Beauty fans know that makeup can be an expensive hobby. The sheer number of skincare and beauty products on the market is enough to make your head spin, not to mention some brands can get pretty pricey. But take solace in knowing that not all beauty products will cost you a fortune. Case in point: mascara. It’s a well-known fact among editors and fans alike that some of the best mascaras can be found right at your local CVS. I personally don't stray from my drugstore faves, but take it from the pros: Celebrity makeup artist Shadi Malek is also a fan of affordable mascara. She tells Marie Claire, “In my makeup kit, I gravitate mainly towards drugstore mascaras because I find the formulas are some of the best out there!”
If you’re still on the fence, we’ve rounded up the best drugstore mascaras for you to shop to your heart’s content. Maybe you’re hoping to achieve sky-high lashes with a lengthening mascara, or you're planning for a night out and need one of the best volumizing mascaras. Even if you're a diehard tubing mascara user or swear by waterproof formulas, we see you. Whatever your case may be, this list is sure to have your next favorite pick.
Keep reading to shop the best of the best mascaras that won’t put a dent in your wallet. You’ll find favorites from familiar drugstore brands like CoverGirl, Maybelline, and L'Oréal Paris, plus a few viral TikTok picks. The best part is that each of these products retails for under $15—and some are even less than $10.
The Best Drugstore Mascaras
- Best Overall Drugstore Mascara: L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise
- Best Lengthening Drugstore Mascara: Maybelline Sky High Mascara
- Best Volumizing Drugstore Mascara: Blk/Opl Colorsurge Super Volumizing Mascara
- Best Curling Drugstore Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
- Best Waterproof Drugstore Mascara: L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Volume Building Waterproof Mascara
- Best Tubing Drugstore Mascara: Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes! Tubing Mascara
- Best Clean Drugstore Mascara: CoverGirl LashBlast Clean Volume Mascara
- Best Drugstore Mascara for Sensitive Eyes: Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara
This L'Oréal Paris pick is my current go-to mascara for my everyday makeup look. It delivers on fluttery, flirty lashes without any clumps or flakes. It also lasts throughout my entire day with very minimal smudging. And if I'm heading out to happy hour after work, I simply brush on an extra layer to add some wow factor. Others have dubbed it as a dupe for a much more expensive version with a very suggestive name. All of that for just $13 is why we named it one of the best mascaras out there.
Pros: Editor-approved; Lengthening; Volumizing; Curling; Long-wearing; Clump-free; Buildable; Available in four shades.
Cons: Dries out faster than others.
Customer review: "This mascara is awesome! Does exactly as advertised, more length and volume. Does not flake or clump. The brush is the best and the reason the mascara goes on so effortlessly. Highly recommended!" — Ulta
If you're on beauty TikTok like I am, there's no way you haven't seen at least a dozen videos of makeup fans reviewing this mascara. Maybelline's Sky High Mascara went viral on the platform for all of the right reasons. This drugstore mascara will have every single lash reaching insane new heights, and each lash is super defined. If your lashes suddenly reach your eyebrows, you can blame it on this mascara's flexible brush and fiber-infused formula.
Pros: Lengthening; Defining; Available in four shades; Long-wearing.
Cons: Difficult to remove; Not as volumizing.
Customer review: "I found out about this mascara on TikTok & it didn’t disappoint! It’s amazing. My lashes look soo long when I use this mascara. It’s wonderful, my go to. I get the blackest black, it doesn’t smudge through out the day. It comes right off right away when you wash your face. It’s great." — Amazon
At the beginning of the year, you couldn’t scroll through TikTok without an influencer singing praise for this pick. This Essence mascara does exactly what the name suggests: gives your lashes a falsie effect. In just a few swipes, lashes are volumized, lengthened, and fanned out just like your favorite falsies. Plus, with over 198,000 5-star reviews, it’s safe to say that this affordable option is worth a try. Did I mention this mascara is probably cheaper than your Starbucks order?
Pros: Under $5; Lengthening; Volumizing; Defining.
Cons: Takes a while to dry; May smudge and flake with wear.
Customer review: "I have used several expensive mascaras, such as Urban Decay, MAC, Benefit, etc. This one beats them all. Very buildable, curling, lengthening and makes my lashes feel naked in the process. They are still soft after a few layers. Highly recommend!" — Amazon
The classic orange tube got a major upgrade and is now better than ever. If you're already a fan of Covergirl's Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara, you're sure to love this version even more thanks to its clean and vegan formula. With the same brush as the original, lashes come out instantly volumized and clump-free in one coat, but three or four coats really does the trick. Argan and marula oils also condition your lashes while creating that perfectly curled shape.
