The best drugstore mascaras for getting gorgeous lashes on a budget

Do you prefer full false-looking lashes, a more natural aesthetic — or are you somewhere in between? No matter your lash preference, the look you’re after can be achieved with the right mascara. The good news? You shouldn’t have to spend a lot to find the perfect mascara. In fact, some of the best formulas on the market are available at your local drugstore.

To save you a trip to the store, our beauty-loving editors rounded up the best drugstore mascaras that you can order online. From volumizing formulas to lengthening wonders, with these mascaras, you can ditch expensive luxury brands and opt for budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on quality or performance.

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Our top picks for the best mascaras of 2023

Best overall drugstore mascara

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara

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$9.98 at Walmart

Best waterproof mascara

Maybelline The Colossal Waterproof Mascara

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$7.96 at Walmart

Best mascara for length & volume

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

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$6.60 at Walmart

Best brown mascara

CoverGirl LashBlast Mega Volume Mascara

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$12.99 at Walgreens

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Best overall drugstore mascara

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara

You save $3.01 (23.17%)

$9.98$12.99

$9.98 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Available in washable and waterproof versions

• Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers 

• Allergy and ophthalmologist-tested

• Removing this mascara can be challenging

• Potential clumping if not applied in even and thin coats

The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara is an absolute game changer for achieving sky-high lashes that defy gravity. Its innovative formula and unique flex tower brushwork in combination to lengthen and volumize each lash from root to tip. This mascara is specially designed to provide long-lasting, smudge-proof and waterproof wear, ensuring your lashes stay flawless all day long. 

This mascara has a thickening effect that comes at an affordable price. Say goodbye to clumps and hello to feathery, full lashes that make a bold statement. If you’re ready to elevate your lash game, the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof mascara is sure to get the job done and exceed your expectations.

Best waterproof mascara

Maybelline The Colossal Waterproof Mascara

$7.96

$7.96 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Delivers bold, full-bodied eyelash results 

• Brush is designed to make application a breeze 

• Provides long-lasting wear and prevents smudging

• Can become clumpy if built up too much 

• One reviewer complains about a thick consistency

Waterproof and formulated to provide major volume, the Maybelline The Colossal Waterproof Mascara is made to stay put — and will have your friends wondering if you’re wearing false lashes.

Not only does it make lashes look bigger and better, but it’s also waterproof. So, if you’re swimming at the beach or attending an emotional wedding, you won’t have to worry about smudging or running makeup.

This product is a breeze to apply. The specially designed brush effortlessly embraces every lash and coats them from root to tip in a single sweep. No clumps, no fuss. Just beautifully separated lashes that will make everyone do a double take. With over 9,000 reviews and a 4.3-star average rating on Walmart, customers can attest to the volume, length — and effective waterproofing — this product provides.

Best mascara for length & volume

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

$6.60

$6.60 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Dramatic false lash effect for volume and length 

• All day wear 

• Smooth and easy application

• Some reviewers say the formula tends to flake quickly 

• Less buildable formula

Wave hello to the Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara, the magic wand that will transform your lashes from meh to mesmerizing. This mascara delivers voluminous, dramatic lashes that will leave everyone wondering if you’ve got a secret stash of falsies. 

In addition to providing length and volume, it stays put all day without any flaking or smudging and keeps your lashes looking fierce and fabulous. You can coat each lash with a jet-black formula that gives intense color and unbeatable length. Plus, the affordable price tag is like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Best brown mascara

CoverGirl LashBlast Mega Volume Mascara

$12.99

$12.99 at Walgreens

Pros & Cons

• Hypoallergenic formula 

• Promotes a big bold lash look 

• Suitable for sensitive eyes

• Some reviewers found the formula is drying

• Some users complain of clumps during wear

Go for the CoverGirl LashBlast Mega Volume Mascara to achieve a big bold lash look supercharged with volume and fullness. Applying the LashBlast Mega Volume Mascara is a breeze, thanks to its super-sized brush designed for achieving eye-popping drama and lift. Whether you’re going for an everyday look or a daring, statement style, this mascara has got you covered. 

The mascara is available in four different shades. The brown shade is an excellent option if you like a natural, yet glamorous look. When you’re ready to return to a fresh face, this product washes off easily with gentle soap and water.

Best mascara for sensitive eyes

L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Lash Magnifying Mascara with Conditioning Serum

$13.99

$13.99 at CVS

Pros & Cons

• Designed for sensitive eyes 

• Made to nourish with conditioning serum and jojoba oil

• Fluffy classic brush application

• Some users say this product is difficult to use 

• Some reviewers experienced immediate clumping

This great drugstore mascara not only gives your lashes a boost of volume and length, but also nourishes them with a hydrating serum. The unique formula is enriched with ingredients that promote lash health and prevent them from becoming dry and brittle for beautifully conditioned lashes. 

