The Best Mascaras for Every Budget
December 30, 2020
Whether your lash goals are to volumize, lengthen, thicken or anything in between, finding the right mascara for your lash type can take a lot of trial and error. And while there’s no shortage of formulas to try, we know that spending all of your money on makeup isn’t ideal for anyone. With that in mind, we’re sharing our favorite mascaras ranging from $5 to $30 to help you find the perfect one for you.
Best Mascaras for $10 or Less
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Best Mascaras for $10 or Less
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara, $4.99
Get the look of falsies without committing to the tedious application process with this mascara. It’s perfect for those who want to bring on the drama and stay within their budget.
Get the look of falsies without committing to the tedious application process with this mascara. It’s perfect for those who want to bring on the drama and stay within their budget.
2 / 9
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Mascara, $6.78
If your lashes struggle to hold a curl, reach for this cult-classic mascara that lifts lashes and makes your eyes pop. The brush separates and volumizes lashes for a fanned-out look. The formula is also made with rosehip oil to condition.
If your lashes struggle to hold a curl, reach for this cult-classic mascara that lifts lashes and makes your eyes pop. The brush separates and volumizes lashes for a fanned-out look. The formula is also made with rosehip oil to condition.
3 / 9
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara, $6.84
For those with lashes that are short and thin, this drugstore option works to lengthen and build up thickness up to five times their natural size. It comes in seven shades including black and brown, plus fun options like purple and royal blue.
For those with lashes that are short and thin, this drugstore option works to lengthen and build up thickness up to five times their natural size. It comes in seven shades including black and brown, plus fun options like purple and royal blue.
Best Mascaras for $20 or Less
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Best Mascaras for $20 or Less
L’Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara, $10.97
Getting volumized lashes can be tricky because while more coats can help give you the look you desire, you also run the risk of clumps. We love this mascara because the formula is so lightweight and buildable, allowing you to apply multiple coats. It also offers up to 24 hours of wear and is highly pigmented.
Getting volumized lashes can be tricky because while more coats can help give you the look you desire, you also run the risk of clumps. We love this mascara because the formula is so lightweight and buildable, allowing you to apply multiple coats. It also offers up to 24 hours of wear and is highly pigmented.
5 / 9
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, $11.49
This waterproof formula is made with bamboo extract and fibers to give the appearance of longer and fuller lashes without clumping, flaking or smudging.
This waterproof formula is made with bamboo extract and fibers to give the appearance of longer and fuller lashes without clumping, flaking or smudging.
6 / 9
Bodyography Epic Lash Lengthening & Curling Mascara, $20
If you want a mascara that can do it all, this formula lengthens, volumizes and curls your lashes. It’s also formulated with vitamin B5 to condition and moisturize, which also makes it very easy to remove.
If you want a mascara that can do it all, this formula lengthens, volumizes and curls your lashes. It’s also formulated with vitamin B5 to condition and moisturize, which also makes it very easy to remove.
Best Mascaras for $30 or Less
7 / 9
Best Mascaras for $30 or Less
GrandeDRAMA Intense Thickening Mascara, $25
Formulated with castor oil, this mascara not only pumps up the volume for lashes that are thin and sparse, but it also promotes thick and healthy-looking lashes, too. While the formula is buildable, the thick brush will transform and coat all of your lashes in just one swipe.
Formulated with castor oil, this mascara not only pumps up the volume for lashes that are thin and sparse, but it also promotes thick and healthy-looking lashes, too. While the formula is buildable, the thick brush will transform and coat all of your lashes in just one swipe.
8 / 9
Lancôme Lash Idole Mascara, $26
This new mascara from Lancôme is perfect for everyday wear. It’s a defining mascara that will enhance your natural lashes by offering lift, length and volume.
This new mascara from Lancôme is perfect for everyday wear. It’s a defining mascara that will enhance your natural lashes by offering lift, length and volume.
9 / 9
Pat McGrath Labs Fetish Eyes Mascara, $30
This formula is like lash extensions in a tube. It’s great for those who love to bring drama and attention to the eyes. It boosts definition, volumizes and is formulated with peptides to strengthen and protect lashes from free radical damage.
This formula is like lash extensions in a tube. It’s great for those who love to bring drama and attention to the eyes. It boosts definition, volumizes and is formulated with peptides to strengthen and protect lashes from free radical damage.
Photo: Chaunte Vaughn, Design: Hannah Packer
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