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8 of the best drugstore mascaras for the budget-conscious

Big lashes, small price tag - by Briar Clark
  • 16 Mar 2022
8 of the best drugstore mascaras for the budget-conscious

In the pursuit of big, fat lashes we’re more than happy to fork over a sizeable chunk of change.

Our bank accounts on the other hand don’t always want to comply with our demands, and we have to find alternatives to fuel our long lash obsession. 

But you can forget about compromising on quality when it comes to these eight drugstore mascara formulas…

Rimmel Wonder Extension Mascara
Rimmel Wonder Extension Mascara

#8 Rimmel Wonder Extension Mascara

This mascara literally stretches lashes for extension-level length and volume. The lash-grabbing brush helps to lift and coat each lash hair, while the formula itself is clump-free, long-lasting, smudge-proof and flake-proof.

$18.49 at Chemist Warehouse

MAX FACTOR Masterpiece Max Mascara

#7 MAX FACTOR Masterpiece Max Mascara

Boasting a truly unusual brush design, this mascara wand utilises micro-channels in the brush fibres to disperse more product to coat each lash. The result? High-drama lashes that look voluminous and defined. The real kicker, though, is the smudge-proof and touch-proof formula that makes all day wear a no-brainer. 

was $25.95 now $15.57 at Priceline

ESSENCE Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

#6 ESSENCE Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Reigning supreme as the mascara with the ‘lash extensions in a tube’ reputation, this false lash-effect formula is impressive to say the least. Bar the fact that you’ll achieve volume, length and definition like you’ve never experienced before, this princess is just $7. Run, don't walk to your local Priceline.

$7 at Priceline

Covergirl Lashblast Clean Mascara

#5 Covergirl Lashblast Clean Mascara

If you thought that you’d be hard-pressed to find a clean mascara that’ll give you falsies-level length and volume, then clearly you’ve never met this pick. The iconic Covergirl Lashblast has been reformulated without parabens, sulfates, talc, and mineral oil, while the addition of argan and marula oils conditions lashes. 

$17.49 at Chemist Warehouse

Maybelline Full 'N Soft Volumizing Mascara

#4 Maybelline Full 'N Soft Volumizing Mascara

After an everyday formula that defines and adds fluffy volume without looking like you’re wearing falsies? This budget-friendly pick is an oldie but a goodie, delivering that natural ‘your lashes but better’ finish. Formulated with nourishing vitamin E, this mascara helps to condition lash hairs for silky-soft, thick and full lashes. 

$12.49 at Chemist Warehouse

Makeup Revolution 5D Mascara

#3 Makeup Revolution 5D Mascara

As the name suggests, this mascara enhances lashes with a five dimensional formula; length, lift, definition, stretch and volume. The wand boasts 2-way fibre technology that hugs and defines each lash for maximum coverage, volumising, lengthening and stretching each hair to new heights with each stroke. 

$16 at Revolution Beauty

e.l.f. Lash It Loud Volumising Mascara

#2 e.l.f. Lash It Loud Volumising Mascara

Love full, voluminous lashes but hate clumping? This stand-out formula fluffs up and defines your lashes for a full fan effect in just a few coats. The flexible, silicone wand makes light work of application, helping to coat lashes from root to tip too (yep, even those itty-bitty ones in the corners). 

$14 at Kmart

MCo Beauty Xtendlash

#1 MCo Beauty Xtendlash

This tubing mascara formula is genius. Long-lasting, lengthening and curling too, achieving fluttery, full lashes is easy as pie with just a few swipes. The non-flaking, smudge-proof finish makes this our go-to pick for gym sessions and days that seem to go on forever. Plus, when you’re ready to take it all off, a gentle scrub with nothing but warm water is all you need to get those tubes to slide right off your lashes. 

was $24 now $16.80 at Woolworths

Main image credit: Getty

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