What Are the Top Drugstore Mascaras?

Top Pick

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara has remained a go-to favorite among professional makeup artists, which is why it claims the top spot on our list. This mascara is designed to prevent clumping while enhancing and thickening your lashes up to five times their natural volume.

The conical-shaped brush evenly applies mascara, giving lashes a bold, voluminous effect. Infused with panthenol and ceramide-R, the smudge-resistant formula also nourishes the lashes, leaving them soft after each use. For those who want to experiment with their eye makeup or add a pop of color, this mascara is available in a range of vibrant shades, beyond the classic black.

Shades: Black, black brown, blackest black, carbon black, cobalt blue, deep burgundy, deep green, deep violet | Brush Shape: Conical | Waterproof: No

Best Affordable Pick

At just $5, Essence’s Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara is as affordable as it gets. This editor-approved mascara instantly transforms your natural lashes into a bold, full look, delivering the appearance of falsies with no effort.  

The conical brush ensures each lash is defined and volumized without clumping. Not only is this mascara cruelty-free, but it’s also ophthalmologist-tested, making it a safe choice for sensitive eyes and contact lens users. After experiencing this $5 gem, you may never want to spend $30 on mascara again. 

Shades: Black, black brown | Brush Shape: Conical | Waterproof: No

Best Lengthening

Badro recommends L’Oréal Paris’s Telescopic Mascara for its lengthening formula that visibly extends lashes. The patented flexible Precision Brush lengthens lashes by up to 60%. Additionally, the straight comb brush is so effective at separating each lash that it appears as if you're wearing nothing at all.

The formula is free of fragrances and has been ophthalmologist-tested, making it perfect for those with sensitive eyes. You’ll be amazed at how natural and elongated your lashes look—no lash extensions needed.

Available Shades: Black brown, black, blackest black, carbon black | Brush Design: Straight | Waterproof: No

Top for Volumizing

This mascara is ideal for those seeking volume. “It features a soft, wavy brush that catches every lash, resulting in dense, fuller lashes,” says Badro. The brand claims up to 24 hours of wear.

Enriched with flower oils, this formula leaves your lashes feeling soft and supple after each application. This volumizing mascara is also resistant to clumps and smudging, so you can avoid dark circles under your eyes after long hours of wear.

Available Shades: Black, black brown, blackest black, mystic black, latte brown | Brush Design: Hourglass | Waterproof: No

Ideal for Sensitive Eyes

Dr. Hilal-Campo recommends Essence’s Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara because it’s one of the few mascaras free from both beeswax and carnauba wax—common allergens. This makes it a great choice for those with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers.

Not only is this cruelty-free, vegan mascara non-irritating, but it also provides perfectly defined, voluminous lashes, thanks to its tapered brush. The formula is long-lasting, so you won't have to worry about reapplying during the day.

Available Shades: Black | Brush Design: Tapered | Waterproof: No

Best for Waterproof Performance

CoverGirl's Lash Black Volume Waterproof Mascara is one of the few waterproof formulas that truly delivers. Whether you're diving into the pool or battling the heat of a sweaty summer day, this mascara stays in place without fail.

Along with providing all-day wear, this mascara captures every lash with its uniquely tapered brush, amplifying the volume of your lashes by up to 10 times for a striking look. If you're in search of a smudge-proof mascara that will keep your lashes flawless from morning to night, this product is a must-have in your makeup collection.

Available Shades: Very Black, Black Brown, Black | Brush Design: Tapered | Waterproof: Yes

Top Choice for Curling

For beautifully lifted lashes, a lash curler is essential, but a mascara with a curved wand can enhance the effect. CoverGirl’s Eye Enhancer 3D Mascara captures even the tiniest lashes, adding lift and volume without weighing them down.

With the inclusion of keratin and lifting waxes, this formula helps keep lashes fanned out for up to 24 hours. It’s ophthalmologist-approved, making it safe for those with sensitive eyes. Choose one of two brown shades for a softer, natural look, or go for the bold black for a more dramatic effect.

