The 10 Best Drugstore Mascaras of 2026, Tested and Reviewed by Editors
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While everyone deserves the occasional luxury beauty splurge, true makeup lovers know that affordable products are just as deserving of top-shelf space in your bathroom — with drugstore mascaras , in particular, being the heavyweight champions of this category.
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The best drugstore mascaras of 2026, which for the most part top off around $20, come in an abundance of cutting-edge formulas that lengthen and lift the lashes. These days, you can also find completely vegan and clean mascaras from brands like CoverGirl that don’t skimp on the drama, and the market is similarly chock-full of tubing mascaras — trending in the makeup world as we speak — that grant covetable results while going easy on your wallet. Don’t forget about the brown drugstore mascaras out there, too: masters of subtlety that act generously towards those with fair skin or lighter-colored hair.
One thing to note before embarking on your drugstore mascara quest? Not all tubes are created equal. “Think about what you want the finish to look like and what your goals are for your lashes,” advises celebrity makeup artist Katie Mellinger , who’s painted the faces of A-listers like Sofia Coppola, Chloë Sevigny, and Emma Watson. “For example, L’Oreal Paris’ Voluminous Original Mascara is going to build a lot of volume and make them look thicker, whereas the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara is going to focus more on lengthening.” Mascaras vary in quality regardless of cost, and in most cases, you don’t have to invest upwards of $30 for eye-opening effects. “I don’t find any difference between drugstore mascaras and those [made by] prestige brands as far as wearability and longevity is concerned,” Mellinger shares with WWD.
To help you lock down a drugstore mascara you’ll want to stick with for years to come, we enlisted a panel of testers who conducted hands-on evaluations of over 30 top-rated selections. Ultimately, our team narrowed these down to a tight edit of 10 favorites that are just as easy to put on as they are to take off at the end of long (and glamorous!) evenings. Our picks also got the highest of marks when it came to their lengthening action, lift, volume, color payoff, and wear time, and we made sure to include some fresh arrivals that have already made a big splash.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests replacing eye makeup every three months, so let that be your excuse for shopping our roundup with abandon — stocking up on products and brands that will become lifelong go-tos. And don’t let their name fool you: Drugstore mascaras can be shopped outside of your local brick-and-mortar store. Our 10 winners are available at the biggest online retailers and will be at your door in the blink of an eye (get it?).
Cheers to the health and beauty of your lashes!
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CoverGirl Eye Enhancer Wrap Tubing Mascara
$12.99
CoverGirl’s latest, the Eye Enhancer Wrap Tubing Mascara, is making us bat our eyelashes based on how attractive the launch — which already appeared in a major campaign with U.S. sprinter and gold medalist Gabby Thomas — really is. Letting you fake the look of falsies for under $15, the instant crowd fave stays where it belongs for up to 30 hours, all while sparing you from clumping, flaking, and (gasp) smudging.
We’ll explain the logistics behind tubing mascaras at the bottom of this roundup, but for now, know that this buy’s lightweight tubes wrap each lash and work to define it. You’ll be bright- and wide-eyed in no time, no matter how little sleep you got the night before. As for how to remove this vegan baby at night? Swiping a cotton pad soaked in warm water across and down your eyes a few times is all it takes. No, seriously!
What testers say:“This mascara was a pleasant surprise for the price! The brush is great and not flimsy, and the bristles are long enough to get to the base of my lashes. The formula is not too wet, still giving you time to build bulk. I will only buy tubing mascaras from now on, and I’m happy to add this one to my list.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$12.99
Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Brown Mascara
$34
We know, we know. This Hailey Bieber–used mascara doesn’t “top off around $20,” as we said earlier in the piece. But its prowess in the lengthening department is so awe-inspiring, we couldn’t resist shouting out the Amazon hit here. What makes it special and worth your time: Its molded brush works with precision in mind, separating every last lash while operating on the basis of lightweight polymers (yes, this is another tubing mascara we urge you not to turn away from). Even better, it’s a leading representative of the brown mascara
trend that’s still going strong in 2026 — blessing faces with a more subdued, no-makeup makeup look, which is a “minimalist’s power move” according to
former WWD commerce editor Claire Sullivan.
Depending on how many coats of this mascara you pamper your eyes with, you can still achieve boldness (or keep it limited to a single swipe for everyday settings like work). The Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara is paraben-free and ethically made, with over 1,000 positive reviews to its name. The brand also assures that its product is ophthalmologist-tested and safe for wearers of contact lenses. What’s not to adore?
