When it comes to makeup, mascara is the icing on the cake. After spending anywhere from five to 20 minutes painting the face, one of the final (and most crucial) steps is adding a flick of lash lacquer, so it only makes sense that you want the best of the best for your flutter.
But alas, mascaras can be as cheap as chips or as expensive as a luxury serum, making us wonder: are expensive options worth the splurge? Well, in some cases, they might be.
While mascaras with a higher price tag have the luxury of higher quality ingredients, drug store mascaras simply just strive in other ways. After all, they aren’t promising the world and a higher price point doesn’t mean better quality.
For the vast majority of beauty lovers, that kind of expense might not be possible or would be better spent on something more precious than mascara—especially when it’s made to be washed off your lashes.
Of course, it’s tempting to reach for high-end mascaras plastered all over Instagram. But thanks to TikTok and the trusty supermarket aisle, cheap mascaras are starting to become the makeup product du jour.
To save you countless hours of TikTok scrolling—unless you want to do that, which in that case, god speed—we’ve rounded up the best cheap mascaras under $30 that are sure to add volume, length and definition to your lashes (without breaking the bank) below.
Lead image via @tashimrod.
Absolute Volumising Mascara by Nude By Nature
Australia’s own Nude by Nature have added themselves into the mix, thanks to their 100% natural volumising mascara. Made with naturally derived minerals and plant oils to amplify lash volume, it is free from synthetic dyes and pigments, carbon black and coal tar but is loaded with plant oils to do your lashes good.
Absolute Volumising Mascara by Nude By Nature, $24.99 at Chemist Warehouse.
Scandaleyes Wow Wings Mascara by Rimmel London
If you’re looking for a winged-out look, perhaps Rimmel London’s Scandaleyes is for you. Thanks to its two-sided brush, this mascara works to give lashes a bold, volumised look with a long-lasting, smudge and flake-proof formula that’s been dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.
Scandaleyes Wow Wings Mascara by Rimmel London, $10.77 at Priceline.
The Colossal Curl Bounce Waterproof Mascara by Maybelline
Sick of your lash curler? Well, Maybelline’s Colossal Curl Bounce uses its curved brush and great formula to deliver bouncy, clump-free lash curls. And according to the brand itself, this mascara can make sure your lashes stay in position for up to 24 hours.
The Colossal Curl Bounce Waterproof Mascara by Maybelline, $12.47 at Priceline.
Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara by Covergirl
With a formula free from parabens, talc and mineral oil, Covergirl’s Lash Blast Clean mascara is made from argan and marula oils to condition lashes while creating a high volume look. The product aims to leave you with no smudging or clumping, and with a formula that lasts all day.
Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara by Covergirl, $12.57 at Priceline.
Telescopic Mascara by L’Oreal Paris
If you’re looking to up your lash game, L’Oreal Paris’ Telescopic mascara works to separate and define fluttering lashes. Courtesy of its flexible brush, the product works to coat each lash one-by-one for extreme length and definition.
Telescopic Mascara by L’Oreal Paris, $29.99 at Priceline.
Lash Sensational Lengthening Mascara by Maybelline
Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Lengthening Mascara boasts a wand made from 10 layers of bristles, that work to reach every single lash—yes, even short ones. The mascara’s liquid formula aims to give the impression of false lashes without the fuss.
Lash Sensational Lengthening Mascara by Maybelline, $14.39 at Chemist Warehouse.
Volume Million Lashes Mascara by L’Oreal Paris
Add a million dollars to your lashes with this offering by L’Oreal Paris, that boasts an in-built excess wiper that removes left over mascara and says “good bye” to clumps for good. Working to separate and fan out lashes, the wiper makes sure that your lashes only take on the amount of product they need, no more.
Volume Million Lashes Mascara by L’Oreal Paris, $24.95 at Adore Beauty.
Lash Paradise Mascara by L’Oreal Paris
Adding definition to lashes, L’Oreal’s Lash Paradise aims to add both length and volume with a few swipes. The whipped formula is built with castor oil, which works to soften and lengthen lashes minus the flaking and clumping. What’s better than that?
Lash Paradise Mascara by L’Oreal Paris, $24.95 at Adore Beauty.
Lash It Loud Mascara by e.l.f. Cosmetics
A mega volume mascara that helps your lashes look fuller, bolder and longer than ever, e.l.f Cosmetics’ Lash It Loud achieves exactly that with a few swipes of the wand. Formulated with rich pigments, the flexible silicone brush grips to lashes from root to tip for some serious volume. The formula is also cruelty-free and vegan.
Lash It Loud Mascara by e.l.f. Cosmetics, $14 at e.l.f. Cosmetics.
Size Up Mascara by Sephora Collection
If you need to size up your lashes, dare to try Sephora Collection’s Size Up mascara for a serious volume boost. Swipe from root to tip and enjoy fully coated lashes and a healthy dose of volume with this beauty in your makeup kit.
Size Up Mascara by Sephora Collection, $23 at Sephora.
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