Pros: Volumizing; Clump-free; Conditioning formula; Clean and vegan formula.
Cons: May need multiple coats for lift.
Customer review: "I was a long-time Maybelline Great Lash girl, but I wanted to switch to something better for sensitive eyes. This clean mascara is actually better than Great Lash and I am pleasantly surprised. Does not smudge at all, even after long sweaty work day. Comes off with makeup balm remover and water, easy-peasy. Worth the switch!" — Amazon
L'Oréal Paris’ Voluminous Volume Building Waterproof Mascara is yet another classic that has made it to cult-favorite status. This was the first mascara I tried as a pre-teen and I still find myself reaching for it when I want clump-free thick lashes. While the original formula comes in seven colors, I prefer the Carbon Black version for super dark and intense lashes. Pro makeup artist Shadi Malek says this is one of her favorite drugstore formulas, too. While the waterproof formula only comes in black and brown, the washable formula comes in a whopping seven shades including a cool violet and cobalt.
Pros: Pro- and editor-approved; Highly pigmented; Volumizing; Defining; Buildable; Clump-free.
Cons: May smudge with wear.
Customer review: "This is my holy grail! I've tried SO many mascaras, but none have been able to hold the curl in my lashes like this one. It also adds great volume!" — Ulta
If you were wondering what this mascara does, it's all in the name. This pick will take your lashes to the next level of volumized thanks to its fiber brush and innovative thickening complex. You'll only need one swipe to add drama to your lashes. Not only will your lashes be thicker than ever, but they will also be conditioned at the same time with lash-loving ingredients vitamin E (tocopherol) and vitamin B5 (panthenol). Reviewers also say the pigmentation is extra intense.
Pros: Volumizing; Conditioning formula; Highly pigmented.
Cons: Formula is thick.
Customer review: "Perfect blend of adding color and volume to my lashes. Goes on easily and smoothly, no clumps. Cleans up easily at the end of the night as well." — Ulta
There is a very good chance that your mom and/or grandma loved this green and pink tube from Maybelline. Launched in 1971, this mascara has stood the test of time and will probably continue to do so thanks to its incredible quality. With its classic bristle brush, the formula goes on smoothly, evenly, and clump-free, too. The formula also conditions, so lashes will feel soft and fluttery. According to Maybelline, this mascara is so well-loved that one tube is sold every five seconds.
Pros: Buildable volume; Under $10; Goes on smoothly; Clump-free; Conditioning formula; Comes in three shades.
Cons: Takes a while to dry.
Customer review: "I’ve use this mascara since I was allowed to wear make up in the eighth grade. It’s the one I always use that someone I always will use. I hope they never change the container. It’s just the nostalgia and I love it. I it works very well. The mascara is easy to use goes on easily. It’s just perfect works just like it should." — Amazon
Long, doll lashes are easier than ever to achieve with this lengthening mascara. In just a swipe, your lashes are immediately sky-high, defined, and lifted. In a few more swipes, the length really gets insane. What's even more impressive about this mascara is that if you do decide to go for extra coats, it still stays relatively clump-free. Its lengthening and defining power all comes down to the wand, which acts as a flexible comb to reach every lash.
Pros: Lengthening; Defining; Clump-free; Ophthalmologist-tested.
Cons: Not as volumizing.
Customer review: "I have used this mascara for years and have not found anything that even comes close to as good! I have tried $30 luxury brands that have failed in comparison! It separates the lashes and extends without clumping. It washes off easily with soap and water. Love it! My go to!" — Ulta
Not everyone is a fan of super thick, dramatic lashes and that's okay! If soft and natural is more your vibe, you'll love this pick from Neutrogena. Reviewers say this mascara gives off the perfect amount of subtle glam for an everyday look and is particularly great for sensitive eyes. Lashes are wrapped in a nourishing formula made of rice protein, vitamin E, and olive oil, which create an extra lengthened look. This mascara also comes in a brown shade if black is a bit too intense for you.
Pros: Lengthening; Great for subtle looks; Smudge-proof; Available in two shades; Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested.
Cons: May need extra coats for volume.
