The Best Drugstore Mascaras — For Every Need

Whether you want to crank volume up to 11 or just want something that won't leave you spider-lashed, there is truly a tube of mascara out there for everyone — and it's not unusual to be very particular about what you coats your lashes with. But what if your priority is saving some cash? Do great mascaras that don't break the bank really exist?

Luckily, the answer to that is a resounding "hell yes." Ahead, we've rounded up the top mascaras for just about every need — including two picks from our 2019 Beauty Innovator Awards — that won't cost you more than your favorite brunch order. Click through and find your heart's desire in a tube. Your lashes, and your bank account, will thank you.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission. Check out the rest of the 2019 Beauty Innovator Award winners.

Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara

Lengthening

This 2019 BIA winner visibly lengthens and thickens after just one — yes, as in a single — coat. Plus, the curvy wand helps grip and coat the tiniest of lashes.

COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Mascara, $, available at Walmart

L'Oréal Unlimited Length and Lift Mascara

Lengthening

The bendy wand on L'Oréal's new Unlimited mascara defies everything we thought we knew about drugstore mascaras. However, the genius behind the flexible wand goes much deeper than novelty factor alone: It allows you to get this close to the lash line to coat each lash from root to tip.

L'Oreal Paris Unlimited Length and Lift Mascara, $, available at Amazon

Revlon Super Length Mascara

Lengthening

Revlon’s lengthening mascara has a fiber formula that helps to extend each lash, and a plush brush also helps with volume for long, lush lashes.

Revlon Super Length Mascara - Blackest Black, $, available at Walmart

This unique brush has three different sides to make sure every single lash gets some loving.

No7 Exceptional Definition Mascara, $, available at Target

When you really want eyelash extensions, but are too impatient to sit in a chair with your eyes closed for two hours, this new formula from Almay gives lashes the feathered look while fooling everyone into thinking you paid $200 (when you really only paid $10).

Almay Almay Liquid Lash Extenders Mascara, $, available at Walmart

Physicians Formula Eyelash Enhancer

This dual mascara kit is the easiest way to apply false(-ish) lashes, ever. The set comes with a black lengthening mascara, as well as an “extensions” wand, which is a spoolie for applying false-lash fibers. All you have to do is apply a swipe of black mascara, another swipe of the extensions fibers, and then seal it all in with the black mascara. That’s it — and you'll have lashes that look like falsies. Plus, you'll have saved all that time it takes to glue on a strip.

Physicians Formula Physicians Formula Eyelash Enhancer , $, available at Target

L'Oréal Voluminous Carbon Black Volume Building Mascara

This mascara is an editor and consumer favorite for a reason: It seriously plumps lashes. The fat brush has hundreds of tiny bristles that grab every hair and coat it with a volumizing formula that layers easily without veering into clumpy or crunchy territories.

L'Oréal Voluminous Carbon Black Volume Building Mascara, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara

This formula promises to give your lashes the same treatment that a stop-them-in-your-tracks pair of Loubs does to your confidence.

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Almay Get Up & Grow Extreme Length Mascara

The name says it all: Almay's Get Up & Grow not only lengthens, but its conditioning formula helps strengthen your lashes over time.

Almay Extreme Length Mascara, $, available at Amazon

E.l.f. Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara

Think you can't get much for $4? E.L.F.'s mascara will give you long and fuller lashes for just four bucks.

e.l.f Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara, $, available at e.l.f. Cosmetics

Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof

This mascara is a classic for a reason — its densely packed plastic bristles make it super-easy to coat every single lash with a layer of its volumizing formula. Add a little waterproof action into the mix, and your mascara won't be going anywhere — whether you're sweating it up at the gym or trudging through a rainstorm.

Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket Waterproof Mascara, $, available at Walmart

COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Mascara

CoverGirl's original Lashblast Volume mascara is one of our favorites. But when we need our makeup to last all day (sans raccoon eyes), we always reach for the waterproof version.

COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Mascara, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Avon Wash-Off Waterproof Mascara

Want to wear mascara to the gym? This one won't run down your face after a 45-minute sweat session.

Avon Wash-Off Waterproof Mascara, $, available at Avon

COVERGIRL LashBlast Clump Crusher

Clump-Stopping

There's a reason this tube is a favorite among quite a few of our beauty editors. Coat after coat, you'll never see a single clump.

COVERGIRL LashBlast Clump Crusher, $, available at Target

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara

The secret of L'Oréal Voluminous Butterfly is the butterfly wing-shaped wand. It combs through each lash for a perfectly even application.

L'Oreal Paris VOLUMINOUS Butterfly Mascara, $, available at L'Oreal Paris

All hail Iman and her brand's Volumize Mascara. The bristles lift, separate, and never leave lashes stuck together.

Iman Volumize Mascara, $, available at Target

Volumizing

Any mascara with the name Doll Eye has got to give your lashes a serious volume boost, right? And that's just what this formula does — at a very pretty price.

NYX Professional Makeup Makeup Doll Eye Mascara , $, available at Target

Pixi by Petra Lash Lift

Volumizing

If you're looking for the ultimate eye-opening effect, this dual set will give you exactly that, thanks to a larger wand meant for volumizing and lengthening and a finer precision brush that gets into the inner and outer corners for fanned-out lashes.

