Best and Worst Drugstore Mascaras
The drugstore has really stepped it up when it comes to mascaras. In fact, there are many drugstore mascaras that I like just as much, if not more, than high-end and luxury mascaras. With that said, there are also some misses. So, I want to share my thoughts on the drugstore mascaras I’ve tried.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara
This mascara’s strong suit is adding drama to the lashes. Although the mascara’s thick formula creates the desired dramatic look, its thick consistency feels heavy on the lashes. As a result, the product is not comfortable to wear and the lashes quickly lose their dramatic style (and often is replaced by flakey mascara). While it may look pretty upon initial application, sustaining this look for any extended period of time will be difficult.
Pro: Adds drama
Cons: Feels heavy, tends to flake off
L’Oreal Bambi Eye Mascara
If you want your eyes to appear wider and more open, the Bambi Eye Mascara is for you. While adding the high level of volume typical of L’Oreal mascaras, this mascara’s wand has a mix of short and long bristles that also defines the lashes.
Pros: Gives doe-eyed look, volumizing, adds definition
Con: Wand has an odd shape
L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara
This mascara was the first I ever loved from the drugstore. At one point, I thought this mascara was the only drugstore one with volume on par with those of higher end brands. Additionally, the mascara has a buildable formula, meaning you can apply more coats for more volume (without worrying about clumping or heaviness).
Pros: Has a buildable formula, adds volume
Cons: n/a
L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
L’Oreal sells one of this mascara every five seconds, and I completely understand why. Since its launch, I have continually repurchased this mascara to have in my collection (and very rarely use others). This mascara coats the lashes from root to tip, providing volume, length, and curl. And it does so better than almost any other mascara, including high-end and luxury versions.
Pros: Adds volume/length/curl, wears well
Cons: n/a
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
If you want the biggest bang for your buck, look no further than the Lash Princess Mascara. While I don’t feel it is the best on the market, I do think it makes the greatest impact on the lashes for the lowest price, adding volume and length at a fraction of the price of other mascaras. The most notable drawback of this mascara is its tendency to smear, especially around the lower lashes.
Pros: Adds volume and length
Con: Smears easily
NYX On the Rise Lifting & Volumizing Mascara
Contrary to its name, I find this mascara best for those less concerned with volume and more interested in length and curl for their lashes. So, if you want long, natural-looking lashes, this mascara may be your preferred choice. I do want to caution you of this mascara brush which can feel quite harsh.
Pros: Adds subtle volume and length
Con: Harsh applicator
L’Oreal Air Volume Mega Mascara
Like the most others from L’Oreal, this mascara has the goldilocks formula- not too dry or liquidy. This mascara adds volume, length, fullness, and curl to the lashes without creating a heavy feeling. Despite having no significant difference from other L’Oreal mascaras, its price is slightly more than the brand’s others.
Pros: Adds volume/length/curl, feels light on the lashes
Con: Higher price for seemingly no reason
Essence Volume Stylist 18hr Lash Extension Mascara
This mascara gets the job done adding slight length, definition, and volume to the lashes, but I wouldn’t say this mascara is anything to write home about. Aside from its relatively low price, there’s nothing outside of the ordinary about this mascara. In fact, it even has the flakiness and dry, uncomfortable feeling of many others.
Pros: Adds subtle definition/length/volume
Cons: Has drier formula, tends to flake off
L’Oreal Voluminous X Fiber Mascara
This double-sided mascara has two wands, one designed to lengthen and another to add volume to lashes. In all honesty, I see hardly any difference between the two sides as they perform almost the same, adding good length and some volume. For me, regardless of the side used, my lashes end up with the same pretty but minimalistic look.
Pros: Has soft look, adds some volume and length
Con: Barely any difference between wands
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
Having been around for over 40 years, this mascara is incredibly popular. While I don’t doubt that Great Lash was the best mascara at one time, it does not hold up in 2023. Makeup has come a long way, and the Great Lash formula does not look, apply, or wear as well as other mascaras on the market.
Pro: Slightly improves appearance of lashes
Cons: Doesn’t wear well throughout the day, smears easily
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