Editor testing and review notes:
“On its own, Hourglass’ brown mascara makes my lashes look like they’ve had a fresh lift and tint. I’ve worn it with nothing else on my eyes, and the outcome is polished but lowkey — a makeup-free illusion that still photographs well. That said, it’s equally at home in a more put-together look. For everyday wear, the Unlocked Instant Extensions Brown Mascara is exactly what I want: easy definition that doesn’t budge, and a soft, flattering color that plays well with everything else I’m wearing.” — Former WWD Commerce Editor
Claire
Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article:$34
Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara
$20
While you technically can’t
find this mascara from the Hailey Bieber–, Billie Eilish–, and Alix Earle– worn brand at a nearby CVS, its not-too-steep price tag makes the MakeWaves’ mention here very well-deserved. Tower 28 calls sensitive skin the “starting point for everything [it does],” so you better believe this top choice wards off any and all eye irritation, while harnessing a special technology called Aquaflex that doles out volume and protects from humidity.
The mascara’s pièce de résistance, though, is a triple-wave wand whose shorter bristles function as volume-granters, accompanied by longer ones whose mission is definition. Another element that took us by surprise is the castor oil present here, which fortifies eyelashes and keeps them hydrated in the long run. Commitment-averse? Go for the purchase’s $12 mini size for now.
What testers say:“I am a mascara snob. I need clean ingredients for my sensitive skin and eyes, and I can’t stand it when mascara clumps, smudges, or flakes throughout the day. This does none of that. Not even a little. One coat is all I need of this mascara; I don’t even think I could make my lashes any longer by adding a second coat. My friends think I have extensions, my husband thinks I have extensions, and I
think I have extensions. Pictures don’t even do it justice.”
Price upon publish date of this article:$20
EDITOR'S CHOICE
E.l.f. Big Mood Mega Volume & Lifting Waterproof Mascara
Editor testing review rating: 4.9/5 rating
Shade range:Black, Pitch Black, Dark Brown
Luxury alternative: YSL Beauty Lash Clash Mascara
Special features:Cruelty-free and vegan formula
Best for: Defining lashes in one coat
$9
For those who want a drugstore mascara that defines and
boosts volume without needing a dozen coats — while remaining smudge-proof if ever your face comes in contact with water — E.l.f.’s Big Mood Mega is a no-brainer. Its exaggerated wand boasts spindly, densely packed bristles for coating each and every lash (yes, even the fine ones near the inner corners of your eyes). The formula is also creamy thanks to an infusion of jojoba oil, but not to the point of you needing to pause between coats while building it up. If you use the product daily, you may experience some flaking after two months with the tube, but that’s par for the course in context of ultra-volumizing, waterproof mascaras like this one.
Editor testing and review notes:“This drugstore mascara won me over with how quickly I was able to build it up to my desired definition (I’m someone who likes falsies-level volume even if it’s a casual lunch or a denim day at work). Invigorating, mid-day splashes of water on my face didn’t stand a chance against its mighty hold, and the formula also dried down quickly for easy layering. I have oily eyelids and it didn’t transfer — even when I conducted testing in 90-degree weather.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article:$9
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Editor testing review rating: 4.9/5 rating
Shade range:Black
Luxury alternative: Fenty Beauty Hella Thicc Volumizing Mascara
Special features:PETA-certified cruelty-free
Best for: Sparse lashes
$4.99
The Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara is one of the most popular TikTok beauty products
to this day, with over 100 million views on the app. It constantly sells out for its ultra-affordable price, not to mention a lengthy resume that gives other mascaras a run for their money.
Whether you’re an avid false eyelash
and magnetic lash
enthusiast or choose to opt out of all the fuss, this mascara will cut both your getting-ready routine and beauty budget in half. It benefits from a conic fiber brush that resists clumping, swapping it out for the intense volume you so crave. While there are several mascara iterations in Essence’s Lash Princess line, False Lash Effect stands apart from the crowd by offering ultra-dark color payoff and being free from silicones, parabens, and fragrances: resulting in a top-tier mascara you can trust from day to night.
