Eye makeup has always been one of my favorite parts of getting ready, and having a great mascara makes such a difference. Even when I don’t have time for a complete eye look, a few coats of mascara can define my lashes, make my eyes appear more open, and help me look more put-together.
The best part is that mascara is one makeup product you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money on. There are so many amazing drugstore mascaras that deliver impressive length, volume, lift, and definition without the luxury price tag.
Drugstore mascara formulas have also improved so much over the years. You can now find lightweight formulas, flexible brushes that reach smaller lashes, waterproof options for hot or humid days, and dramatic formulas that give you the appearance of false lashes.
When I originally created this list in 2023, Maybelline Great Lash and Rimmel ScandalEyes Retro Glam were included among my favorites. Great Lash is still an iconic everyday mascara, but newer formulas now deliver more noticeable length and lift. Rimmel Retro Glam is also still available, but it is no longer recommended as frequently as other drugstore mascaras.
After reviewing the current products, comparing recent beauty editor recommendations, and revisiting my original favorites, here are the five best drugstore mascaras I recommend today!
All product recommendations are independently selected based on my personal experience, testing, and honest opinions. If I include affiliate links, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links, at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support my blog, but they never influence which products I recommend or the opinions I share.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High has become one of the most popular and best drugstore mascaras for a reason. It gives lashes noticeable length while still feeling lightweight enough for everyday wear.
The flexible brush bends as you apply the mascara, helping it reach smaller lashes around the inner and outer corners of the eyes. I also like that the formula is buildable. One coat gives you a more natural, separated look, while additional coats create longer, fuller-looking lashes without making them feel heavy right away.
Maybelline describes the formula as containing bamboo extract and fibers to help create lightweight length and volume. It is also available in washable and waterproof versions, along with several black, brown, and colored shades.
The flexible wand may take a little practice if you normally use a firm mascara brush. However, once you get used to it, the brush makes it easy to coat lashes from the roots to the tips.
If you are not sure which drugstore mascara to try first, this is the most well-rounded option on the list.
Best For: Overall length, lift, and buildable volume
L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise was included in my original list, and it still deserves a spot. However, I would now describe it as the best option for volume rather than the best lengthening mascara.
What I love about Lash Paradise is the soft, feathery effect it gives the lashes. The large, wavy brush holds plenty of product and helps create a fuller lash line without making each lash look overly stiff or harsh.
The formula is designed to add both volume and length, but volume is where it really stands out. It gives lashes that fluffy, fanned-out appearance that works especially well with smoky eyes, winged eyeliner, or any makeup look where you want your lashes to be more noticeable.
The application is smooth, and the formula is available in washable and waterproof versions. You can also choose from several shades, including black, black brown, and deeper black options.
Because the brush is fairly large, I recommend applying it slowly around the inner corners and lower lashes. Using the tip of the brush can help you reach those smaller areas without getting mascara on your skin.
Best For: Soft, fluffy volume and fuller-looking lashes
CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara
CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume remains one of my favorite classic drugstore mascaras. It took me forever to find a mascara that added noticeable volume without making my lashes look overly clumpy, and this one continues to deliver the fullness I am looking for.
The large brush is designed to coat each lash and distribute the product evenly. It creates a bold, thicker lash look while still helping keep the lashes separated.
I prefer the waterproof formula when I know I will be outside or wearing my makeup for a long time. It holds up well during hot summer days when regular mascara may be more likely to smudge.
The oversized brush is excellent for the upper lashes, although it can be a little harder to control around very short lashes or the inner corners. I usually remove any extra product from the tip of the wand before applying it to those areas.
There are newer CoverGirl mascaras available, including Lash Blast Supercloud, but the original Lash Blast Volume remains a dependable choice for anyone who wants classic, bold volume.
Best For: Bold volume with minimal clumping
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara continues to be one of the best affordable mascaras available. It has maintained its cult following because it delivers dramatic results at a price that makes it easy to try.
This mascara adds both length and volume, giving the lashes a more dramatic, false-lash-inspired appearance. I hate dealing with false lashes, so when I want a similar effect without applying glue or extensions, this type of mascara is exactly what I look for.
The cone-shaped fiber brush helps separate and define the lashes while adding more product toward the base. This creates a darker lash line while allowing the ends of the lashes to look longer and more fanned out.
