You’ve been there. You spend twenty minutes getting your makeup perfect, only to look in the mirror three hours later and realize you have the dreaded "raccoon eyes." It’s frustrating. Honestly, it's enough to make anyone want to give up on mascara entirely. But before you throw in the towel, we need to talk about a cult classic that has been quietly saving faces for decades: Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara.
If you aren't familiar with the name, Kevyn Aucoin was basically the godfather of modern makeup artistry. He painted the faces of everyone from Naomi Campbell to Gwyneth Paltrow. He understood that makeup shouldn't just sit on the skin; it should enhance the person underneath. This mascara is a direct reflection of that philosophy. It isn't just another tube of black goop. It’s a tool.
The Secret Sauce: Tubing Technology Explained (Simply)
Most mascaras are wax-based. They coat your lashes in a layer of pigment that can easily melt when it meets the natural oils on your skin or a bit of humidity. Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara is different. It uses what’s called "tubing technology."
Basically, instead of painting your lashes, it wraps each individual hair in a tiny, flexible polymer tube. Think of it like a little raincoat for your eyelashes.
This is why it doesn't smudge. You can have the oiliest eyelids in the world—kinda a struggle for many of us—and this stuff will not budge. It won't flake onto your cheeks by lunchtime either. It just stays put until you decide it’s time for it to go.
That Tiny Wand is a Game Changer
When you first pull the wand out of the tube, you might be underwhelmed. It’s skinny. Really skinny.
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In a world of giant, bushy mascara brushes that look like they belong in a car wash, the Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara brush looks almost dainty. But don’t let that fool you. That slim design is its greatest strength.
- It gets right into the root of the lash line.
- It grabs those tiny, invisible hairs in the inner corner.
- It's the absolute best for bottom lashes without making a mess on your skin.
- The bristles separate everything so you don't end up with "clump city."
If you have hooded eyes or smaller eye shapes, you know the struggle of trying to use a massive brush without getting mascara all over your eyelid. This skinny wand solves that problem completely. It gives you precision that most other brands just can’t match.
Does It Actually Give You Volume?
The name says "Volume," so you'd expect big, dramatic lashes. Here’s the nuance: it’s a sophisticated volume.
If you want those thick, chunky "spider lashes" that some people love, this might not be your favorite. Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara is about definition and length. It makes your lashes look naturally lush and dark. It’s the "your lashes but better" look.
You can definitely layer it. A second coat adds more punch without the clumps. Jojoba oil is tucked into the formula too, which keeps your lashes feeling soft rather than crunchy. Nobody likes crunchy lashes.
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The Removal Process (Yes, It's Weird but Great)
Taking this mascara off is where people usually get confused. You don't need eye makeup remover. Seriously. Keep your Micellar water in the cabinet.
All you need is warm water and a little bit of gentle pressure.
When the warm water hits the tubes, they slide right off your lashes. You’ll see little black bits in the sink that look like actual eyelashes. Don't panic! Those are just the tubes. It’s actually much gentler on your eyes because you aren't scrubbing at the delicate skin around your lids with harsh chemicals.
Pro Tip: If you're someone who gets irritated eyes from makeup removers, this is your holy grail.
How It Compares to the Competition
Look, there are other tubing mascaras out there. Blinc is a classic, and brands like Thrive Causemetics or Caliray have huge followings.
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But Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara holds its own because of that specific wand and the elegance of the finish. Some tubing mascaras can feel heavy or look a bit plastic-y. This one feels light. It holds a curl surprisingly well for a tubing formula, which is usually a weak point for this type of technology.
It’s a bit of a splurge at around $32, but for many, the lack of "panda eyes" makes it worth every penny.
Making It Work for You
To get the most out of this, start by curling your lashes. Kevyn always insisted on a good lash curler—his brand actually makes one of the best ones on the market with that signature red pad.
Wiggle the wand at the very base of your lashes to deposit the most pigment there, then pull it through to the tips. If you want more drama, add that second coat while the first is still slightly tacky.
If you have a long day ahead, or you're heading somewhere humid, or you just want a reliable everyday look that won't fail you by 5 PM, this is the tube to grab. It’s a bit of makeup history that still performs better than most of the "viral" products popping up on your feed today.
If you’re tired of the smudge, stop fighting with your current mascara and give the tubing life a try. Start with one coat and focus on the outer corners to really open up the eye. For the best results, avoid using oil-based primers underneath, as they can sometimes interfere with the tubes' ability to grip the lash.