When it comes to makeup, I am super strict about throwing things away after they expire. And it wasn’t until a few years ago that I even knew that makeup had expiration dates! I don’t do a full face of makeup that often so I set out on a mission to find the best cheap mascara I could find since I’m replacing mine fairly often. Here are my top 7 choices for the best cheap mascaras, all under $12.
Best cheap mascaras
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1. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara $9.99
On the rare occasions when I am doing a full face of makeup, chances are I am wearing contacts. Why put all that work into a look if it’s just going to hide behind my glasses, right? One of the reasons I love this mascara is that it is Ophthalmologist tested and contact lens safe!
The uniquely curved fanning brush has 10 laters of bristles to make sure every lash gets that volumizing full fan effect.
2. L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara $10.99
This is the mascara that I tried, on a whim, that showed me not all great mascaras have to break the bank. Having somehow lost my mascara at the airport I had to quickly pick up a new mascara at Ulta. I literally grabbed it because it was the first one I could find that wasn’t hella expensive and I’ve been hooked ever since!
It has an hourglass brush that curls and volumizes your lashes without leaving them flakey or crunchy.
3. Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect $4.99
When it comes to the best cheap mascaras, look no further than Essence! They give you a lot of bang for your buck with so many different types of mascaras. And they don’t test on animals, so bonus points there!
My favorite though is the Lash Princess False Lash Effect. It features a conic shape fiber brush that gives you a full false lash effect without any of the lash glue! I also love to throw this in my travel makeup bag since it is so inexpensive.
4. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara $6.99
This mascara has been loved for over 40 years! It has stood the test of time and the price point is pretty stellar. With a lash doubling formula that conditions your lashes as it visibly thickens them!
It also comes in various other blacks, not just dark night black-black. Blondes, grab the brown-black for a more natural look.
5. SEPHORA LashCraft Length & Volume Mascara $12
I fell in love with this mascara by accident. I got a mini version as a sample and the rest is history!
This jet-black mascara has a unique two-sided, flat paddle wand. It lengthens defines, and volumizes with a killer formula that is clump-free.
I absolutely LOVE that this mascara doesn’t require a makeup remover you can literally just splash your face with warm water and it dissolves away.
6. CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara $8.99
When it comes to the best cheap mascaras CoverGirl has some great options. My favorite of theirs is the Clump Crusher Mascara.
This mascara will give you beautiful lashes with no clumps. every. single. time.
7. L’Oréal Voluminous Carbon Black Volume Building Mascara $8.99
Your lashes will look like a million dollars even though you’re using one of the best cheap mascaras!
This L’oreal mascara is one of the blackest on the market. And the full volume brush gives you a bold look like also conditioning and strengthening your lashes!
If you’re looking for the a new mascara that won’t break the bank, give one of these a try. I’ve tested them from Colombia to Chicago and can say that these are the best cheap mascaras!
