12 Under-$15 Mascaras That Deliver on Volume & Length, According to a Makeup Artist & Our Editors
From waterproof to TikTok-viral formulas, these affordable tubes come out on top.
IMAGES: L'OREAL PARIS; MAYBELLINE NEW YORK; VERSED; ADOBE. DESIGN: STEPHANIE CUI/STYLECASTER.
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I was chatting with a coworker about the ever-rising price of mascara. Since when does a tube cost $30? It’s mind-boggling, to say the least, but if you’re pinching pennies, there are plenty of affordable options on the market. I got to the bottom of this mascara cost conundrum by asking a celebrity makeup artist and StyleCaster editors for cheap formulas that are just as, if not more, effective than their pricier peers. Spoiler alert: You’ve got some amazing options.
Best Cheap Mascara at a Glance
- Best Overall: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Panorama Mascara , $13 (originally $16)
- Best Volumizing: L’Oréal Paris Original Voluminous Mascara , $10 (originally $12)
- Best Lengthening: L’Oréal Paris Extensionist Mascara , $13 (originally $16)
- Best Waterproof: L’Oréal Paris Panorama Waterproof Mascara , $13 (originally $16)
- Best Tubing: Catrice Tubing Stay in Place Mascara, $7
- Best Clean Beauty: Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara (Mini Size), $12
- Best for Straight Lashes: Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara, $10
- Best for Lower Lashes: Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara, $8
- Best TikTok-Viral: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara , $11 (originally $14)
I tapped L’Oréal Paris Celebrity Makeup Artist Allan Avendaño, who has most recently painted the faces of Chloe Kim, McKenna Grace, and Isabela Merced, to give us a masterclass on budget-friendly mascaras. Keep reading to find out which under-$15 formulas are worth your coin, what to look for and avoid when shopping, and how to nail a fanned-out, lifted, clump-free application. This should be your go-to destination for all things best cheap mascaras, courtesy of our makeup expert and very own StyleCaster editors.
Best Overall
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Mascara
On Sale 19% off
When shopping for mascaras, pay close attention to the brush shape. L’Oréal Paris’ Voluminous Panorama Mascara
has a multi-level one that’s firmer and wider at the base and tapers into a thinner and more flexible tip. Avendaño says this design helps users catch each and every lash hair to achieve the coveted fanned-out look. Not only that, but the formula also won’t cause clumping, smudging, or flaking for up to 24 hours, per the brand. Its other standout feature is its 5% Stretchflex Complex formula, which coats each lash for a more defined, separated appearance.
Best for: Volumizing
Key Ingredients: N/A
Shades: 7
Cruelty-Free: No
Best for: Volumizing
Key Ingredients: N/A
Shades: 7
Cruelty-Free: No
Best Volumizing
L’Oréal Paris Original Voluminous Mascara
On Sale 17% off
This mascara
‘s name says it all—it’s an OG formula and it leave lashes looking extra voluminous. “This is the first mascara I had ever fallen in love with to use on clients,” says Avendaño. “The formula is dependable with no flakes or smudges. The brush volumizes your lashes and really thickens and builds. The formula is also very conditioning.”
Best for: Volumizing, lengthening, thickening
Key Ingredients: D-panthenol and ceramide-R
Shades: 7
Cruelty-Free:
Best for: Volumizing, lengthening, thickening
Key Ingredients: D-panthenol and ceramide-R
Shades: 7
Cruelty-Free:
Best Lengthening
L’Oréal Paris Extensionist Mascara
On Sale 19% off
What should you look for in a lengthening mascara? Everything L’Oréal Paris’ Extensionist Mascara
has. “The curved wand has a bunch of microbristles to grab and coat each lash hair with a formula that has magnetic fibers and pigments,” our makeup expert explains. This is the perfect match if you’re after a falsie effect for under $15.
Best for: Lengthening, curling
Key Ingredients: N/A
Shades: 4
Cruelty-Free: No
Best for: Lengthening, curling
Key Ingredients: N/A
Shades: 4
Cruelty-Free: No
Best Waterproof
L’Oréal Paris Panorama Waterproof Mascara
On Sale 19% off
For longer wear and extra durability, a waterproof mascara is your best bet. Avendaño sings this L’Oréal mascara
‘s praises, zooming in on its easy-to-remove formula and effective brush. This tube should leave you with fanned-out lashes, minus clumps, flakes, or smudges and should stay put for up to 24 hours, per the brand.
