The best drugstore mascara are seriously splendid! First, they are really cheap, like from $4 to just about $15, so that is truly very good for anyone who might be on a budget. I started wearing mascara regularly after my marriage. After giving birth to two babies, the freckles and dark circles were very visible on my face. Moreover, I noticed that my eyes appeared raccoon-like due to the dark circles and extremely thin eyelashes.
I don’t know what happened during pregnancy or after delivery since there were regular checkups with the doctor. My diet was also healthy during pregnancy. I became a mother, but I lost my youth. Hands down to all the mothers in the world!
I wish I could turn back the time, but it is impossible. I’m now in my 45s and a mother of four children. Furthermore, I was not receiving attention from my husband, so I began to wear light makeup and incorporate some natural treatments. This issue led me to do in-depth research about makeup products.
Since I was young, I have occasionally worn high-end mascara, such as Tarte Lights Camera Lashes, which is not a drugstore mascara. So I decided to try both options—luxury and drugstore mascaras—to enhance my eyelash appearance and get noticed.
Eyelash and eye makeup enthusiasts always want bold, fuller, volumized, and longer lashes. On the other hand, it is not possible with traditional drugstore mascaras. Personally, I prefer luxury mascara over a drugstore option. Because drugstore mascara is the cheap option in terms of price and quality, it may smudge or smear by the end of the day.
Photo by: Antoni Shkraba
Why Choose Top Drugstore Mascara?
On the other hand, there are also some reliable and renowned brands (Maybelline, Loreal, Essence, and Covergirl) in the market that offer the best drugstore mascara at a cheap price with all the features offered by luxury mascaras. You can get some really great options that do exactly the same as the high-word ones, which provide gorgeous length and volume without emptying your wallet.
The article includes an amazing spectrum of drugstore mascaras to suit various needs and tastes, so there’s one for everyone out there. With expertly tested and reviewed picks, it covers everything from volumizing and lengthening formulas to waterproof and clean ingredients.
Whether dramatic and false-lash in look and feel natural, there are budget-friendly options that can cater to all lash types and styles. Whatever the issues are with your mascara, this guide has got you covered—the top picks that won’t be too hard on the wallet!
What to Look for in a Drugstore Mascara?
There are some features that you must consider before buying a drugstore mascara.
Longevity: All-Day Wear
Longevity is a big deal when you’re searching around for the perfect mascara. You need something that will last all day without flaking or smudging, right? Most drugstore mascaras have been tested to hold up anywhere from 8 to 18 hours so that you can rock fabulous lashes from morning coffee to evening plans without the raccoon eyes.
Formula: What’s the Vibe?
So, of course, next comes the formula. Are you dreaming of voluminous and thick lashes, or maybe something that will give you length? As it goes, there are so many out there—volumizing, lengthening, curling, or waterproof formulas—really with their magic in each one of them in a certain way. For instance, a volumizing mascara can take you into that really dramatic appearance while keeping it light and fluttery with the lengthening formulas.
Mascara Brush Type: The Secret Weapon
Now, the kind of brush—because you know that really can make all the difference in your mascara game! They come in all shapes and sizes: bristle, plastic, curved, straight. A fluffy bristle brush is great for adding volume, while a straight one might get into those tricky inner corners.
Ingredients: Lash Love
Finally, but definitely not least, check the ingredients. Some mascaras are packed full of nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and natural oils that make all the difference in making your lashes healthy and strong. This is extremely important, as around 45% of people are concerned about using harsh chemicals in makeup.
Top Picks for Volume
CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Key Features
This is a drugstore classic; the CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara is famous for dramatic yet clump-free volume. Its spiral-shaped brush removes any clumps and provides even coating. The formula is hypoallergenic, which makes it suitable for eyes with sensitivities. It really delivers in both volume and wear, but it won’t elevate very short lashes that well, and it dries out quite quickly.
- This is a spin-shaped brush that provides maximum coverage of the lashes.
- Volumizing formula for bold lashes.
- Hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested.
- Smudge-proof and flake-proof.
Pros and Cons
Real User Experiences and Reviews: CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara
Laura’s review
Laura said this was her favorite mascara for years. Now she uses it in combination with the Lash Blast in the pink tube. She actually likes both but has found that both give the best result. Laura always receives compliments on her lashes and is often asked where she gets them done. She says it is humorous and tells them that they are her own lashes after using these two mascaras together.
