10 best drugstore mascaras of 2023
24.07.2023
It’s safe to say that most of us dream of having long, voluminous lashes, but not all of us have the time to fiddle around with false eyelashes on the daily, nor the extra cash to fund and maintain eyelash extensions. Locking down a reliable and affordable drugstore mascara is a quicker and much more affordable way to give our lashes a boost in curl, length, volume and definition.
If you are on the lookout for a new go-to mascara that meets your needs and desires, we’ve broken down our picks for best drugstore mascara based on colours, features and formulas.
Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascara
Maybelline Mascara Lash Sensational Waterproof 704 Very Black - $10.95 (RRP $25.00)
This waterproof mascara from Maybelline will ensure that your luscious lash look will stay intact and remain looking fresh and fabulous.
Its unique tapered fanning brush with ten layers of bristles separates and captures each individual lash, coating them with jet black pigment from root to tip for full, fluttery, doll-like lashes.
Also available in 703 Brownish Black.
Best Brown Mascara Drugstore
3x L'Oreal Age Perfect Lash Magnifier Mascara Brown - $24.95 (RRP $77.85)
This brown mascara from L’Oreal creates the appearance of fuller and thicker looking lashes with a brown pigmented formula for a boosted, luscious lash look. Its formula is suitable for those with dry and sensitive eyes and was designed for mature lashes with Pro-Keratin and Filloxane to strengthen each lash and minimise breakage in the long run.
This three-pack is the perfect choice for those wishing to stock up on mascara while scoring a great deal.
Best Clear Mascara Drugstore
KleanColor Clear Brow & Lash Mascara - $4.95 (RRP $6.95)
If you love a good multi-purpose product, you need this mascara from KleanColor in your life.
Not only can this clear mascara be used to subtly enhance your natural lash colour by giving your look a boost without adding colour, but it may also be used to tame and set your brows in place.
This product is ideal for a natural, everyday “no makeup makeup” look.
Best Curling Mascara Drugstore
Revolution Curl Elevation Mascara Black - $9.95 (RRP $13.00)
If you’ve ever wanted to just put your eyelashes in rollers for that super curled effect, this Revolution mascara aims to do exactly that with its curved brush that hooks onto each individual lash, no matter how small, to create some serious curl!
Its fast-drying formula is easy to work with and ensures high pigmentation without clumps or build up. It also includes skin-protective Carnauba Wax and hydrating Glycerin to keep your lashes nourished and protected from environmental irritation.
Best Drugstore Lengthening Mascara
Palladio Mascara Double Agent Jet Black - $18.95
If you’re looking to add some length to your lashes, Palladio has got you covered with this two-step wonder system.
This mascara contains length and volume-boosting sculpting fibers and grants you the power of flexibility and versatility by providing you with two different options to easily take your lashes from stunningly accented to seriously statement-making.
Step one is perfect for the everyday look, while step two acts as the secret weapon that will elevate your lashes for a night out or special event.
Best Drugstore Tubing Mascara
L’Oreal Air Volume Mega Mascara Waterproof 854 Black - $11.95 (RRP $24.00)
This L’Oreal mascara is unique in so many ways. Not only does it utilise tubing coat technology for easy removal but it also features a special air whipped formula that creates a lash-multiplying effect without making your lashes feel heavy or weighed down. It also uses a double-bristled brush where the short bristles catch and coat each lash from the root for fullness and the longer bristles ensure even application from root to tip.
With a long-wearing formula, this volumising mascara leaves your lashes looking fabulously full of body for up to 24 hours of wear.
Best Cruelty-Free Drugstore Mascara
Almay Length & Lift Mascara 030 Black Brown - $8.95
If you value environmentally-conscious products, this mascara from Almay is both cruelty free and made with 100% plant-derived bristles. It also features a gentle and ophthalmologist-tested fragrance-free formula made with lash-caring complex making it much kinder on the eyes.
As its name suggests, this mascara is designed to extend and lift your lashes to bring them to their full potential. It features a buildable long-wearing formula that coats each individual lash for a lovely lash look that will stay in place without clumping, flaking or smudging for up to 16 hours of wear.
Also available in 020 Black and 010 Blackest Black.
Best Budget Mascara
KleanColor Waterproof Mascara Curling 10ml - $6.95
If you're on a budget, KleanColor is your best friend for an affordable, reliable drugstore mascara.
This mascara has a unique formula to give your lashes that extra curl you desire, but without the hefty price tags of other brands.
Best Reviewed Drugstore Mascara
L'Oreal Unlimited Waterproof Mascara Black 9ml - $8.95 (RRP $29.95)
This cult-favourite mascara from L'Oreal has been a popular addition to many Cosmetic Capital customers' makeup bags. The Innovative dual position brush allows for ultra-precise application and coats lashes with a creamy, non-clumpy formula which glides on perfectly to volumise, lengthen and define every last lash.
'This is my go-to mascara. It give great thickness and lift … and then when it’s time to wash it off, it leaves no residue!'
Best Selling Drugstore Mascara
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara 252 Midnight Black 9.5ml - $9.95 (RRP $19.95)
The mascara queens from Maybelline have created one of Cosmetic Capital customers' favourite inventions - the Lash Sensational Mascara!
With an exclusive fanning brush with ten layers of bristles, this mascara reveals layers of lashes for a sensational full-fan effect.
It's also Ophthalmologist tested and suitable for contact lens wearers, you can wave your glasses goodbye with this fan-favourite.
Click here to shop more drugstore mascara at Cosmetic Capital