Those of you who follow me on Instagram and see my #doyourmakeup posts know that I typically pick up 3-4 new cosmetic items a week during drugstore sales. I just love trying out new things for #doyourmakeup, and because of the way I use coupons and drugstore rewards, I pay very little for my makeup. Trust me, I wouldn’t be doing it if it were gonna put me over budget! One of the reasons I’ve been buying product so frequently is because I’ve been searching for the very best drugstore mascaras. After a LOT of testing, I think I’ve found them…and some of the worst, too! In total, I tested 16 different mascaras. Here they are, and I’m saving the best for last! I decided to rate them on a typical school grade scale – A+ – F.
Physicians Formula Organic Wear FakeOut™ mascara
I feel bad writing this, because I have loved every. single. product I’ve bought from Physicians Formula, except this one. There are a lot of good reviews for it on their website, so if you’re interested in organics, you might want to try it for yourself, but my experience was this: great length, great volume, but it would not STAY ON my eyes. It ended up giving me major raccoon eyes, and I am not going to wear it again. Plus, it cost about $10 so I expected more! But, since it did do great with length and volume I won’t give it an F…it gets a D.
Wet ‘n Wild MegaVolume Mascara
This only cost $2.99, so I feel bad complaining….but I didn’t like it at all. It colored my lashes black but didn’t do anything for length or volume. I had to put on another mascara over top of it immediately. So, I give it an F. For FAIL. In fairness to Wet ‘n Wild, I have loved 95% of everything I’ve ever bought from them.
Wet ‘n Wild MegaLength Mascara
This also costs $2.99, and it’s waaaaaaaaaaay better than the one in the yellow tube. It doesn’t get my stubby lashes quite as long as I’d like, but if you have half-decent lashes you might be ok with it. It wears well, too. No raccoon eyes! So, I’m giving it a solid B.
Rimmel ScandalEyes™ Flex Mascara
I was really excited to try this mascara because, well, I LOVE THE NAME! ScandalEyes?? Genius! Sadly, I don’t love the brush. It’s a bit too hefty and got in my way. It does provide good length & volume but it’s a little thicker than I like, which makes it prone to clumps, and sad to say, it did dribble down below my lash line to where it’s not supposed to be a little. With all these cons, I’m going to give it a C. I’ll still be trying other Rimmel mascaras though, because I hear good things!
Maybelline Volum’Express The Falsies™ and The Falsies Flared™ Waterproof Mascara
Maybelline’s “Falsies” product has had a lot of buzz around it so I wanted to give it a whirl. Plus, I needed a good waterproof mascara because sometimes you just KNOW you’re going to cry and you have to be prepared, right? I liked both of these very much. I could tell a difference in the Flared version, although I think I prefer the regular Falsies. I can’t say why, I think it’s just a matter of preference! I did have to work a little harder at applying these – the brush isn’t quite my fave. But, I think it works great for length & volume. And they were both definitely waterproof. The only downside besides the brush is that it’s a bit thick for my tastes, but it’s still a great mascara and I give both products a B+.
Maybelline Illegal Length™ Mascara
Although this didn’t knock my socks off like I wanted it to (I’m not sure, but I think maybe I was expecting it to actually change my eyelash anatomy), BUT it is a very good mascara. I like it a lot, I like the brush, it wears well, and looks great. I had a *slight* clumping issue (might be those “fiber extensions” it claims to have) but no big deal. This is a good one, and I give it an A-! If you have short lashes like I do, you’ll like what this mascara does for them.
Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious Mascara
Umm, hellooo!! I would’ve bought this solely based on the packaging. Is that pretty or what?? I really love this mascara. Really, really, really. It’s a great value. Great length, great volume, great brush, great, great, great! It is, (are you tired of hearing me say this yet?) a little thicker than I like. Meaning, my lashes don’t feel soft when it’s on. I know, that’s a lot to ask. But when comparing so many mascaras, I have to look at every last detail. Most of you aren’t as OCD as me, so go get some. I still love it anyway!! It’s awesome! It gets an A!
Almay intense i-color volumizing mascara
Although Almay could use some help from it’s big sister Revlon on the packaging here, I must say this is a dynamite mascara! I like it so much I bought it in two colors, Sapphire and Mocha. The brush is a little bulky for me, especially when I’m working on my bottom lashes, but other than that it’s pretty much perfect. If you buy this mascara you will not be disappointed! And I love that it comes in more colors than just variations of black and brown – you can get it in the aforementioned Sapphire and Plum, too! LOVE IT! I always know my lashes are gonna look great and stay looking great when I have this on. It gets an A!
