These Are the 9 Best Drugstore Mascaras (and They All Cost Less Than $12!)
Let’s start with the bad news: Mascara has the shortest shelf life of all beauty products. You should be tossing yours just three months after opening it.
Now for the good news: You can find some of the best mascara at your local drugstore for less than $10.
We talked to several makeup artists, who gave us their opinions on the best drugstore mascaras. Here’s what they told us.
Note: Prices are accurate as of June 29, 2020.
9 Best Drugstore Mascaras That Cost Less Than $12
Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara
Cost: $6.17 at Walmart
Best for: Everyday mascara
Why we like it: This is a classic, according to Tiffany Ascensio, a beauty blogger based in Kansas City.
“It’s great for long, feathery lashes without clumping,” she said. “This mascara is perfect for everyone and every day.”
Cruelty free? Yes
L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara
Cost: $8.99 at Ulta
Best for: A dramatic look
Why we like it: This is comparable to the much more expensive Lancome Hypnose, said Mindy Green, a makeup artist and owner of MG Beauty, a mobile beauty business.
This drugstore mascara is available in black, blackest black and carbon black – as well as waterproof. The carbon black formula contains panthenol and ceramides to strengthen your lashes, Green said.
Cruelty free? Yes
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
Cost: $9.89 at Target
Best for: The false eyelash effect
Why we like it: Ascensio loves to combine the L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara with the Voluminous Lash Paradise Primer.
“Together, these two products make the ultimate duo,” Ascension said. “They lift, separate and build your lashes, giving you that big, bold, Instagram lash look.”
Ascensio even said this combo makes you look as if you’re wearing falsies daily without the hassle and glue.
Cruelty free? Yes
Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara
Cost: $8.99 at Ulta
Best for: A natural look
Why we like it: One or two coats of this drugstore mascara looks really natural — but if you’re looking for more, you could add another coat or two, said Jarry Lee, a New York-based beauty influencer and model.
“It’s great for anyone looking for a more natural lash look,” she said. “It really helps to separate and define your individual lashes while providing good lift, and hold as well.”
Bonus: It’s also waterproof.
Cruelty free? Yes
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
Cost: $4.89 at Target
Best for: A great mascara that’s truly budget friendly
Why we like it: This formula doesn’t dry quickly, said Nyssa Green, the Emmy award-winning makeup artist and owner of Atlanta-based The Green Room Agency. As a result, it works well, even for beginners — just wipe it off if you’ve messed up.
“I sometimes use it on clients before using a waterproof mascara to keep the lashes from drying out,” Green said.
Cruelty free? Yes
Milani Most Wanted Lift & Curl Mascara
Cost: $9.99 at CVS
Best for: A great instant lift
Why we like it: This drugstore mascara is all about the volume. This makes your eyes look camera-ready, giving your lashes a full appearance sans the crunchy feeling, said Andrea Claire, a Canadian celebrity hair and makeup artist based in Singapore.
Cruelty free? Yes
NYX Doll Eye Mascara
Cost: $9.49 at Target
Best for: Building stronger lashes
Why we like it: This mascara contains ingredients including Vitamin E and other oils designed to make your lashes stronger and healthier. It’s also waterproof, cruelty-free and doesn’t irritate sensitive eyes.
“I keep on switching my makeup products as a blogger, but this mascara is one I keep going back to at times,” said Ashi, a blogger and makeup enthusiast.
Cruelty free? Yes
NYX: The Rise Volume Liftscara Mascara
Cost: $11 at Ulta
Best for: An option that’s both vegan and cruelty free
Why we like it: “I adore this mascara first because of its brush,” said Niamh Jordan, Dublin-based creator of Kind Beauty Buys. One side of the brush is an hourglass shape, and the other half is a more rounded shape.
“This helps coat each of your lashes evenly with their matte black formula,” Jordan said.
NYX is a cruelty-free brand that’s certified by PETA. It’s free from beeswax and other animal ingredients, making this a vegan-friendly mascara as well.
Cruelty free? Yes
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Natural Origin Mascara
Cost: $10.49 at CVS
Best for: People with sensitive eyes
Why: This is a 100% organic mascara that’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and approved by ophthalmologists as safe to use on the eyes, said Jessica Rose, founder of Clean Beauty Gals in Vancouver, Canada.
Organic ingredients include olive fruit extract, orange fruit water, soybean oil and olive leaf extract. The accompanying wand has soft plastic bristles for thicker coverage, producing a fuller illusion.
“I love that the bristles are gentle on my lashes without tugging,” Rose said. “This mascara is perfect for anyone with sensitive eyes, or those who are looking for an affordable mascara with clean ingredients.”
Cruelty free? Yes
Danielle Braff is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
