Most likely, one of your most often used makeup items is mascara. If you want to make your eyes appear more defined, awake, and open, you probably schedule a brief swipe even if you don’t wear a full beat every day. We’re constantly searching for the best drugstore mascaras that balance price and quality in order to stay within our budget. Discover the top recommendations from cosmetic professionals for a variety of reasonably priced mascara categories, including curling, volumizing, and lengthening, by reading on. Even though these mascaras are inexpensive, they will offer you long-lasting lashes.
Table of Contents
12 Best Drugstore Mascaras, According to Pros
1. Best Drugstore Mascara Overall: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara
Price Range: $8.53-$9.99
Retailers: Amazon, L’Oreal Paris, Ulta, Walmart, Target
Customer Review: “I opted for the waterproof version and found it stays put without smudging and removes easily. Plus, you can’t beat the price!”
Celebrity makeup artists often swear by the L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara despite its budget-friendly price. Esteemed makeup artist Mariah Nicole from Los Angeles praises its effortless application, deep black color, and smudge-resistant formula. Engineered to boost lash volume up to five times, its brush delicately separates each lash for a wide-eyed effect. Users also appreciate its precise application, facilitated by a brush design that enables seamless coating from root to tip.
2. Best Lengthening Mascara: L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Lengthening Mascara
Price Range: $10.99-$11.99
Retailers: Amazon, L’Oreal Paris, Ulta, Target
Customer Review: “I’ve experimented with numerous high-end mascaras, but always return to this one!”
The L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara is a reliable solution for achieving longer-looking lashes. Makeup artist Elaina Badro highlights its “flexible precision elastomer” brush, which visibly elongates lashes while ensuring they remain clump-free. Available in five shades, its easy-to-remove formula makes it suitable for sensitive eyes.
3. Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes: e.l.f Big Mood Mascara
Price: $8
Retailers: e.l.f., Amazon, Target, Ulta
Customer Review: “This mascara is perfect for achieving smooth, lengthy lashes without clumps. It’s versatile for both natural and dramatic looks!”
Say goodbye to irritated eyes with e.l.f. Big Mood Mascara, specially crafted for sensitive eyes. Makeup artist Nicole recommends it for its gentle yet effective formula, devoid of harsh chemicals like phthalates and parabens. Offering volume, lift, and lengthening effects, it caters to various lash preferences.
4. Best Clean Mascara: Rimmel KIND & FREE Clean Mascara
Price: $7.88
Retailers: Walmart, Amazon, Walgreens, Rimmel London
Customer Review: “Finally, a mascara with no harmful additives, and it applies beautifully! I wore it all day to an event and didn’t experience any under-eye smudging!”
For those prioritizing clean ingredients, the Rimmel KIND & FREE Mascara is an excellent option. Featuring a formula composed of 99% naturally derived ingredients, it offers waterproof wear for up to 36 hours. Infused with organic certified shea butter and biotin, it not only enhances lashes but also nourishes them. Available in black and black brown shades, it’s a pocket-friendly choice for clean beauty enthusiasts.
5. Top Waterproof Mascara Pick: Maybelline Great Lash Mascara Waterproof
Price: $8.49
Where to Buy: Maybelline, Amazon, Walmart, Ulta
Customer Review: “I’ve been using this product for years and don’t plan on switching anytime soon. It applies smoothly and effortlessly.”
The Maybelline Great Lash Mascara Waterproof in its iconic green and pink packaging is a timeless favorite that has stood the test of time. Celebrity makeup artists vouch for its enduring popularity, attributing its success to its exceptional performance.
Renowned makeup artist Badro explains its distinction, stating, “Maybelline Great Lash Mascara was among the pioneers of water-based formulas, facilitating easy removal despite its waterproof nature.” This feature sets it apart from other waterproof mascaras, which can be challenging to remove. Additionally, its affordable price point and buildable formula make it a versatile choice for achieving both length and volume with each application.
6. Top Drugstore Mascara for Curling: L’Oreal Paris Bambi Eye Mascara
Price: $9-$11.99
Where to Buy: Amazon, L’Oreal Paris, Ulta, Target
Customer Review: “True to its claims, this mascara adds a beautiful curl to lashes without clumping, and it comes off easily with eye makeup remover.”
Achieving perfectly curled lashes requires a specialized mascara wand, and the L’Oreal Paris Bambi Eye Mascara delivers just that. Makeup artist Nicole recommends it for its silicone tip, which delicately combs and lifts lashes for enhanced length and curl, accentuating the eyes.
While Nicole advises curling the lashes before application for optimal results, she praises the mascara’s variety of washable shades, including classic black and black brown, as well as its non-flaking formula.
7. Top Affordable Mascara for Volume: L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
Price: $11.99
Where to Buy: L’Oreal Paris, Amazon, Ulta, Target, Walmart
Customer Review: “After trying it for the first time, I’ve made it my go-to mascara. It gives my lashes incredible fullness without clumping!”
