Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara vs Beautycounter Think Big Mascara

Makeup is certainly making a comeback after the massive shift from skincare-ONLY routines in 2020. With that, I feel like everyone is launching new mascaras lately… especially in the clean beauty realm. Honestly, rightfully so because clean mascaras are pretty hard to get right. Ask me two years ago and I would tell you they all either didn’t perform well, smudged or flaked. But lately, the game has been elevated and I’m here to discuss the newest launch from Ilia! Let’s take a look at Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara vs Beautycounter Think Big Mascara.

If you aren’t a regular blog reader, you may want to see my thoughts on Beautycounter’s Think Big Mascara to my tried and true Thrive Causemetics Lash Extensions mascara. There’s an in depth look at the Beautycounter Think Big there.

Before we get into the review, I’ll give you an idea of what I look for in a mascara so you can have a reference point:

• I like a dramatic lash – something that gives volume, length, and definition
• I like a mascara that is long wearing – most mascaras smudge on me because I use a lash serum that has made my lashes touch my brow bone because I have semi hooded lids
• I typically prefer a rubber/silicone/plastic bristle brush – I have thick lashes, but they’re light brown/hard to see, so those rubber bristles really grab, coat and separate my lashes better than the traditional wands (usually!)

Some of my favorite memorable mascaras include: Thrive Causemetics Lash Extensions, Maybelline Lash Sensational, Chanel Le Volume de Chanel.

Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara vs Beautycounter Think Big Mascara

Fullest Volumizing Mascara is the second mascara to launch from clean beauty brand, Ilia. Their initial launch, Limitless Mascara, was more of a lengthening every day mascara.

Fullest Volumizing Mascara promises more drama – fullness, length and definition. Imagine this is your ‘going out’ mascara.

Some of the other claims include no flaking, smudging or irritation.

This mascara is cruelty free, but NOT vegan (contains beeswax).

It also washes off easily… it is NOT a tubing formula or water resistant, so it’s simple to remove with any cleanser or makeup remover.

Fullest Volumizing Mascara has a traditional, fluffy bristle wand in an hourglass shape to hug the lashes. It only comes in black at the time of writing this and is 0.32 fl oz | 9.5 ml for $28 USD.

Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara Before and After

my thoughts on ilia fullest volumizing mascara

Since I don’t typically like traditional bristle wands, I was a little wary about how I’d like this formula.

Surprisingly, it did a great job at giving me everything I love in a mascara – length, volume and definition! They looked super pretty and fluttery.

It also removed super easily at the end of the night. I double cleanse with a gel cleanser, and it was totally clean after my first cleanse with no residue.

You can see my first impressions on TikTok here:

@brighterdarlingFirst impressions new Ilia Fullest Volume Mascara! ##SyncYourMiO ##ilia ##iliamascara ##mascararoutine ##cleanbeauty♬ How You Like That – BLACKPINK

However, after four days of testing it out in different scenarios with different makeup and foundations… the outcome is that this formula did transfer or smudge on me quite a bit. Particularly on my brow bone because of my semi hooded lids.

how ilia fullest volumizing compares to beautycounter think big

Let’s do an apples to apples comparison:

my overall thoughts

These are both solid mascara options in the clean beauty world.

I think it’s going to come down to a matter of a few preferences:

• If you like traditional bristle wands, you’ll like Ilia’s Fullest Volumizing more
• If you like a very easy removal, you’ll like Ilia more (Beautycounter’s promises more longwear)
• If you like a more fluttery and soft look, you’ll like Ilia more

However…

• If you like the definition and drama from a plastic/rubber wand, you’ll like Beautycounter more
• If you like a more bold lash look, you’ll like Beautycounter more
• If you want the safest you can get in the cleanest formula, you can’t beat Beautycounter’s

I hope this Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara vs Beautycounter Think Big Mascara comparison helps you decide which new clean mascara is for you.

-Steffanie