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TL;DR The L’Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black is a solid dupe for L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara if your priority is length and definition — but it’s not a volume-for-volume swap. Community members recommend it specifically for bottom lashes, with the caveat that it can weigh down top lashes. It works best if your main complaint with Voluminous is heaviness.

How They Compare

  • Volume: Voluminous Original is built for dramatic volume; Telescopic Carbon Black focuses on length and separation, delivering a lighter, more defined result
  • Weight on lashes: Telescopic Carbon Black is noticeably lighter — users flag that it can be too light to hold a curl on top lashes, causing them to drop
  • Bottom lash performance: Telescopic Carbon Black earns strong marks here; its precision wand makes bottom lash application easier than Voluminous’s fuller brush
  • Formula consistency: Loyal Voluminous users cite that reformulation changed performance they relied on; Telescopic Carbon Black’s formula gets praised as-is
  • Finish: Voluminous delivers a bolder, denser look; Telescopic Carbon Black gives a more polished, separated finish with intense black pigment
  • Price: Both sit in the drugstore range and are comparably priced — no significant cost difference either way

The Verdict

If you loved Voluminous Original for its volume payoff, Telescopic Carbon Black won’t fully replicate that — it’s a length-first mascara. Switch if Voluminous has been weighing your lashes down or if you want a cleaner, more defined look. Stick with Voluminous (or hunt for older stock) if big, bold volume is non-negotiable.

FAQ

Is l’oreal telescopic carbon black a good dupe for L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara? It depends on what you’re replacing it for. Telescopic wins on precision and bottom lash use, but doesn’t match Voluminous for volume.

What’s the main difference between L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara and l’oreal telescopic carbon black? The core difference is volume vs. length — Voluminous builds thickness, while Telescopic Carbon Black elongates and separates. As a dupe, it’s best suited for users who want a lighter, more defined result rather than a full, dramatic lash.