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They rival high-end favorites, and prices start as low as $5.

A collage of a person testing drugstore mascaras Essence Lash Princess Curl & Volume Mascara and e.l.f. Lash N' Roll Mascara

Byrdie / Alyssa Kaplan

Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascarathe results and performance seriously rival high-end options.

Im saying it: If theres one makeup item thedrugstoredoes best, itsmascara.

Theyre so plentiful that choosing one to suit your preferences may make your head spin.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

PHOTO: Amazon

The products included on this list have all made the tough cut.

I can wear it on minimal makeup days or build it up to suit moredramaticlooks.

Perhaps the best part is that it doesnt flake or smudgeeven on the most humid days.

A before and after photo showing the effects of using Maybelline Sky High Mascara

PHOTO: Byrdie / Alyssa Kaplan

One coat gave me noticeable length and thickness, while a second coat created more drama.

Best Tubing

e.l.f.

This one truly meets higher-end options.

Hand holding a Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara wand

After testing it for several months, I can confirm that I never experienced flaking or smudgingnot one time.

Its buildable without getting too clumpy.

Best Curling

e.l.f.

A before and after photo showing the effects of using Maybelline Sky High Mascara

Lash N' Roll.

While I do have relatively curled lashes to begin with, I noticed that this mascara accentuated their curve.

The half-moon-shaped brush hugs your eyes, gripping each lash from the root and coating it in the formula.

Hand holding a Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara wand

I didnt experience smudging or flaking and the removal process was painless.

I never experience clumping or weighed-down lashes when I wear this oneIm always left with clean-looking definition that lasts.

While it added serious volume, this formula never weighed down my lashes or depleted their curl.

Essence Lash Princess Curl & Volume Mascara

PHOTO: Ulta

I was able to achieve a wide-awake look that lasted all day.

This one from L’Oreal does just that.

With one coat, my lashes looked dark and naturally defined.

Photos of person’s face before and after applying Essence Lash Princess Curl & Volume Mascara

Byrdie / Alyssa Kaplan

But with two and then three coats, I got significant volume and noticeable length.

The formula didnt weigh down my lashes or create significant smudgingit lasted well throughout the day.

It does look noticeably brown on my lashes, and the formula is fantastic.

e.l.f. Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara

PHOTO: e.l.f.

It nicely defined my lashes, giving them moderate length and volume thats perfect for minimal makeup days.

This is the brown mascara you want for a natural lookandtop-tier performance.

The utility process was fast and easy, and the look it created was among my favorites.

Photos of person’s face before and after applying e.l.f. Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara

Byrdie / Alyssa Kaplan

Things got tricky with its performance.

On one of the days I tested it, I only experienced minimal smudging.

Admittedly, I think the name of this mascara is a bit misleading.

L’Oreal Lash Paradise Washable Mascara

PHOTO: Ulta

I think its best for those who want to achieve subtle, fluffy-looking lashes.

It wore nicely throughout the day without smudging, bleeding, or flaking.

When applying each mascara, I took note of how many coats it took to achieve my desired look.

Photos of person’s face before and after applying L’Oreal Lash Paradise Washable Mascara

Byrdie / Alyssa Kaplan

Does it last all day without smudging, bleeding, or flaking?

), wear well without flaking or smudging, and arent a pain to remove.

She has been at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

e.l.f. Lash N' Roll Mascara in Brown

PHOTO: e.l.f.

Photos of person’s face before and after applying e.l.f. Lash ‘N Roll Mascara

Byrdie / Alyssa Kaplan

L’Oréal Telescopic Original Washable Mascara

PHOTO: Ulta

Photos of person’s face before and after applying L’Oreal Telescopic Original Washable Mascara

Byrdie / Alyssa Kaplan

Maybelline Lash Sensational Washable Mascara, Lengthening and Volumizing for a Full Fan Effect, Blackest Black, 1 Count

PHOTO: Amazon

Photos of person’s face before and after applying Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

Byrdie / Alyssa Kaplan

L’Oreal Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara

PHOTO: Ulta

Before and after photo showing the effects of using L’Oreal Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara

PHOTO: Byrdie / Alyssa Kaplan

Hands holding a tube of L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara displayed on a marble countertop next to an eyelash curler and tweezers

Before and after photo showing the effects of using L’Oreal Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara

Hands holding a tube of L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara displayed on a marble countertop next to an eyelash curler and tweezers

Covergirl Lash Blast Cleantopia Mascara

PHOTO: Amazon

Photos of person’s face before and after applying Covergirl Lash Blast Cleantopia Mascara

Byrdie / Alyssa Kaplan

Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

PHOTO: Ulta

A before and after photo showing the effect of using Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

PHOTO: Byrdie / Alyssa Kaplan

Hands pulling wand out of Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara displayed on marble countertop with nearby eyelash curler

A before and after photo showing the effect of using Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Hands pulling wand out of Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara displayed on marble countertop with nearby eyelash curler

CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara

PHOTO: Ulta

Photos of a person’s face before and after using CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara

PHOTO: Byrdie / Alyssa Kaplan

Hands opening a tube of CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara

CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara on a counter with other makeup products

Photos of a person’s face before and after using CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara

Hands opening a tube of CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara

CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara on a counter with other makeup products

A photo of mascaras lined up next to eachother

Byrdie/Alexander Huang