I was wondering what all the fuss was about the CoverGirl Flamed Out line, so I decided to try this mascara (also love the packaging on this one.) I am happy to report that it is delightful! I love the cool curling brush. I think it really does curve lashes up and out. And it wears really, well – stays on your lashes where it belongs! It gets an A! If you pick up a tube of this I am sure you will not be disappointed.
L’Oreal Paris Telescopic™ Shocking Extensions™ Mascara
This was the first drugstore mascara I tried when I decided to give drugstore makeup a whirl again after almost six years of using exclusively Mary Kay. And honestly, I could’ve just stopped here (but you know, I’m obsessive, so I didn’t!) This is an absolutely fabulous mascara! I love the brush, which has shorter bristles that are close together. It gives great length and volume, separates lashes well, and stays on all day. You can’t go wrong with this mascara! It gets an A+!
Neutrogena Healthy Volume® Mascara
I picked up this Neutrogena mascara because Jennifer Garner shills for them and I want to BE HER when I grow up. (Seriously, Jen? Call me!) Well, I’m glad I decided to be all stalker-y like that because I LOVE this mascara! Volume is RIGHT! It makes my lashes so much thicker. The brush is JUST the right thickness, and the mascara itself gives lots of boost to my lashes without being thick, so my lashes still feel nice and soft even when they are coated with Neutrogena goodness. It gets an A+!
CoverGirl Clump Crusher by LashBlast Mascara
Clump! Crusher! Rules! This baby recently won an Allure Best of Beauty award, and I can tell you why. It’s awesome! The brush is curved so it curls lashes upward, and the bristles are really short and close together to make clumps an impossibility. It leaves me with beautiful, long, full, separated lashes and I love it! It wears really well, stays on alllll day. Get some! You won’t be sad! I love the way CoverGirl often has good coupons out for their mascaras, too.
CoverGirl LashBlast 24 Hour Mascara
This was the 2nd drugstore mascara that I tried, and I could’ve stopped here as well. It has a weird-looking fat brush with those short bristles that I love so much, and it works great at building long, full lashes that are lightweight and not clumpy or sticky! Plus, this mascara MEANS it when it says 24hr. This stuff is majorly long-wearing, and at the very least sweatproof. I did not buy the waterproof version but I wore it to the pool all summer and it served me very well! It’s an absolutely fabulous mascara and if you buy it you are sure to love it.
Well, that’s it for the great mascara compara-thon! Which ones(s) are you going to run out and buy?
Want to see more drugstore makeup comparisons? Leave a comments and let me know what you’re interested in!
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Thanks for the tips! I’m always switching brands to find the best.
So after reading this (thank you by the way) I went to the store and bought the cover girl flamed out mascara in waterproof. I love it!! Other than, well it’s not waterproof…..at….all!! Other than that the coverage is great, it separates, doesn’t clump, isn’t flakey, and does a wonderful job of lifting up and out!
I have tried several of these and agree with your comments. I was a total Illegal Length user until I found this: http://shop.avon.com/product.aspx?level2_id=301&pdept_id=312&dept_id=389&cat_type=C&pf_id=47313 … This is the most awesome mascara ever!! I’ve never been real keen on Avon makeup, mostly because when I want new makeup I want it then … not something I have to order and wait for it to arrive. I happened to find the SuperExtend on sale with free shipping so I couldn’t resist. I knew it would be a few weeks before I needed new mascara so it if took a week or so to arrive it wouldn’t be a big deal. I was surprised when it arrived about four days after I placed my order … online! Naturally I tried it the next morning and I’ve been hooked ever since. It goes on flawlessly. The unique shape of the brush prevents clumping and gives you a natural finished look. It also comes off easy at the end of the day, however it doesn’t wear off or smudge during the day … even after a hard, sweaty workout at the gym my mascara looks just as fresh as when I put it on in the mornings. You should give it a try!!
Thanks so much for this! It’s really helpful! I’ve been following your IG posts and my biggest problem is the raccoon eye thing. The only mascara I’ve ever found to stay in place is a Clinique one that costs a bundle and it’s clumpy which I don’t like. You mentioned a few here that you said stay put so I have some new ones to look for. Just what I needed because I don’t want to go through 1000 with trial and error. You did it for me. Appreciate it! 😀
I’m annoyed.
