I used to think I had to splurge on a $25 mascara to get the dramatic falsie-looking results I wanted. But after years of testing out practically every mascara in the market, I've realized there's really no need to be breaking the bank. These days, most of my favorite mascaras come straight from the drugstores. I've found amazing formulas for lengthening, defining, curling–you name it! The truth is a few strokes of mascara can perfectly pull together your look, which is why most of us wouldn't be caught leaving the house without it! So save yourself and check out some 10 best mascara options!
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Best lengthening
CoverGirl Nature Luxe Mascara ($8): The first time I tried this mascara I was instantly hooked! This light mousse formula gave my already long lashes dramatic length and fullness without weighing them down. Every time I wear it people think I have falsies on!
Best volume
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes ($9): This amazing mascara creates an ultra-volume lash look while perfectly defining each and every lash. My lashes look instantly thicker just with one coat.
Best everyday
Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara ($9): Our Assistant Managing Editor, Yuliana Gomez, couldn’t get enough of this formula. “The mascara made my lashes look fuller and longer, and it even left them pretty clump-free–an amazing feat if you ask me. Honestly, this is the best busy-mom trick: Mascara opens up my eyes and makes me look put-together in about 10 seconds flat!” she says.
Best curling
Hard Candy Curl Up and Dye Curling Mascara ($6): This intense mascara adds depth and curl to even the tiniest of lashes. Don’t worry about having to reapply, these results last all day!
Best classic
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($6): This standby formula has yet to let me down. It not only leaves my lashes longer and thicker, but also softens and conditions.
Best waterproof
Avon SuperExtend Extreme Waterproof Mascara ($10): While most waterproof mascaras leave lashes dry and flaky, this gentle magnetic fiber formula dramatically extends lashes without the clump, smudge, flaking or roughness!
Best mascara for lower lashes
L’Oréal Telescopic Explosion Mascara ($4): I never like neglecting my lower lashes, but some wands make it impossible to reach without the heavy clump. This round ball shape brush reaches each and every lash, capturing even the shortest ones without the clumps or the flakes.
Best clear
Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara ($6): If you’re looking for just a little lift and separation, this mascara definitely does the trick. I love using it to keep my brows nice and neat. It doesn’t leave the pesky flakes that most eyebrow gels do.
Best nourishing mascara
Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara with Grow-Lash Complex ($9): As we get older we start to lose lashes, but this incredible mascara actually helps your natural lashes grow and strengthen. After just a few applications you’ll notice longer and full looking lashes.
Best clump free
CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crushers ($7): It’s not always easy to find a mascara that delivers dramatic volume without the clumps, but this amazing formula does just that! The innovative curved wand includes fine-tooth comb bristles that separate each and every lash.