Customer review: "I tend to have sensitive eyes and have always had trouble wearing mascara. I Purchased this and I’ve been wearing it daily for months. I find that it doesn’t bother me at all. It washes off nicely and goes on smoothly. It is not real clumpy and doesn’t make your eyes look like you have fake lashes. It looks very natural. This will be my go to mascara from here on out." — Amazon
Yes, you can find a great tubing mascara at drugstore prices. Case in point: this top-rated pick from Essence. For the uninitiated, tubing mascara essentially works by wrapping each lash in tiny tubes, which results in some major lengthening magic. What's even better is that you won't have to worry about smudging with this mascara—it's totally smudge-proof and flake-free (hence the name). As the cherry on top of this great mascara, it's incredibly easy to remove. Just use a little bit of warm water and the mascara should wipe off easily in the form of little tubes. At just $5, this mascara is hard to beat.
Pros: Lengthening; Defining; Smudge- and flake-free; Easy to remove; Clean formula; Ophthalmologist tested; Long-wearing.
Cons: Takes longer to dry; Only comes in one shade.
Customer review: "I use cream on my eyelids, and my eyes are deep-set, so it was hard to find a mascara that wouldn't smudge. This one WILL NOT smudge, yet washes off easily. Love this product." — Ulta
This may be the third Maybelline mascara on this list, but I can't help it that they have so many good options to choose from. One of their original formulas, the Lash Sensational, is still a cult favorite, despite coming out with other versions. Its curved brush with 10 layers of bristles creates a gorgeously lifted, fanned-out effect. I'm talking the kind of doe-eyed, defined lashes of your dreams. Even if you have straight stubby lashes, this mascara will have them lifted all day in just a single coat.
Pros: Curling; Lifting; Defining; Volumizing; Available in waterproof formula; Comes in three shades.
Cons: May clump with additional coats.
Customer review: "I have long, straight eyelashes that fall flat with every mascara I've tried but this one keeps my lashes curled the whole day. I also really like the mascara wand. 10/10 would recommend" — Ulta
E.l.f. has come out with plenty of holy grail beauty products over the use (I personally use their cleansing balm every single night, for one), so don't sleep on the brand if you want a great affordable mascara. This $8 mascara has the beauty world talking for all of the right reasons. The thick curved brush adds some major drama to your lashes by volumizing and lifting like no other. It even adds a touch of length, plus holds your curl in place with its hero ingredient, jojoba wax.
Pros: Volumizing; Lifting; Curling; Smudge and flake-resistant; Vegan and cruelty-free; Comes in three shades.
Cons: Some shades are sold out; May smudge with wear.
Customer review: "My friend brought me this mascara for Christmas, and I LOVE it. My lashes don't seem to clump up and they look so long now, you don't even need to curl them full the full effect! (I mean it defiantly doesn't hurt) I feel so confident with this one!!!" — Ulta
You’ll never not want diamond dust in your mascara after trying this pick from Physicians Formula. This mascara contains diamond dust to give your lashes a subtle shine from root to tip. Its curved brush lengthens, lifts, and separates every single lash. Plus, the formula is 100 percent vegan and contains boosting peptides, mineral water, and vitamin E to make your lashes stronger than ever. For days when you're going for the no-makeup look, this mascara also comes in a clear version.
Pros: Strengthening formula; Buildable volume; Leaves a subtle shiny finish; Lengthening.
Cons: Brush can get clumpy.
Customer review: "I bought this for myself, and it is the perfect Black Mascara. If there was a way to describe the perfect mascara formula, Physican’s Formula nailed it. It has the perfect consistency when coating onto the lashes. It lasted all day, and I didn’t have any trouble when washing off. Pretty simple. Buy it!" — Amazon
Revlon’s new mascara gives off an insane amount of volume without weighing down your lashes. Its molded, tapered wand has 252 layered bristles of varying lengths so each one of your lashes is generously coated. Think of the brush as a comb for your lashes that lifts them up, up, and away. If you're looking for curled, over-the-top lashes, look no further than this Revlon pick. One Amazon reviewer even said it works just as well as high-end, pricier options.
Pros: Volumizing; Glossy finish; Lifts lashes; Dries fast.
Cons: Not as lengthening; May flake with all-day wear.
Customer review: "This is truly the best mascara. It doesn't clump or leave spidery lashes, and it doesn't smudge. It stays put, but comes of easily with micellar water. It's great for making your lashes thicker and longer. I just wish they'd make a waterproof version!" — Amazon
Meet the Expert
With just under a decade of experience in the makeup industry, Shadi Malek's extensive list of clients goes far and wide. From brides and models to your favorite celebs and social media stars, Shadi tailors her glam to match every client's unique visage. She first started honing her craft in Vancouver, Canada, and is now based in Los Angeles, one of the world's largest makeup hubs. Shadi often lends her expertise to publications such as WhoWhatWear, Bustle, Byrdie, Popsugar, and more.
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