As a 42-year-old woman, mascara is an essential part of my daily routine. It boosts my confidence and enhances my appearance, and I’ve been wearing it since I was 13. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless brands, but I’ve learned that you don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve beautiful lashes. In fact, I’ve often splurged on high-end mascaras, only to regret the expense when I discovered drugstore options that are just as effective, if not better.
We all desire full and luscious lashes, and many of us invest in false lashes or extensions to achieve that look. However, I recently put five mascaras, each priced at $10 or less, to the test over five days, and I’m excited to share the impressive results. In the photo on the left, I’m makeup-free, while the one on the right features just mascara and a touch of gold shadow. My aim was to showcase the mascara’s impact on my lashes alone.
1. Essence Lash Princess – $5
I was skeptical about this product since it’s from Essence and costs only $5, lacking a primer—something I’ve relied on for years to enhance my lashes. However, I was pleasantly surprised. This mascara glided on smoothly, providing rich color and impressive length with just two coats. As someone with sensitive eyes, I was relieved to find it didn’t irritate me. At the end of the day, my lashes looked just as good as they did after application with no flaking or smudging. It truly delivers the look of false lashes.
2. L’Oreal Telescopic – $8
Since trying L’Oreal Telescopic, it has become a daily staple for me. The narrow brush is perfect for reaching those tiny lashes, and while I often use a primer with it for optimal results, it still performs admirably on its own. This mascara lengthens beautifully, resists clumping, and lasts throughout the day while removing easily at night.
3. L’Oreal Voluminous Super Star – $8
This mascara comes with a built-in primer, making it a convenient choice. It effectively lengthens and lasts long without clumping. The larger, slightly curved brush is great for coating the outer lashes. If you prefer a more understated look, this mascara is a solid option.
4. Maybelline Volum’ Express – $5.60
Another winner and a cult classic, this mascara applies effortlessly thanks to its larger, curved brush. It holds more product, allowing for quicker application without needing multiple coats. A tip I learned: warming the tube in your hand or placing it against your skin for a few minutes makes the formula apply even smoother. While it may not rival my top two picks, it’s still an exceptional value.
5. Wet n Wild Mega Volume – $4
I was pleasantly surprised by this one, especially since I hadn’t used Wet n Wild products in over 20 years. Priced at around $5, it promises to make your lashes ten times fuller. The uniquely shaped brush is thinner at the top and wider at the bottom, helping to lengthen lashes and enhance my eyes. While it didn’t deliver the promised fullness, it’s still a fantastic option at such a low price.
Ultimately, I enjoyed all these mascaras, but the Essence Lash Princess stands out as my new favorite. The plumpness it provides is unparalleled, and it avoids the clumpy, spidery look. For under $5, it’s a steal. I’m stocking up!
Looking good doesn’t have to come at a high cost. I’ve had my makeup professionally done and spent a small fortune on mascara, but those days are behind me. I’ve found five fantastic mascaras that give the illusion of luxury without the price tag. For more insights on fertility and family planning, check out our post on artificial insemination and visit Modern Family Blog for expert advice. If you’re considering fertility treatments, March of Dimes offers excellent resources as well.
Summary
You don’t need to spend a fortune on mascara to achieve beautiful lashes. With affordable options like Essence Lash Princess, L’Oreal Telescopic, and Maybelline Volum’ Express, you can get the look you desire without breaking the bank.