10 Drugstore Mascaras That Will Replace Your Luxury Faves

Applying mascara is a necessary step in every eye makeup look when fabulous lashes are what you crave. It’s easier than applying falsies and with the right formula, one swipe can transform your entire look from basic to brilliant. Whether you prefer voluminous fringe or long and wispy lashes, there’s a mascara out there that can achieve your desired look and there’s a good chance you can find it at L’Oréal Paris.

Truth is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a good lash formula because some of the best mascaras on the market come directly from the drugstore. So, keep reading to learn more about the best drugstore mascaras from L’Oréal Paris that will upgrade your makeup look without breaking the bank. 

The Best Drugstore Mascara for Lift and Separation

“I want clumpy lashes,” said no one, ever. Clumpy lashes are up there with pilling foundation as some of the worst beauty woes to experience because it puts a damper on the rest of your makeup look. If you’re looking for a formula that can lift, lengthen and volumize your lashes without dreaded clumps, look no further than the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Washable Mascara. 

The double-hook bristle brush lifts and defines your lashes, while the other side of the wand separates them to prevent clumping. The results are long, defined and bombshell lashes that seriously embellish any makeup look.

The Best Drugstore Mascara for Volume

Go for big, bold lashes 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 or heavy.

The Best Drugstore Mascara for Lengthening

If you’re looking for a mascara that can deliver length, we think the tried-and-true L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Mascara may be a good match for you. The flat side of the patented flexible precision brush lengthens your lashes while the comb side of the brush separates them for a clump-free result. With a few strokes of the wand, even short, stubby lashes look like they got a lengthening boost.

The 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 an extensive amount of formula and catches every lash for a dramatic volumizing effect. The result is bombshell lashes with no flaking, clumping or breaking the bank. What’s not to love?

Editor’s tip: Remember, 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 Paradise Mascara Primer/Base or the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Primer to instantly boost every lash look.

The Best Drugstore Mascara for Thickening

If thick, luscious lashes are on your wishlist, then reach for the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara. This classic mascara has a volume-maximizing brush that thickens lashes evenly and smoothly to leave them looking naturally dense, without any signs of clumps or flaking. The bonus: The formula comes in classic black, plus some fun shades, like burgundy, green and cobalt blue. 

The Best Drugstore Mascara for Swimming and Sweating

When you want eye-catching lashes that won’t leave a streaky mess on your face after a workout or a quick dip in the pool, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara Waterproof, Lightweight. 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 even contact lens wearers.

The Best Drugstore Mascara for a Doe-Eyed Look

You know the doe-eyed look — wide, bright and big eyes surrounded by lashes that seem to be never-ending? Well, the L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Oversized Eye Washable Mascara Instant 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 and 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, which is where the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Lash Magnifying Mascara with Conditioning Serum comes into play. This volumizing mascara is formulated with a conditioning serum and jojoba oil to nourish your eyelashes (which can feel dry and brittle as you age) while leaving them looking magnified and defined.

The Best Vegan Drugstore Mascara

For the person that wants natural ingredients, the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Noir Balm Washable Mascara is just the vegan mascara your makeup routine needs. It's formulated with a conditioning balm that makes the lashes feel soft and it’s flake-, clump- and smudge resistant, allowing it to apply smoother than your average vegan formula. In other words, you don't have to worry about having raccoon eyes before you’ve even stepped out of the house. After just a few coats, you’ll notice long, fuller and thicker lashes thanks to the caring formula.

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 effect without liner. The brush also works to give your lashes volume from the roots to the tips while stretching your lashes outward to create intense length. 

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

Photographer: Nelson Huang, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Producer: Becca Solovay, Beauty Content Director: Shalwah Evans, Visual Designer: Sarah Duvivier, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Wardrobe Assistant: Jazmine Alzado, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Digi Tech: Jacky Jiang, Photo Assistant: Tyler Andrews, Model: Erin Williams