Best Drugstore Mascara Review : What Is The Best Drugstore Mascara?

Having everything you need in one place—groceries, toiletries, and even makeup—has a lot of advantages. You don't have to trade quality for the convenience of one-stop shopping when it comes to makeup. Over two rounds of testing, we put 20 of the most highly regarded budget mascaras to the test to help you identify hidden gems without breaking the bank.

While the majority of them impressed us, and our previous best overall Covergirl Lash Blast Volume (available at Amazon) held up in our second round of testing, we've decided on a new drugstore mascara contestant winner: Milani Highly Rated (available at Milani), which glides on smoothly, adds volume and length with just a single coat, and doesn't flake or smudge throughout the day.

(And if you're looking for drugstore mascara for sensitive eyes or waterproof mascara, we've got a rundown of the finest high-end and drugstore options).

Top Pick

After running a series of tests, we have finalized our best pick from the best natural mascara drugstore.

Milani Highly Rated

Milani Highly Rated 10-in-1 Volume Mascara – Price: $8.97 at Amazon 

The top drugstore mascara we tested is Milani Highly Rated. The application technique is perfect—the wand holds just the right amount of mascara to give you darker, fuller lashes in just one coat. An additional application beautifully elongates and provides great volume to the lashes for those who prefer a more dramatic look. The mixture applies easily, and whether you use one or two coats, you can coat each individual lash without clumping. Furthermore, this is one of the few mascaras we tested that looked just as excellent after more than a 12-hour day. Despite the fact that the product adhered to the lashes without flaking or smearing, the Milani mascara was readily removed with makeup remover.

Pros

• Smooth
• Doesn't Clump
• Just one coat
• Easily removable

Cons

• Removed by water & rubbing

Tests

We looked at best-seller lists from shops, beauty blogs, social media, and other best-of lists to find the best drugstore mascaras available, all of which were under $17. Then we glammed it up even more by pitting the best-rated companies against one another to determine a winner.

What makes a good mascara, like so many other beauty items, is subjective and depends on your goals: Do you want to go for a more dramatic look? Is it a simple application? Something that will stay put in every situation?

Nonetheless, several of the products I tested performed admirably in all of the key areas: ease of application, final effect (how it lengthened, curled, and added volume), longevity, and removal ease. In fact, I left these tests wondering why I had spent $24 on the famous Makeup For Ever Smoky Stretch Mascara – Lengthening and Defining, an expensive product, since the majority of inexpensive equivalents are just as good.

I put the mascara to the test the same way you would: I applied it during my usual frantic morning rush, wore it all day (approximately 12 hours) without touching it up, and then removed it with StriVectin Multi-Action Bi-Phase R&R eye makeup remover before night.

Unlike other tests, I also collaborated with a senior scientist to assess and weigh the results using a scientifically calibrated rubric. I also tried each mascara on my arm to see how long it took to dry and how long it lasted.

But, in order to figure out which drugstore mascara is the finest, I asked questions like:

• Application: Does the wand have enough mascara in it to apply it in a single stroke? Is the mascara easy to apply? How effective is the product at separating lashes? How many coats are required to achieve the desired dramatic effect?
• Wear: Is the mascara able to deliver on its promise? Does your mascara smear, flake, or transfer during the day? How well does the mascara hold a curl on the lashes? How does the mascara look at the day end compared to a fresh application?

The results of each test were predictable when I put them through the grading system. With less than a half-point difference between the highest-scoring product and the lowest-scoring product, the scoring reflected my instincts during testing: the bulk of these budget mascaras work great and are absolutely adequate items.

Things to Keep in Mind About Drugstore Mascara

Our tests demonstrate that the best natural mascara drugstore is difficult to go wrong with, and many beauty writers and makeup artists choose these products as their go-to's for a reason. We like them since they're inexpensive, especially because experts recommend replacing mascara every three months for both hygienic and efficacy reasons. However, there are some aspects you should be aware of that may influence your decision:

