Nothing shows off a pair of beautiful eyes better than a fringe of amazingly defined lashes. But, with countless products to choose from, selecting the best mascara for you can be a minefield. There are so many questions: Do you need volume? What about fibres? Should it be waterproof? And, most importantly, how much should you spend? I’m a firm believer that expensive doesn’t always equal better. So, today I’m going to take you through the 5 Best Budget Mascaras to Add to Your Beauty Arsenal!
In no particular order, here are 5 fantastic cheap mascaras that you need in your collection:
#1 Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara ($6.99 USD, $19.25 AUD, £7.99 GBP)
Source via www.maybelline.com
It might be Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara’s outrageous leopard print packaging that makes you notice it on the shelf, but it’s the innovative collagen formula that’ll have you falling in love. This dual-purpose product is perfect for girls seeking both volume and an impressive curl. It gets its “cat’s eye” name courtesy of its intriguing claw shaped brush that’s supposed to flick out your lashes for a decided feline effect. The formula is touted as easy to remove and also comes in a waterproof option.
Pros: Doesn’t flake, separates lashes well to avoid clumping, volumises effectively, holds a curl
Cons: A heavy hand will leave your lashes looking spidery!
#2 Covergirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara ($8.99 USD, $19.25 AUD)
Source via www.covergirl.com
Housed in a vibrant green tube, Covergirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara is my go-to mascara for spectacularly long lashes. The curved, lash-hugging brush with straight bristles has been cleverly designed to fit the shape of your eye for superior coverage of each lash. The formula? Very buildable. The tight spacing between each of the wand’s bristles stops clumps in their tracks, so you can apply several layers to get the long, voluminous lashes you’ve always wanted. A waterproof version is also available.
Pros: Non-clumping, highly buildable, great for lengthening lashes and adding volume
Cons: Formula dries up after a few months. Some ladies report that they cannot hold a curl with this mascara, though I don’t have this problem personally.
#3 Maybelline New York Illegal Length Fibre Extensions ($4.49 USD, $18.50 AUD, £8.99 GBP)
Source via www.maybelline.com
No budget mascara list would be complete without a fibre mascara and The Maybelline New York Illegal Length Mascara tops the list. The round, nylon fibres (which are also used in the making of false lashes!) imitate the shape of natural lashes, which helps them adhere to the fringe of your lashes to subtly enhance definition and length. Meanwhile, the Illegal Length Mascara wand sports six clever, direct contact points to ensure the nylon fibres don’t bypass a single lash. Comes in a waterproof and non-waterproof formula.
Pros: Doesn’t smudge or flake, effectively separates lashes, highly lengthening
Cons: Waterproof version is difficult to remove and the formula isn’t great for volumising
#4 Maybelline New York The Falsies Flared Mascara ($19.25 AUD, $6.99 USD, £7.99)
Source via www.maybelline.com
Maybelline is coming up again and again in this list. With an amazing drugstore mascara to suit every lash complaint, I’m ready to crown Maybelline the queen of budget mascaras. The Falsies Flared Mascara is no exception, and is another one of my tried and true faves.
Maybelline The Falsies Flared Mascara is a mascara for ladies who long for that false lash effect. Lovingly infused with pro-keratin fibres and other holding and building ingredients, the Falsies formula aims to create maximum volume and lift with minimal effect. The unique and patented (really!) Spoon Curler wand is touted as a huge part of its success. How does it work? The short bristled edge of the brush loads up the roots of your lashes with volumising formula before the long bristled side coats and feathers your lashes up and outward in a dramatic fan. Also available in a waterproof formula.
Pros: Innovative wand, perfect for achieving volume, length and a curl
Cons: Will clump if you don’t apply it carefully, smudges while wet
#5 Physician’s Formula Organic Wear FakeOut Mascara ($24.95 AUD, $9.99 USD)
Source via www.ulta.com
The Physician’s Formula Organic Wear FakeOut Mascara is at the upper end of the budget/drugstore mascara range, but most would agree that it’s worth the price. Why? Because it delivers a 100% natural formula that’s suitable for ladies who love the fibre lash effect but find that synthetic fibres cause irritation. The totally natural formula promises to deliver intense lash volume, length and curl that last for up to 24 hours.
Pros: 100% natural and 70% organic formula, non-flaky, reasonably effective at lengthening
Cons: Smudges, takes a lot of layers to create dramatic lashes, more suitable for a natural look
If I had to recommend just one of these awesome budget mascaras to you, it’d have to be Maybelline New York The Falsies Flared Mascara for volume and curl and theCovergirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara to create some serious length! However, it’s important to take a look at the pros and cons of each of these fab mascaras to work out which formula is most suitable for you. Good luck!