Let’s be honest — there’s something truly magical about mascara. One swipe and your eyes look brighter, lashes longer, and your whole face more awake. But do you really need to drop £30 on a designer wand for those fluttery, wide-eyed results?

Absolutely not.

Some of the best mascaras on the market come from your local chemist, and many makeup artists swear by them. Whether you’re looking for volume, length, definition, or curl, drugstore mascaras can deliver it all — often for under a tenner.

In this post, we’re diving into cheap mascara reviews that prove you don’t have to spend big to get bold, beautiful lashes. If you’re on a budget but still want to bat like a queen, keep reading — your perfect lash lift could be just down the beauty aisle.

Why Drugstore Mascaras Deserve a Spot in Your Makeup Bag

It’s easy to assume that price equals quality, but when it comes to mascara, that’s not always true. In fact, some budget mascaras outperform luxury options in wear time, brush design, and formula.

Here’s what makes a great drugstore mascara stand out:

  • Rich pigment that gives your lashes serious definition
  • Clump-free application for a natural or dramatic finish
  • Precision brushes designed for volume, curl or length
  • Long wear time with minimal smudging or flaking
  • Budget-friendly price point, making it easy to repurchase or test new styles

Beauty brands like Maybelline, L’Oréal, and Essence have elevated their game, offering salon-style results without the sticker shock.

What to Look for When Choosing an Affordable Mascara

Before we dive into our top picks, let’s run through a few things to consider when mascara shopping on a budget:

1. Your Lash Goals

Do you want thick, voluminous lashes or something long and fluttery? Look for terms like:

  • Volumising
  • Lengthening
  • Curl-enhancing

Artistic arrangement of makeup brushes and pencils creating black strokes on white paper, with geometric props in the background.

2. Brush Type

  • Curved brushes help lift straight lashes
  • Skinny wands are ideal for definition and lower lashes
  • Big, fluffy brushes create dramatic volume

3. Formula Type

  • Waterproof: Great for long days, humidity, or teary moments
  • Washable: Easier to remove, gentler on sensitive eyes
  • Tubing mascaras: Perfect for zero-smudge removal with warm water

The Best Drugstore Mascara for Every Lash Need

Here’s our curated list of the top high-quality mascaras you’ll find at your local drugstore — all under £12 and worth every penny.

1. Maybelline Lash Sensational – £9.99

Best For: Full-fan effect.

Why We Love It:

  • Dual-layered curved brush catches even the tiniest lashes
  • Delivers volume and separation
  • Doesn’t clump even after two or three coats

Curl your lashes before application for an ultra-lifted look.

Golden tube of L'Oréal Telescopic mascara beside a black brush on a bold black mascara streak background.

2. L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Mascara – £10.99

Best For: Extreme length Standout Features:

  • Precision comb brush stretches lashes to the max
  • The formula stays put all day
  • Great for small or hooded eyes

Beauty Hack: Wiggle the brush from root to tip and layer slowly to avoid spider lashes.

3. Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect – £4.00

Best For: Volume on a budget.

Why It’s a Favourite:

  • Internet-famous for good reason
  • Dramatic effect without flaking
  • Cruelty-free and under £5!

Did You Know? This mascara has thousands of 5-star reviews on Amazon and TikTok.

4. Rimmel Wonder’Luxe Volume Mascara – £9.99

Best For: Nourishing formula.

What Makes It Unique:

  • Infused with argan, maracuja and marula oils
  • Smooth, non-drying formula
  • Good for brittle or thinning lashes

5. CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume – £8.99

Best For: Thick, bold lashes.

Benefits:

  • Big brush = bold lashes
  • No flake or smudge after 8+ hours
  • Cruelty-free and suitable for contact lens wearers

Let each coat dry for 20 seconds before applying the next for maximum volume.

6. Max Factor False Lash Effect – £11.99

Best For: Intense definition.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Gives lashes a falsie effect without the hassle
  • Lush pigment coats every strand
  • Non-irritating for sensitive eyes

7. e.l.f. Lash It Loud Volumising Mascara – £6.00

Best For: Buildable drama.

What Stands Out:

  • Silicone brush separates lashes beautifully
  • Ideal for layering
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

8. No7 Stay Perfect Mascara – £9.95

Best For: Tubing mascara fans.

Why Try It:

  • Comes off with warm water, no tugging
  • Zero panda eyes
  • Perfect for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers

A tube of NYX Worth the Hype mascara, with its wand beside it, showcasing a sleek black design with a pink label.

9. NYX Worth the Hype Mascara – £10.00

Best For: All-around performance.

Why It’s Reliable:

  • Balanced volume and length
  • Doesn’t smudge or flake
  • Great brush control

10. Barry M That’s How I Roll Mascara – £5.99

Best For: Curl and lift.

Cool Factor:

  • Curved brush lifts naturally straight lashes
  • Easy to control
  • Budget-friendly and vegan

Expert Application Tips for Flawless Lashes

Whether you’re using a £3 or £30 mascara, how you apply it matters. Here’s how to get the most out of your budget beauty buys:

Start With Clean Lashes

Oil, old makeup, or leftover skincare can mess with the mascara grip. Clean lashes = better results.

Don’t Pump the Wand

This forces air in and dries out the product faster. Instead, swirl the brush in the tube.

Use a Lash Primer

Optional but helpful for boosting volume and staying power. L’Oréal’s Paradise Lash Primer is a good budget-friendly pick.

Wiggle at the Base

Get the brush close to the root, then wiggle and sweep upward for lift and definition.

Keep It Fresh

Replace mascara every 3 months to avoid bacterial buildup and ensure smooth application.

Budget Beauty Extras to Complete Your Look

Don’t stop at mascara! For a full look on a shoestring, explore these favourites:

  • Top 10 Drugstore Lipsticks Under $10 — Perfect pairings for bold eyes.
  • Drugstore Foundations for Flawless Skin — Complete your base before you bat those lashes.

Mascara Myths Busted

Let’s clear up a few common misunderstandings:

  • Waterproof is better: Not always. Waterproof formulas can be drying and harder to remove. Stick to them for sweaty days, weddings, or pool parties.
  • You need to layer 4 coats: Nope! Two good coats with proper technique do the trick. More can mean more clumps.
  • Drugstore mascaras don’t last: Plenty of affordable mascaras rival their luxe counterparts in wear time, especially with proper application and setting spray.

Conclusion: Bold, Beautiful Lashes on a Budget

Gone are the days when you had to shell out £25 or more for a decent mascara. Today’s drugstore mascara options are better than ever, offering affordable lashes with gorgeous results. Whether you’re a volume vixen, a lash-lengthening queen, or someone who wants a bit of everything, there’s a cheap, high-quality wand out there just waiting for you.

So next time you need a lash refresh, skip the prestige aisle and head straight to the drugstore.