Mascara is easily one of the most popular items in any makeup bag—not to mention the most replaced (every three months, don't forget!). With roughly four mascara purchases in a calendar year, you might wonder if you can pick yours up for a bargain at the drugstore and if the quality will still be there.
"Today, the beauty industry is incredibly competitive and brands across the board invest a lot of time, money, and energy into the research, development, and testing of mascaras," explains celebrity makeup artist Allie Renee. "This means that no matter what your ideal preferences are, you will certainly find a formulation of mascara that suits your lashes and your price point."
She's right: There are incredible mascara formulas that are more expensive, as well as those you'll find at the drugstore. Ahead, find our 10 favorite budget-friendly formulas for every desired look, including an expert pick from Renee.
The Best Drugstore Mascaras, According to Experts
Renee calls this "hands down" her personal favorite drugstore mascara. "This mascara has been a long-time favorite of mine as well as a staple in my kit because it is super black, adds major volume and length, and holds curl without becoming too dry or flaky," she shares.
Number of Shades: 8
Customer Review:
"This mascara is my go-to when I don't feel like messing with false lashes. This mascara gives my lashes long, stretched length and curl like I would if I'm wearing falsies. Washes off completely at the end of the day." —LH81
Best for Length
MAYBELLINE Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
"The brush on this mascara lets you get each and every lash—even the little ones at the inner corners—so all of them look extra long after you apply it," says Bazaar's beauty director Jenna Rosenstein. "I also love it for my bottom lashes, too."
Number of Shades: 7
Customer Review:
"I have horribly short lashes and this mascara made them super long but VERY natural. Love this product. My new go-to." —Gina D.
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Pros
Under $5
Cons
This Essence formula adds curl and volume and has a blend of jojoba, sunflower, and almond oils to nourish your lashes. At $5, it's a steal—fans swear it's as good as some mascaras four times the price.
Number of Shades: 1
Customer Review:
"First time trying this brand and I already love it! It made my lashes look so pretty and long, and it’s not clumpy at all!! 100% would recommend!" —Adri
Beauty Director's Pick
Maybelline Lash Sensational Washable Mascara
"I have been using this mascara for years and years—it's a staple in my routine," says Rosenstein. "The formula is wet and shiny, and the brush makes it quick work to reach every lash hair. The result is inky, long, defined lashes that wear all day without flaking or smudging."
Number of Shades: 3
Customer Review: "I am not a fan of false lashes for myself so I use mascara to darken and lengthen my sparse lashes. This mascara is magical. I apply with the comb then brush out to lengthen and separate and I am pleased. No clumping, smudging or flaking yet it is easily removed. Competitive pricing has made this my new go to mascara." —Marlaw
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Are little mascara crumblies your enemy? This tube may be your solution, as it's long-lasting while still being smudge- and flake-resistant. The large wand is ideal for volume, not curl.
Number of Shades: 4
Customer Review:
"I tried the blue with my dark brown eyes and it looks great. The mascara doesn’t transfer to your brow bone or smudge." —meljune20245
Best with Clean Ingredients
Covergirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
Covergirl Lash Blast has long been a makeup staple thanks to its iconic brush and feathery look. This new version is vegan, but still offers the same clump-free finish for a doe-eyed look.
Number of Shades: 4
Customer Review:
"My eyes are very sensitive, and I'm always looking for a mascara that doesn't irritate my eyes. COVERGIRL Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara is a keeper. Highly recommend." —Cheryl
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Best Tubing Mascara
Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara
On the tubing mascara train? You can get a great one at a drugstore price, like this one from Milani. For the uninitiated: You swipe it on as you would any other mascara, where the formula creates individual "tubes" around each lash, ensuring length and separation that stays put until you wash it off with warm water.
Number of Shades: 1
Customer Review:
"I love this mascara! I have thin, short lashes, and this mascara makes my eyelashes long and dark. This mascara does not smudge or flake. It is easy to wash off, and my eyelashes do not come off when washing off."
Best for Sensitive Eyes
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Fluffy Lash Mascara
The plant fibers in this formula create a super-voluminous look, while the addition of vegan collagen helps nourish lashes with each wear. We also love the spiral-y brush, which helps reach every lash.
Number of Shades: 1
Customer Review:
"This mascara gives my eyelashes body and fullness and is easy to remove. I have sensitive eyes and this mascara does not cause me any irritation." —Kathleen
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Pros
- A waterproof mascara that conditions lashes
Cons
Waterproof mascaras can often leave lashes looking dry and brittle, but not so with this mascara from Neutrogena. Infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin E and keratin, it helps strengthen lashes as it coats them.
Number of Shades: 1
Customer Review:
"I have light brown eyelashes, and I don’t like heavy-looking makeup. This mascara gives silky definition—just what I wanted." —Gail P
The beauty of this mascara is in the brush: It's super-thin and has extra-short bristles, so it can reach your shortest lashes and bottom lashes without depositing too much product. It's a great complement to a regular mascara.
Number of Shades: 4
Customer Review:
"Telescopic mascara from L'Oreal has always been my go-to! The thin wand means EVERY lash gets coated and separated making my lashes look fuller and longer. I'll Never use another mascara as long as I live!" —Lu
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Meet the Expert
- Allie Renee is celebrity makeup artist based in Nashville and Los Angeles.
Looking for more makeup ideas?
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- Eyeshadow Palettes Are Back!
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
