7 Best Drugstore Mascaras for Longer, Lifted, and Defined Lashes

16.10.2025, 21:48 allure.com

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The best drugstore mascaras can hold their own against high-end mascaras that cost three times as much—and oftentimes, they're even better. If you’ve written off the mascaras you swore by in high school, consider this your reminder that some classics earn their longevity. Take OGs like L’Oréal Paris’ Telescopic Mascara and CoverGirl Clump Crusher, for example: It's proof that a true classic never loses its charm.

To find the best mascaras in the drugstore aisle, we turned to two makeup artists and cosmetic chemists. Today’s drugstore mascaras are more advanced than ever, meeting every lash need: buildable volume without clumps, natural-looking separation and definition, noticeable length that feels weightless, and subtle tints that last long after the mascara's gone.

Ahead, discover seven of the best mascaras that beauty editors keep coming back to for that falsies-like look at home, and why these budget-friendly staples deserve a permanent spot in your routine.

L'Oréal Paris

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Mascara

Why we love it: When it comes to ultra-defined length, L’Oréal’s Telescopic Original Waterproof Mascara is unmatched. Its agile precision brush features tiny elastomer bristles that comb through lashes, lifting, separating, and extending each one for clean, skyward length without clumping. The formula glides on seamlessly and locks into place for a long-wearing, smudge-proof finish that resists humidity, tears, and sweat. Despite its staying power, it still feels lightweight and comfortable from morning to night. It’s also a standout for those with sensitive eyes or contact lenses.

Han before applying the L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Mascara

Han after applying the L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Mascara

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

“My short lashes and I adore how skinny and precise this mascara wand is—thicker wands often result in smudging, no matter how careful I am. This one separates as well as it lengthens—which is to say, very well—and it helps my lashes actually hold a curl (with an assist from a lash curler, of course). It’s my ideal lash look: not too dramatic (although you can certainly build it up), but just enough that you notice a ~fluttering~ effect. The waterproof claims are definitely true because I walked up and down Flushing in the middle of a light rainstorm and teared up multiple times watching a drama, and through it all, Telescopic stayed put.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

Expert feedback from makeup artist Zak Taylor

“This is an all-time favorite for me. I can never get mascaras to keep my lashes curled except this one! It has a really thin wand (perfect for people with smaller lashes) that combs through every lash for amazing length, but the waterproof formula keeps them stuck and curled, and it does not budge! This one doesn't add much volume, so it's gonna be for someone who likes their lashes to look long but not full.” —Zak Taylor, makeup artist

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Maybelline New York

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

Why we love it: If you have straight or flat lashes, Maybelline New York’s Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara can help them stay lifted and defined. The flexible “Flex Tower” brush bends to grab every lash, stretching them upward for a fanned-out, eye-opening effect. The buildable formula delivers noticeable volume and length without stiffness or flaking, keeping lashes soft and separated all day. Infused with bamboo extract and collagen, it nourishes and strengthens while maintaining a smooth, lifted curl with every coat. Additionally, it’s designed with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers in mind, ensuring comfortable wear from morning to night.

Taylor before applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

Taylor after applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor

“On days when I skip my usual lash clusters, this Sky High Mascara never lets me down. It gives my barely-there lashes a lifted, defined look without weighing them down. I’m constantly touching my face and eyes, yet this formula doesn’t flake into my contacts or smudge across my makeup. And while black is my everyday go-to (it’s a true pigmented inky shade), I keep the Burgundy Haze shade nearby for when I want a warmer finish that makes my brown eyes pop.”—Jailynn Taylor, contributor

Expert feedback from Taylor

“This one is great because it adds lots of length and a bit of volume, but isn't a clumpy formula. I find this one to be really popular with mascara lovers. People who don't necessarily go for the false lash look but like their lashes to look nice and long. It's my 14-year-old sister's favorite: She is very picky with mascaras and consistently repurchases this one!” —Zak Taylor, makeup artist

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CoverGirl

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Allure senior editor Sarah Felbin applying CoverGirl Clump Crusher Extensions Mascara

Why we love it: No one wants spidery lashes, which is exactly why CoverGirl Clump Crusher Extension Mascara lives up to its name. Its curved brush features fine, comb-like bristles that separate and define while building volume, and the straight edge contours to the lash line to hug every curve and catch even the tiniest corner lashes. The formula layers cleanly with no flakes, stiffness, or smudging. Despite its lightweight texture, it grips and lifts for long-lasting curl and definition. Infused with conditioning ingredients like soybean oil and vitamin E, it keeps lashes soft, flexible, and feathery all day long.

