When it comes to wearing mascara [1], we're firm believers that "more is more." After all, the more coats, the longer and thicker the lashes look. But that same philosophy doesn't necessarily apply when it comes to spending. Believe it or not, you can buy some of the best mascaras on the market [2] for less than you think — $25 and under to be exact.
So, the next time you want big lash energy without the big price tag, look no further than the 23 best mascara options ahead. There are drugstore classics [3], high-end mainstays, and even J-Beauty cult favorites [4]. In other words, there are plenty of ways for you to take a less-is-more approach to good lashes.
CoverGirl Exhibitionist Mascara
Like everyone's favorite Better Than Sex mascara, the CoverGirl Exhibitionist Mascara [6] ($11) has an hourglass-shaped wand that works volumizing magic [7] — and never smudges, flakes, or clumps like it, too.
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
One of the most popular drugstore options out there is the L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara [8] ($10) since it adds impressive volume and length without clumping.
Glossier Lash Slick
For a natural, everyday, no-makeup makeup look, the Glossier Lash Slick [9] ($16) is a solid bet. It adds length without clumping to create a subtle, slightly enhanced lash effect [10].
NARS Climax Mascara
For intense volume sans stiffness, the NARS Climax Mascara [11] ($24) features a whipped formula that moisturizes your lashes and leaves them
feeling soft and fluttery [12].
Beauty by POPSUGAR Thick + Thin Mascara
If you're the type of person who prefers using different types of wands for top and bottom lashes [13] or to achieve different lash effects, the Beauty by POPSUGAR Thick + Thin Mascara [14] ($21) is the pick for you. One side features a small thin brush that you can use on your top and bottom lashes for precise definition, while the other side features a fat brush that you can use on your top lashes to add thickness and volume.
Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara
Arguably one of the most iconic mascaras (it's been around for 40 years!), the Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara [15] ($7) is a true classic. It conditions as it thickens, which means length and volume minus the clumps.
Florence by Mills Built to Lash Mascara
Not going to lie, we love anything Millie Bobby Brown touches. Her skin and makeup collection [16] launched earlier this year and next to the Instagram-worthy packaging, the affordable prices are what we love most. The Florence by Mills Built to Lash Mascara [17] ($14) conditions, lifts, and lengthens, plus it's cruelty and paraben-free.
It Cosmetics Superhero Mascara
An editor's go-to for a reason, the It Cosmetics Superhero Mascara [18] delivers a false-lash effect that's unlike any other. Reach for this one only when you want loads of volume and pigment that won't budge all night.
L'Oréal Paris Makeup Unlimited Lash Lifting and Lengthening Mascara
The ergonomic wand of L'Oréal's Makeup Unlimited Lash Lifting and Lengthening Mascara [19] ($11) clicks into a 45-degree angle to help you get every last lash, but it does a damn good job [20] separating and defining them in an upright position, too.
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
Tired of using your fat mascara brush on your tiny bottom lashes? The Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara [21] ($13) is for you. It features a mini brush to grab every last lash and a formula that won't smudge.
Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara
Just like the name implies, the Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara [22] ($23) gives you huge lashes thanks to the oversized brush. And since the formula keeps your lashes soft and flexible, you can layer on the coats without that crunchy feeling.
Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara
The little yellow tube that could! The Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal Big Shot Washable Mascara [23] ($8) is a fan favorite that continuously receives high ratings year after year. With wavy bristles, this brush transfers more mascara to your lashes for maximum volume.
Eyeko Fat Brush Mascara Big & Bold
The Eyeko Fat Brush Mascara [24] ($19) is exactly what it sounds like — a mascara with a super-sized brush for achieving full volume. On top of that, the formula is infused with keratin to condition and strengthen your lashes.
e.l.f. Lash it Loud Mascara
If you're looking for lots of volume, the e.l.f. Lash it Loud Mascara [25] ($6) is for you. Plus, at the price of a fancy latte, you may as well buy two.
Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara
The Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara [26] ($25) is a fan (and editor) favorite [27] for a reason. The brush lifts, separates, and curls, while the formula holds that curl for 12 hours. No need for an eyelash curler with this one.
CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara
The CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara [28] ($6) is one of the most affordable mascaras available and another popular drugstore option, especially if you're looking for something waterproof. It's a reliable go-to for adding volume that stays put all day.
Kiss Me Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara
A cult J-Beauty favorite, especially for those with stick-straight lashes [29], the Kiss Me Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara [30] ($9) boasts a lightweight, waterproof formula and a curved wand. Basically, you'll get all the lift, without any heavy product weighing down your lashes or smudges.
Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara
The Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara [31] ($23) may sound good on paper, but its also well-loved IRL. It's a four-in-one mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes, and conditions. Plus it's waterproof. Oh and it's cruelty, paraben, and sulfate-free.
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
If you're specific about your formulas, the Urban Decay Perversion Mascara [32] ($25) is a good option since its creamy texture is neither too wet nor too dry. What's more, it features a blend of ingredients that nourishes and stimulates your lashes as it lengthens and volumizes.
Buxom Lash Volumizing Mascara
The Buxom Lash Volumizing Mascara [33] ($22) is one of those mascaras you can layer to your heart's content. With a clump-resistant formula and hourglass-shaped brush, each and every swipe delivers an even coat from root to tip.
Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara
For long lashes and a long-wear formula, turn to the Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara [34] ($25). The oversized brush delivers big, buildable volume, while the formula lasts all day.
Saie Mascara
First of all, a good clean mascara is hard to find. Using one often feels like you're gently highlighting your lashes with tinted coconut oil. But the Saie Mascara [35] ($24) is so good, it might just be a cult favorite [36] in the making. The rubbery brush really lets you define your lashes (it even has extra spikes at the end so you can get into the inner and outer corners), and the formula is layerable for tons of volume and length. It also won't smudge or flake, but it rinses off easily at the end of the day — the fact that it's clean is a bonus.
e.l.f. Big Mood Volumizing Mascara
What makes this e.l.f. Big Mood Volumizing Mascara [37] ($5, originally $7) so unique is the shape of the brush. It gives both volume and length, which is always a good thing.