• Wand Shape: Tests show that a complex wand form isn't required for a clean finish. The more "unique" wand forms, in fact, felt gimmicky, as they were more difficult to operate and resulted in more mistakes and smudges during application. Stick to what you're familiar with and at ease with.
• Performance: Despite the lofty claims made on every jar of mascara I tested (10 times the volume! 80% longer lashes!), I found them difficult to measure, and in many cases, there was no obvious difference between products. Instead, as previously said, I recommend defaulting to a wand shape that appears familiar and is easy to maneuver.
• Formula: This is where I found the most variation across the mascaras I tried. Is the mixture runny and viscous? Is it so dry that it collapses when a second coat is applied? If you answered yes to either question, it doesn't matter what kind of wand you have in your hands: You'll have clumpy, stiff lashes and/or black pigment sprinkled under your eyes as a result.
• Removal: Though we didn't test any mascara that was particularly labeled as waterproof, some did fare better than others in terms of water resistance. Some mascaras' formulas came off when I dunked my face in warm water, but others didn't until I rubbed them off—a hassle you'd anticipate from a waterproof formula and not ideal for delicate eyes. It's worth noting that this didn't appear to affect whether the makeup smudged, flaked, or transferred during the day. However, it did mean that some makeup was more difficult to remove at the end of the day, which was a decisive factor for some.

Other Drugstore Mascara on the List

Almay Thickening Mascara

Almay Thickening Mascara – Price: $9.89 at Amazon

This mascara is marketed as a "one-coat mascara," according to the label. I agree that the smooth, jet-black formula produces a fantastic first coat that would likely satisfy most people, but I like a second coat for a more vibrant effect. The extra formula doesn't produce any clumping or lash tangling, so applying a second coat isn't difficult. I, too, am a fan of the slender tube. It's simple to use, and the tapered end of the wand ensures that you don't get any mascara on your eyelids, even if you're in a hurry.

If this mascara has a flaw, it's that it's not waterproof in any way—as soon as my face came into touch with water, black streaks appeared down my cheeks.

Pros

• Smooth formulae
• Just one coat
• Easy to grip

Cons

• Not 100% waterproof

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara – Price: $7.97 at Amazon

Despite the fact that the wand appears to be rather dry at first, it provides a decent first coat with the little formula it picks up. Although I wouldn't call it an "instant wow," as the package claims, a second coat doesn't clump or tangle and leaves you with stunning, long, thick lashes. The tube is lovely and narrow, which makes it easy to hold—essential if you want a quick and tidy application.

My major complaint was that this mascara took a bit longer to dry than other formulas, which meant I had to be more patient in between coats, which isn't always easy for me.

One of the product's main claims is that it "helps lashes look 117 percent longer in 30 days" thanks to an ingredient called procapil, which reportedly encourages hair growth, but I wasn't able to evaluate whether or not this is true during our testing period.

Pros

• Doesn't clump
• Easy to grip

Cons

• Takes time to dry
• Not 100% waterproof

Covergirl Lash Blast Volume

Covergirl Lash Blast Volume – Price: $6.19 at Amazon

Previously, we were the best. Overall, this is a good mascara that lengthens and divides your lashes with only one application. In prior tests, this was enough to distinguish the mascara from the rest of the pack, but the second round of testing revealed a few more options that suffice in just one coat—plus have other advantages, such as a wand that is simpler to hold.

The plastic, edgy bristles are shorter and stubbier than a traditional wand's nylon brush, requiring a steady, patient touch and greater precision, but I found the wand to be easier to maneuver. It didn't pick up too much formula, allowing for a quick and easy application that was smooth and clump-free.

This hypoallergenic formula offers ten times the volume and was one of the few mascaras we tested that simply required one application for obvious effects. And, despite its ease of removal, this product has a lot of staying power. Despite how many times this exhausted mom scratched her eyes, it didn't flake or smudge.

Pros

• Smoothly applied
• Just one coat
• No smudge

Cons

• A dumpy wand

Joah Lash Uprising Mascara

Joah Lash Uprising Mascara – Price: $10.00 at Amazon 

Though the wand appeared to be a little dry at first, the formula it gathered up went on smoothly, with no excess liquid getting on your lids after application. Even yet, the claim that a first coat "dramatically lengthens and lifts" was not met. Even a light second coat didn't convince me that it would be enough. Fortunately, I was mistaken: the second coat of the "conditioning formula" went on smoothly, with no clumping, and the difference was dramatic. When I was done, I really said "wow" out loud because the effects were so stunning—the longest lashes of any product I'd tried.

