As a beauty editor, I can confidently say that I know my way around mascaras. From luxury to affordable, I’ve tested them all, and for a product you are supposed to replenish every three to four months, I err on the side of affordable—but I require impressive results. My pin-straight lashes demand something that can lift, volumize, and hold a curl, but I refuse to sacrifice comfort for drama. I’ve lost count of how often I’ve walked away from a promising and highly marketed mascara because it left my lashes feeling heavily weighed down.

The good news? The drugstore beauty aisle has become a treasure trove of innovative formulas that rival their luxury counterparts. After testing virtually every affordable mascara on the market, I’ve curated a list of the best performers under $15. These picks prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve those fluttery, defined lashes of your dreams. Whether you’re dealing with straight, sparse, or stubborn lashes like mine or simply looking to upgrade your everyday mascara game without breaking the bank, scroll ahead for 15 drugstore mascaras that deliver serious results without the luxury price tag. But first, I break down exactly what I look for when testing a new mascara tube.

What to look for

When I’m testing mascaras, I zero in on five key factors, starting with the wand. I look for an applicator that’s thoughtfully engineered to grasp and coat each individual lash, from the tiniest corner hairs to those hard-to-reach center lashes. The brush’s design should allow for precise application without turning your under-eye area into an abstract art piece.

Formula-wise, I’m incredibly picky. It must be lightweight enough that I forget I’m wearing it but tenacious enough to survive an unexpected rainstorm or tearjerker movie. The key is finding that perfect balance: waterproof staying power that doesn’t require an industrial-strength makeup remover at the end of the day. I should be able to remove it easily with my regular cleanser without sacrificing half my lashes in the process.

I also pay attention to shade range. While classic black is a staple, I appreciate brands that offer brown (perfect for a softer look on lighter complexions) or even fun colors like plum or navy that can make green or brown eyes pop. Finally, and perhaps most crucially, the formula needs to dry quickly. There’s nothing worse than carefully applying mascara only to blink and end up with tiny dots all over your perfectly blended eyeshadow. In my book, a fast-drying formula that sets without smudging or transferring is also non-negotiable.

Shop the best drugstore mascaras

Best for Straight Lashes: BLK/OPL Super Volumizing Mascara — $14.00

I adore this vitamin-packed mascara from BLK/OPL. After you curl you lashes, this mascara helps to keep that lift in place without any heaviness. The curved applicator works to deliver volume, enhancing even the straightest of lashes. Its fiber brush and thickening complex works together to condition, plump, and define each lash from root to tip. You’ll love this mascara’s creamy formula for creating that perfect dramatic eye moment.

Best Non-Clumping Formula: UOMA Beauty Drama Bomb Extreme Volume Nourishing Mascara — $10.00

This formula from UOMA Beauty combines nourishing avocado, castor, and jojoba oils with volumizing waxes to strengthen and plump your lashes while creating serious drama. The hourglass wand reaches every single lash, delivering flake-proof, water-resistant volume that stays put all day. I appreciate its non-clumping formula, allowing me to add more layers if I’m feeling like I want to go all out and really amp up my look.

Best Waterproof: Wet n Wild Mega Length Waterproof Mascara — $4.00

This waterproof mascara features a polymer-based formula that creates a water-resistant shield around each lash, keeping your flutter perfect through sweat and tears. The precision comb brush is great at grabbing each lash, while the nourishing vitamin E keeps them soft and healthy. This ophthalmologist-tested mascara delivers stunning length that stays put until you wash it off.

Best for Sparse Lashes: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara — $5.00

This budget-friendly tube delivers dramatic results in just one swipe. I have recommended this mascara to friends who use lash serums to grow their lashes, and they rave that this formula helps to thicken the look of their sparse lashes. The conical fiber brush works to create length and volume, while the fragrance-free formula keeps sensitive eyes happy. Even better? It’s cruelty-free and formulated without oils or parabens, ideal for those who get irritated easily by eye makeup.

Best for Lengthening: L'Oreal Paris Makeup Double Extend Mascara — $10.00

This mascara definitely gives off lash extension vibes. It’s dual-ended, with one side working as a primer and the other a tubing mascara that extends your lashes to their fullest potential. The double-sided brush ensures precise application, creating an eye-opening length that lasts all day without a single flake. It’s perfect for anyone craving the look of extensions without the commitment.

Best for Volume: Prosa 4-in-1 Maxi Volume Mascara — $10.00

This mascara is a staple in Mexican drugstores and is gaining popularity state-side. It features a large brush applicator that takes a steady hand to apply, but it swipes each lash with intense color that make eyes really pop. I’ve found that I only need one layer to achieve fluffy-looking lashes, but the formula is buildable for those who want more (although you may need to use an eyelash comb to finish off your look).