Available Shades: Berry brown, dark chocolate, intense black | Brush Design: Curved | Waterproof: No

Top Tubing Mascara

Milani’s Highly Rated Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara is perfect for those who want a subtle lift and extra length while keeping a natural look without clumping. This formula provides 16 hours of wear, lasting through a full day of work and beyond.

The tubing technology coats each lash with micro polymers that lengthen the lashes and offer long-lasting hold, easily removed with water at the end of the day. Enriched with nourishing ingredients such as shea butter and castor seed oil, it also conditions the lashes as you wear it.

Available Shades: Black | Brush Design: Tapered | Waterproof: No

Top Smudge-Proof Mascara

This buildable mascara offers 36% more length and up to 10 times more volume, thanks to its wide helix brush that coats each lash individually. The formula is resistant to clumping, smearing, and smudging, while also including caring ingredients for a comfortable application.

Dr. Hilal-Campo recommends this mascara for those with sensitive eyes as it removes easily and is free from common irritating allergens. Along with providing volume and a gentle formula, it delivers up to 24 hours of wear without the need for touch-ups.

Available Shades: Blackest black, brownish black, very black, meta black | Brush Design: Conical | Waterproof: No

Top for Lash Separation

Thanks to its tapered brush and tubing technology, e.l.f.’s Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara is ideal for those seeking a product that captures each lash individually to create a wide-eyed, fanned-out effect. The long-lasting formula adds length and gives your natural lashes the appearance of extensions.

This mascara is not only resistant to smudging and flaking, but it is also enriched with jojoba seed oil to nourish the lashes, protecting them from dryness. As a tubing mascara, you can easily remove it with water at the end of the day, without needing a cleanser or makeup remover.

Available Shades: Deep brown, pitch black, soft black | Brush Design: Tapered | Waterproof: No

Final Thoughts

The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara ranks at the top of our list for its wide range of shades, volumizing formula, and nourishing ingredients that keep lashes soft after each use. Popular with makeup artists, this mascara is designed to resist smudging while enhancing the natural thickness of your lashes for a bold, dramatic look. For those with sensitive eyes, we suggest the Essence Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara, which is flake-free, long-lasting, and free of common allergens like beeswax and carnauba wax.

How to Choose Mascara Like an Expert

Different Types

When choosing a mascara, it’s essential to understand the different types to pick the one that fits your needs. There’s a distinction between lengthening and volumizing mascaras. Lengthening mascaras are meant to elongate your lashes, whereas volumizing formulas add fullness and thickness. Our top choice for the best lengthening mascara is the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Lengthening Mascara, and for volumizing, the L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara takes the top spot.

A key consideration when choosing mascara is whether or not it is waterproof, which helps shield your lashes from water, including sweat and tears. However, you’ll need a specific makeup remover to take it off.

Although not waterproof, Badro explains that non-waterproof mascaras are generally water-resistant, meaning they can withstand light moisture, like rain, but they’re not meant for submersion in water, like swimming. These mascaras are also gentler on the lashes and easier to remove.

Unless you plan on spending a lot of time in the sun or swimming, a non-waterproof mascara should work just fine, says Badro. However, if you tend to rub your eyes often or have oily skin, Paljevic recommends opting for a waterproof mascara.

If you have sensitive eyes, it’s important to choose a mascara with hypoallergenic ingredients that are free from fragrances, parabens, and other common irritants. Be cautious of ingredients such as beeswax, carnauba wax, phthalates, formaldehyde, coal tar dyes, and carbon black.

"Carbon black is a common ingredient in mascara, but it’s a byproduct of petroleum," says Dr. Hilal-Campo. "Another ingredient to avoid is propylene glycol, which helps keep mascara from drying out but is known to be an irritant."

Dr. Hilal-Campo suggests choosing products that are labeled "ophthalmologist-tested" and "safe for sensitive eyes," as these designations indicate that the product is suitable for those with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers.

Varieties of Shades

While black mascara is a staple for many, offering bold lashes that make the eyes stand out, there are other shades to consider. These alternatives can provide a softer, more natural look or make your eyes pop depending on your eye color.

Badro recommends brown for those who prefer a more understated appearance, making it ideal for daily use and especially flattering on blondes and lighter brunettes. Additionally, since blue and orange are complementary, a warm coppery mascara can really enhance blue eyes.

