The 12 Best Drugstore Mascaras of 2024
Mascara is ideal makeup for bringing attention to our eyes, and fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot when there are plenty of excellent, budget-friendly options at your local drugstore. There is typically some trial and error involved in finding your hero mascara, so it naturally makes sense to minimize spending by testing out less costly alternatives. If you land on a mascara product that satisfies your makeup goals — all without breaking the bank — it’s safe to say you’ll be set for quite some time.
Going for affordable mascara brands also offers some eye care benefits, too. “I always pick drugstore mascaras over luxury brands because there is a shorter expiration date once you open mascara compared to any other makeup product,” says celebrity makeup artist, Nydia Figueroa. “You should change your mascara every three months, as it can harbor bacteria [which can cause infections] if not changed within that time frame.”
To find the best drugstore mascaras, we researched everything from brush shapes and shade options, to ease of application and longevity. We also reviewed formulas, looking for mascaras that contain conditioning ingredients or oils to keep lashes silky and soft. In addition to Figueroa, we also spoke to Aliza Noelle Miklos, a makeup artist and owner of Aliza Noelle Beauty, for shopping tips, and Max Parikh, M.D., an ophthalmologist and refractive surgeon, for eye hygiene advice.
Peripera Ink Black Cara Long Lash Waterproof Mascara at Amazon
$10
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It delivers a dramatic look with serious staying power.
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It only comes in a single waterproof shade.
Essence Beauty Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara is part of the brand’s extremely popular Lash Princess line, and this mascara is a favorite of Figueroa who approves of its smudge-proof, long-lasting formula. Designed with a conical brush to lift and separate lashes, the mascara gives you the appearance of wearing false lashes with way less effort. It’s also a vegan and paraben-free product, and Essence is certified by PETA as a cruelty-free brand.
This particular mascara is only available in black in the waterproof formula, though you can pick up either black or black brown shades in the washable version. Ingredients in both formulations include a hydrating glycerin derivative, but the waterproof version also contains conditioning jojoba oil. The washable version, meanwhile, is oil- and gluten-free.
Type: Volumizing and lengthening | Shades: Black waterproof; Black and black brown washable | Brush Shape: Conical
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Its flexible comb brush makes it easy to deliver product, all the way from the root to the tip.
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It’s only available in very black for both waterproof and washable.
Even in this list of affordable mascaras, Wet n Wild Mega Length Waterproof Mascara has a price that’s hard to beat. This mascara adds major length to your lashes for just pennies an application, and the comb brush’s versatility can be easier to handle than some other brush shapes. While the best brush shape for you ultimately comes down to personal preference, Rivero recommends a straight brush — like the one Mega Length provides — for people with a very full lash line, explaining that "it gives more control.”
Mega Length contains vitamin E-rich soybean oil and beeswax, and glides on smoothly, so there’s no catching or pulling of your lashes during application. Wet n Wild is also a PETA-certified, cruelty-free brand, though because this product has beeswax, it is not entirely vegan. The only main drawback with this product is that it’s only available in very black for both waterproof and non-waterproof formulas.
Type: Lengthening | Shades: Very black waterproof; Very black washable | Brush Shape: Straigh