Felbin before applying the CoverGirl Clump Crusher Extension Mascara

Felbin after applying the CoverGirl Clump Crusher Extension Mascara

Tester feedback from senior editor Sarah Felbin

“I'm very picky about mascara, but this one meets all of my high standards. It makes my lashes look so long and never smudges or flakes, even in high humidity or a thunderstorm. The curved wand fits my lashes exactly and makes it easy to coat every single one. My tip: Use it on the ends of your lashes after you've applied a different mascara for long, curled lashes that last all day (without the hassle of removing waterproof mascara).” —Sarah Felbin, senior editor

Expert feedback from Marie

“CoverGirl’s Clump Crusher Extension Mascara is a great lengthening mascara that lifts, separates, and defines for a clump-free finish. The curved, fine-tooth applicator and wet formula make it easy to coat each lash evenly from root to tip. For extra volume, apply a second coat while the formula is still tacky. Overall, it’s long-wearing and resists smudging or flaking, even on active days. The small wand is also ideal for bottom lashes, and I love using a dental micro applicator to mimic the wand for precise application on my clients.” —Jada Marie, makeup artist

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Almay

Amazon

Allure manager of creative development Lauren Alberti applying the Almay Thickening & Tint Mascara

Why we love it: For naturally darker, fuller-looking lashes over time, Almay's Thickening & Tint Mascara delivers both instant and long-term results. The dual-action formula provides immediate volume and gradually deepens your natural lash color with regular use, so they look fuller even on bare-faced days. A lash-care complex and plant-derived powders condition lashes with every application, keeping them soft, smooth, and clump-free. The precision wand distributes pigment evenly for a lifted, defined finish that resists flaking and smudging throughout the day.

Alberti before applying the Almay Thickening & Tint Mascara

Alberti after applying the Almay Thickening & Tint Mascara

Tester feedback from the manager of creative development Lauren Alberti

“This has quickly become a part of my daily makeup routine. Mascara may seem simple, but things can quickly go awry. After several months of use, this mascara has yet to fail me. It's gotten through sweaty subway rides, getting caught in the rain without an umbrella, and days out at the beach. Without mascara, my eyelashes are almost nonexistent, and since using this Almay mascara, I get complimented for having nice, long eyelashes much more often than before. It stays on great, doesn't give raccoon eyes at the end of the day, and makes my lashes nice and thick.” —Lauren Alberti, manager of creative development

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Milani

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Get the “I-just-got-lash-extensions” look at home with Milani’s Highly Rated Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara. The tubing formula wraps each lash in flexible, tube-like polymers that stretch and lift from root to tip. The wand's slim, spiked bristles are ideal for short lashes, catching even the tiniest ones along the inner corners, fanning them out evenly for a fluttery effect. It's 16-hour, smudge-proof wear means no flakes under your eyes by midday, and when you’re ready to remove it, the tubes slide off cleanly with just warm water. Infused with shea butter and castor seed oil, the formula nourishes and conditions lashes as you wear it, making it ideal for those who want length without compromising lash health.

Expert feedback from makeup artist Jada Marie

“I love this mascara as a safe option for everyday wear since it’s a wet formula with rubbery consistency; unlike other mascaras, it stays smooth instead of stiff and flaky. In my experience, it can weigh the lashes down if too much is applied at the root. To avoid weighing lashes down, I curl first and apply from mid-lash to tip rather than at the root. It can smudge slightly during application, so I usually wear it without a full glam for easy clean-up. However, it wears beautifully throug