Gear

The Best Drugstore Mascaras on the Market

by Hilary Braaksma


The Best Drugstore Mascaras on the Market
Shop Story
Go back to story

Shop The Story

Busy moms know the importance of finding a great drugstore mascara, whether they’re shopping for themselves or their teen or tween. When you don’t want to invest the time or the funds into high-end makeup products, check out your local drugstore aisles—they’re overflowing with affordable, quality options that rival even the best luxury makeup brands. From lightweight lengthening formulas to fiber-infused formulas, here are the best drugstore mascaras out there.

L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

1 of 10 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Overall Drugstore Mascara:

L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

Price:$8.00
Buy Now

If you want the very best drugstore mascara in your makeup bag, L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise is definitely the winner. This mascara provides volume and length and has a 200-bristle count brush to coat every lash and give you smooth, sleek coverage.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

2 of 10 Image Credits: Target

Best Waterproof Drugstore Mascara:

Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

Price:$6.00
Buy Now

For sports, beach days, gym sessions and more, waterproof mascara can be a lifesaver. This mascara has gorgeous coverage and lift thanks to a fan-shaped brush a long-lasting waterproof formula that is easily removed with makeup cleansing oil.

Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Mascara

3 of 10 Image Credits: Walmart

Best Natural-Looking Drugstore Mascara:

Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Mascara

Price:$13.00
Buy Now

If you’re a fan of the no-makeup makeup look, Maybelline Full ‘N Soft mascara keeps lashes looking soft, airy and clump-free. The thickening formula in this nourishing mascara has a feathery light finish and contains Vitamin E oil to help wearers soften and strengthen their natural lashes.

Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara

4 of 10 Image Credits: Walmart

Best Volumizing Drugstore Mascara:

Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara

Price:$9.00
Buy Now

Volumizing mascara can add tons of drama to otherwise “meh” makeup days. Covergirl LashBlast has a patented volumizing formula that also happens to be hypoallergenic and cruelty-free. There’s nothing not to love about this dramatic, thickening mascara.

L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Lengthening Mascara

5 of 10 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Lengthening Drugstore Mascara:

L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Lengthening Mascara

Price:$7.00
Buy Now

Long lashes help you look more awake and alert—so when you’re tackling early mornings on little sleep, you won’t look as exhausted as you feel. The flexible precision brush allows you to coat each and every lash to the very tip and separates every lash for even more definition.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara

6 of 10 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Drugstore Lash Treatment and Mascara:

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara

Price:$8.00
Buy Now

What’s even more amazing than mascara that makes your lashes look long and luscious? One that helps them grow long and strong in the process! This Rimmel mascara does double-duty by making the most of your natural length with every wear, plus their formula has Rimmel’s Grow-Lash Complex to help grow and strengthen lashes.

Covergirl Super Sizer Fibers Mascara

7 of 10 Image Credits: Target

Best Drugstore Fiber Mascara:

Covergirl Super Sizer Fibers Mascara

Price:$6.00
Buy Now

Fiber mascaras are perfect for special occasions when you want to add major oomph to lashes. Give lashes major definition on date nights, in family photos or just because you want to with this specialized mascara formula that contains built-in fibers. Fibers attach to existing lashes to create maximum length and volume.

Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara

8 of 10 Image Credits: Target

Best Drugstore Mascara for Sensitive Eyes:

Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara

Price:$6.00
Buy Now

Keep sensitive eyes safe with Neutrogena’s soft bristle mascara brush and strengthening and lengthening makeup formula. Ingredients like rice protein, Vitamin E and olive oil help lashes grow longer and keep them strong, flexible and nourished. This formula is dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested to be safe for sensitive eyes and contact wearers.

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

9 of 10 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Everyday Drugstore Mascara:

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

Price:$7.00
Buy Now

If you need a good, reliable mascara for everyday wear, L’Oreal’s original Voluminous mascara is it. This reliable formula delivers soft, thick lashes that don’t clump without looking as dramatic or heavy as some of the other stunners in this round-up. The formula is also super gentle and easy to remove, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your natural lashes if you wear it often.

NYX Worth the Hype Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara

10 of 10 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Deal on Drugstore Mascara:

NYX Worth the Hype Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara

Price:$5.00
Buy Now

The price and performance of this NYX drugstore mascara makes it an absolute must-have. This mascara is the most affordable on our list, but delivers major drama with dark, long and thick lashes. The tapered brush allows wearers to reach even the smallest corner lashes.