy brush separates lashes while it coats them. The wave shape means some bristles sit closer to the lash root and others reach the tips.
The blackest black pigment gives strong depth. It reads as true black, not charcoal gray, which many budget mascaras get wrong.
The waterproof option resists sweat, humidity, and light rain. It survived a cardio session without migrating under my eyes.
The washable option removes without scrubbing. That version suits sensitive eyes and daily wear better.
The tube holds more product than average, so it lasts longer than a slim single formula mascara.
Top 3 Alternative for Voluminous Superstar Mascara
- Volumizing And Lengthening Mascara: Full lash fringe that’s feathery soft, with no flaking, no smudging, and no clumping; Just voluptuous volume and intense length. 20x more volume and up to 2x more length. Based on a consumer claims study, November 2020
- L'Oreal Paris Mascara: Get the long, full eyelashes you love with our best mascaras and primers; Choose from our innovative volumizing formulas and variety of brushes
Last update on 2026-06-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
- Lengthening Mascara: This volumizing washable mascara formula is infused with bamboo extract and fibers for long, full and lightweight lashes that don't flake or smudge
- Lash Extension Brush: Features our exclusive Flex Tower mascara brush that bends to volumize and extend every single lash from root to tip; Ophthalmologist and allergy tested, suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
Last update on 2026-06-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
- Bold, volume building mascara
- Up to 5x fuller lashes
Last update on 2026-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara
How The Two Step System Works
The system runs in a simple order. Primer first, mascara second, no waiting.
Start with the white primer wand. Sweep it from root to tip on clean lashes. Coat both eyes before you move on. The primer stays wet for roughly fifteen seconds, and that window matters.
Next, grab the black mascara wand. Layer it over the still damp primer. The black formula bonds with the fibers and seals them around each lash. This is where the volume appears.
If you let the primer dry fully, the black coat sits on top instead of blending in. You end up with patchy white spots near the lash tips. I made that mistake twice before I got the rhythm right.
One primer coat and two mascara coats gave me the best result. More than that created weight and a slight droop by midday.
Application Tips For Best Results
A few small habits changed my results completely.
Wipe both wands on a tissue before every application. This removes excess and prevents the clumpy mess that frustrates new users.
Work one eye at a time if you are slow. The primer dries fast, so speed beats perfection here.
Wiggle the brush at the lash root, then pull upward. The wiggle motion deposits product where it creates the most lift.
Use the brush tip for lower lashes. Hold it vertically and tap gently. The wavy shape makes this easier than a thick straight brush.
Curl your lashes before application, never after. A lash curler on dry mascara breaks lashes.
Skip the primer on days you want a light natural look. The black formula works fine on its own, and it gives a softer finish.
Volume, Length And Curl Results
Volume is where this mascara earns its name. After the primer and two black coats, my lashes looked clearly thicker. The difference showed in photos, not just in my bathroom mirror.
Length improved by a smaller margin. I would call it moderate. If you want dramatic length, a dedicated lengthening mascara serves you better.
Curl hold ranked as average. The formula does not lift straight lashes on its own. I needed a lash curler first, and then the mascara held that curl for most of the day. Without the curler, my lashes looked full but flat.
The finish is dense and slightly glossy at first, then it settles matte. It reads as a full fluffy lash rather than a spiky lash.
Sparse lashes benefit most. Already thick lashes may find the result heavy.
Wear Time And Smudge Test
I wore the washable version through a nine hour day. It held cleanly for about six to seven hours. After that, I noticed faint shadows under my lower lash line.
The waterproof version performed better. It lasted a full day with no transfer onto my under eye area. I sweated through a workout, and it stayed put.
Neither version flaked badly, but both shed a few tiny fibers by evening. The fibers landed on my cheeks, not in my eyes, which I count as a win. Contact lens wearers should still test carefully.
Humidity caused the most trouble. On a damp afternoon, the washable formula softened and smudged earlier than usual.
My verdict on wear: good, not elite. It beats cheap mascaras easily. It does not match premium tubing mascaras that survive sixteen hours without a mark.
Waterproof Versus Washable: Which One?
Choose based on your day, not on hype.
Pick the washable version for office days, school, and casual wear. It removes with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Your lashes stay healthier because you skip aggressive rubbing.
Pick the waterproof version for events, workouts, travel, and hot weather. It resists sweat and tears. I keep this one for weddings and long flights.
The waterproof formula feels slightly stiffer on lashes. It also builds a touch less volume than the washable formula because it dries faster.
The washable formula feels softer and layers more smoothly. It gives the fluffier result.
My recommendation: start with washable. Add the waterproof tube later if you need the extra security. Daily waterproof wear stresses lashes and can cause breakage over time.
Removal Process
Removal splits the two versions sharply.
The washable version came off with warm water and a cream cleanser. I massaged my lashes for thirty seconds and rinsed. No tugging, no black streaks running down my face. Some fibers slid off in small clumps, which looked odd in the sink but caused no irritation.
The waterproof version needed a bi phase oil based remover. I soaked a cotton pad, pressed it on my closed eye for twenty seconds, then wiped downward. One pass removed most of it. A second pass cleared the lash line.
Do not rush waterproof removal. Dry rubbing pulls out lashes, and the fibers make that worse because they grip the lash shaft.
I always follow with a gentle eye cleanser to clear any oily film. That step keeps my lids from feeling greasy overnight.
Pros And Cons
Here is the honest breakdown after weeks of testing.
