13 Affordable Mascaras You Need To Try In 2021

Applying mascara is a necessary step in every eye makeup look when fabulous lashes are what you crave. One swipe can transform your entire look from basic to glam, which will be important for those first outings after a year mostly spent at home. And whether you prefer voluminous or long and wispy lashes, there’s a mascara that can help you achieve your desired look. The good news: the L’Oréal Paris Mascara Finder Tool can help you pick the right mascara for you. You can compare several different mascaras from the brand at the same time and get a visual of what they’ll look like before you order one.

The right mascara also doesn’t even have to cost you a small fortune. So keep reading to find out all about our best mascaras for 2021 – including a waterproof option – that will upgrade you makeup look without breaking the bank. 

THE BEST DRUGSTORE MASCARA FOR VOLUME

Go for big bold lashes by using the L’Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara Lightweight Mega Volume Washable. This mascara features a cushioned double-bristle brush—the short side catches lashes from the root and the long side helps spread the formula evenly for fully blown out lashes. Thanks to the air whipped formula your lashes won’t feel weighed down.

Editor’s Note: Remember, before applying mascara, prep your lashes with a mascara primer first to create a smooth base for your application. Try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Primer/Base or the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer to instantly boost every lash look.

THE BEST DRUGSTORE MASCARA FOR LENGTHENING

More of a length gal? The L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara is your match! The flat side of the patented flexible precision brush lengthens your lashes while the comb side of the brush precisely separates lashes for a clump-free result. It’s no wonder this go-to is having a major TikTok makeup moment.

THE BEST DRUGSTORE MASCARA FOR VOLUME + LENGTH 

For a mix of both intense 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 an extensive amount of formula while the more than 200 bristles catch every lash for a dramatic volumizing effect. You’ll get a full lash fringe that’s feathery soft with no flaking or clumping! What’s not to love?

THE BEST DRUGSTORE MASCARA FOR SWIMMING AND SWEATING

Want eye-catching lashes that won’t leave a streaky mess on your face after a workout or quick dip in the pool? Try using the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Lengthening Mascara — which is our best waterproof drugstore mascara. Its formula enhances lashes with intense length while providing unique lash by lash separation that can withstand water. Plus, the mascara is fragrance-free, ophthalmologist-tested, and allergy-tested, making it suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

THE BEST DRUGSTORE MASCARA FOR DOE-EYES

You know the doe-eyed look—wide, big eyes surrounded by lashes that seem to be never-ending. Well, the L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Washable Mascara, Lasting Volume can help you achieve that look with just a few swipes. The brush features short and long bristles to separate and coat every lash. The velvety formula glides on smoothly for lifted, elongated lashes without clumps. 

THE BEST DRUGSTORE MASCARA FOR MATURE LASHES

If you have mature lashes, you may find that they need a little extra love and care. That’s where the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Lash Magnifying Mascara with Conditioning Serum comes in. This volumizing mascara is formulated with a conditioning serum and jojoba oil to nourish your eyelashes while leaving them looking magnified and defined.

THE BEST DRUGSTORE MASCARA FOR A LASH LIFT EFFECT

For lashes that need a lift, use the L’Oréal Paris Unlimited Lash Lifting and Lengthening Washable Mascara. This mascara is inspired by the makeup artist hack of bending your mascara wand for added control and ease of application. It has a unique two-position wand that can be used straight or bent to customize your lash look. It helps to guarantee a precise, effortless application on harder-to-reach areas of your lashes like the inner and outer corners without creating any clumps or flakes.

THE BEST DRUGSTORE MASCARA FOR ALL-AROUND INTENSITY

False lashes and extensions aren’t the only way to take your lashes to the next level. A fiber mascara can also amp up the intensity. Try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara, which has a dual-ended wand that features a black primer on one end and fiber mascara on the other. The primer helps build intense volume and color while the fiber-infused smudge-proof mascara formula takes your lashes to extreme lengths.

THE BEST DRUGSTORE MASCARA FOR SEPARATING LASHES

The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara is a great option for the lash perfectionist who always wants to avoid mascara clumping. The brush will give you definition lash by lash while the buildable, collagen-infused, formula thickens and separates every lash. And it has a built-in wiping system to keep the brush free of build-up, leaving the perfect amount of mascara to get you the lash look you desire.

THE BEST DRUGSTORE MASCARA FOR THICKENING

If thicker lashes are what you crave then look no further than the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara. This classic mascara has a volume maximizing brush that thickens lashes evenly and smoothly, leaving them feeling soft and with no clumps in a single application. Bonus: It also comes in fun colored shades, including burgundy, green, and cobalt blue. 

THE BEST DRUGSTORE MASCARA FOR MULTI-TASKING

For another primer and mascara duo that makes eyes the star, try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Superstar Mascara. The super-volumizing primer builds dramatic volume on every lash and creates an ultra-smooth base to maximize mascara performance. The super-extending mascara has a fiber-rich formula, which will leave you with highly dramatic and extended lashes. 

THE BEST DRUGSTORE MASCARA FOR A HIGH-SHINE FINISH

The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Superstar Red Carpet is a mascara like no other. It features a primer and mascara that builds dramatic volume on every lash while extending your lashes to the extreme. The formula is infused with light-reflecting pearls that will glisten throughout the night. How’s that for creating a red carpet-worthy moment?

THE BEST DRUGSTORE MASCARA FOR A WINGED-OUT EFFECT

If you haven’t quite mastered winged eyeliner, try giving your lashes a winged-out effect instead. To get the look, use the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara. The mascara’s brush has an asymmetrical lash line shape to extend and lift the outer corner lashes, creating a winged-out look sans liner. The formula works to give your lashes volume from the roots and stretches lashes outward. 

Photo Design: Sarah Duvivier

Next: How To Wear Colored Mascara