Kathy’s review
Kathy needed a new tube of mascara, and her usual brand of mascara, Cover Girl mascara, was not on sale. Keeping this in mind, having looked through the selection, she went for the Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume Mascara in Black. She likes that it is a hypoallergenic formula for long, voluminous lashes thanks to the design of a plastic comb bristle wand. This kind of wand gives both volume and length to every lash reaching the hard-to-reach lashes. It’s easily removable with soap and water or an eye makeup remover. According to Kathy, Lash Blast Volume Mascara has been in her makeup bag for the last three years.
Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Key Features
Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara is a medium-volume, buildable drugstore product with good length. This mascara helps nourish your lashes with the content of coconut oil while providing you with a natural look. It comes in either washable or waterproof form to suit different uses. On the other hand, overall volume may not be that dramatic for anyone, and the removable one could smudge in wet surroundings. The waterproof variant might get quite difficult to remove.
- Soft, creamy, and whipped formula for soft textures.
- Coconut Oil Infusion for Conditioning.
- Buildable volume and length.
- Curved brush for easier application.
- Washable and waterproof options available.
Pros and Cons
Real User Experiences and Reviews: Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara
Kate Thomson’s review
She was seeking something that would not clump and would be easy to apply, but it seemed difficult to use due to the clumps. Kate said it gets clumpy every time she puts it on after a few quick strokes. After it has dried, she does not feel any elasticity at all that will allow her to separate the clumps, leaving her in the dilemma of either rocking the clumps or washing it off right away.
On the bright side, it doesn’t flake and gives volume that does last. So, if you can get the clumps to lay in a way that’s at least aesthetically pleasing, it’ll stay there. But Kate wouldn’t recommend or repurchase it and would put a couple more dollars into something better.
Susan’s review
Susan adores the Maybelline New York Total Temptation Washable Mascara in Blackest Black. She feels this mascara really is a game-changer for her lashes. The formula is smooth, creamy, and does not clump at all; it goes on pretty easily. The blackest black shade really sets off her lashes to dramatic lengths all day long. She loves how this mascara gives volume and length without that fake or spidery lashes appearance.
Susan also talked about how, for her, the wand was just the right size and shape for reaching every last single lash with product, and the washable formula goes easily at the end of the day. She highly recommends the Maybelline New York Total Temptation Washable Mascara to anybody in search of a good brand of mascara helpful in bringing out the best. She’s certain you won’t be disappointed.
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Feline Washable Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Key Features
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Feline Washable Mascara delivers instant volume with a feline lash look. It contains an ultra-glossy black formula and a fast-charge brush; charge one coat for bold, full lashes. While dramatically volumizing and not at all complicated to apply, this may also not be the best for those who have really short lashes, since from some people’s reviews, it smudges or transfers.
- Quick-charge brush for maximum lash coverage.
- Ultra-glossy black formula for color that’s off the charts.
- Buildable volume for a customizable look.
- Washable formula for easy, quick removal.
Pros and Cons
Real User Experiences and Reviews: L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Feline Noir Washable Mascara
Katrina Marie Leeks’s review
Katrina normally uses a prestige brand mascara, and since her lashes are a bit short and thickest by nature, she was in the store and saw this mascara featured in some magazine lately, so she went for it. She says that this luxurious coating of the lashes creates a lift encapsulating each lash and won’t bleed throughout the day. The black color doesn’t turn grayish after just a few hours; it still looks good by day’s end.
For instance, the shade of brown turns out nice. She applies several coats to reach all her lashes and create a lifted or curled look, said Katrina. It doesn’t clump at all, making thumping on multiple coats simple to do. While she still loves Mally volumizing mascara for the lush look it gives her, this one is a close second.
Cassandra’s review
Cassandra said that this mascara was going to be more on the drier side, so that will be really great for those who have droopy lashes since it holds a curl amazingly well without being too heavy on the lashes. The tradeoff against that, though, is because it’s thinner and doesn’t give as much volume. The bristles really multiply her lashes, and because they are all separated, they do look more fanned out and defined to counteract that.
The formula clumps a bit when layered too much above two, but it doesn’t have any problem with smearing or irritating her throughout the day. Cassandra feels that the wand could be smaller so she could get closer to the lash line with it, but other than that, she thinks it does a pretty good job of catching all the lashes. She finds the scoop-bristles concept interesting, being a formula that makes her lashes really more feline with a moderate length.
Best for Lengthening
CoverGirl Lash Blast Length Water-resistant Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Key Features
The Covergirl Lash Blast Length Mascara is a decidedly more budget-friendly proposition for long, full lashes. Its lash-building formula and flexible brush ensure easy application and buildable length. It offers cheap pricing with good length and definition but can clump if applied too heavily and may not work so well on very short lashes.
