A composition for coating keratinous fibers, comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium comprising at least one volatile solvent, a nonvolatile fraction comprising: a) at least one polymer capable of adhering to the keratinous fibers, b) particles which are solid at 25.degree. C. chosen from: i) solid particles of a crystalline or semicrystalline material, ii) solid particles of an amorphous material, iii) solid particles of at least one wax having a hardness of greater than or equal to 6.5 MPa iv) and mixtures thereof. The solid particles are present in the composition in an amount such that the volume fraction of the solid particles is less than or equal to 50% of the total volume of the said nonvolatile fraction. The composition can make it possible to obtain good curling of keratinous fibers, such as eyelashes.