The brush is carefully designed to capture even the tiniest lashes, coating them with the perfect amount of product for a natural yet impactful look. Experience the joy of having luscious, fluttery lashes that truly enhance your eyes while keeping them healthy and vibrant.

Best volumizing drugstore mascara

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

$8.98

$8.98 at Walmart

$9.99 at Target

Pros & Cons

• Great option for people looking for mascara on a budget

• Buildable for an everyday mascara and heavier nighttime looks 

• Curved brush built to grasp every lash

• Some customers say the formula has a sticky texture 

• May tend to smudge or run

Take your lashes to new heights with Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara. This incredible mascara has an impressive 4.4 out of 5-star average rating from over 7,500 satisfied buyers on Ulta. What makes this product so special is its revolutionary brush that fans out your lashes, giving you a full-fan effect that's simply breathtaking. 

The formula is designed to lengthen and volumize each lash from root to tip, creating a captivating look that will make heads turn. This washable formula effectively separates and defines each curl so you can go all day flaunting lifted lashes.

Best curling mascara

Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara

$7.99

$7.99 at Target

$8.56 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Provides impressive curl 

• Adds incredible volume 

• Long-lasting formula

• Slight chance of clumping if too much product is applied

• Not a waterproof formula

Add a bounce to your lashes with Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara. This mascara is all about giving your lashes that extra oomph and a stunning curl that lasts all day long. The brush features a combination of short and long curved bristles, allowing it to reach every lash and create incredible volume. 

The innovative formula lifts and curls your lashes, making them longer, fuller and beautifully defined. Whether you have straight, stubborn lashes or naturally curly ones that need a boost, Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara is your go-to for achieving a gorgeous, bright-eyed look.

Best budget mascara for a clump-free finish

Covergirl Lash Blast Clump Crusher Extensions

$9.37

$9.37 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Covergirl products are cruelty-free and never tested on animals 

• Very affordable price for a great product 

• Beginner-friendly mascara

• May be less volumizing than competing mascaras

• Users may struggle to fully dissolve mascara in one swipe

This mascara delivers serious length to your lashes. With just a few swipes, you’ll notice an instant effect that your eyes pop and your lashes look like they go on for days. The brush combs through every lash for an even coat with the perfect amount of product. Not to mention the brush is engineered with a double-sided, curved brush designed to fit the curve of your eye. 

The formula is enriched with ingredients that help elongate your lashes, making them look luxuriously long and fluttery. In order to get the best results from this Covergirl mascara, do not allow the formula to dry between coats.

How to find the right mascara for you

Choosing the perfect mascara can be overwhelming with the plethora of options available. However, fear not! Here are some key factors to consider when determining which mascara is best for you. 

Desired result

First and foremost, consider the look you’re after. Are you aiming for voluminous lashes, extra length or a natural look? Different mascaras offer varying effects, so understanding your goal will help narrow down your choices. If you want dramatic, bold lashes, look for volumizing mascaras with thickening formulas and fuller brushes. If you prefer a more subtle enhancement, opt for lengthening mascaras with thinner brushes that coat each lash evenly. 

Lash type

Next, take into account your lash type. Do you have naturally long and curly lashes, or are they straight and sparse? For those with long lashes, a mascara that focuses on volume and definition may be your best bet. If you have straight lashes, consider a mascara that offers a curling effect to open up your eyes. Those with sparse lashes might benefit from a mascara that both lengthens and adds volume to create the illusion of fuller lashes. 

Sensitivities or allergies

Another important factor to consider is your sensitivity to allergies. If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, it’s essential to choose a mascara that is hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested. These mascaras are formulated to be gentle on the eyes, reducing the risk of irritation or discomfort. Additionally, if you have a known allergy to certain ingredients, be sure to read the product labels carefully and avoid mascaras that contain those allergens.

Texture

Lastly, don’t forget to consider the overall formula and texture of the mascara. Some mascaras are water-resistant or waterproof, making them ideal for humid climates or situations where you anticipate tears or sweat. However, keep in mind that waterproof mascaras can be more difficult to remove. If you prefer easy removal, non-waterproof formulas may be a better fit. Additionally, consider whether you prefer a wetter or drier formula, as this can affect how the mascara applies and wears on your lashes.

Our verdict

You can easily find any of these best drugstore mascaras in stores or online, all at a fraction of the price of high-end brand options. When it comes to the ideal mascara for elongated lashes, our top recommendation is the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara.

And if you’re aiming for adorable, curled lashes, the Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara is the perfect choice.

Prices updated on 07/25/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.