- Lash-building complex to extend and thicken your lashes.
- Flexible brush makes for easy application.
- Long-lasting, smudge-free formula.
Pros and Cons
Real User Experiences and Reviews: CoverGirl Lash Blast Length Mascara
Houston Mom’s review
Houston Mom wrote that this is the best thing ever for her; she only hopes CoverGirl can bring this back for her because other mascaras are too heavy and clumpy, causing serious eye irritation. Such effects are caused by her fine, thin lashes and very sensitive eyes. She found that this mascara goes on perfectly with two coats for her, makes her lashes look long and feathery, and stays on until she washes it off with Neutrogena makeup removing cleanser.
Houston Mom experimented with a few of the new mascaras that CoverGirl had released as a replacement for this one, but they felt like hard plastic melded to each lash, caused eye irritation, and wouldn’t come off with anything she used. She had to even peel it off each lash, losing some in the process. She’s simply asking for CoverGirl to please bring back Lash Blast Length.
Sophie’s review
Sophie says she does not find any other mascara comfortable to use. It clearly and without bothers extends all the lashes perfectly uniformly without clumping. The mascara goes to each lash slightly and gently because the bristles are spaced; positioning does not allow for thick gobs of mascara to be placed in one lash place. It never causes any irritation. She mentioned that it’s difficult to find in stores, so she was pretty pleased to find a three-pack on Amazon at a great price.
Top Picks for Curl
CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Key Features
Dramatic volume, sans clumps; CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara features a cutting-edge double-sided brush that makes for intense programming. This is a vegan mascara that gives you bold lashes while being gentle on the eyes. While it works really well for full-volume lashes, it may not turn out to be the best pick for extraordinarily short ones and can be, at times, a little wet.
- A double-sided brush, one with a straight bristle edge and the other with a fine-tooth comb.
- Volumizing formula for bold lashes.
- Clump-resistant technology.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
Pros and Cons
Real User Experiences and Reviews: CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara
E. G. Bella’s review
E.G. Bella said this was just the only good brown mascara she could find anywhere, and she’s pretty happy about that. The color is nice and brown—Targets rather than red, like some of the other ‘brown’ mascaras some people have had issues with. The formula lives up to the name in that, for her, it hasn’t clumped at all and goes on pretty smoothly and easily without sticking her lashes together. She had been using the Wet N Wild Mega Length formula, which she said was her favorite to really make her short lashes look long, but since that only comes in Very Black, she switched to this one.
She did try to use this formula with the Wet N Wild wand, and even though that does work quite well, it is just a little bit of a hassle. This mascara seems waterproof but is also very easy to remove with a cotton round and eye makeup remover. She hasn’t noticed any smudging. Overall, she wishes this brand had more formulas in brown, but she’s pretty happy with it. It doesn’t seem as startling and unnatural on her—a natural blonde—or anything like Very Black does.
Maris Dodge’s review
Maris Dodge says she has tried many different mascaras in the last decade but always comes back to this one. All these years later, she still opts for this over her $30 Better Than Sex mascara because of how well it goes on and doesn’t clump. She calls it her old reliable.
Essence Lash Princess Curl & Volume Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Key Features
Essence Lash Princess Curl & Volume Mascara is an affordable mascara that adds extreme curl and volume. Its peanut-shaped fiber brush and volumizing formula help lift and thicken lashes. Now, some cons, such as affordable pricing; nice curl; nice volume—however, it might smudge and not be long-wearing. The mascara formula can be a bit too wet, and that might not hold the curl all day.
- Curved brush that tucks and lifts to curl lashes.
- Moisturizing and lengthening formula.
- Conditioning formulas which respect your lashes.
- Vegan and Cruelty-free.
Pros and Cons
Real User Experiences and Reviews: Essence Lash Princess Curl & Volume Mascara
Aurora’s review
She has used mascara all her life and has spent a fortune. Yes, it takes a few coats to get that volume. She doesn’t flake, and she never comes off looking like a raccoon at day’s end. It can smear, but it takes a lot, like chiropractor tables. She loves that it’s cheap and doesn’t mind tossing what’s left when it gets dry or germy. Aurora has that on subscribe and save and even got a tube for her 6-year-old’s makeup box. The color looks great on her because it creates the perfect contrast to bring out the brown eyes and olive skin and makes her daughter’s blue eyes pop.