Despite the fact that the Joah Lash Uprising requires two coats, I wouldn't hesitate to use it as my everyday mascara. It gives you silky, long, lush lashes, and the "cruelty-free" recipe is free of parabens and phthalates, which some people prefer to avoid. However, because other mascaras we tried could achieve identical results with just one coat, this ended up a little further down the list.

Pros

• Lightweight
• No clumping
• Effective lengthening

Cons

• Needs 2 coats

Maybelline Full' N Soft Washable Mascara

Maybelline Full' N Soft Washable Mascara – Price: $6.29 at Amazon

This mascara delivers on its promises. It keeps lashes thick and soft all day, which is a wonderful feature given that many other formulations with identical results leave lashes feeling coarse and brittle. The lightweight product glides on smoothly and swiftly, leaving no clumps behind. Long and slender with a slight taper at the end, the bristles wand is simple to move even to the inner-corner lashes.

The disadvantage is that those who want a richer or more dramatic effect will need to apply two or three coats, which adds time to your routine because it takes a minute or so to dry. As promised, the trade-off is smooth, natural-looking lashes that stay full all day.

Pros

• Easily applied
• No clumping
• Long-lasting (full day)

Cons

• Requires multiple coats

e.l.f. Mineral Infused Mascara

e.l.f. Mineral Infused Mascara – Price: $6.39

This is a good mascara, especially considering it's one of the more affordable options on the list. The tube is comfortable to grip, the wand easily separates, and the formula applies smoothly. I favored the more dramatic effect of two coats, as I did with most of the mascaras I tested, and I appreciated how little clumping or tangling occurred while depositing the excess formula from the second coat. The best drugstore mascara for sensitive eyes for a reason!

I don't usually take the time to check my makeup during the day, but I did notice some flaking during the day. If you don't mind a fast touch-up, this might not bother you, but it took this mascara down a notch, in my opinion.

Pros

• Affordable
• Lashes are separated

Cons

• A bit of flaking

Revlon Volumizing Mascara

Revlon Volumizing Mascara – Price: $5.99 at Amazon

It's no surprise that this product is near the top of my rankings, given that its waterproof equivalent was one of my favorites when we tested waterproof mascaras.

I liked the size and form of the tube since it was comfortable to hold in my hands, and I could easily wield the somewhat wavy wand. However, the ordinary formula is slicker and gloppier than the waterproof version, so I had to go slower than usual to avoid the dense, fluffy wand brushing against my eyelid and leaving some formula behind.

To create a tangle- and clump-free completed appearance, I had to brush through lashes with a clean spoolie. The extra step made all the distinction in a flash, but it was only that—an extra step for someone with no free time.

Pros

• Easy to grab

Cons

• Clumping is removed by brush

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara – Price: $8.98 at Amazon

Because of viral TikTok videos displaying incredible lengthening results, the Maybelline Sky High Mascara garnered a lot of followers. Full volume and extreme length are promised by both influencers and the packaging, which is delivered with a flexible wand that bends to assist in prolonging individual lashes from root to tip. Does it, however, worth the hype? Yes, for the most part.

The wand is the most bendable I've ever used—it can bend to a 90° angle if you grip it against the side of the mascara's tube. Because of its short silicone bristles, the wand doesn't look to hold much product, yet it deposits exactly the proper amount of a very smooth consistency that glides straight into the lashes. My lashes were noticeably longer with just one layer, but it was a really natural look that was best suited for the everyday "no-made makeup" look.

The brand's promise of "limitless length" became clear after the second application, but the cream clumps at this point, causing lashes to cling together. A third layer lengthens the hair even more, but it also produces additional clinging.

Finally, the effect is extremely appealing—full and long lashes—and the product lasted for a good 12 hours before I had to remove it. However, the clumping you have to deal with is enough to make me return to some of the higher-ranked goods.

Pros

• Better length
• Longevity
• Easily removed

Cons

• Gets clumped after a single coat

L'Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Mascara Tubes

L'Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Mascara Tubes– Price: $8.39 at Amazon

Because of the double-sided packaging, this mascara technically requires two swipes (one of primer and one of tinted color), but you won't need them anymore. The bristles wands hold enough formula to do the task without clumping the first time. The wands are also long and slender, making them easy to control.