For green eyes, Badro suggests opting for purple mascara to bring out the green hues. A rich burgundy can also brighten the eyes. Our top pick, L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara, offers eight shades, including cobalt blue and deep burgundy, more options than any other mascara on this list.

Brush

When choosing a mascara, the shape of the brush is an important consideration. “The brush shape significantly influences the mascara’s performance, affecting how it lengthens, adds volume, or separates lashes,” says Badro. Most mascara brushes fall into five main shapes: straight, curved, hourglass, tapered, and conical.

“A straight brush is a timeless option that excels in creating a precise, lengthened look,” explains Paljevic. “It helps lengthen and define each lash,” adds Badro. On the other hand, curved and hourglass-shaped brushes are perfect for those seeking more volume, providing a lifting effect.

Paljevic explains that Tapered and conical brushes share a similar shape. These brushes are perfect for creating long lashes while also reaching tricky spots, like the inner corners of the eyes.

Ease of Cleaning

A key distinction between waterproof and non-waterproof mascara lies in their cleaning ease. Non-waterproof mascaras are easily removed with makeup removers like micellar water. “My go-to product is Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water,” says Paljevic. Simply apply a few drops to a cotton pad, place it on your eyelid, and gently wipe down without rubbing too harshly.

Waterproof mascara, however, resists removal by water-based makeup removers. “Oil is most effective at breaking down these tough formulas,” Dr. Hilal-Campo recommends. “I suggest using pure poppy seed oil, which is safe for your eyes and delicate on skin and lashes. Soak a cotton pad with the oil, press it against your eyelid and lashes for 15 to 30 seconds, then gently wipe downward and away from your eyes. Repeat until the cotton pad comes away clean.”

Questions You Might Ask

Does mascara expire?

Like all makeup products, mascara has an expiration date. According to Dr. Hilal-Campo, “Mascara becomes contaminated from the first use when the brush touches our eyelashes, then goes back into the tube, transferring bacteria from the lashes into the formula, which is then reintroduced when re-dipping.” Furthermore, “dark, damp environments are ideal for bacterial growth, and over time, the bacteria will multiply.”

Before you start stressing about the microscopic bacteria hiding on your mascara brush, rest assured that your mascara is safe to use for up to three months before it needs to be replaced.

“Changing your mascara every three months minimizes the risk of infection and ensures optimal performance,” says Badro. However, if you notice any clumping, flaking, or a sudden change in scent before the three months are up, it’s a good idea to toss your mascara earlier.

If someone else has used your mascara, it’s time to replace it. “Never share eye makeup!” advises Dr. Hilal-Campo. “This is how you end up with eye infections.”

What kind of mascara is easiest to remove?

According to experts, tubing mascara is the easiest to apply and remove. It works by coating each lash with small polymer tubes, providing a stronger hold, better longevity, and lash separation. Dr. Hilal-Campo explains that no cleansers or oils are needed to remove it. All you need is lukewarm water and gentle pressure, and the mascara will slide off the lashes.

Is it worth it to spend more on mascara?

Whether it's worth spending more on mascara is ultimately up to personal preference. Paljevic likens mascara to a wardrobe, saying that while higher-end mascaras might feel more comfortable on the lashes and last a bit longer, your drugstore staple will still do the job just fine.

If you don’t prioritize quality over functionality, there’s no need to splurge on an expensive mascara, especially knowing you’ll need to replace it every three months. Even professional makeup artists, like Paljevic, have been known to pick up mascara at the drugstore when in a pinch.

Trust Our Expertise

This article is authored by Naydeline Mejia, a writer at Mytour with more than four years of experience in writing product reviews and lifestyle content, particularly focused on beauty topics. In this article, she has examined a wide range of drugstore mascaras, evaluating aspects like type, brush design, and ingredients.

She also consulted with Drita Paljevic, a renowned celebrity makeup artist and head makeup artist at Kevyn Aucoin Beauty, Elaina Badro, another celebrity makeup artist, and Diane Hilal-Campo, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Twenty/Twenty Beauty, for expert advice and tips on choosing the right mascara.