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10 Of The Best Drugstore Mascaras Available Right Now

Get long lashes on a budget - by Kate Atkinson
  • 12 Aug 2019
10 Of The Best Drugstore Mascaras Available Right Now

Mascara can cost anywhere between $5 and $100 depending on the brand and where you buy it. While it can be tempting to pick up a high-range mascara, makeup artists and celebrities are beginning to join us in the supermarket aisle, often opting for a simple drugstore version. Drugstore mascaras have become popular because there are so many quality options that won't break the bank. 

Generally, luxury brands have the benefit of using higher quality ingredients within their formulas that drugstore mascaras cannot usually afford. Brands like Chanel, Dior, Charlotte Tilbury or Chantecaille also may have more money to develop the design of the brush to create the ultimate application effect. Although, an expensive price tag doesn't alway mean the best quality - drugstore mascaras are found to still be extremely effective, despite costing significantly less. 

However, not all lashes are the same. Whether it's a luxury brand or from the drugstore, different mascaras will create different effects depending on your lash length and type. For those blessed with long lashes, a curling formula is the best choice to enhance your natural length. If you have straight lashes that struggle to curl, a curling formula is also the perfect option. Alternatively, for short lashes a thin brush with dense bristles is ideal for catching every lash during application. 

Read on to find a range of mascaras that will add volume, depth, length and colour to every lash length for just a few dollars.

1. L'Oreal Paris Paradise Mascara, $24.95. 

This mascara from L'Oreal adds both volume and length, creating definition in your lashes. The whipped formula is made with castor oil, an ingredient that allows for soft and lengthy lashes without any flaking or clumping. Your lashes will be fully coated after one application and the product lasts throughout the day - with no smudging. 

"I love the look of the packaging - the rose gold tube is very luxe looking! The brush is pretty standard, but it is quite long and it does a great job coating every one of my lashes. It works great to separate the lashes, gives great volume and length. I find that it is very easy to build up and it does not clump my lashes even after 2-3 coats. It does not flake or smudge even after wearing it all day long, and my lashes look long and flirty when I use" is what one reviewer, Anna, left on Beauty Crew. 

Loreal Paradise

2. Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara, $18.95. 

Reach for this tube when you don't want to deal with any clumps. This mascara also has a supremely volumising formula, leaving your lashes looking dense, dark and dramatic without adding any weight. The brush and formula work together to max out every single eyelash, leaving you with the ultimate big lash look. This mascara will leave your eyes looking open, even if you don't have naturally curly or long eyelashes. 

One Beauty Heaven reviewer said: "The short bristles actually allow your lashes access to the wand where the product is which helps get the most product onto your lashes with least amount of effort! The brush is perfectly shaped to apply for both top and bottom lashes and allows for long lasting wear. The actual product itself also is perfect for layering and building up mascara, especially for nights out, without it going clumpy which i love! This makes it my go to mascara for my day and night needs." 

Covergirl Lash Blast Volume

3. Maybelline Lash Sensational Washable Mascara, $21.95. 

The wand in this mascara is made from 10 layers of bristles, working to highlight every single lash and therefore perfect for those with short lashes. The liquid formula replicates a false lashes look with a high drama effect. 

A Priceline review left by Kate said: "This mascara is far better than any of the more expensive brands I've tried. I have quite long lashes that are straight, and without using a curler this mascara lifts and lengthens amazingly. However, I need to wipe most of the product off the wand each time I use otherwise it will clump my lashes. I wish the wand came separately with a pot of mascara so I didn't waste so much of it! Oh well, I always get compliments when I wear this." 

Maybelline Lash Sensational
4. Revlon Super Length Mascara, $11.
The mascara is ideal for lengthening, including a brush and formula combination that builds with every application to create a dramatic look. The consistency of the formula is creamy and silky with strong black pigmentation which adds to the lush look. The brush has a tapered tip, making it easy to apply and to nail the lengthening effect.
"I liked the wand of this mascara because it has two sides, one to get short eyelashes, which I use on my bottom eyelashes. The other side is really good for delivering length and covering as my lashes. Overall this product is worth the price and gives me gorgeous long lashes which last the day" reviewed Olivia Gough on Beauty Crew. 
Revlon Super Length Mascara

5. Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara, $19.95. 

