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Finding a mascara that lengthens, volumizes, and accentuates lashes is no easy task. Some mascaras are clumpy, while others make lashes too thin. Some are too expensive, while others are made with ingredients that can irritate your eyes. No matter what mascara woes you’re facing, we’re here with good news: you can find incredible mascaras at the drugstore for an affordable price, even a few that are celebrity-approved.
When on the hunt for the best drugstore mascara, there are a few factors to consider. For starters, the product needs to help your lashes hold a curl. On top of that, it needs to offer bold color payoff, while also being resistant to flaking. Plus, it needs to give your lashes extra length. Lastly, do you want a waterproof option, or do you prefer a formula that comes off with minimal effort?
While these requirements might seem like a tall order for a product under $25, it’s not impossible. The only hard part is finding the best mascara that best fits your personal needs. Do you like fake-eyelash-level drama? Extreme length? Or a clean, all-natural formula that’s gentle on the eyes? No matter what your preference is, or even if you like to cocktail your mascaras, we’ve got you covered with the most affordable and effective drugstore mascaras ahead.
— Additional reporting by Marisa Petrarca and Anvita Reddy