I JUST bought mascara two days ago.
(I got the falsies)
I’ve never been a huge make up person, so I can never have the patience or desire to spend money on that many different brands, but I love having the right/best!
Back when I was a grown up and went to a big girl job every day I splurged on L’ancome Defencils. Man, I miss that stuff. It was amazing. And $25. Boo.
Jeannett! Always text me before a makeup purchase! Geez! I’ve never bought super-pricey makeup, but I do love my Mary Kay Ultimate mascara. It’s $15 and definitely an A+.
Do you have a list for eyeshadow?
I don’t use any of these mascaras. I am going to go and buy all the ones you like and test your theories. I am sooooo excited. There is a lot to be said for just the most perfect mascara.
I really need a new mascara so this post makes me happy. I stare blindly at the packages, confused and not sure what to buy, what will work and is worth my money. Thanks!
You lost me at “the mascara I wear to the pool.” I don’t even wear mascara to work!
I never wear mascara because on the rare times I do, I end up looking like a raccoon. I will have to try one of the mascaras on this list.
I L-O-V-E Covergirl Clump Crusher. I think it’s fabulous. I recently bought the Revlon Lash Potion too and really like it as well.
I would like to see a comparison on eye shadows or liner. That’s what I feel like never stays put on my face.
Thanks for this. Always looking for good drugstore mascara. I’ve been using Rimmel Sexxy Curves and like it a lot but always open to new stuff.
I’ve always been a fan of the Cover Girl mascaras, but I’m going to give the Neutrogena a try. I like that my lashes will still feel soft! Thanks for doing the legwork testing all these out!
I recently bought Neutrogena Healthy Volume and I love it!! It does make my eyelashes very long, volumized, soft, and stays put all day, I hope you enjoy it!
I’ve been wearing L’Oreal Voluminous for a few years now and love it. I might go back to Dior Diorshow eventually but it’s so similar and L’Oreal is definitely more cost-effective!
This is perfect. I was in the market for a new mascara and now I need to figure out which of these to buy. I was born with some fabulously long lashes (don’t be jelly) but I have sensitive eyes AND I need a good waterproof mascara. Now I need some coupons and I really need our brand new CVS to open up.
I love the Cover Girl Clump Crusher Mascara too! I just bought it last week and it does a bang up job. I love this post and your thoughts so that I do not pick one of the crappy ones. Thanks!
I have been HOOKED on the Illegal Lengths for a while now, but I do find that I end up with a little under my eyes by the end of the day. I quit wearing eyeliner on my bottom lid and it didn’t really help. I like it otherwise, but I am definitely going to try the CoverGirl 24-hour one now.
Thanks so much for this! I love a good comparison piece. I never know what to buy!
I have tried Maybelline’s The Falsies. And I liked it but didn’t love it. I think your right, it’s hard to apply. I do love Covergirls Flamed Out mascara. It’s easy to apply and wears well. Next week I’m going to look for a good sale on revlon lash potion and L’Oreal Shocking Extensions. And next time you try one, buy Maybelline’s The Falsies Big eyes mascara. I love it!! Especially because there is a wand on each side. One for top lashes and one for the bottom lashes! It’s awesome! I have the hardest time with these other big brushes on my lower lashes.
Oh and any make-up comparisons are great! How about blush? I can’t find one that stays on all day!
Clump Crusher is my favorite, too. I started using it because Talia recommended it (she was the 13-yr old aspiring makeup artist with cancer who was on the Ellen show).
Thanks for this review! You are super cute, I love your writing style too:) I’ve been on a similar mission to find the perfect mascara, so I can appreciate this list! I use the Falsies and its been the best for me so far, but now I want to try your A grade picks!
Alyssa
Oooohhhh….great post. I love the side-by-side comparisons! Thanks for taking the time to do this.
Attention all you ladies who want your makeup to stay put all day! Victoria’s Secret Face Prime makeup primer and setting spray is awesome! Spritz it on before your makeup to prime & after to set it. It’s fabulous and only $12!!!
I have to disagree about the Revlon Lash Potion. I bought it recently and thought it was truly the worst mascara I’ve ever bought. It flaked and did not add any fullness or length. I threw it away and went back to my brand for the past 10 years – Loreal Volumous.Never been let down by Loreal. Only bought Revlon because I had a coupon. Never again.
