Truth is, the best drugstore mascara can be just as effective as its more expensive counterparts. Celebrity makeup artist Amrita Mehta emphasizes that the quality of mascaras boils down to compatibility rather than price. In today’s beauty landscape, drugstore brands invest significant effort into formulating diverse mascaras tailored to different lash types. They undergo extensive research, development, and testing—akin to luxury brands.
Our top picks:
While luxury mascaras may boast premium ingredients, their superiority over drugstore versions depends on individual preferences and effectiveness. Additionally, considering the short shelf life of mascaras (two to four months), it’s essential to find one that complements your lashes, regardless of its price point. “While excellent mascaras can be found at both luxury retailers and drugstores, when it comes down to it, the best mascara is the one that suits your lashes, and truly works with them to enhance rather than against them,” she says. Read on to discover the best drugstore mascara formulas—all tested and vouched for by our editors and experts.
Best Overall: L’Oréal Voluminous Mascara
Why We Love It: An all-time favorite pick for five of the makeup artists we spoke with, L’Oréal’s Voluminous Mascara comes out on top. “I’ve been using this mascara forever and it’s a staple in my kit,” explains celebrity makeup artist Gita Bass. “It’s super-black and adds incredible volume and curl, and never clumps or flakes.”
- Benefits: Doesn’t clump, smudge resistant, and buildable
- Key Ingredients: Panthenol, Ceramide-R
- Who It’s For: Anyone looking for a gentle, non-abrasive formula that adds length, depth, and volume to your lashes.
Best Volumizing: CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara
Why We Love It: For bolder, more intense lashes, CoverGirl’s Lash Blast is another tried-and-true go-to. “I love its creamy texture, which gives you volume and length instantly in one coat, and it’s easy to layer it for more drama,” explains French makeup artist Cedric Jolivet. “I find the silicone brush to grab the lashes from the root, and it totally works on short lashes!”