Pixi Pixi by Petra Lash Lift 188 Beyond Black - .28oz, $, available at Target.com

Birds of a feather flock together... and are the inspiration behind this mascara. The fanned-out brush promises to catch, coat, and separate your fringe.

COVERGIRL Peacock Flare Mascara, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara

The whipped formula, which contains coconut extract, helps separate lashes to create are they real?-level volume.

Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

This cone-shaped brush helps whip the wimpiest of lashes into glam territory.

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara, $, available at Ulta Beauty

The hourglass-shaped brush helps the fibers in the formula surround each lash to volumize and lengthen.

Physicians Formula Eye Booster Lash Contortionist Mascara, $, available at Jet

This two-sided mascara was designed to seriously beef up limp lashes. Use the white, fiber-infused primer as a base, then layer the black mascara over top. Voilà — Hadid-approved lashes.

Maybelline Gigi Hadid Fiber Mascara Black, $, available at Maybelline

It’s simple makeup math: One little wand x the human average of 150 eyelashes = the illusion of a million eyelashes.

Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Those of you who dig clumpy lashes will love Maybelline's Colossal Spider Effect mascara. The unique plastic-bristle brush combs through lashes and deposits hefty amounts of product, which immediately beefs up limp hairs.

Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Spider Effect™ Mascara , $, available at Target

Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Primer

This lash duo from Honest Beauty helps to create both length and volume at the same time. First, the primer protects and nourishes the lashes while also intensifying the color. Then, the mascara goes on extra-smooth to lift and amplify each and every lash.

Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Primer, $, available at Honest Beauty

Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara

Consider this mascara a Wonderbra for your lashes. It lifts, separates, and makes every individual lash look bigger.

Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Sure, the thick brush will give you mega-volume. But this gentle formula is especially clutch if you've got sensitive eyes.

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara, $, available at CVS

Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara

For those of us who love wet mascaras that are almost too goopy on the wand, this is the stuff of magic. Whether you have long or short lashes, this not only volumizes them, but also makes them look darker.

Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Thickening

Haven't tried Great Lash yet? You're missing out. There's a reason this lash-bulking formula has been a favorite among pros for decades.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Blackest Black, $, available at Jet

Mascara primer often feel like an unnecessary step (especially if you're short on time), but a tinted primer that thickens and darkens your lashes is a fast way to skip mascara altogether for a no-makeup makeup look.

Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Big Shot Tinted Primer, $, available at Ulta Beauty

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara

This mascara will seriously beef up limp lashes thanks to its full, thick brush and volumizing formula.

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara, $, available at Amazon

This mascara is designed with every lash type in mind — but we love it best when going for thickness, thanks to the unique brush shape. The round tip allows you to get incredibly close to the root of lashes, allowing for more density.

COVERGIRL So Lashy Waterproof Mascara , $, available at Target

Neutrogena's Healthy Volume is made with a touch of olive oil to moisturize your lashes. The result? A thick, gorgeous set all through winter.

Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara, $, available at Neutrogena

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

This fluffy brush creates fluttering lashes that won't sag or fall throughout the day. Plus, the formula can be layered for serious drama.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Conditioning

This mascara does such a stellar job of separating and defining lashes that we would be happy if that were its only trick. But it also contains conditioners geared to help lashes grow, too.

Kiko Milano 30 Days Extension - Daily Treatment Mascara, $, available at Kiko Milano

Burt's Bees 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara

Conditioning

We're sure Emma Watson would agree that finding a natural mascara that defines lashes and lasts all day is a challenge. Then, Burt's Bees launched its first full makeup collection and blessed our sensitive eyes with this lightweight formula that perfectly separates and won't smudge in the heat.

Burt's Bees 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara, $, available at Ulta Beauty

hosted by Mi-Anne Chan; appearance by Whembley Sewell.

The thin, cone-shaped brush on this volumizing mascara makes it easy to coat every single lash. Yes, we mean every lash, from the hard-to-reach inner corners to the teeny bottom lashes.

Essence Forbidden Volume Mascara, $4.49, available at Ulta Beauty.

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Demi Lovato’s first makeup line in collaboration with New York Color is certainly a good one – but one of our favorite products is the Lovatics mascara, due to it’s lengthening skills. With a dual-fiber brush and a formula that has both beeswax and carnauba wax to help with volume and length, this mascara is a steal.

Lovatics by Demi Mascara, $4.47, available at Walmart.

If you're committed to your non-waterproof mascara, pick up Locked & Coated from BareMinerals. It's a topcoat that turns any formula waterproof, so you don't have to ditch your favorite tube. Though it's not technically a drugstore brand, its price is on par with the rest of them.

bareMinerals Locked & Coated Waterproof Mascara, $, available at Bare Escentuals

Avon's Mega Effects mascara has a unique brush that helps separate each and every lash. The bristles coat and stretch your lashes, making this a clear winner in the lengthening department.

Avon Mega Effects Mascara, $, available at Avon

Circa Beauty’s Absolute Lash Icon Mascara lives up to it’s name – the oversized, bulbous brush helps to mold each lash for extra volume. Plus, the formula has avocado oil in it, enriching the lashes so they won’t clump as you aspire to maximum lash height.

Circa Beauty Absolute Lash Icon Mascara, $12, available at Walgreens.

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