Unless you’re a stranger to the world of clean beauty, you’ve likely heard all the fuss about the brand ILIA and their new mascara! Now, I’m a longtime fan of their original mascara, so I was eager to try this one out. In this post, we’re gonna take a look at BOTH of the formulas, compare them, and ultimately decide which is the best! (in my humble opinion)
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You might be wondering, okay, what is the main difference between Ilia’s two mascaras? Let’s break down the details!
Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara (Original)
$28 • 0.27 oz • Color: Soft Black • Cruelty-free
- Has a stiffer silicone brush that is dual-sided to achieve different looks
- Ideal for lifting, lengthening, and separating lashes (end result is that lashes look fluttery and fanned-out)
- Buildable yet feels lightweight, but can look “spidery” if you use too much
- Holds up well throughout the day
- Not waterproof but quite smudge-resistant
- Doesn’t flake for me
This brush takes some getting used to, but once you figure it out, it’s a breeze. I like to start with the smaller, stubby side to define lashes, then go in for a second coat with the longer side to lengthen and build up my lashes.
Overall, this mascara is awesome. It wears well throughout the day and I never worry about it flaking or smudging. I honestly don’t really have any “cons” with this one and love it!
Buy Limitless Lash Mascara Here
Also available at Credo Beauty, The Detox Market, and Amazon.
Related post: “Best Clean & Non-Toxic Mascara Brands to Achieve Lashes for Days!”
Ilia Fullest Volumizing Mascara (New)
$28 • 0.32 oz • Color: Classic Black • Cruelty-free
- Has a large, soft, fluffy brush with violin-shaped, flexible nylon bristles
- Formula is wetter and heavier (you have to be careful when applying because it can be super messy and clumpy)
- Ideal for a full, bold, more voluminous look
- Doesn’t flake for me, but it DOES fall flat and smudge after a few hours!! 😩
Ilia markets this one as a bold, nighttime mascara (and the Limitless Lash is supposed to be more of a natural/casual daytime mascara). In full transparency, I don’t think this one is worth the hype. The brush feels way too big and it’s almost impossible to apply the mascara without making a mess.
Overall, they don’t look drastically different when they are first applied, but I totally notice a difference with how they apply and wear as the day goes on. Fullest Volumizing just looks BLAH on my lashes at the end of the day because it basically fades away or smudges. It really doesn’t appear much bolder than the Limitless Lash, either.
Buy Fullest Volumizing Mascara Here
Also available at Credo Beauty, The Detox Market, and Amazon.
Related post: “Kosas 10-Second Eyeshadow vs. Ilia Liquid Powder Chromatic Eye Tint: Which is Better?”
And the winner is…
For me, the original Limitless Lash mascara is the BOMB! 💣 It is the winner, hands down. Not only is it the better of the two Ilia mascaras, but I truly think it’s one of the best in clean beauty altogether!
I will use up the rest of my Fullest Volumizing mascara, but I wouldn’t repurchase it again. It just doesn’t do it for me even though I have heard SO many people say they are obsessed with it. To each their own 🤷♀️
I tend to favor smaller, silicone brushes so maybe I’m partial to Limitless Lash to begin with. Maybe if you like big, fat brushes you’ll enjoy the new formula.
By the way, Ilia sells mini sizes of both of these mascaras if you want to try them before purchasing the full size!
Have you tried either of these mascaras? Let me know if this comparison was helpful or if you have any other products you want me to battle in the future! 🏆
