The Best Drugstore Mascaras According to Makeup Artists

Everything is less than $15.

Britt Fallon

Published: Oct 11, 2024

We may earn commission from links on this page. Each product featured has been vetted and chosen by our editors.

Professional makeup artists have access to everything on the market to keep their kits stocked with the latest and greatest. They know which products for best for which looks and occasions, and that’s especially true when it comes to mascara. Some formulas are more natural-looking and better for daytime wear. Others give full-on glam with voluminous lashes that look like falsies. Here, top makeup artists share their favorite drugstore mascara when it comes to brush, performance, color and more.

1 / 13

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama ($16)

“This mascara has the best brush!” says makeup artist Tomy Rivero. It gets into every single little lash for a very fluffy, voluminous look. It also comes in a great natural-looking, dark-brown color that works on everyone if you’re scared of black.”

2 / 13

Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Firework ($14)

“This mascara has an incredible brush that has the ability to grab every hair and fan it up and out,” says makeup artist Jenna Kristina. “The result is phenomenally flared and full lashes. It’s a full-impact mascara made for drama. It comes in three colors, but my fave is the Blackest Black for intensity. Brownish Black is great for days when you want drama but are trying to pretend that you don’t.”

3 / 13

essence Cosmetics Lash Princess Mascara ($5)

“This mascara has been my holy grail for years, especially the waterproof version,” says makeup artist Nydia Figueroa. “I do a lot of bridal makeup, and this makeup is cry-proof and smudge-proof. It also adds beautiful volume to the lashes and helps with separation as well.”

4 / 13

NYX Professional Makeup On the Rise Volume Liftscara ($12)

“My pick would have to be this one from NYX,” says makeup artist Alexandria Cervantes. “That ultra-black, matte pigment is chef’s kiss. It delivers everything you want in a mascara: volume, lift and curl, all without any flaking. One coat and you’re good to go!”

5 / 13

e.l.f. Cosmetics Lash ‘n’ Roll Mascara ($6)

“This formula is the perfect blend of creamy and buildable!” says makeup artist Nicole Faulkner. “It doesn’t dry down too quickly and gives you working time to build the lash to your desired thickness without clumping! Once dry, there is no flaking or transfer.”

6 / 13

Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Falsies Push Up Drama Angel Mascara ($12)

“The formula is very, very dark and stays dark without flaking,” says Rivero. “It’s buildable, so you can do one coat or keep on layering for a more dramatic effect with getting thick and heavy.”

7 / 13

L’Oréal Paris Original Telescopic Mascara ($13)

“One of my favorite drugstore mascaras, hands down, is the original Telescopic,” says makeup artist Erica Taylor. “The small brush is designed to get the root of the lash and can catch the baby hairs or new growth that other mascara brushes cannot. In getting to the root of the lash, you can also create a liner effect without using actual eyeliner. My preferred application is to place the brush horizontal direct at the root of the lash and wiggle to the top for the ultimate lift. I have been promoting this for years.”

8 / 13

Milani Highly Rated Anti-Gravity Mascara ($11)

“This is one of my favorite drugstore mascaras, and I love the waterproof version,” says makeup artist Carol Park. “I reach for it often because it is infused with castor oil, so it is not too drying on my lashes while also providing all-day lift and hold that I require in a waterproof formula. It also comes with a molded brush that helps coat the lashes evenly and prevents any clumping that could occur with a bristle brush. This makes it a great mascara to layer with, as well with other mascaras—like a topcoat to your lashes!”

9 / 13

Neutrogena Healthy Definition Mascara ($14)

“This is one of my favorite drugstore mascara,” says makeup artist Neil Scibelli. “Not only is it tested to be safe by ophthalmologists for sensitive eyes, but it’s overall a really fantastic mascara that lengthens, curls and separates the lashes, too. The brush has two sides to it, one with shorter bristles to grip and curl the lashes upwards, and longer bristles on the other side. This makes it ideal to separate and lengthen the lashes. The formula also contains panthenol and biotin, so it conditions and also acts as a growth treatment as well.”

10 / 13

essence Cosmetics Lash Like a Boss Curl and Length Mascara ($5)

“If you are looking for a mascara that holds a curl and gives a lash lift effect to your lashes, this is one of my top picks,” says Figueroa. “It opens up the eyes and is great for someone with straight lashes because it doesn’t weigh them down.”

11 / 13

Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara ($13)

“This mascara has gone viral many times, and for good reason,” says Kristina. “It gives the perfect amount of length and volume. It’s formulated with bamboo extract, so it never weighs your lashes down. It comes in seven shades, from your average black and brown to a vibrant blue and others in between. This mascara is for everyone.”

12 / 13

essence Cosmetics I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara ($5)

“This is my favorite drugstore mascara for mega volume,” says Figueroa. “It helps even the shortest lashes get volume and length. I also love the thick brush applicator that creates buildable volume with zero clumping.”

13 / 13

Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara ($8.50)

“You can’t talk about Maybelline mascaras and not mention the OG icon that is Great Lash,” says Kristina. “The packaging alone brings back warm nostalgia because it was my first mascara. Most people I talk to share the same sentiment. It’s a fan favorite because it’s dependable, it gives you natural-looking volume and it works on everyone. I use this when I’m doing editorials and I don’t want the lashes to overpower the look. Or, on days when I want my lashes to be defined, but I don’t want it to look like I’m wearing tons of makeup.”

Find a Doctor

Find a NewBeauty "Top Beauty Doctor" Near you