Now for the good news: You can find some of the best mascaras at your neighborhood drugstore for under $10.
We spoke with a number of makeup professionals, who shared their picks for the top drugstore mascaras. Here’s what they recommended.
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 wear
Why we like it:This one is a timeless favorite, according to Tiffany Ascensio, a beauty blogger out of Kansas City.
“It gives long, feathery lashes without clumping,” she said. “This mascara works for everyone and for everyday use.”
Cruelty free?Yes
L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara
Cost:$8.99 at Ulta
Best for: A bold, dramatic effect
Why we like it:Makeup artist Mindy Green, owner of MG Beauty, says this rivals pricier options like Lancome Hypnose.
This drugstore formula is sold in black, blackest black and carbon black — and in waterproof versions. The carbon black formulation includes panthenol and ceramides to help strengthen lashes, Green noted.
Cruelty free?Yes
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
Cost:$9.89 at Target
Best for:The faux-lash effect
Why we like it:Ascensio recommends pairing the L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara with the Voluminous Lash Paradise Primer.
“Together, these two create the ultimate pair,” Ascensio said. “They lift, separate and build lashes, delivering that big, bold, Instagram-ready lash look.”
Ascensio even mentioned this duo can make your lashes appear like you’re wearing falsies every day — without glue or fuss.
Cruelty free?Yes
Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara
Cost:$8.99 at Ulta
Best for:A natural finish
Why we like it:One or two coats of this mascara give a very natural appearance — and if you want more, you can layer another coat or two, said Jarry Lee, a New York-based beauty influencer and model.
“It’s excellent for anyone seeking a more understated lash look,” she said. “It separates and defines individual lashes while offering solid lift and hold.”
Bonus: It’s waterproof.
Cruelty free?Yes
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
Cost:$4.89 at Target
Best for:An affordable, reliable mascara
Why we like it:The formula doesn’t set fast, explained Nyssa Green, an Emmy-winning makeup artist and founder of Atlanta’s The Green Room Agency. Because it stays workable, it’s user-friendly — just wipe away any mistakes.
“I sometimes apply it on clients before a waterproof mascara to prevent lashes from drying out,” Green said.
Cruelty free?Yes
Milani Most Wanted Lift & Curl Mascara
Cost:$9.99 at CVS
Best for:An instant lift
Why we like it:This mascara emphasizes volume, giving your lashes a full, camera-ready appearance without that crunchy texture, 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:Strengthening and nourishing lashes
Why we like it:This mascara includes Vitamin E and various oils aimed at making lashes healthier and stronger. It’s waterproof, cruelty-free and gentle on sensitive eyes.
“As a blogger, I frequently switch products, but this is one I return to,” said Ashi, a beauty blogger and makeup lover.
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 love this mascara primarily for its brush,” said Niamh Jordan, a Dublin-based creator of Kind Beauty Buys. One side of the wand is hourglass-shaped while the other side is more rounded.
“This design helps coat each lash evenly with its matte black formula,” Jordan said.
NYX is PETA-certified cruelty-free and excludes beeswax and other animal-derived components, making this a vegan-friendly pick.
Cruelty free?Yes
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Natural Origin Mascara
Cost:$10.49 at CVS
Best for:Those with delicate eyes
Why:This fully organic mascara is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and ophthalmologist-approved for eye safety, said Jessica Rose, founder of Clean Beauty Gals in Vancouver, Canada.
Its organic components include olive fruit extract, orange fruit water, soybean oil and olive leaf extract. The wand features soft plastic bristles that give the appearance of thicker lashes.
“I appreciate that the bristles are gentle and don’t pull,” Rose said. “This mascara is ideal for sensitive eyes or anyone seeking an affordable product made with clean ingredients.”
Cruelty free?Yes
Danielle Braff is a contributor to Savinly.