This cult classic is known for creating volume but it's also one of the best curling mascaras on the market. We can blame the specially designed, spoon-shaped wand that latches on to every lash and applies and even coat every single time. The formula also lasts all day without smudging and holds the lashes well. 

Beauty Crew reviewer said: "This is a really good mascara. The curved brush looks intimidating, but it works really well. It grabs all the lashes and coats all of them evenly. It spreads them and doesn't clump. It gives the lashes a natural look with length and volume. It is easy to use every day and is one of the best mascaras I have tried." 
Maybelline The Falsies
6. Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara, $7.
Retailing for only $7 and with over 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this mascara does not mess about. The perfect alternative to lash extensions, this product provides both length and volume in a deep black colour.
"I was hesitant because I thought at this price it probably wasn't great. I have used a lot of different mascaras and top end ones too and this beats all hands down.The quality is amazing and cruelty free is the best ever reason to use this. My lashes looked fabulous and I am sold, this is the only mascara for me" said a review left by Amanda on Priceline. 
Essence Lash Princess
7. Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara, $21.95. 

This mascara darkens and volumises lashes and will provide an open eye look without needing to apply any eyeliner or eyeshadow. The formula is mixed with coconut oil, giving off a delicious scent whilst providing nourishment to your lashes throughout the day. Apply once for a soft look or go for repeat applications to create a more dramatic style. 

Beauty Crew reviewer, Linda, said: “This mascara applies smoothly, minus any clumping, smudging or flaking. And I can apply numerous coats without my lashes looking clumped or fake. I've been very happy with the results every time I use it. It also removes easily without harsh rubbing or scrubbing and outperforms mascaras I've tried that cost twice the price. What a bargain! I'll definitely be buying this repeatedly in the future.” 

Maybelline Total Temptation

8. Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara, $23.95. 

The hourglass-shaped brush works to lengthen and separate lashes to create a full and defined look. No flaking or smudging here either, as the smooth formula keeps the mascara set all day long. As a plus, this product is cruelty-free and vegan.   

"I really loved this mascara. I particularly loved the hourglass wire brush design to lengthen and seperate. The black pigment in this mascara is really high quality and will not smudge which is a huge plus for me. I can wear this product all day with no irritation and no flaking or clumping. I love the luxe silver packaging and I feel the price is reasonable for the results achieved" according to Beauty Crew reviewer, Debbie Price. 

Covergirl Exhibitionist

9. La Roche-Posay Respectissime Sensitive Multi-Dimensions Mascara, $29.99. 

This mascara has been specifically developed for those with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers. With a high tolerance and fragrance free formula, this product will lengthen and define lashes without causing any irritation or discomfort. 

Milan Fil said: "This is a fantastic mascara that leaves my lashes feeling soft instead of dry and flaky! It has an even consistency and smooth texture, I've never had clumps form. It is long lasting yet comes off quite easily with a simple cleanser, no need for painful rubbing. It is more of a high shine black than matte" on the Beauty Crew site. 

La Roche Posay

10. Covergirl LashBlast Flourish Mascara, $19.95. 

This creamy formula prevents dryness and includes ingredients such as papaya, coconut and avocado oils to nourish lashes whilst providing a gentle hydration. The Flourish Mascara is buildable and volumising without risking flaky lashes or breakages. 

"The best thing about this mascara is that it is actually quite hydrating, no dryness, no flaky lashes, no breakages! It's a great price and has a nice subtle scent" said Gia Scott on Beauty Crew. 

Covergirl Flourish
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Kate Atkinson
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Katie Atkinson is currently interning at marie claire Australia.

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