Mascara is one of the best makeup essentials that can enhance your look. From light and casual to ultimate glam, it is a must. Choosing the right mascara is essential as it can enhance your gorgeous features and channel a sense of being unique and trying something new. No matter if it’s waterproof, volumizing, or long-lasting that you are looking for, you will find the perfect drug store mascara here.
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1. Maybelline New York Makeup Mascara
This mascara will feel like a dream come true if you’re after a washable and volumizing formula. You can expect this product to create a full and plump effect as it is infused with collagen. This unique ingredient allows for nine times the volume of regular mascara. Bring attention to your beautiful eyes with just one swipe of the brush. The bold and no-clump voluminous mascara comes in a range of colors as well, so you can have more than one bottle in your makeup collection. It is a perfect addition to any kit.
2. L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Makeup Lash Mascara
A mascara packed full of more than just great quality ingredients is L’Oreal’s Paris Voluminous Makeup Lash Paradise Mascara. With six unique and defining elements to make your lashes pop, you know your eyes will be well looked after with this product. Offering voluptuous volume, intense length, feathery soft full lashes, no flaking, no smudging, and no clumping – it is worth trying. This drug store mascara is made in the shade ‘blackest black’ which is perfect for an all-day bold look.
3. COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Mascara
If you are after a volumizing mascara that channels a feathery look, Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara is for you. The unique application wand aims to create a full and fanned-out vibe. It can take your lashes from simple to glam in an instant. With a complete application, you will be left with 400% corner-to-corner volumized and super-sized lashes. The black shade of this mascara allows the creation of a bold look, and even better, it is smudge and smear-proof. Sweat, rain, or hail, this mascara won’t budge.
4. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Waterproof Mascara
If you’re someone who prefers waterproof mascara, then this is the one for you. The La Roche-Posay Toleraine Waterproof Mascara provides amplified lash density and volume. The unique formula ensures extreme makeup hold and easy removal. It will be the best of both worlds! In addition to this, the product is rubbing-resistant and, it is also suitable for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes. It is the perfect mascara if you’re looking to avoid any irritation.
5. Maybelline Lash Sensational Washable Mascara
The most crucial aspect to keep in mind when searching for your next best mascara could be the shape and style of the brush. The Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara offers a unique and flattering application wand. With ten layers of bristles for the ultimate fanning effect, you can be sure that your lashes will look sensational after just a few swipes. In addition to this, the formula also adds length and volume without any clumps. Your next glam look will be complete with this affordable drug store mascara!
6. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Plumping Waterproof Mascara
Expect the unexpected with this mascara as it offers a hydrating lash formula with waterproof and plumping qualities. Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Plumping Waterproof Mascara aims to do precisely that. Created with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and keratin, these ingredients allow your lashes to stay hydrated throughout the day. The waterproof quality of this is also perfect for those with sensitive eyes and those who regularly wear contact lenses.
7. Maybelline New York Snapscara Washable Mascara
If you enjoy experimenting with new products and mixing up your usual routine, then this mascara is worth a shot. The ‘snapscara’ collection by Maybelline provides a new generation of formula, offering quick and intense applications. You can expect to see an effortless glide and volumizing effect due to its wax-free formula. There are four shades of mascara in this collection, which range from Ultra Violet, Deja Blue, Black Cherry, and Pitch Black. Try something wild like bright colors on the eyes and finish it off with UltraViolet on the lashes.
8. The Balm Mad Lash Full Size Duo Voluminous Mascara
If one bottle of your favorite mascara wasn’t enough, The Balm has just released a duo mascara set. Offering volume and intensity for lashes of all shapes and sizes, this product is suitable for everyone. Featuring a no-flake, buildable, and enhancing effect, your lashes will stand out from the rest. Get two for the price of one and witness the stunning change from simple to thick, full, and luscious in an instant.
9. Essence | Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Essence’s Lash Princess mascara is the one for you if you’re after an affordable and cruelty-free product. The benefits of using this drug store mascara include endorsing cruelty-free makeup and avoiding any ingredients that contain gluten. This formula is perfect for anyone and offers a stunning finish of fuller lashes and no clumps or flakes. There is even a guaranteed promise that this mascara does not flake, wear, or fade.
10. Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara
Accelerate the length of your lashes with Rimmel’s latest lash-enhancing mascara. You will be receiving compliments left, right, and center after using this mascara as it can boost the length of lashes by 99%. With an ultra-lengthening formula and no-clump promise, this product will become your next best friend. Play around with it and watch your lashes grow to undefiable heights. No lash will be left behind!
Types of Mascara
Big, beautiful lashes are one of the key make-up goals for many women. However, if you don’t have the funds, time, skills, or inclination to invest in falsies, extensions, or lifts, then mascara is the answer. There are many innovative formulas and brushes that will let you create so much volume and length that people will think you’ve got false lashes on anyway. Choose ones for length, volume, or curl, or embrace revolutionary tubing and fiber formulas. Whatever you pick, you’ll be looking fabulous as ever.
Waterproof Mascara
Waterproof mascara is the true hero of wet weather, pool parties, and your best friend’s emotion-packed wedding. As such, it’s an absolute must-have for these kinds of occasions. Choose one that contains nourishing ingredients, so your lashes don’t dry out, and make sure you have an oil-based make-up remover on hand when it comes time to take it off.
