Amazon Has Some of the Best Affordable Mascaras
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Whether you’re going full glam or in the mood for a more natural look, mascara can really bring any makeup look to life. Finding the perfect mascara for you can be a little tricky since there are so many out there. While higher-end mascaras may seem more promising, you’d be surprised by the impressive formulas and lasting effects of mascaras found in the beauty aisle of your local drugstore. What's more, they provide the same results as any Chanel, Dior, and Charlotte Tilbury mascaras out there– just at a more affordable price.
Not convinced yet? Here are 14 of our favorite drugstore mascaras.
Wet N Wild Mega Volume Mascara
Pros
- Doesn't clump
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable price
Cons
- You may need to use multiple coats
You’re bound to receive lash envy with this mega-volumizing mascara complete with a full spiral fiber brush. Your lashes will not only look thicker and fuller but they will also be moisturized and nourished with vitamin E.
L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara
L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara
Pros
- Lengthens
- Applies evenly
Cons
- Difficult to remove
- Dries out quickly
Short stubby lashes are a thing of the past, thanks to the L’Oréal Telescopic Mascara. This drugstore gem lengthens even the shortest lashes and has a smooth formula that applies easily and smoothly, providing you with a desired clump-free result.
essence cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Effect
essence cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Effect
Pros
- Lengthens
- Adds volume
Cons
- Sticky texture
The Essence Lash Princess mascara features a fiber brush wand that will give your lashes a dramatic volume while achieving a sculpted length. It’s a no-hassle application as it won’t clump up or leave product build-up.
Maybelline New York Great Lash Washable Mascara
Maybelline New York Great Lash Washable Mascara
Pros
- Gives you volume and definition
Cons
- May transfer to skin after drying
Considered America’s favorite mascara, the formula of the Great Lash Washable Mascara glides on seamlessly to build healthy lashes. This mascara will give you a natural volume and will easily become a staple waterproof mascara in your makeup routine.
Maybelline New York Full 'N Soft Washable Mascara
Maybelline New York Full 'N Soft Washable Mascara
Pros
- Applies evenly
- Doesn't clump
Cons
- Smudges
- Flakes
Maybelline’s thickening formula nourishes each lash with Vitamin E. The best part of this mascara is its quick dissolve system that allows for easy removal with no residue.
COVERGIRL Clump Crusher Water Resistant LashBlast Mascara
COVERGIRL Clump Crusher Water Resistant LashBlast Mascara
Pros
- Applies evenly
- Doesn't clump
Cons
- Difficult to remove
- Sticky texture
The innovative curved brush of this Covergirl mascara will separate your lashes, courtesy of its double-sided design that evenly coats each hair clump-free.
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
Pros
- Great brush
- Applies evenly
Cons
- Difficult to remove
The fanning brush of the Lash Sensational mascara has ten layers of bristles, which grabs onto your lashes for a perfectly fanned look. With a waterproof, buildable formula, it’s a great product to trust as your all-day, every day mascara.
L'Oréal Voluminous Original Mascara
L'Oréal Voluminous Original Mascara
Pros
- Builds lashes evenly
- Comes in a variety of shades
Cons
- Not waterproof- the colored shades may run down your face from tears or sweat
Ready for full, dramatic lashes? The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara helps to build your lashes five times their natural thickness. You won’t have to worry about clumping or buildup with its wand, which separates and hugs every lash for a bold look.
CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
Pros
- No smudging
- No clumping
Cons
- Thick bristles
- Hard to hold handle
Argan and marula oil condition your lash while the vegan formula works to create the high-volume lash look of your dreams.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Pros
- Volumizing
- Waterproof
Cons
- Hard to remove
- Clumpy
This viral TikTok mascara features a lightweight formula that won’t cause any flaking or smudging. The mascara is designed with an exclusive flex tower brush that will reach every single lash no matter the length.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Big Mood Mega Volume & Lifting Mascara
e.l.f. Cosmetics Big Mood Mega Volume & Lifting Mascara
Pros
- Affordable
- Lasts all day
Cons
- Hard to apply with brush handle
Get big, bold lashes in one stroke. Infused with jojoba wax, this e.l.f. Cosmetics mascara has a smooth, creamy formula that helps hold your lashes’ curl. It will plump and lift your lashes and last all day. It’s also smudge and flake-resistant.
Wet N Wild Mega Length Mascara
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Increases definition
Cons
- Multiple applications to see results
If you're looking to increase definition and give yourself longer lashes instantly, Wet N Wild has you covered for just $3. This wand allows for precise application and hugs every lash from root to tip, encouraging optimal length.
Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara
Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara
Pros
- Applies evenly
- Good applicator
Cons
- Dries out quickly
- Flakes
After one application of the Lash Stiletto mascots, your eyes will look brighter and wider. The mascara’s formula includes pro-vitamin B-5, which conditions and smooths your lashes to help them shine.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Volumizing Mascara
Pros
- Doesn't clump
- Stays on throughout the day
Cons
- Heavy formula
- Hard to remove
The e.l.f. Cosmetics Volumizing Mascara adds volume to create fuller, thicker-looking lashes that will widen your eyes. Apply the product to your eyelashes from root to tip and work in a zig-zag motion to fully coat your lashes for the best result.
FAQs
What should you look for in a drugstore mascara?
When shopping for mascara, makeup artist Desiree Delia says to think about what your ultimate goal is for your eyelashes. Are you looking for length? A little volume? Or maybe both?
Volumizing and lengthening mascaras are key to creating that fake lash look without having to use any lash glue. In just two to three coats, you’ll see that your lashes appear thicker and fuller. While there are options of falsies and lash extensions, there's nothing better than being able to get your desired lash length every day without the pricey upkeep. Plus, using a lengthening mascara is the easiest and most effective way to add some length to your lashes. Waterproof formulas become locked into the lashes, which prevents smudging.
It is also important to keep an eye out for three key things: the formula, the wand, and the removal process.
Formula
Look for a mascara that won’t clump, dries quickly, and washes off considerably easily. If you are looking for a clean product, you’ll want to consider a cruelty-free formula. If having a longer-lasting product is important to you, you should look for a waterproof formula.
Wand
To help you achieve your lash goal, it’s important to look at the mascara wand and its bristles. Delia says a fluffy brush helps to thicken the lash, whereas an hourglass-shaped brush helps to volumize the lash. “If you’re unsure, a more rectangle-shaped brush is a general brush that helps target all your needs,” she adds.
Removal
Mascara is great for making your eyes pop throughout the day, but sometimes, it can be a challenge to remove. Ensuring you’re using a product that can be easily removed with your face cleanser or wipes is important. If it’s a hassle to take off your mascara, it may not be the product for you. With waterproof mascaras, Delia explains that you must use an oil-based cleanser or baby oil to remove the mascara, and often the removal process may require some extra care. But, you’ll find that non-waterproof mascara will come off a little easier.
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