Beauty fans know that makeup can be an expensive hobby. The sheer number of skincare and beauty products on the market is enough to make your head spin, not to mention some brands can get pretty pricey. But take solace in knowing that not all beauty products will cost you a fortune. Case in point: mascara. It's a well-known fact among editors and fans alike that some of the best mascaras can be found right at your local drugstore. Even the pros attest to drugstore brands: celebrity makeup artist Shadi Malek tells Marie Claire, "In my makeup kit, I gravitate mainly towards drugstore mascaras because I find the formulas are some of the best out there!"
If you're still on the fence, we've rounded up the best drugstore mascaras for you to shop to your heart's content. Maybe you're hoping to achieve sky-high lashes with the best-ever lengthening mascara. If you're heading for a night out and need a falsies look ASAP, turn to the best volumizing mascaras. Whatever the your case may be, this list is sure to have your next favorite pick.
Keep reading to shop the best of the best mascaras that won't put a dent in your wallet. You'll find favorites from familiar drugstore brands like CoverGirl, Maybelline, and L'Oréal Paris, plus a few viral TikTok picks. The best part is that each of these products retails for under $15-and some are even less than $10.
© Provided by Marie Claire USBest Shiny Drugstore Mascara
You'll never not want diamond dust in your mascara after trying this pick from Physicians Formula. It features a brush that will separate and lengthen each lash, and with the addition of peptides, your lashes will be stronger than ever.
© Provided by Marie Claire USBest Drugstore Mascara Dupe
This mascara promises fluttery, flirty lashes without any clumps or flakes. It's been dubbed by several users as a dupe for a much more expensive version with a very suggestive name.
© Provided by Marie Claire USBest Drugstore Mascara for Thick Lashes
If you're looking for a mascara that will take your lashes to the next level of volumized, look no further than the Blk/Opl Super Volumizing Mascara. It will thicken your lashes like no other while conditioning them at the same time thanks to vitamin E (tocopherol) and vitamin B5 (panthenol).
© Provided by Marie Claire USBest TikTok Drugstore Mascara
At the beginning of the year, you couldn't scroll through TikTok without an influencer singing praise for this $5 pick. Plus, with over 198,000 5-star reviews, it's safe to say that this affordable option is worth a try.
© Provided by Marie Claire USBest O.G. Drugstore Mascara
When you think of drugstore mascara, this green and pink tube from Maybelline more than likely comes to mind. This mascara has stood the test of time and will probably continue to do so thanks to its incredible quality.
© Provided by Marie Claire USBest Strengthening Drugstore Mascara
The Lip Bar knows how to make a great mascara despite its name. With its green-tee-infused formula, your lashes will look beautifully defined and will become stronger over time. It's a win-win!
© Provided by Marie Claire USBest Pro-Approved Drugstore Mascara
Another classic, L'Oréal Paris' Voluminous Volume Building Waterproof Mascara was the first mascara I tried as a pre-teen and I still find myself reaching for it when I want clump-free thick lashes. Makeup artist Shadi Malek also counts herself as a fan.
© Provided by Marie Claire USBest Natural Drugstore Mascara
If a more natural look is your go-to, try this pick from Neutrogena. It also comes in a brown shade for a more subtle look and promises fuller lashes with its sweet almond and olive oil formula.
© Provided by Marie Claire USBest Newcomer Drugstore Mascara
Revlon's new mascara gives off an insane amount of volume without weighing down your lashes. One Amazon reviewer even said it works just as well as high-end, pricier options.
© Provided by Marie Claire USBest Viral Drugstore Mascara
TikTok did it again and made the Maybelline Sky High Lash go viral for all of the right reasons. This drugstore mascara will have every single lash reaching new heights and super defined.
© Provided by Marie Claire USBest Classic Drugstore Mascara
Long, doll lashes are easier than ever to achieve with this lengthening mascara. In just a swipe, your lashes will be sky-high, defined, and lifted.
© Provided by Marie Claire USBest Vegan Drugstore Mascara
The classic orange tube got a major upgrade and is now better than ever. Its long-lasting (and vegan!) formula is now infused with argan and marula oils that condition lashes while lifting and lengthening.