9 Drugstore Mascaras That Will Replace Your Luxury Faves

If you're searching for the best drugstore mascara, you're likely aware of how overwhelming the selection can be. Whether you’re after sky-high length, dramatic volume, or a little bit of both, there’s a budget-friendly mascara that can cater to your needs. Ahead, we’re breaking down the best affordable mascaras from L’Oréal Paris to help you find your perfect match—no splurge required.

Our Best Drugstore Mascara for Lift and Separation

Clumpy lashes rank right up there with a cakey foundation as a beauty no-go, throwing off your entire look. If you’re looking for a mascara that can lift, lengthen, and volumize your lashes without those dreaded clumps, make the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Washable Mascara your new go-to.

The mascara’s double-hook bristle brush does it all—one side lifts and defines, while the other separates for a clump-free finish. The result? Long, luscious-looking lashes—and up to 36 hours of wear, to boot.

Our Best Volumizing Drugstore Mascara

If you’re after buildable, dramatic volume—without a heavy or clumpy finish— the L'Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Washable Mascara might be just what you are looking for. The formula is designed to deliver endlessly buildable volume and length and provides an even, clump-free finish (no matter how many coats you apply). Plus, the ceramide-infused formula feels lightweight on the lashes—just another reason why we’re declaring it one of ourbest drugstore volumizing mascaras to try this year.

Our Best Drugstore Mascara for Lengthening

When longer lashes are your ultimate goal, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara. The flat side of the patented flexible precision brush coats your lashes and helps lengthen them up to 60 percent, while the comb side separates your fringe for a wispy, clump-resistant finish. Just a few strokes of the wand andeven your short, stubby lashes will look noticeably longer. Consider your search for the best drugstore mascara for length complete.

Our Best Drugstore Mascara for Length and Volume 

For a mix of volume and length, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara. This affordable mascara features a soft, wavy bristle brush that holds just the right amount of product and catches every lash for an instant volumizing effect. The result is long, dense-looking lashes that resists clumping, flaking, and smudging for up to 24 hours. What’s not to love?

Our Best Drugstore Mascara for Thickening

If thick, luscious lashes are on your wishlist, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara. This classic mascara has a volume-maximizing brush that evenly coats every lash, leaving your fringe looking up to 15 times thicker. Bonus: It comes in classic black, plus some fun shades, like burgundy, green, and cobalt blue—perfect for any time you want to embrace a less traditional eye makeup look. 

Editor’s tip: Before applying mascara, prep your lashes with a mascara primer to condition them and create a smooth base for your application. Try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer to help you with this step.

Our Best Drugstore Mascara for Swimming and Sweating

Before hitting the beach (or pool), swipe on the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara. The drugstore mascara’s waterproof formula is infused with floral oil and keeps lashes soft while delivering instant volume and length that lasts up to 36 hours—no clumps, smudging, or flaking. Plus, it’s ophthalmologist-tested and gentle enough for sensitive eyes.

Our Best Drugstore Mascara for a Doe-Eyed Look

You know the doe-eyed look—wide, bright eyes surrounded by lashes that seem to be never-ending. Even if you weren’t born with large, round eyes, you can get the look with the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara. Its multi-level bristle brush evenly coats each lash for dramatic corner-to-corner volume that wears for up to 24 hours. Plus, it’s made with a 5% stretchflex complex and leaves the lashes looking soft and full—never stiff or crunchy.

Our Best Conditioning Drugstore Mascara

The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Noir Balm Washable Mascara is a good drugstore mascara for those looking to green-ify their beauty routine. The caring formula contains 99% natural-origin ingredients, but volumizes, lifts, and lengthens just like any other lash-enhancing formula. Swipe it on when you’re after a natural finish for full, healthy-looking fringe that looks as good as it feels.

Our Best Drugstore Mascara for a Winged-Out Effect

If you haven’t mastered winged eyeliner yet, try giving your lashes a winged-out effect instead. To get the look, use the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara. The brush has an asymmetrical lash line shape to extend and lift the outer corner lashes, creating a winged-out effect without liner. It also gives your lashes volume from the roots to the tips while stretching them outward to create intense length. 

Which Drugstore Mascara Should I Use?

With so many beauty products out there, finding the perfect mascara can feel overwhelming. The truth is, no single formula works for everyone—your lashes, preferences, and routine all play a role. Want a little help? Take L'Oréal’s Mascara Finder Quiz! This quick and easy quiz will help you discover the best drugstore mascara for your unique lash needs.

Next Up: How to Do Natural Eye Makeup for Every Skin Tone

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris