Drugstore Mascaras That Look $$$, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists

May 07, 2020
Samantha Holender
By: Samantha Holender | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
drugstore mascaras
The drugstore beauty aisle, namely the mascara section, is a beauty lover’s happy place. Volumizing options are plentiful, lengthening wands are available by the dozen, and the promise of long, lush and dramatic eyelashes costs no more than $15. While testing every pharmacy find is admittedly tempting, we wanted to narrow down our drugstore search to the best of the best. That’s why we asked celebrity makeup artists to share their all-time favorite, ride-or-die drugstore mascaras. Keep reading, because these pro-approved picks are all the proof you need that getting great lashes doesn’t have to break the bank.
1 / 7

Maybelline New York Lash Discovery 

“I love how this has a teeny, tiny thin brush! It’s great for using on mature women and doing a close detail on the bottom eyelashes.” —Ashlee Glazer 

 
 
2 / 7

Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Mascara Big Shot Washable Mascara

 

“I have been in a committed relationship with this mascara for almost three years. I’m a huge fan of the brush’s wavy bristles that hug the lash line for instant volume. The formula is instantly dramatizing and does not flake or smudge.” —Dominique Lerma 

 

“This mascara is great for people with really thin lashes or really full lashes. The wand’s wavy bristles can define and separate.” —Billie Gene

3 / 7

PYT Beauty Black Mascara and Primer

 

“This clean mascara and primer duo has a 12-hour wear. I especially love how nourishing it is! It contains vitamin E and olive leaf extract. This mascara is suitable for everyday wear, is super lengthening and defining. An added bonus is that it gives you feathery lashes and is 100% cruelty-free.” —Dominique Lerma 

 
4 / 7

L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara

 

“This is a new favorite of mine! I love this mascara because it's buildable, allowing you the flexibility to customize your lash style while still leaving them soft to touch.” —Billie Gene

 

“This has been a staple in my kit for years. The mascara is available in 12 shades. The mascara is volume building and leaves the lashes full and soft for a wispy and naturally gorgeous effect.” —Dominique Lerma 

 
5 / 7

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara

 

“I'm a huge fan of this mascara! It provides an intense black lacquer to lashes, with the perfect amount of volume to help lift them.” —Billie Gene 

 
6 / 7

Maybelline New York Full ’N Soft Washable Mascara 

 

“I've always been a big fan of this one. The applicator is a good size for every eye shape, and the applicator has lots of bristles so that you get volume and length while still looking natural.” —Jenny Patinkin
7 / 7

Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mineral Mascara 

 

“If I have a client who wants more drama and oomph but also a ‘clean’ formulation, I reach for Pacifica Stellar Glaze. It's got a nice, thick, but not clumpy, consistency that can give you an almost false-lash effect in just two to three coats.” —Jenny Patinkin 

 
Chaunte Vaughn

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