Lengthening Mascara
You’ll have lashes for days with a lengthening mascara. Innovative formulas and wand design mean evenly coated lashes all the way from root to tip while encourage your eyelashes to curl, giving the illusion of length. You’ll look like you’ve got extensions without the price tag!
Volumizing Mascara
Thick, voluminous mascara adds a whole lot of drama and Hollywood glam to your look. Boast thick, dark lashes that everyone will envy. Choose one in a dark shade for extra effect, so it looks like you’re wearing falsies without all the fuss.
Curling Mascara
Give your eyelashes a lift with curling mascara. These unique formulas curl your lashes upwards, making them appear longer and fuller for a real doe-eyed look. Take it to another level by using an eyelash curler first for the ultimate gravity-defying look.
Lash Defining Mascara
Treat each individual lash with the respect it deserves by using a lash-defining mascara. With these options, it’s just as much about the brush as it is the formula. The wands are designed to lift and coat each strand separately for a natural yet glamourous appearance.
Non-Clumping Mascara
No one wants eyelashes that look likes spider legs, so invest in a non-clumping mascara for beautiful, fluttery lashes instead. Apply a single layer on minimalist days where you’re going for a natural vibe. Alternatively, take advantage of the no-clump formula and well-designed wand to use a few coats for extra dimension and allure.
Tubing Mascara
Tubing mascaras are one of the newest trends on the eye makeup block. It uses a polymer-based formula to coat each eyelash in a water-resistant ‘tube’, creating length and definition. Not only does it last long, not smudge, and give you excellent volume, it washes off very easily with warm water.
Fiber Mascara
Fiber mascaras are like hair extensions but for your eyes. The formulas feature tiny fibers made from nylon, silk, or rayon that build up volume and length, creating enviable lashes. Some options come as a two-step formula, applying a base coast followed by the fiber coat, while others are an all-in-one option for the faux-falsie look.
Bottom Lash Mascara
Make life easier by choosing a bottom lash mascara. These strands are not as full, thick, or voluminous as your upper lashes, so tackling them with the same large brush won’t have the results you want. Instead, opt for a smaller, more precision-style wand for getting every single one of those tiny, fine hairs without stabbing yourself in the eye or smudging color everywhere.
Clear Mascara
If you’re going for a minimal make-up look or just want to embrace your natural lashes, choose a clear mascara. These formulas add a lovely shine while providing direction and support, so the hairs sit how you want. Plus, you can often double clear mascara as a brow gel too!
Types of Mascara Wands
As much as the formula of your mascara can dictate your results, so can the mascara wand. Different materials and shapes produce different results. Certain styles are better suited for different kinds of eyelashes, helping to fix trouble spots. Meanwhile, others can help improve your technique, so you get the swoop right every time for perfectly positioned, long, thick lashes.
Classic, Dense Brush
A classic dense brush is ideal for creating lots of volume. The soft bristles hug the strands, coating them evenly for a doll-eyed effect. Plus, the larger style brush also helps to coat thick, curly lashes, stretching them out and creating length, similar to a round hairbrush when drying your hair.
Short, Rubber Bristles
Rubber bristles are brilliant if you’re in a rush. They tend to deposit more mascara on your lashes than fiber bristles while still applying it evenly thanks to the combing action. It’s also great for separating the hairs and creating length because it won’t clump the strands together.
Hourglass
If you have thin or sparse eyelashes, then an hourglass wand is going to be your new best friend. The delicate yet dense bristles build volume from the root while distributing product all the way to the tip. Additionally, the shape lifts and separates, creating fuller volume and extra curl.
Curled
Just like the name, your eyelashes will be extra curled when using a curl-shaped mascara wand. The design fans the hairs out, curling them at the same time for big, fluttery lashes. Get even more impact by using a curling formula and eyelash curler before application!
Arrowhead or Tapered
Reach every hair on your lashes with a tapered brush. These designs look like a Christmas tree and are ideal for creating a cat-eye look with extra length and volume on the outer edge. Then, the smaller pointy end makes getting the inner corners much easier, especially if you have deeper set eyes.
Spherical/ball tip
Despite looking like a torture device, ball tip brushes make creating definition and reaching corners much simpler. You get a convenient 360-degree application that ensures even coating across your whole eye. It also makes building volume easy, as you can work on smaller sections to create custom drama of fill in sparse areas.
Thin Spoolie
Stop messing up your lower lashes with thick brushes, and instead use a thin spoolie. The smaller, narrow design makes getting to your finer lower lashes much more manageable. Plus, the tiny bristles mean you’ll have a lot more success in separating each hair, coating it evenly, and creating definition and length.
FAQs
What's a good drug store mascara?
Some of the best drugstore mascaras include Maybelline New York Makeup Mascara, L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Makeup Lash Mascara, and Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara.
Is it worth buying expensive mascara?
High-end mascaras can last longer, have less flaky formulas, and contain more nourishing and effective ingredients. However, like any product, they’re not all built the same, and some you are just paying for pretty packaging and a brand name. If you have the cash to splash, it can be a nice investment, but always check reviews first. Keep in mind, though, many great drugstore brands do an excellent and effective job, so there’s no need to stress if you don’t have $70 to drop on mascara.
What mascara does Kim Kardashian use?
Kim Kardashian swears by L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Mascara in 'carbon black' and has been a firm favorite for years.
What mascara does Kylie Jenner use?
Kylie Jenner uses Dior Diorshow Black Out mascara in 'khol black'.
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