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5 Current Budget-Friendly Mascara Favorites

posted in: Featured, Makeup
June 3, 2019

I know this probably sounds ridiculous to the common makeup wear-er, but I’ve really minimized the amount of mascara tubes I have open at once. I’m down to just five, which I rotate through depending on the look I’m going for that day. To be fair, I think this is pretty reasonable since mascara formulas and wands can vary for different effects.

5 Current Budget-Friendly Mascara Favorites | Before & After Mascara Application Photos | Slashed Beauty

My current favorite mascaras are all budget-friendly at the drugstore, besides one that’s online-only. Keep reading to discover my favorites and see before-and-after application photos!

ALSO READ: Best Drugstore Mascaras for 2020

1. AOA Fat Lash Mascara ($1)

Best Budget-Friendly Mascaras | AOA Fat Lash Mascara Review & Before and After Application Photo | Slashed BeautyBest Budget-Friendly Mascaras | AOA Fat Lash Mascara Review & Before and After Application Photo | Slashed Beauty

For a dollar, this mascara is a daily warrior! Perfect for adding a ton of length and darkening the lashes. I love this for daytime looks, and the comb wand really separates the lashes to coat them evenly. You don’t get a ton of thickening action here, but it’s perfect for my dense-yet-short natural lashes. It’s the only one on this list that isn’t available in-store, so check out my other makeup suggestions from Shop Miss A so you can put in an order that reaches the free shipping threshold!

2. NYX On The Rise Volume Liftscara ($11)

Best Budget-Friendly Mascaras | NYX On The Rise Volume Mascara Review & Before and After Application Photo | Slashed BeautyBest Budget-Friendly Mascaras | NYX On The Rise Volume Mascara Review & Before and After Application Photo | Slashed Beauty

This mascara brings the drama! It adds a ton of volume, lift and length in one coat. The wand is in between a round and hourglass shape, with comb bristles to separate the lashes. I’ll admit this one is a bit harder to apply to the bottom lashes because of the wand size. But the before/after speaks for itself— this is what I reach for when I want statement lashes without putting on falsies.

3. Covergirl Flourish by LashBlast Mascara ($9.49)

Best Budget-Friendly Mascaras | Covergirl Flourish by LashBlast Mascara Review & Before and After Application Photo | Slashed BeautyBest Budget-Friendly Mascaras | Covergirl Flourish by LashBlast Mascara Review & Before and After Application Photo | Slashed Beauty

If you watch my YouTube videos, then this mascara is probably no stranger to you. This is a great daily mascara that offers a little boost of length, operation and thickening for more natural looks. I also like wearing it underneath false lashes because it doesn’t add too much, but just enough to blend everything together. Otherwise, I wear it on its own with neutral shadow shades and no-makeup makeup looks.

4. Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara ($7.99)

Best Budget-Friendly Mascaras | Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara Review & Before and After Application Photo | Slashed BeautyBest Budget-Friendly Mascaras | Covergirl Exhibitionist Mascara Review & Before and After Application Photo | Slashed Beauty

Another great option from Covergirl is their new Exhibitionist mascara, which is all about the volume. Apply with a light hand, because it builds up quickly! This mascara has an hourglass brush wand appilcator to grab and flare the lashes from corner to corner.

5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Plumping Mascara ($8.99)

Best Budget-Friendly Mascaras | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Plumping Mascara Review & Before and After Application Photo | Slashed BeautyBest Budget-Friendly Mascaras | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Plumping Mascara Review & Before and After Application Photo | Slashed Beauty

The newest addition to my mascara collection, I love the length and volume this mascara gives me while staying flexible and soft to the touch! The formula contains hyaluronic acid that nourishes the lashes, and it’s not going to flake or crumble on you. It’s a great middle-of-the-road mascara since it definitely boosts the appearance of your eyelashes, but the soft appearance looks more natural.

What’s your favorite budget-friendly mascara?

8 Responses

  1. Betty
    | Reply

    So nice to see Covergirl Mascara on the list! Also because they’re now cruelty free! Way to go, Covergirl. I actually bought the flourish mascara because of your review!

    • Miranda
      | Reply

      How do you like it? Yes, so happy they’re paving the way for more classic drugstore beauty brands to go CF!

  2. Trishna
    | Reply

    I’m a huge mascara hoarder. I wish these mascaras were available in India. Really wanted to try the Neutrogena hydro boost mascara

    • Miranda
      | Reply

      Tell me, what are the most popular drugstore or budget beauty brands in India?

  3. Kimberly
    | Reply

    Mascara is one of those products that I struggle with applying so I don’t wear it often. However, your post is making me want to try the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Mascara since I’m looking for something more natural looking. When you apply it, did you have to wipe excess product off of the wand for the more natural look?

    ~Kimberly | The Sitting Beauty Diaries

    • Miranda
      | Reply

      Nope! I only wipe the very tip but other than that, it comes out straight out of the tube ready to go, no excess on the brush!

  4. Tori
    | Reply

    Hey,

    Never commented before, but I’m a longtime fan of your blog!

    I was wondering, do you have any recommendations for drugstore long wear waterproof mascara?

    Thanks!

    • Miranda
      | Reply

      Hey Tori! Glad to see you commenting! I have really been loving the Covergirl Exhibitionist mascara which is waterproof! The only thing is that it can go on thick, so be sure to wipe off the wand and apply in thin coats.

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