Pros
- Strong volume boost, especially on thin or sparse lashes
- True blackest black pigment with real depth
- Soft wavy brush that catches short inner corner lashes
- Two products in one tube, which saves money on a separate primer
- Larger 0.41 fluid ounce size lasts longer than standard tubes
- Waterproof version resists sweat and humidity well
- Washable version removes without harsh scrubbing
- Easy to find in stores and online at a drugstore price
Cons
- The primer dries fast, so application feels rushed
- Clumping happens if you skip the tissue wipe step
- Length results stay moderate rather than dramatic
- No real curl lift without a lash curler
- Washable version smudges after six or seven hours in humidity
- Fibers shed slightly by the end of a long day
- Chunky dual tube takes up more space in a small makeup bag
- The formula can feel heavy on already thick lashes
What It Does Not Do Well
Authentic reviews name the weak spots, so here they are.
It does not lift straight lashes. If your lashes grow downward, this mascara adds weight without lift. You will need a curler every single time.
It does not give a wispy spiky look. The fiber primer creates density, which reads full and soft. Fans of a doll lash spiky finish will feel disappointed.
It does not work well in rushed routines. The two step process adds thirty to sixty seconds, and the dry time pressure causes mistakes.
It does not survive crying or steam in the washable version. I learned that during a sad movie.
It does not layer over old mascara. Applying over a previous coat from earlier in the day produces visible clumps. Start fresh or skip it.
Formula changes over the years have also drawn complaints from long time fans who preferred older batches.
Price And Value For Money
Voluminous Superstar sits in the mid range drugstore bracket. It costs more than a basic single formula mascara and far less than any department store option.
The value case rests on two points. First, you get a primer and a mascara in one tube, and standalone lash primers often cost as much as a full mascara. Second, the tube holds more product than average.
Shelf life still applies. Replace mascara every three months regardless of how much remains. That rule limits how much of the extra volume you actually use.
I would call the price fair. You pay slightly more and you get slightly more. If you already own a lash primer you love, the single formula Voluminous Original costs less and performs similarly on volume.
Sales and multipacks appear often online, so watch for those.
Who Should Buy It?
This mascara suits specific people very well.
Buy it if you have sparse, thin, or short lashes. The fiber primer gives you bulk that single formula mascaras cannot match.
Buy it if you want one product instead of two. The combined tube simplifies your routine and your spending.
Buy it if you like a full fluffy lash look. The dense finish flatters soft glam makeup.
Skip it if you have naturally thick lashes. You risk a heavy spider lash result.
Skip it if you want dramatic length above all else. A lengthening tubing mascara serves you better.
Skip it if your mornings run on four minutes. The two step system needs a little patience.
Sensitive eye users should patch test. Fiber mascaras occasionally irritate, and the washable version is the safer starting point.
How It Compares To Popular Rivals
L’Oreal Lash Paradise gives a softer, more feathery volume with a single formula. It applies faster and feels lighter. Superstar beats it on sheer density, while Paradise wins on everyday ease.
Maybelline Sky High focuses on length. Its slim brush and bamboo extract formula stretch lashes dramatically. Sky High wins on length. Superstar wins on thickness. Many people own both for different looks.
L’Oreal Voluminous Original remains the classic. It builds volume with one formula and costs less. If the primer step annoys you, Original is the simpler sibling.
Against premium tubing mascaras, Superstar loses on wear time and clean removal. It competes well on price and immediate impact.
My short answer: Superstar holds a real place in 2026 for anyone who wants cheap, fast volume.
Final Verdict
- Voluminous Waterproof Primer And Mascara: Super-volumizing mascara primer builds dramatic volume on every lash and creates an ultra-smooth base to maximize mascara performance; Super-extending waterproof mascara with a fiber-rich black formula
- L'Oreal Mascara: Get the long, full eyelashes you love with our best mascaras and primers; Choose from our innovative volumizing formulas and variety of brushes
Last update on 2026-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
L’Oreal Voluminous Superstar Mascara still earns a recommendation in 2026, with clear limits.
Its volume performance is genuinely good. The primer plus mascara system creates thickness that single formulas struggle to match at this price. The soft wavy brush makes application forgiving, and the black pigment looks rich.
The flaws matter too. The primer dries fast. Length stays moderate. The washable version fades after six or seven hours in humid weather. Fibers shed a little by evening.
I rate it four out of five for sparse lashes and three out of five for already full lashes.
Buy the washable version first. Learn the rhythm of the two step process. Wipe both wands before every use. Do those three things and you will get the full lash result the packaging promises, without the clumps that frustrate first time users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Voluminous Superstar Mascara waterproof?
Both options exist. L’Oreal sells a washable version and a waterproof version. The washable one removes with warm water and cleanser. The waterproof one needs an oil based remover and holds up better in sweat and humidity.
How do you apply the primer and mascara correctly?
Apply the white primer from root to tip on both eyes first. Work quickly. Then layer the black mascara over the still damp primer. Wipe both wands on a tissue before each use to prevent clumps.
Does it clump on lashes?
It can. Clumping happens when you skip the tissue wipe, apply too many coats, or layer over dried mascara. Two coats of the black formula over one primer coat gives the cleanest result.
How long does Voluminous Superstar Mascara last on lashes?
The washable version holds about six to seven hours before light smudging. The waterproof version lasts a full day for most users, including through workouts and humid weather.
Is it safe for sensitive eyes or contact lenses?
Many users wear it without issues, but the fiber primer sheds slightly by evening. Patch test first. Contact lens wearers should choose the washable version and watch for any irritation.
Does it lengthen lashes or just add volume?
Volume is its strength. Length improves moderately. If dramatic length is your main goal, a dedicated lengthening mascara will serve you better than this one.
How often should you replace the tube?
Replace mascara every three months. The formula dries out and bacteria build up over time, regardless of how much product remains in the tube.