Best for: Volumizing
Key Ingredients: N/A
Shades: 8
Cruelty-Free: No
Best for: Volumizing
Key Ingredients: N/A
Shades: 8
Cruelty-Free: No
Best Tubing
Catrice Tubing Stay in Place Mascara
Our makeup expert shouts out this Catrice tubing mascara because it doesn’t clump, smudge, or flake and is easy to remove with a splash of warm water and a gentle touch. You won’t have to worry about looking more and more like a panda or racoon as the day goes on because this one doesn’t budge. And if you’re not familiar with tubing mascaras, these unique formulas wrap around each lash in tube-like shapes and then coats them in color. If you want to avoid smudging or have super oily lids like me, a tubing mascara might be a game-changer for you, so start with this super affordable, expert-backed tube.
Best for: Volumizing, lengthening, defining
Key Ingredients: N/A
Shades: 2
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for: Volumizing, lengthening, defining
Key Ingredients: N/A
Shades: 2
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Lower Lashes
Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara
This pink and green tube is an oldie but a goodie, and if you don’t recognize it, your older sister or mom definitely will. It’s been around since 1971 and has earned its rightful spot in Maybelline’s mascara Hall of Fame. If you’re creating a dramatic glam look with full lashes, reach for this large brush and striking formula.
Take it from contributing writer Jessie Quinn, who says, “The Maybelline Great Lash Mascara was one of the first mascaras I ever tried and I have loved it since my pre-teen years. Back in the day, I used to apply layer after layer for a questionable clumpy finish (I was trying to be emo, okay?!). I was also obsessed with the royal blue color for a pop of color against my thick cat-eye liquid eyeliner,” writes contributing writer, Now, I am a little more practical and use a swipe or two of the waterproof formula on my bottom lashes to enhance them while preventing that mid-day smudge.”
Best for: Volumizing, defining
Key Ingredients: N/A
Shades: 14
Cruelty-Free: No
Take it from contributing writer Jessie Quinn, who says, “The Maybelline Great Lash Mascara was one of the first mascaras I ever tried and I have loved it since my pre-teen years. Back in the day, I used to apply layer after layer for a questionable clumpy finish (I was trying to be emo, okay?!). I was also obsessed with the royal blue color for a pop of color against my thick cat-eye liquid eyeliner,” writes contributing writer, Now, I am a little more practical and use a swipe or two of the waterproof formula on my bottom lashes to enhance them while preventing that mid-day smudge.”
Best for: Volumizing, defining
Key Ingredients: N/A
Shades: 14
Cruelty-Free: No
Best Clean Beauty
Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara, Mini Size
For those who prefer to stick to clean formulas (AKA ones that don’t harm your body or the environment), look no further than Tower 28 Beauty. Besides excluding toxins (like parabens, silicones, and sulfates), this tube is also cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free. What makes this formula so effective in the volume and length department are its key ingredients: Aquaflex technology and castor oil. “The MakeWaves Mascara‘s secret weapon is its Aquaflex technology, which is typically utilized in haircare styling. This ingredient brings you defined curls, thanks to its memory hold,” according to makeup artist and mature skincare expert Kat James, who previously recommended this product in our roundup of the best mascaras for Asian lashes. “A clean-beauty gem that’s great for sensitive eyes. The curved brush hugs short lashes perfectly, and the formula builds like a dream,” she adds. Don’t forget its other main ingredient, castor oil, which is known to help with hair growth.
The MakeWaves Mascara has become a favorite for one of our team members. Contributing writer Jessie Quinn says, “This mascara is my holy grail mascara and the one I reach for the most. However, I am not someone who wears eye makeup often, so I prefer the $12 mini version. That way, I avoid the inevitable sneak attack of a dried-up tube and, ultimately, waste less product. This mascara is great for adding volume and length and I love that it gives my natural lashes an extension-like look. The black shade is a classic, but I love the brown color for a softer, everyday look.”
