5 Best Mascara 2024

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Best Mascara

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Have you ever felt paralyzed by choice when facing the seemingly endless aisle of mascaras at the drugstore? We know we have. With hundreds of options to choose from and new ones constantly hitting the shelves, it can be overwhelming. To help you navigate this mascara maze, we’ve tested over 50 different drugstore mascaras to find the absolute best. From volumizing to lengthening, curling, and defining.

In the quest for the perfect mascara, length and volume are top priorities for many beauty enthusiasts. A quality mascara can instantly enhance your lashes, making your eyes look brighter and more defined. Whether you want a subtle, natural look or bold, intense volume, there’s a mascara to match your style.

#1
Benefit they're real lengthening mascara

Best Lengthening

Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara

$29 Sephora

★★★★☆ 15,917 Reviews

$23.48 Amazon

★★★★☆ 5,560 Reviews

Pros

  • Lifts.
  • Lengthens.
  • Defines lashes without clumping.

Cons

  • Can be a bit more expensive than some drugstore options.

Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara is a game-changer for those seeking dramatic, elongated lashes. The brush’s unique hourglass shape helps to lift and lengthen lashes, while the formula is designed to coat each lash individually, preventing clumping. The mascara’s intense black pigment and precise application make it ideal for achieving a defined, wide-eyed look. They’re Real! is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to make a statement with your eyes.

Why we love it

This mascara is known for its ability to dramatically lengthen lashes. It’s perfect for those who want a more defined, elongated look.

Key Features

  • Dramatic lash lengthening
  • Hourglass-shaped brush for lifting and defining
  • Intense black pigment
  • Clump-free formula
  • Ideal for achieving a defined, wide-eyed look

Customer Review

I’ve been buying this for years. There are so many cheaper options out there but you get your money’s worth with this mascara. I’ve tried others, including fan fest by benefit, but I always come back to They’re Real. I love the plastic wand. It separates the lashes nicely.

#2
Maybelline great lash mascara

Best Affordable

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

$6.96 Amazon

★★★★☆ 1,662 Reviews

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easily accessible.
  • Reliable performance.

Cons

  • Might not provide the most dramatic volume for those seeking a false lash effect.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara is a timeless classic that has been a staple in many beauty routines for decades. Its iconic green tube and curved brush make it instantly recognizable. The formula is lightweight and non-clumping, providing a balance of volume, length, and curl without weighing down the lashes. The brush’s unique shape helps to coat each lash evenly, preventing clumps and smudges. Great Lash is a versatile mascara that suits most lash types and occasions, offering a natural-looking enhancement without the drama.

Why we love it

This classic mascara has been a beauty staple for decades. It offers a balance of volume, length, and curl without clumping.

Key Features

  • Balances volume, length, and curl
  • Non-clumping formula
  • Curved brush for even application
  • Suitable for most lash types

Customer Review

Just went to a concert last night and used this mascara excellent no smudges went on smooth and pretty. All through the dancing

#3
L'Oreal Paris voluminous lash paradise mascara

Best Volume Mascara

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

$12.99 Ulta Beauty

★★★★☆ 4,709 Reviews

$9.97 Amazon

★★★★☆ 83,394 Reviews

$9.97 Walmart

★★★★☆ 4,828 Reviews

Pros

  • Provides intense volume.
  • doesn’t flake or smudge.

Cons

  • Can be a bit heavy for those who prefer a more natural look.

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara is a favorite among many for its ability to deliver voluminous, fluffy lashes. The formula is creamy and buildable, allowing you to customize the intensity of the volume. The brush’s soft, fluffy bristles help to coat each lash evenly, preventing clumping and smudging. Lash Paradise is known for its long-lasting wear and intense black pigment, making it a great choice for those who want a dramatic, eye-catching look.

Why we love it

This mascara is a favorite among many for its ability to deliver voluminous, fluffy lashes. It’s known for its creamy texture and buildable coverage.

Key Features

  • Intense volume and fluffy lashes
  • Creamy, buildable formula
  • Soft, fluffy bristles for even coating
  • Long-lasting wear
  • Intense black pigment

Customer Review

I feel like this is the best mascara. Waterproof, cry proof, etc. it gives me the lashes I want and it has staying power for sure. I buy three or four at a time. I was introduced to it about a year ago and I wok t buy any other mascara.

#4
Too Faced better than sex mascara

Best Lifting Mascara

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

$29 Sephora

★★★★☆ 19,450 Reviews

$29 Ulta Beauty

★★★★☆ 24,129 Reviews

$27.55 Amazon

★★★★☆ 17,831 Reviews

Pros

  • Provides intense volume and lift.
  • Doesn’t clump.

Cons

  • Can be a bit more expensive than other options.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is a cult-favorite for its ability to create dramatic, voluminous lashes. The formula is designed to lift, lengthen, and thicken lashes, while the brush’s hourglass shape helps to coat each lash individually. Better Than Sex is known for its intense black pigment and long-lasting wear, making it a great choice for those who want a false lash effect without the hassle. The mascara’s creamy texture and buildable formula allow you to customize the intensity of the volume, making it suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Why we love it

This cult-favorite mascara is known for its ability to create dramatic, voluminous lashes. It’s perfect for those who want a false lash effect without the hassle.

Key Features

  • Dramatic, voluminous lashes
  • Lifts, lengthens, and thickens lashes
  • Hourglass-shaped brush for individual lash coating
  • Intense black pigment
  • Long-lasting wear
  • Buildable formula for customizable volume

Customer Review

The better than sex mascara is the BEST mascara I’ve ever used! Especially this! If you have brown eyes, this mascara is for you!

#5
Glossier lash slick mascara

Best Natural Look Mascara

Glossier Lash Slick Mascara

$20 Sephora

★★★★☆ 698 Reviews

Pros

  • Lightweight.
  • Natural-looking finish.
  • Doesn’t smudge.

Cons

  • Might not provide the same level of volume or length as some other mascaras.

Glossier Lash Slick Mascara is perfect for those who prefer a more natural, effortless look. The formula is lightweight and non-clumping, providing a subtle definition without weighing down the lashes. The brush’s unique shape helps to coat each lash evenly, preventing clumping and smudging. Lash Slick is known for its long-lasting wear and natural-looking finish, making it a great choice for those who want to enhance their lashes without going overboard.

Why we love it

This mascara is perfect for those who prefer a more natural, effortless look. It’s lightweight, doesn’t clump, and provides a subtle definition.

Key Features

  • Natural, effortless look
  • Lightweight and non-clumping formula
  • Even lash coating
  • Long-lasting wear
  • Natural-looking finish

Customer Review

Just went to a concert last night and used this mascara excellent no smudges went on smooth and pretty. All through the dancing