The first phase is a primer enriched with Ceramide R and D-Panthenol, which are said to preserve and strengthen lashes, while the second step (the real mascara) promises to lengthen.

Pros

• Better length
• Just needs one coat
• Long-lasting, through the day

Cons

• Application is at least two times

Maybelline Lash Sensational Washable Mascara

Maybelline Lash Sensational Washable Mascara – Price: $6.78 at Amazon

This mascara is difficult to apply yet has a long wear time. The plastic wand is shaped like a crescent moon, with longer bristles on the outside and shorter ones on the inside. It's not easy to operate. As a result, there is a distinct, eh, learning curve, which necessitates some precision and patience at first. (I'm still not sure if I'm doing it correctly!)

Regardless, there's enough formula on the wand to give your lashes a professional look with just one swipe. The problem is that I believe most people, including myself, will want a second swipe for a more defined look. And you'll lose time because this product was one of the slowest to dry, taking more than a few minutes.

However, it's possible that the extra effort is worthwhile: With no touch-ups, this mascara lasted an entire day—from 6:45 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Pros

• Just one coat
• Lasts all-day

Cons

• Difficulty in applying
• Gets dried slowly

Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara

Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara – Price: $7.49 at Amazon

The packaging of this mascara attracted my curiosity right away because it was unlike anything I'd seen previously. The wand was delivered separately from the tube, which was capped. This appears to be a wonderful feature at first—you get to see the actual shape and texture of the wand rather than simply an image of it. The issue: It's tough to open the packaging, so I bent the wand in an attempt to get at the contents. Fortunately, it bent back into place without any effort, but I was frightened that I had somehow ruined it. Not the best natural mascara drugstore!

The application process was a bit of a shambles. While the wand appears to have just the right amount of liquid, it doesn't quite slide over the lashes. The formula, on the other hand, feels a little dry. Surprisingly, a single coat looks quite excellent and lasts all day—the mascara looks practically as good after more than 12 hours.

Pros

• Lasts for a day
• Dry formula

Cons

• Clumsy packing

Burt's Bees Nourishing Mascara

Burt's Bees Nourishing Mascara – Price: $7.79 at Amazon

Because the tube has a chocolate-brown tint, this mascara threw me for a loop right away. I worried maybe I'd ordered the wrong color. Upon closer study, I discovered that I had indeed ordered the "classic black."

That, of course, isn't a deal-breaker. The wand form was where this mascara really fell short. Though the applicator has a tapered design that appears to fit lashes effectively, the bristles are overly hard, making application difficult and unpleasant—each stroke of the wand felt like I was clawing my eyelid. It also had some surplus formula, which was tough to keep off my eyes without a lot of effort. If you can get past that, the formula itself will satisfy you. Even after a second layer, it's silky and doesn't clump or tangle in the lashes.

Pros

• Easy application
• Lashes are separates

Cons

• Gets clumped with additional coatings

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara – Price: $8.47 at Amazon

I couldn't decide if I liked or disliked the form of this mascara's plastic wand: The "wing-tip brush" claims to lengthen lashes and prevent clumping, but because each side of the wand is so different (one side is an inverted arch, while the other is an arch with various bristle sizes), it's difficult to know where to start for the best results—or even how to grab the wand in the first place!

The wand design appears to help give lashes the winged-out effect the product promises, but it's not easy to maneuver—especially if you're a newbie. On the eyes, the formula appears clumpy, albeit this could be due to incorrect application.

Aside from the initial difficulties, this mascara didn't stand out in any way—it produced adequate results, lasted well throughout the day, and was relatively easy to remove.

Pros

• Lasts through the day

Cons

• Not easy to apply

Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Washable Mascara

Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Washable Mascara – Price: $9.44 at Amazon

With its collagen-infused composition, this mascara promises "nine times the volume." The wand doesn't carry a lot of products, which is both a plus and a minus: On the downside, until the second or third swipe, there isn't much coverage. On the plus side, even with many applications, the recipe doesn't clump, making it foolproof.