It is especially impressive when you consider how affordable it is. However, this is also the product on the list most likely to perform differently from person to person. Some mascara wearers love its all-day drama, while others experience flaking or smudging beneath the eyes.
I recommend applying thin coats and allowing each one to set briefly before adding another. Applying too much at once can make the formula more likely to transfer or clump.
Best For: Affordable false-lash drama and noticeable length
L’Oréal Telescopic Original Mascara
L’Oréal Telescopic Original replaces Rimmel ScandalEyes Retro Glam on the updated list. Rimmel’s mascara can still create volume and a wide-eyed effect, but Telescopic has become a much stronger recommendation for anyone whose main goal is length and definition.
The thin precision brush looks very different from the large, fluffy brushes used for volumizing mascaras. Its slim design makes it easier to reach short lashes, separate them, and coat them from the root to the tip.
The brush has a flat side that helps distribute the formula and a comb-like side that separates the lashes. The result is a cleaner, more defined look rather than the soft, fluffy effect you get from Lash Paradise.
This is a great choice for short lashes, lower lashes, or anyone who frequently struggles with large mascara brushes. It also works well when you want your lashes to appear longer without adding too much thickness.
Telescopic may not provide enough volume for someone who wants an especially bold or dramatic look. However, you can pair it with a volumizing mascara by applying Telescopic first for length and then adding a small amount of Lash Paradise or Lash Blast near the roots.
Best For: Length, separation, short lashes, and precise application
How to Choose the Best Drugstore Mascara for You
The best mascara for you depends on your natural lashes and the type of result you are trying to achieve. A mascara that looks amazing on someone with naturally thick lashes may perform very differently on lashes that are short, fine, or straight.
Decide Whether You Want Length or Volume
Lengthening mascaras are designed to make the individual lashes appear longer and more separated. These formulas usually come with thinner brushes that can reach and define each lash.
For length and definition, I recommend Maybelline Sky High or L’Oréal Telescopic.
Volumizing mascaras focus more on making the lash line appear thicker and fuller. They typically have larger brushes that hold more product.
For noticeable volume, L’Oréal Lash Paradise and CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume are the strongest choices on this list.
Consider the Mascara Brush
The brush can be just as important as the formula.
A thin, comb-like brush works well for short lashes, lower lashes, and precise separation. A large, fluffy brush is better for creating volume and a softer, fuller appearance. Flexible brushes can reach lashes from different angles but may require a little more control during application.
Think about the types of brushes you have found easiest to use in the past before selecting your next mascara.
Choose Between Washable and Waterproof Mascara
Washable mascara is usually easier to remove and works well for everyday makeup. Waterproof mascara is a better option for humid weather, watery eyes, long events, or days when you need your mascara to stay in place for several hours.
However, waterproof mascara can require more effort to remove. Use a gentle eye makeup remover and allow it to dissolve the mascara before wiping it away. Avoid repeatedly rubbing or pulling on your lashes.
Apply Thin, Buildable Coats
Adding a large amount of mascara at once can cause even a good formula to clump. Start with a thin coat, concentrating most of the product near the roots. Then use what remains on the brush to coat the ends of the lashes.
Add a second coat while the first coat is still slightly tacky. Waiting until it is completely dry can make the lashes feel stiffer and more likely to stick together.
Final Thoughts on the Best Drugstore Mascaras
Drugstore mascaras continue to prove that you do not have to spend a lot of money to get beautiful lashes. Whether you want clean definition, dramatic volume, extra length, or a false-lash effect, there is an affordable option that can deliver the look you want.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High is my best overall recommendation because it offers a balanced combination of length, lift, and buildable volume. L’Oréal Lash Paradise is the strongest choice for soft, fluffy fullness, while L’Oréal Telescopic is better for precise length and separation.
CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume remains a dependable classic for bold volume, and Essence Lash Princess continues to offer some of the most dramatic results at one of the lowest prices.
Maybelline Great Lash also deserves an honorable mention. Its iconic pink and green packaging will probably always have a place in the drugstore makeup aisle. It remains a good everyday mascara for natural-looking definition, but Sky High now offers more noticeable length and lift for readers searching for the best overall performance.
The right mascara can make your eyes appear more open and complete your entire makeup look in only a few minutes. Try the formula that best matches your lash needs, and let us know which drugstore mascara is your favorite.
Looking for more affordable and easy-to-use makeup recommendations? Explore our guide to the best makeup products we actually use and recommend, and discover the best eyebrow products for natural-looking brows.