Editor testing and review notes
:“I initially tried the Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara when I caught wind of its TikTok hype, and the beauty product has been a staple in my makeup bag
ever since. The mascara’s standout traits are its super-dark color and instant thickening effect. You really only need a maximum of two coats here, unless you prefer a chunkier lash look. It has a tapered wand that aptly reaches each corner of the eye to fan out the lashes and create the appearance of a cat-eye.” — Former WWD Commerce Writer
Olivia
Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article:$4.99
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara
$11.99
“There’s a reason why L’Oréal Paris’ Voluminous Original Mascara has been a makeup-artist favorite for years,” says Mellinger. Since going live in 1991, this matte gray tube has made hundreds of appearances in the glam kits of esteemed MUAs like Mario Dedivanovic. Although its main intention is volume, the Voluminous Original Mascara is also unique in its ability to create a soft daytime look with just one coat. That classic wand tapers ever so slightly to coat the entire lash line with product, smoothly extending lashes to a falsies-inspired length. Not only is it one of the best volumizing drugstore mascaras on the market today, but the internet darling also comes with the perk of conditioning ingredients like panthenol and ceramides.
Editor testing and review notes:“Of all the volumizing mascara finds we tested, L’Oréal’s Voluminous Original Mascara was the clear winner. It’s richly pigmented, requiring fewer coats to secure a red carpet–ready look, but those bristles are what this tester especially
adored. Ultra-soft and dense, they grab lashes without too much handiwork required on your end, and the slim wand makes it simple to target the inner and outer corners of your lash line. Our recommendation?Wiggling the wand close to said line for an even, fully fanned-out result. Throughout an eight-hour testing period, this mascara didn’t flake or smudge once. It also removed cleanly with a cleansing balm and makeup remover
, leaving no raccoon eyes in its wake.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article:$11.99
Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara
Editor testing review rating: 4.8/5 rating
Shade range:Black and Black Brown
Best for:Volume and length for sensitive eyes
Special features:Contains coconut, argan, and moringa oils
$29
Another exception to the “under $20” rule (sorry not sorry), this Clinique overachiever is a match made in heaven for those with sensitive eyes who still want volume (who wouldn’t?). It features a bushy, bristly brush for the outer corners of the lashes that tapers into a fine point for detail work on the lower lash line. Best of all, this mascara rehabs brittleness and dryness with a blend of good-for-you, plant-based oils. While you’re at it, add to cart another Clinique superstar for acing your entire glam — the world-famous Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
— and thank us later.
Editor testing and review notes:“This mascara is a dream
for daytime wear. A lot of volumizing alternatives leave your lashes dense and heavy, but this one nicely separates each little hair, for a fuller look sans clumps. I was stunned by how well the medium-length bristles increased length with a minimal number of swipes. Mark my words: It’s the best for fluttery, full lashes.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article:$29
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara
$15.99
Dreaming of It-girl lashes? The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Mascara has been the talk of the town (read: TikTok) ever since its 2024 release. Garnering hundreds of millions of views, searches, and reviews among beauty gurus, it impresses with exceptional length and definition — coming equipped with a fanned-out wand that grabs and coats each lash for a feathery final look plus touchable hold. You’ll find yourself turning to this gem while prepping for occasions spanning the casual, the fancy, and everything in between.
Editor testing and review notes: “The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Mascara wand managed to comb product from root to tip, creating wispiness that transformed my eyes without overdoing it. I found it easy to flare the outer corners of my lash line for a flattering cat-eye and noticed zero smudges after a long day at the office (even a post-work fitness class had nothing on this mascara!).” — Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article:$15.99
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
Editor testing review rating: 4.6/5 rating
Shade range:Blackest Black, Midnight Black, Very Black, Brownish Black, and additional waterproof options
Luxury alternative: Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Mascara
Special features:Infused with rosehip oil
Best for: Straight lashes
$13.99
For her wedding, Sofia Richie Grainge
specifically asked makeup artist Pati Dubroff to pack Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Mascara before arriving on the scene. Immediately after this tidbit was revealed online, the makeup find in question became a sensation (the word is in its very name!) and top seller, with a massive fan base rallying behind it.
Its powers lie in that curved, curl-boosting wand with ten layers of lash-separating bristles, guaranteeing a fanned-out flair that just might blow you away. The top drugstore mascara is composed of rosehip oil and tinted with pigments that don’t skimp on color intensity. As if all that weren’t enough, it not only allows for controlled volume but also effortlessly melts away after a long day. Maybelline’s main event is ophthalmologist-approved, happy-tear tested (by us!), and accommodates those who have contact lenses. We see no flaws.
