When it comes to cheap thrills, few things leave a beauty-lover more elated than having the best drugstore mascara in tow; a tried-and-true tube that curls, volumizes, defines, and comes with a price tag that encourages you to layer it on liberally. From richer color payoff to smoother, creamier textures that don’t flake or smudge, the offerings at the pharmacy are only getting better, furthering the stakes when it comes to what you ultimately toss in your basket. Here, the best drugstore mascara formulas to stock up on.
L’Oréal Voluminous Mascara
An all-time favorite pick for five of the makeup artists we spoke with, L’Oréal’s Voluminous Mascara comes out on top. “I’ve been using this mascara forever and it’s a staple in my kit,” explains celebrity makeup artist Gita Bass. “It’s super-black and adds incredible volume and curl, and never clumps or flakes.” On top of the aforementioned aspects, fellow artist Alana Wright can’t get enough of the brush, which she considers the perfect size, shape, and density “to still able to reach those tiny lashes in the inner and out corners of the eyes,” she says. Another bonus is the gentle, non-abrasive formula. “It doesn’t irritate even the most sensitive eyes,” says Los Angeles–based makeup artist Autumn Moultrie. Celebrity makeup artist Rob Rumsey emphasizes how buildable it is—“You can do one swipe for a natural look or you can do multiple coats for more drama.” While Carbon Black is the most popular shade, both Moultrie and editorial pro Akiko Owada also like reaching for Black Brown, which can have a softer effect. “It provides clump-free lashes, it doesn’t run, and it’s easy to control,” adds Owada of the formula’s all-embracing appeal.
CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara
For bolder, more intense lashes, CoverGirl’s Lash Blast is another tried-and-true go-to. “I love its creamy texture, which gives you volume and length instantly in one coat, and it’s easy to layer it for more drama,” explains French makeup artist Cedric Jolivet. “I find the silicone brush [makes it easy] to grab the lashes from the root, and it totally works on short lashes!” Makeup artist William Scott, whose clientele includes Padma Lakshmi and Mette Towley, agrees. “It’s perfect for those who want maximum volume on the first swipe, and with a lash comb, it can be spread over the lashes to make them more fluttery.” There’s just as much to love about its waterproof formula: “It will dry a bit faster, which help the eyelashes to stay curled,” says Jolivet of why it’s worth the extra time spent removing it at the end of the day. “I always curl the lashes first, but I noticed a lot of mascaras don’t hold a curl and make your lashes look heavy…not this one!”
Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara
For Matin, who counts Angelina Jolie as a longtime client, it’s all about Neutrogena’s Healthy Volume Mascara with its nourishing ingredients and jet-black pigment. “It’s a true volume mascara that doesn’t dry out the lashes,” he says of the formula, which is supercharged with vitamin E-rich olive oil and protective sweet almond. “It stays flexible and won’t crumble throughout the day.” Another major draw? “It has a giant brush!” adds Matin. All the better to coat every little lash.
This mascara counts celebrity makeup artist and Neutrogena brand ambassador Amy Oresman as a fan, too. “This silky formula has an olive oil base, is incredibly buildable, and separates every lash with no clumps and no flakes. It also hydrates and strengthens lashes for those days you want to go without makeup.”
Maybelline Sky High Lash
“It’s by far one of the best mascaras on the market—and relatively newer, too,” says Colby Smith, who works with Dua Lipa and Charli XCX, of Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High mascara. “I love that it’s super-black,” he continues. “A few coats and you really get that full long lash. It has the look of a high-end mascara without breaking the bank.” And Smith isn’t alone in his love of this mascara, considering how it took over TikTok in 2021.
L’Oréal Telescopic Mascara
For soft, supple lashes, you can’t beat L’Oréal’s Telescopic Mascara, insists Scott. “I love its applicator and slick formula, which make it easy to apply to bottom lashes and give long and defined lashes all around,” they explain, emphasizing the lengthening powers of its patented plastic-bristle comb brush. “It’s very versatile in that one swipe delivers length and the wand makes it easy to keep the lashes separated, and the formula builds nicely to add some volume.”
CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
If sustainability in beauty is a 2022 goal of yours, swap out your old mascara for CoverGirl’s Lash Blast Clean Volume—a vegan, cruelty-free formula infused with argan and marula oil that won’t clump or flake. Think of this as a skin and environmentally-friendly take on the coveted classic CoverGirl Lash Blast mascara.
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
“I have incredibly sparse, thin lashes with minimal volume and this is one of the few mascaras that is ultra black, ultra lengthening, and gives me incredible volume,” says makeup artist and TikTok star Mikayla Nogueira of the Essence Lash Princess mascara. “It makes my lashes truly stand out and appear as if I have a small false lash on. I’ve bought it over and over again.”
L’Oréal Voluminous Volume Building Waterproof Mascara
“My favorite drugstore mascara is L’Oréal Voluminous Hydrofuge Mascara. I have been using this mascara since I was in high school,” admits pro makeup artist Liz Castellanos. “It gives major volume to your lashes, adds length, depth, and stays put. It’s a staple in my makeup bag.”
Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara
The nostalgic Maybelline Great Lash mascara is still a drugstore staple—a formula crafted to thicken and condition lashes simultaneously. It’s the ultimate no-fuss mascara when you’re looking to quickly coat your lashes or to keep a bottle stashed in your beauty bag.
L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
If feathery voluminous lashes are your look, consider picking up L’Oréal’s Lash Paradise mascara that’s known to lengthen and separate lashes with just one coat. Even more: The brand’s new formula incorporates floral oil for softer, fuller lashes.
Kassy Rose Makeup Artistry 