Best for: Volumizing, lengthening
Key Ingredients: Aquaflex Technology, castor oil
Shades: 2
Cruelty-Free: Yes
The MakeWaves Mascara has become a favorite for one of our team members. Contributing writer Jessie Quinn says, “This mascara is my holy grail mascara and the one I reach for the most. However, I am not someone who wears eye makeup often, so I prefer the $12 mini version. That way, I avoid the inevitable sneak attack of a dried-up tube and, ultimately, waste less product. This mascara is great for adding volume and length and I love that it gives my natural lashes an extension-like look. The black shade is a classic, but I love the brown color for a softer, everyday look.”
Best for: Volumizing, lengthening
Key Ingredients: Aquaflex Technology, castor oil
Shades: 2
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Versed Day Lash Lifting and Defining Mascara
Versed’s lifting and defining mascara is another clean beauty product recommendation that you should put to the test if you’ve been on the hunt for a stellar brush. It’s another water-resistant formula that promises to not flake or clump, except this one relies on nourishing vitamin E and strengthening arginine to provide notable results.
Contributing writer Jessie Quinn gave this tube a go and says, “When I want to gently enhance my natural eyelashes on a bare face, I reach for the Versed Day Lash Lifting and Defining Mascara. This under $15 mascara has a brush that is easy to comb through my lashes while evenly coating them without those dreaded clumps, and I find that my lashes always look a little more defined, even when going in with one quick swipe.”
Best for: Lengthening, lifting, defining
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, arginine
Shades: 2
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Contributing writer Jessie Quinn gave this tube a go and says, “When I want to gently enhance my natural eyelashes on a bare face, I reach for the Versed Day Lash Lifting and Defining Mascara. This under $15 mascara has a brush that is easy to comb through my lashes while evenly coating them without those dreaded clumps, and I find that my lashes always look a little more defined, even when going in with one quick swipe.”
Best for: Lengthening, lifting, defining
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, arginine
Shades: 2
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Jen wearing the Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara in black.
Jen Adams.
Best for Straight Lashes
Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara
I created a roundup of the best mascaras for Asian lashes, featuring product recommendations from makeup artists and StyleCaster team members with strick-straight lashes. One that stands out as an excellent drugstore candidate is Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara. Here’s a snippet from our former lifestyle writer Jen Adam’s review in the story. She has tried hundreds of tubes, but she always comes back to this one. “If you want sexy, siren lashes that will show up in photos, this mascara is for you. It makes my lashes look so full and long that several people have asked me about the mascara I use. I also like that the wand makes it easy to evenly distribute the product onto my lashes. I wear it on top of the Lancôme lash primer
, and I’m always obsessed with how my eyes look afterward.” Another reason to reach for this formula is its hair-strengthening ingredients, rose oil, safflower oil, and argan oil. Brittle lashes, be gone!
Best for: Lengthening, defining
Key Ingredients: Rose oil, safflower oil, argan oil
Shades: 3
Cruelty-Free: No
Best for: Lengthening, defining
Key Ingredients: Rose oil, safflower oil, argan oil
Shades: 3
Cruelty-Free: No
Best TikTok-Viral
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
On Sale 21% off
There was a time, several years ago, when cheap Maybelline mascaras were going viral every week it seemed. The Lash Sensational Sky High formula
in the iconic shiny pink tube was one of them. Our former beauty writer Elizabeth Denton wrote a whole product review with before and after photos, but for now, here’s a teaser from her story. “The outcome is more lengthening than thickening, which works really well for me. The biggest test though was seeing how well the formula held up throughout the day. My main complaint with drugstore mascaras is how they tend to flake and fade and I have to reapply them. But not this one. It held up even when I forgot I was wearing makeup and rubbed my eyes.”
Besides Denton, our former style and beauty editor, Robyn Merrett, approves of this tube because of its waterproof formula that boosts length and volume. And James, shares in our best mascaras for Asian lashes story, “Super affordable and totally TikTok-worthy—this one gives great length and flexibility, and the skinny wand is ideal for short, straight lashes,” says James. The unique Flex Tower brush is ideal for volumizing and lengthening individual lashes from root to tip. As if you need yet another reason to add this mascara to your online shopping cart, don’t forget to check out the nine color options. You could go for a versatile jet black or brown, or make your eyes pop with a bright blue or burgundy.