Editor testing and review notes:“At first encounter, I took a particular liking to this mascara’s two bristle lengths: The inner curve reaches the roots of the lashes and the outer curve (with longer bristles) helps fan out every hair. Its handy wand deposits formula all around, which is great for those, like myself, who prefer just one quick coat of mascara before stepping out of the house. I experienced a few light flakes throughout my 10-hour testing period, but the curled, lengthened effect more than made up for that shortcoming. If you’re interested in a celeb-loved drugstore mascara and don’t mind a heavier lash, this is the tube for you.” — Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article:$13.99
Maybelline Colossal Bubble Washable Mascara
$12.99
Volume appreciators, listen up! Maybelline’s Colossal Bubble Washable Mascara delivers thickness and curl in seconds. Our editors also give a seal of approval to its waterproof counterpart
, seeing as how it distributes product on the lower lashes that doesn’t smudge or feel weighty. The washable version’s wand transfers what’s inside the tube in a wispy — and never chunky — way, and the marketing copy’s use of the phrase “lash-inflating” is, let us tell you, not
an overstatement in this case.
Editor testing and review notes: “As a longtime fan of the Colossal range, I was excited to try Bubble; upon testing, I confirmed its ability to fan the lash line while building volume at what felt like supersonic speeds. As opposed to other curl-creating mascaras I’ve tried, the wand here granted more control as I pushed the bristles up through the roots. An eyelash curler is a nonnegotiable in my routine, but I’d actually feel comfortable going without one now!” — Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article:$12.99
What to Look for in the Best Drugstore Mascaras 2026
Wand type:Mascara wands are a diverse bunch. There are bristle ones, which are similar in texture to boar-bristle hair brushes and coat eyelashes with a dense amount of mascara. These can be thick and oversized, dip in the middle like an hourglass, curve in a “C” shape, or look long and skinny with separated teeth. Mascara wands also come in plastic or silicone form, in which case they have stiffer bristles that separate lashes from the root while depositing product with more control. Other mascara wand variations include conic shapes that taper to a tip or ball-ended wands whose specialty is coating the fine lashes in the inner and outer corners of your eyes.
Formula type:When you’re shopping for drugstore mascaras, it’s vital to pay attention to your lash type. While short lashes thrive with lengthening mascaras, thin lashes do best with thickening formulas. If your lashes grow straight out, however, opt for a mascara that curls. Luckily, many innovative options are designed to perform two or more of these functions at the same time, so you can rest assured that your needs are being taken care of. “If you want your mascara to wear longer, you should probably look into tubing or waterproof mascara,” Mellinger further suggests. “If you like when makeup looks super natural, then you might get use out of a mascara that claims to separate [the lashes].”
Ingredients:At first glance, mascara compositions seem like a confusing jumble of chemical names, but most mascaras actually share common ingredients that are easy to identify. Some thickening agents in popular models include beeswax, lanolin (derived from sheep wool), castor oil, and mineral oil, all of which provide ample hold and volume. Glycerin, along with a mix of waxes such as paraffin and plant-based carnauba wax, is used to moisturize and protect the lashes — generating a sticky consistency that helps pigments adhere to natural hair. Tubing or fiber mascaras use nylon, rayon, or silk microfibers as tiny lash extenders. Waterproof formulations include higher amounts of waxes and silicones, such as isododecane, dimethicone copolyol, and cyclopentasiloxane. Potentially irritating ingredients may be thrown in, like shellac or thimerosal, so those with sensitive eyes would be wise to invest in a mascara that is marked paraben-free or vegan.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Drugstore Mascaras
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
To select the best drugstore mascaras of 2026, we assessed key factors like ingredients, color payoff, volume and length payoff, wear time, application efficiency, wand function, packaging, and ease of removal during our testing periods (of eight to 18 hours per day). The drugstore mascaras that made the cut were trialed across a variety of eyelash types, skin sensitivities, and occasions, so you can feel confident about what you’re putting your money towards. On top of firsthand research and testing, we also relied on input from a leading makeup artist, who shared expert tips on what to look for when making a mascara purchase. Learn more about us here .
Meet the Expert
Katie Mellinger is a bicoastal makeup artist who lives, breathes, and creates flawless skin. She has worked with clients from Sofia Coppola to Emma Watson, Chloë Sevigny, and more. Mellinger’s work has also been featured in major publications including W, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, and i-D, to name a few.
Meet the Authors
Olivia Cigliano was a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD, where she wrote and edited shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is based in New York City. At WWD, Cigliano frequently tested and reviewed top-rated products like drugstore mascaras. She updated this shopping guide in July 2024 with new releases and additional editor testing notes.
Claire Sullivan was the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she wrote and edited beauty, fashion, and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. Sullivan personally tested multiple drugstore mascaras on this list, backing up claims with her rigorous, first-person reviews.
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on buzzy beauty products that live up to their marketing claims and are well worth readers’ money.
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