That’s a bummer that you had that experience. I like it, honestly, I can be bought but not for the cost of a tube of mascara. You are the 2nd person to tell me to try L’oreal Voluminous! Guess I better check that one out, too. I can’t stop! Thanks for the recco!
My current favorite mascara is L’oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes. It stays put 99% of the time. I have sensitive skin and eyes, so this mascara is almost perfect in my eyes!
Ooh, I love the name! I might have to try it just based on that! Thanks for sharing!
The only mascara missing from this list that is INCREDIBLE is Maybelline’s The Rocket. That and the CG Clump Crusher are my mascara LOVES. Great reviews on all these products!
Erinmarie, TWIST MY ARM and I will try the Rocket!!! 🙂 That was one I wanted to get, I have no idea why I didn’t. Probably because I realized I would NEVER hit publish if I kept waiting for that ONE more. I’ve recently tried Clump Crusher Extensions and I LOVE IT. Even better than the original, if that’s possible! When I get new mascaras, I am just going to keep updating this list. Thanks for the recco!
Love this post! Thank you so much for doing the homework for us! I’m going to try the L’Oreal Paris Telescopic™ Shocking Extensions™ Mascara based on your recommendation – I love the look of the brush.
PS – I came via the Tuesday Pin It thread in the Midwest Bloggers FB group! So glad you shared this there!
Thanks Robyn! And thanks so much for pinning it for me. I am wearing the L’Oreal Paris mascara today and yep – it’s still great! You’ll love it!
Could you do reviews on different ELF product reviews?? Thanks!!!
I tried the wet-n-wild mega length and HATED it. terrible waste of $3. I like the brush that comes with the maybelline greatlash, but the mascara itself clumps.
Well, I recently tried the new CoverGirl Flamed Out Mascara and I can say that I am a bit disappointed with it. For the first week that I used it, I was pleased with it but after that short period of time it was not working the same. I started noticing a lot of clumping, and although it gives you length and volume initially when you put it on, it does not last. A couple of minutes after you put it on, your lashes will loose the initial lift and volume, and you will end up having to put on additional coats in order to give them another boost. This is the first time in a long while that I have tried a new mascara because I have been using Maybelline’s Full ‘N Soft mascara for a few years now and it has been one of my favorite mascara’s of all time. It is the perfect “every day mascara.” It gives you long and soft lashes without the clumps or raccoon-eyes. The Flamed Out Mascara is a mascara I use when I am going for a night out with friends.
This is so helpful, thank you! I am so easily swayed by advertizing for drug store mascara, and end up spending a fortune on ones that don’t work well. This will save me a lot of money, thanks!!
Not sure why it hasn’t been publicly named THE BEST MASCARA EVER!!! Avon’s Super Extend Extreme mascara (in the yellow tube) is way worthy. I try lots and I mean lots of mascaras… and I want it all length, volume, lift/curl, softness, staying power, gentle on my existing lashes – this one does it all. My 2nd go-to is Maybelline the Colossal Volum Express cat eyes mascara. And rounding out the top 3 are their Falsies line (flared rocks my socks)! They say and do all that I’m looking for. But thanks for putting new products on my watch list. Your story gets an A from me!
Could you do one on lliquid foundations? I can NEVER find just one to stick with!
I have used the cover girl flamed out mascara!!! I love it!!!
Thank you for sharing , this is what I’m looking for !
I just wanted everyone to know this awesome fact. If you buy your makeup at walgreens and decide after a time or two of using it that you don’t like it, they will take it back and trade for one you do like. I have done this many times especially with foundation. It’s always hard to find the right color!!
You left out my favorites! I love the L’Oreal original Voluminous mascara and the L’Oreal Double Extend mascara (in the red and white package). They are amazing! The Double Extend is a dupe for Blinc Kiss Me Mascara (26$ at Sephora). I also like an Almay mascara that I believe has been discontinued (it came in amythest for brown eyes) and the brush is fantastic. I liked it so much I bought like 10 of them and I am on my second to last one!
Totally agree about the Illegal length, lash potion, and clump crusher! Those are my favorites that I’m actually currently using on a daily basis! Drugstore mascaras are where it’s at, both for the price and often the quality is just so much better! However I really disliked the Flamed Out and the waterproof version just IS NOT WATERPROOF, so I was surprised to see that so high up!