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The Best Mascaras on a Budget

Some of us have awesome hair. Some of us have incredible figures. My superpower is ultra-long eyelashes — which means I’m obsessed with mascara. The thing is, I don’t want to buy pricey mascara. I like the cheap stuff, because it often works as well and I don’t feel sad when it dries up. If you feel the same, I hope you enjoy this curated list of highly rated, low-priced mascaras, plus a few tips for eyelash success.

Prep for mascara shopping

First, let’s talk about getting your head right before you shop. Thinking about how you want your eyelashes to look can help get in and out of the drugstore/Target/Walmart/Amazon — or wherever you shop — quickly. If you don’t take this step, you can easily fall into analysis paralysis about whether your lashes should be thicker, blacker, longer, shinier, waterproofier…you get the idea.

Close view of closed eye with mascara.
Source: Canva.

You might also consider splitting your lash budget between a primer and a mascara. Primer helps your mascara stay on longer and also reduces clumps. Plan on getting the primer on the cheap from a brand like e.l.f. or NYC.

Cheap mascaras to try

Below are six budget mascaras that cost less than $10 each.

1. Maybelline Great Lash

There are many budget mascaras out there, but not all of them are worth your hard-earned dollar. Below are my picks for the ones that are.

Sale
Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara Makeup, Volumizing Lash-Doubling Formula That Conditions As It Thickens, Blackest Black, 1 Count
  • Great Lash Washable Blackest Black…
  • Build Volume and Definition:…
  • Maybelline Is The Eye Expert:…
  • Maybelline Has What You Need:…
  • Remove Maybelline Makeup With…

Probably the most recognizable mascara, Maybelline Great Lash is an old favorite. It is cheap enough to keep one in your bag and one in your desk at work. Another plus is that Great Lash is hypoallergenic for those of us with sensitive eyes.

2. L’oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly

Sale
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara, Washable, Blackest Black, 0.22 Fl. Oz., 1 Count
  • Voluminous Butterfly Mascara, with…
  • L’Oreal Mascara: Get the long, full…
  • Create you perfect eye makeup look…
  • Because You’re Worth It: L’Oréal…
  • Perfect To Pair With: L’Oréal…

Voluminous Butterfly has a special brush to give you that winged look, which makes your eyes appear bigger. The fiber-based formula also lengthens and thickens your lashes for that dramatic look you crave. Users say it goes on smooth with no clumps and stays on.

3. Lash Princess False Effect

Sale
Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara & Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara Bundle
  • 2 IN 1! Get your two favorite…
  • NO FALSIES NEEDED! These mascaras…
  • DRAMATIC VOLUME: the conic shape…
  • LASTS ALL DAY: go about your day…
  • CRUELTY FREE: essence cosmetics is…

A cruelty-free formula that doesn’t flake or fade is a game-changer for mascara enthusiasts. The Lash Princess formula uses a special brush to go on smoothly and add unbelievable length, definition, and volume. This one is a cult favorite for a reason.

4. L’Oreal Voluminous Original

Sale
L’Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Original Curved Brush Mascara, Black, 0.28 Fl Oz
  • Voluminous Volume Building Mascara:…
  • Volume Maximizing Curved Brush:…
  • Washable Mascara with Panthenol and…
  • Because You’re Worth It: Create the…
  • L’Oreal Paris Beauty: A leading…

This is the mascara I use every day. It is affordable and reliably makes your eyelashes look really thick. It also dries quickly which minimizes smudging.

5. Covergirl Professional Remarkable Mascara

Sale
Covergirl Professional Remarkable Mascara, Very Black, 0.3 Fluid Ounce
  • Smudge-proof
  • Resists swipes and smears
  • Darkens and defines all day
  • Washes off easily with soap and…

A smudge proof, washable mascara, Covergirl Professional Remarkable mascara is what I’d call an old-school, no-frills formula. It doesn’t promise to make you look like a Vegas showgirl, but it does darken your lashes and generally lasts all day.

6. Rimmel Wonder’fully Real

Rimmel Wonder’fully Real Mascara, Extreme Black, 0.37 Fluid Ounce
  • Mascara for longer, fuller looking…
  • Formula with keratin
  • Precision brush to reveal a fan of…

Rimmel’s cruelty-free, keratin-infused formula provides mild lengthening and thickening effects. It also has a precision applicator so the product goes on smoothly without clumps.

Mascara for under $10

The bottom line is that you can snag a reliable mascara for less than $10, whether you want a look that’s bold and dramatic or subtle and alluring. Great Lash and L’Oreal Voluminous are two I can vouch for personally — both have been darkening and thickening lashes for decades.

Another formula I like is My Little Mascara which has amazing staying power, even when you’re wearing glasses. The price is higher than the options above at $22, but it’s worth a look if you have the budget.

Marian the Librarian

Wednesday 9th of November 2011

I can't believe you didn't mention The Falsies by Maybelline! I too am addicted to mascara. After Max Factor went under, I was left without my favorite mascara (2000 Calorie--sad face), so I had to go to the drugstore searching for a new fave. After many disappointments I found The Falsies. That's all I'm buying right now! It gives great length and separation and builds nicely. The "spoon brush" is so easy to use! And it washes off easily--also a must.

Courtney

Monday 4th of January 2016

Soooooo AGREE. WHERE IS FALSIES? This is bunk!!