Best Drugstore Mascaras

For Fuller, Longer Lashes

Whether your lashes are thin, short, pale, or all of the above, this mascara does it all – makes them appear thicker and longer while delivering awesome color.

Volumizes and lengthens lashes, so it's almost like 2 formulas in one. Makes lashes feel soft and look "feathery." Color is richly pigmented, and buildable if you want a bold, dramatic look. Stays put until you take it off.

A bit clumpy. Mixed opinions on the brush – some users love it, others found it too bulky. A few reports of itchy, irritated eyes after using it.

Best Bang for the Buck

COVERGIRL

LashBlast Volume Mascara

Longtime Top-seller

A popular mascara by CoverGirl that has earned many loyal customers who love the buildable formula that can take lashes from drab to fabulous with a few swipes.

This thickening mascara adds volume to thin lashes, and makes them look full and defined. Doesn't have the tendency to clump on lashes and provides decent wear. Available in 4 classic colors: brown, black-brown, black, and very black. Sold in single or double packs.

Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara

A lot of mascara comes out of the tube when you remove the wand, so you may have to blot it before you apply it. Some users gripe that the product dries out in the tube fairly quickly.

Physicians Formula

Natural Option

If you are looking for a natural mascara, this one is worth considering. But keep in mind that it's not ideal for lengthening or thickening short, sparse lashes.

Stands out from other mascaras for being made of natural ingredients and not containing artificial or harsh chemicals or fragrance. Also contains 70% organic ingredients. Great for sensitive eyes.

Color isn't very bold or buildable. Tends to smudge and flake. Doesn't wear well in humid weather.

Neutrogena

Healthy Lengths Mascara

Lengthens & Conditions

This mascara won't work for everyone, but provides the dual benefits of nourishing and lengthening the lashes of those who can use it.

Great for mascara enthusiasts with short lashes, as it's formulated to make them appear much longer. Contains nourishing olive oil and vitamin E that may actually strengthen lashes, and promote growth.

Lash Sensational Washable Mascara

Product starts to dry out somewhat quickly, then becomes clumpy to apply. Somewhat flaky. Some users with sensitive eyes report irritation after using it.

Maybelline

Easy to Remove

A top-selling Maybelline mascara that works as promised for most consumers, and delivers many more benefits than frustrations.

Earns praise for creating a fanned-lash look, thanks to the curved brush with thick bristles. Builds volume and provides long wear in most conditions. Dries pretty fast, plus it's easy to take off with cleanser or makeup remover when you are ready to remove it. Buildable.