The brush's bristles are very long and tapered at the end, making it easier to reach into the tight edges of your eyelid without smudging than most. Despite its lightness, the formula has a lot of staying power—so much so that I was able to take a power nap in the middle of the day without smearing or flaking.

Unfortunately, I paid the price when it came time to remove the mascara—even after washing my face and using makeup remover, there was still some residue on my lashes.

Pros

• Easy application
• No clumping

Cons

• Requires multiple coats
• Removing is not easy

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara – Price: $6.84 at Amazon

This mascara has all of the qualities of a superb mascara: it applies smoothly and evenly, fanned lashes well, and provides excellent coverage on the first swipe. The only negative is that a significant amount of formula adheres to the tip of the wand during the application, making it easy to smear the corners of your lids with makeup.

With a bit more precision, though, I was really pleased with the outcomes. I was expecting that this mascara would be a strong contender, but it dropped in the rankings since it didn't last as long as other formulas on the lashes—it was the only mascara I tested that flaked substantially throughout the day.

Pros

• Smooth application
• No clumping

Cons

• Gets clumped in a day

Wet n Wild Mega Volume Mascara

Wet n Wild Mega Volume Mascara – Price: $2.73 at Amazon

The Wet n Wild Mega Volume is the cheapest on our list, with a low price tag that everyone would appreciate. Unfortunately, it falls short in terms of convenience of use. Because the tapered wand's tip isn't small enough, it's tough to reach into the corners of your eyes on the first swipe. The consistency is also gloppy, causing enough surplus product to clump at the end of the wand that even a quick wipe down the tube's side isn't enough to keep mascara from smearing on your eyelids. Surprisingly, the wand felt a little dry in other places, making it difficult to create even coverage, especially with only one application.

This mascara claims to be "waterproof, sweat-proof, humidity-resistant, and smudge-resistant," despite the fact that we weren't particularly evaluating waterproof mascaras. The mascara ran with water and rubbing in my tests, so while you might receive a little extra protection, the product isn't reliable if you're seeking true waterproof protection.

Pros

• Affordable

Cons

• Clumps
• Failed in waterproof test
• Soggy

Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara by L'Oréal Paris

Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara by L'Oréal Paris – Price: $7.69 at Amazon

This rose-colored bottle is commonly regarded as a dupe for Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, but in my opinion, it's little more than a lovely tube. Swiping with the thinner half of the wand implies striking your lid with the broader part of the wand because the hourglass brush is big and coupled to a short wand. It doesn't feel natural or effortless. The thick consistency causes lashes to clump and tangle during application. It's tempting to apply more coats to level things out, but this aggravates the problem because I applied too much formula to my lashes. This was also one of the only formulae that flaked during the day. Furthermore, removing this mascara was really tough. I observed some residue after washing my face, using makeup remover, and cleansing my face again in the morning. It lengthens drying time and gives the paint a caked-on look that annoyed me all day.

Pros

• Pretty design

Cons

• Difficult application
• Difficult to remove
• Clumpy

Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara

Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer – Price: $16.99 at Amazon

From the beginning, I was not a fan of Honest Beauty Extreme Length. When you untwist a mascara wand from a tube, you usually end up with a short handle linked to a long wand. When you unscrew this device, you'll be left with an extremely long handle and a short wand. It may appear at first that having more to hold will offer you more precision, but I found the opposite to be true. The lengthy handle is clumsy and difficult to grip, making it difficult to control for a clean, accurate application. The mascara also applies thickly, resulting in clumping and a web of twisted lashes.

If you can get past the clumsy wand and have the patience to apply slow, deliberate strokes and brush over your lashes with a clean spoolie after each coat, you could enjoy the product's longevity—the final effect lasted all day.

Pros

• Lasts all-day

Cons

• Difficult to hold
• Gets clumpy

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara – Price: $4.99

This mascara gained a lot of traction on Reddit. However, I felt that the combination of the short bristles on the wand and the thick substance made application difficult. The product gets stuck on the brush's end, and it easily transfers to my eyelid during the application, necessitating touch-ups. The cream also has a tendency to clump, necessitating extra caution and precision—not ideal for someone looking to expedite their cosmetic regimen. The plus is that all that the formula delivers outstanding results that endure all day. Simply put, there are better solutions.

Pros

• Good for volume

Cons

• Difficult to apply