Jennifer Condel’s review
Jennifer Condel just loves this mascara, calling it inexpensive and very good. She said it makes her almost blonde lashes look like she has fake lashes on and loves the look it gives her. She included a picture showing one eye with the mascara magic and the other without, adding that she often tells friends this is the best mascara. Jennifer Condel uses the following Essence Lash Princess mascaras: curl & volume mascara and false lash effect mascara. She loves the combo since it gives her lashes the extra boost they need. Jennifer plans on continuing to purchase it.
Best Waterproof Options
CoverGirl Peacock Flare Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Key Features
When you want dramatic, fanned-out lashes with plenty of length and definition, CoverGirl has another in their arsenal: Peacock Flare Waterproof Mascara. This waterproof formula and feather-fan brush design give a more precise look that stays long. It offers drama at an affordable price while being hard to remove and drying out your lashes. Apply carefully, as this mascara can clump up and cause possible irritations to sensitive eyes.
- Feather-fan brush; good for precise applications and separation.
- Long-lasting, waterproof formula.
- It has volumizing and lengthening effects.
- High-build formula for a customizable lash look.
- Washable formula removes easily with soap and water.
Pros and Cons
Real User Experiences and Reviews: CoverGirl Peacock Flare Waterproof Mascara
Sandy’s review
Sandy said this was the first mascara she ever bought when she started wearing makeup, and she’s absolutely loved it since. She thought for years that it had been discontinued. Yes, this truly is a “lashing” out mascara separating every lash perfectly to give beautiful, fanned out, wispy “peacock” looks. The formula is amazingly good; it never flakes, nor does it make your lashes crunchy when it dries. Instead, her lashes feel silky and hydrated when dry. There’s no smudging, and it washes off easily with soap and water. Sandy considers this a classic.
Brittany’s review
Brittany said this mascara was a cool product. She did admit, though, that both the brush and application seem designed for someone experienced, not like her.
Revlon So Fierce Big Bad Lash Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Key Features
Revlon So Fierce Big Bad Lash Waterproof Mascara is one at the drugstore level that helps to volume up the bold lashes. With an extra-large brush and waterproof formula, it strives to be dramatic and of high impact. Notwithstanding the intense volume and long-lasting effects it provides, due to its heavily applied nature. If you do not close the cap properly after use, the product can get really clumpy. This mascara is hard to remove without waterproof eye makeup remover and may dry out your lashes due to its strong waterproof properties. Some women find the formula to be quite heavy. Others experience irritation.
- An oversized brush for maximum lash coverage.
- Long-lasting, waterproof formula.
- Volumizing and thickening formula.
- Smudge-proof and flake-resistant.
Pros and Cons
Real User Experiences and Reviews: Revlon So Fierce Big Bad Lash Waterproof Mascara
Bridget’s review
Bridget said she needs waterproof mascara because her eyes water a lot. Though sometimes this one will run, notwithstanding that, she finds it pretty good overall.
Lisa M’s review
Lisa shared that she likes the fact that this mascara is waterproof, does not smudge or flake off, but at the same time, doesn’t elongate or thicken. She has used better ones and will never buy this again.
Best Picks for Sensitive Eyes
CoverGirl Professional All-in-One Curved Brush Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Key Features
CoverGirl Professional All-in-One Curved Brush Mascara provides volume, length, and definition in one step. The curved brush allows access to every lash for an application that is gentle on the eyes with a hypoallergenic formula. Though this will give a versatile option, it might not be too dramatic in its result and can get dried out pretty fast.
- A curved, intuitive brush that reaches every lash.
- Volumizing, Lengthening, and Defining Formula.
- Hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested.
- Smudge-proof and flake-resistant.
Pros and Cons
Real User Experiences and Reviews: CoverGirl Professional All-in-One Curved Brush Mascara
LAURAIE’s review
Lauraie says this mascara is the best, and she has been using it for over 30 years. She said it doesn’t flake onto the face at all. She’s had comments from people asking which mascara she uses, and she always tells them Covergirl Professional.
Amazon Kunde’s review
This Amazon customer stated that this had always been her favorite mascara, and she was thrilled to finally see it. She mentioned the round brush is perfect for the eyelashes since it has the right brushes and no plastic knobs to make application very pleasurable. She likes to stick with this mascara.
Almay Thickening Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Key Features
Almay Thickening Mascara is a hypoallergenic, non-irritating mascara that provides volume. This formula firms up the lashes while conditioning them, enriched with aloe and vitamin B5. The best thing about it is its gentle, enhancing formula; however, it might not be too dramatic and has the tendency to dry out after a period of use.
- Hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested.
- Enriched with aloe and vitamin B5.
- Formula to thicken, for volume lashes.
- Smudge-proof and flake-free.
- This model is available both in a version that is waterproof as well as not waterproof.
Pros and Cons
Real User Experiences and Reviews: Almay Thickening Mascara
Angelique
According to Angelique, this is a good mascara that doesn’t crumble. It is enriched with aloe and vitamin B5, which are said to revitalize and nourish your eyelashes, but she hasn’t really noticed any change. On the bright side, it is one of the few mascaras she uses during the day without having a huge black streak underneath her eyes at the end of the day. Furthermore, this is extremely resistant to sweat.
Richa Priyadarshini
According to Richa Priyadarshini, the quality of this mascara is simply superb. It did decent volume and curl for the lashes and feels very light on the lashes. Cleaning was easy, too. She had issues with delivery that took much time; plus, the tracking got a little difficult. She said that the product itself is pretty nice, though delivery leaves much to be desired.
Tips for Applying Drugstore Mascara Like a Pro
Use a Lash Curler for Extra Lift
Now, let’s talk for a second about lash curlers. Those little guys are seriously going to change your life right when you need them to give those peepers the wide-awake, fabulous look. Curling your lashes for those extra 30 seconds makes all the difference!
Wiggle the Wand at the Base of Your Lashes
When you apply mascara, start at the base of your lashes, wiggle, and move back and forth as you sweep up toward the tip. That way, every single lash gets coated from root to tip for maximum drama. It also helps prevent any clumping or unevenness. Take your time with this step, and really focus on getting the base of your lashes nice and coated. Your lashes are going to look so much fuller and more defined!
Apply Multiple Coats for Added Drama
This builds up the formula on your lashes to really give them that dramatic effect. I always focus on the top lashes, as that’s what people are going to see the most, but don’t forget about those bottom lashes either! A few coats will really open up your eyes and make them pop.
Use a Lash Comb to Separate Clumps
Ah, clumps happen to the best of us, even mascara queens. But that’s okay, because there’s an easy fix! Just use a clean lash comb or spoolie to just separate your lashes really gently. Beginning at the base, wiggle that comb side to side, back to the tips. This not only gets rid of clumps but also helps with spider lashes so they look fanned out and separated.
➡️ How To Apply Mascara Like a Pro: Tips To Avoid Clumping and Smudging.
Conclusion
This quest to find your holy grail mascara is really so much fun—like, the best shopping adventure! There are some really cool offerings within drugstore mascaras these days. These babies have come a long way, with formulas and brushes on hand to help you create any lash look your heart desires. Want volume, length, or curls with a little bit of everything? It’s all about making sense of what is best for your lashes and the effect you’re after.
Do you require additional length to achieve a fluttery look? Could the volumizing formula provide you with a thick, full appearance? The list goes on! Now, about those brushes for a second—they really can be game-changers. Some are bristle; some are plastic. Some are curved; others are straight.
It’s kind of like finding that perfect fit in shoes—you gotta try a few on to know what works. Try different shapes and sizes, so you will know what it takes to give form to your dream lashes. So, girl, live it up! Begin trying out those drugstore mascaras, experimenting with different brushes and formulas. And most critically, it’s all just a good time! Looking back, you’ll remember that mascara that gave your lashes that “wow” factor—where they both looked and felt great—it was like finding a new best friend. Cherish the bond and let those eyes shine bright!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This clumping could be for a number of reasons, from using an older mascara to applying too many coats when you’re not using the right technique. Clean off your brush and run it over your lashes to help separate them. Sometimes you might be using too much product on the brush that is causing it to clump.
One could also prevent smudging by using either a waterproof formula or setting spray applied after the makeup is on. Also, try not to touch your eyes throughout the day, because this transfers oils to your eyes and causes smudging.
If irritation, redness, or soreness exists after applying the mascara, irrigate it right away. You could be allergic to one of the ingredients in the formulation. Consider switching over to a hypoallergenic or sensitive formula designed for sensitive eyes.
It’s always a good idea to replace your mascara every 3–6 months to help prevent the growth of bacteria and to ensure the best performance. It is better to throw it away even earlier if you notice any difference in its texture, smell, or performance.
Yes, you can definitely layer different mascaras together for some major drama on your lashes. A number of users seemed to have reported success using one mascara for adding length and a different one for building volume. Just be careful to avoid piling too much mascara onto your lashes, since this may cause clumping and the heavy feeling that comes with it.