Best for: Volumizing, lengthening
Key Ingredients: Bamboo extract
Shades: 9
Cruelty-Free: No
Besides Denton, our former style and beauty editor, Robyn Merrett, approves of this tube because of its waterproof formula that boosts length and volume. And James, shares in our best mascaras for Asian lashes story, “Super affordable and totally TikTok-worthy—this one gives great length and flexibility, and the skinny wand is ideal for short, straight lashes,” says James. The unique Flex Tower brush is ideal for volumizing and lengthening individual lashes from root to tip. As if you need yet another reason to add this mascara to your online shopping cart, don’t forget to check out the nine color options. You could go for a versatile jet black or brown, or make your eyes pop with a bright blue or burgundy.
Best for: Volumizing, lengthening
Key Ingredients: Bamboo extract
Shades: 9
Cruelty-Free: No
L’Oréal Paris Makeup Original Telescopic Lengthening Mascara
On Sale 20% off
The Telescopic Lengthening Mascara
is another Avendaño-approved budget-friendly mascara. Coming out to just $12 at certain retailers, this L’Oréal Paris formula is meant to make lashes appear long, defined, and separated. “I love this mascara because the formula doesn’t feel heavy on lashes and the wand is flexible and thin,” the MUA says in our best mascaras for Asian lashes roundup. The brand claims it “delivers extreme length and ultimate definition for up to 70% longer lashes and up to 24 hour wear.” The only way to find out if these assertions hold up is to put this tube to the test for yourself. Swipe the lash-separating wand through your hairs and you’ll quickly understand the hype.
Best for: Lengthening, defining
Key Ingredients: N/A
Shades: 5
Cruelty-Free: No
Best for: Lengthening, defining
Key Ingredients: N/A
Shades: 5
Cruelty-Free: No
CoverGirl Lash Blast Cleantopia Mascara
On Sale 29% off
Former StyleCaster commerce writer Samantha Sutton tested this pretty light blue tube and wrote a full review on it. But to sum up her findings, this vegan CoverGirl mascara
is well worth the $10. It applies smoothly, doesn’t clump or flake, it’s buildable, and it doesn’t smudge. That’s a rave review if I’ve ever seen one! If you gravitate towards bigger, hourglass-shaped brushes, this one’s for you. The brand additionally claims the formula is swim-proof, beach-proof, and resistant to humidity, rain, and sweat. Your summer mascara, sorted!
Best for: Volumizing
Key Ingredients: 100% cellulose plant fibers, aloe leaf extract, vitamin E, and ceramide
Shades: 10
Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for: Volumizing
Key Ingredients: 100% cellulose plant fibers, aloe leaf extract, vitamin E, and ceramide
Shades: 10
Cruelty-Free: Yes
FAQ
What should I look for in a cheap mascara?
Like I mentioned earlier, the brush is everything when it comes to mascara—cheap or not. “Not all mascara wands are created equal. Depending on the desired look, find a brush that does what you need it to do. For example, in general, I like a brush that is wider at the base and thinner at the top to create a fanned-out lash look.” So, be sure to take a close look at the brush shape to see if it matches with your desired effect (volume, length, curl, lift, definition, etc.).
What should I avoid in a cheap mascara?
Avendaño advises mascara-wearers to avoid parabens, formaldehyde, and sometimes fragrance, as they could potentially irritate your eyes. If you’re concerned about toxins, you might want to try a clean formula, like one of the affordable tubes mentioned above.
Are expensive mascaras better than cheap mascaras?
“This is a myth. There are plenty of affordable mascaras that are just as innovative and have great formulas,” says Avendaño. Take it from our makeup expert and editors—a mascara with a higher price tag does not guarantee better results. In fact, the sub-$15 mascaras we call out in this story might even triumph over the fancy $30 tubes you’ve been spending too much on.
What’s the best way to apply mascara?
When in doubt, wiggle! Avendaño shimmies the mascara brush from left to right and from root to tip. His go-to techinque “grabs and coats every strand to build volume and length,” he notes.
How can I prevent clumping, flaking, and smudging?
Our makeup expert says this depends on your mascara formula. Some are equipped to battle clumping, flaking, smudging, or all of the above, while some are not. Regardless of which tube you choose, he recommends using a fine-toothed eyelash separator comb in between coats to minimize clumping and flaking.
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