Achieving voluminous lashes necessitates a winning combination of formula and brush, and the L’Oreal Paris Volumizing Lash Paradise Mascara delivers on both fronts. Makeup artist Badro recommends it for its soft wavy brush, designed to capture every lash and create dense, fuller-looking lashes.
This waterproof mascara boasts a clump-free formula infused with floral oil for added nourishment and lasting wear of up to 36 hours.
8. Top Drugstore Tubing Mascara: Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes Tubing Mascara
Price: $4.99
Where to Buy: Amazon, essence
Customer Review: “The ‘tubing’ action noticeably lengthens my lashes while the brush shape separates and lifts them.”
Tubing mascaras, renowned for their extension-like polymer formulas, offer unparalleled lengthening effects. Makeup artist Neil Scibelli recommends Essence’s Bye Bye Panda Eyes mascara for its exceptional value and performance.
This tubing mascara thickens and volumizes lashes without flaking, thanks to its innovative formula and brush design, making it a budget-friendly yet effective choice.
This waterproof mascara boasts a clump-free formula infused with floral oil for added nourishment and lasting wear of up to 36 hours.
9. Best Viral Drugstore Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara – Waterproof
Price Range: $9.48-$12.99
Where to Buy: Amazon, Maybelline, Ulta, Target, Walmart
Positive Customer Review: “I’ve tried every mascara out there, both high-end and drugstore brands, and I always come back to this one.”
The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara has taken social media by storm, earning praise from celebrity makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike. Makeup artist Dresher recommends the waterproof version for its ability to create beautifully curled lashes. Its waterproof formula effectively locks in the curl while also lengthening the lashes. It’s no wonder why this mascara has gained popularity on platforms like TikTok!
10. Best Smudge Proof Affordable Mascara: CoverGirl Lash Blast Cleantopia Mascara
Price Range: $10.48-$15.49
Where to Buy: Amazon, CoverGirl, Ulta, Walmart, Target
Positive Customer Review: “Fantastic product, easy to apply. Great color that enhances my lashes beautifully! Wore it on a hot day, and it didn’t smudge or run.”
Say goodbye to mascara mishaps with the CoverGirl Lash Blast Cleantopia Mascara. This clean formula, infused with nourishing ingredients like aloe extract and maracuja oil, promises smudge-proof wear throughout the day. Despite skepticism surrounding many “smudge-proof” mascaras, users attest to its effectiveness in staying put without flaking. With lash-enhancing benefits and reliable longevity, it’s a must-have for busy days.
11. Best Cruelty-Free Drugstore Mascara: Pixi Beauty Large Lash Mascara
Price Range: $14.99-$16.00
Where to Buy: Amazon, Pixi Beauty, Ulta, Target
Positive Customer Review: “This mascara is fantastic; it really adds length and fullness to your lashes.”
For conscientious consumers, Pixi Beauty Large Lash Mascara offers guilt-free glamor. This cruelty-free formula is a favorite of makeup artist Badro for its lengthening and volumizing effects. Not only is it smudge-proof and water-resistant, but its buildable formula allows for customizable lash enhancement. Users appreciate its large brush, which delivers dramatic results in just a few strokes. While some users note it may not provide as much thickness as expected, it undeniably amplifies and elongates lashes for a striking look.
12. Best Washable Drugstore Mascara: Maybelline Falsies Surreal Extensions Mascara
Price: $9.99
Where to Buy: Amazon, Maybelline, Ulta, Target
Positive Customer Review: “Stays on nicely and washes off easily!”
Achieve the look of false lashes without the hassle with Maybelline’s The Falsies Surreal Extensions Mascara. Offering 36% more length and 10 times more volume than standard mascara, this washable formula delivers dramatic results without the commitment. Users appreciate its ease of removal with regular makeup remover or micellar water, making cleanup a breeze. With its affordable price point and impressive performance, it’s a top choice for those seeking bold lashes without the fuss.
Difference between Drugstore Mascara and High-End Mascara
- When comparing drugstore mascara to high-end mascara, the disparities mainly revolve around ingredient quality, manufacturing location, brand identity, and packaging costs.
- Ingredient quality and sourcing play a significant role in the differences between the two. Luxury brands may prioritize higher-quality ingredients and meticulous sourcing methods. Additionally, the country of origin for manufacturing and the quantity produced can vary between drugstore and high-end mascaras.
- Brand identity also sets luxury mascaras apart, as they often invest in creating a distinct image and reputation. This branding can influence consumer perception and loyalty.
- Furthermore, the cost of packaging materials and design elements for the wand, head, and tube may differ between drugstore and high-end options.
However, in terms of actual performance on your lashes, the disparity may not always be noticeable. Your lashes are unlikely to discern between mascaras based solely on brand identity or packaging.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best mascara for you depends on your specific preferences, whether you prioritize volume, color, length, or curl. By tailoring your search to your needs, you can find the perfect formula, regardless of price point.