Best Smudgeproof: Maybelline The Falsies Surreal Extensions — $10.00

This mascara refuses to flake, smear, or transfer—no matter what your day throws at you. The hybrid fiber technology and extended helix brush create ample volume and length that actually stays where you put it while nourishing oils keep lashes moisturized. This ophthalmologist-tested formula promises to keep your lashes looking flawless for up to 24 hours without a smudge in sight.

Best Buildable Formula: Physicians Formula Butter Blowout Mascara — $10.00

If you’re the type who likes to layer your mascara for a more dramatic effect, this pick is for you. This rich yet lightweight mascara is enriched with a blend of monoi, murumuru, cupuaçu, and tucuma butters plus strengthening keratin to keep lashes moisturized and full. The creamy formula coats each lash and dries without clumping. I love the plush round brush that makes it easy for every lash to get swiped.

Best for Everyday: Maybelline Great Lash Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara — $5.00

Maybelline’s iconic Great Lash mascara is my go-to for every day naturally fuller-looking lashes. Yes, I’ve been purchasing this tube since I was a teenager and will continue to do so until I’m too old to apply makeup (which is never!). It’s simple, gentle, easy to wash off, and never flakes. It gives me just enough lift and volume without being too bold—it’s a classic for a reason.

Best for Separating: L'Oreal Paris Makeup Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara — $11.00

L’Oreal’s Paris Telescopic Original Mascara has a precise applicator that extends each lash while keeping them impeccably separated—no clumping in sight. I appreciate that the wand is also flexible, allowing you to reach for those hard-to-grab lashes while gently lifting and defining them with each swipe. Think of this wand as a fine-tooth comb for your lashes. Plus, the formula is lightweight, doesn’t flake, lasts up to 16 hours, and is easy to wash off.

Best for Sensitive Eyes: Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara — $9.00

This dermatologist-tested formula nurtures lashes with vitamin E, rice protein, and olive oil without any irritating flaking or smudging. The soft-bristle brush coats every lash from root to tip, creating naturally defined, stronger lashes that last for hours. I love how easily this mascara is to wash off with soap and water, but it has impressive staying-power through sweat and heat. This tube is also great for everyday wear and for those looking for naturally defined lashes.

Best Overall: e.l.f. Lash It Loud Mascara — $6.00

At $6 a tube, this mascara does it all. The dual-action silicone wand, with both vertical and horizontal bristles (which I love!) lifts, defines, and volumizes every lash from all angles. Its ultra-pigmented formula creates that coveted full, bold look while still keeping lashes perfectly separated and clump-free. It’s great for everyday wear and for buildable glam looks.

Best Tubing Formula: No7 Stay Perfect Mascara — $10.00

This tubing formula from No7 adds definition to each individual lash by wrapping them in tiny water-resistant “tubes” that stay put for a full 24 hours. Bonus: tubing mascaras wash off more easily than traditional formulas. I appreciate the straight brush applicator that delivers impressive volume while coating every lash, creating fuller, thicker-looking lashes that won’t flake or smudge.

Best for Lifting: Maybelline Lash Sensational Washable Mascara — $8.00

When I want my lashes to look really lifted, I reach for Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Mascara. It gives lashes a fanned-out effect that opens up the entire eye. The brush applicator features an impressive ten layers of bristles that catch and coat every single lash, creating volume without any clumping. Perfect for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes, this ophthalmologist-tested formula delivers lifted, fluttery lashes.

Best Long-Lasting: Milani Highly Rated Anti-Gravity Mascara — $11.00

What I love about this mascara is that even though it lasts through coffee to late-nigh dinners, it is super easy to wash off. The intense black formula, enhanced with nourishing castor oil and natural waxes, locks onto your lashes for all-day wear without midday smudges or flakes. The hourglass-shaped brush ensures every lash gets swiped, creating show-stopping volume and length that won’t quit.

Finding the right mascara brush for you

The secret to perfect mascara application lies in choosing the right brush for your desired look. The brush design plays a crucial role in how the formula interacts with your lashes and creates different effects. For example, tree-shaped brushes excel at separation, while spiral brushes focus on volume by depositing more product. Rubber brushes can help create that sought-after extension effect. Before selecting your next mascara, take a moment to examine the brush design; it’s the key to achieving your perfect lash look, whether you’re going for definition, volume, or length.

How to apply mascara

For the ultimate voluminous lashes, start by curling them to create the perfect canvas. Begin your mascara application at the root of the lashes, carefully combing through to the tips for your first layer. Next, create added volume with a zigzag motion, taking your time to build intensity. Don’t forget to catch those tiny corner lashes with the tip of your wand for a complete look.

Want to achieve that coveted long, dramatic look? Try the blink and coat technique—position the wand close to your lash line and blink onto the brush. Combine this with a wiggling motion from root to tip, repeating the full strokes until you achieve your desired look.

For show-stopping volume, tilt your head back and start at the lash line, wiggling the wand upward to the tips. Here’s a pro secret: Let each coat dry for a couple of minutes before applying the next one. This layering technique creates incredible thickness and length—and remember, when it comes to mascara, more is more.