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When can we finally admit that mascara is the most essential beauty product a woman can own? While I love me some signature red lipstick and blush, nothing enhances your demeanor quite like mascara. It has the power to open up your eyes, so you look alert, elegant, and youthful. 

As someone who’s guilty of getting a poor night’s sleep more often than I care to admit, I depend on this little cosmetic to make me look half-alive. But with that in mind, there are a lot of rip-off mascaras out there that cost a pretty penny without the pretty results. We’ve all been there: excitedly purchasing a tube of mascara, only to try it out with krap results. Sometimes, it’s like there’s no mascara in the tube! Other times, there’s way too much mascara in the container, leaving a greasy and clumpy finish. (Yeah, I think I’ll pass.)

Choosing the right mascara is a whole process in itself. So fortunately, to save you some time (and money), I’ve compiled a list of the top mascaras out there that won’t cost you a fortune. Best of all, these mascaras offer the most glamorous final results.

Ready to get shopping?

Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

I will never shut up about Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara. I’ve been using it for three years now and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. My entire makeup drawer is cluttered with Lash Princess tubes — and for good reason. Not only is the mascara ridiculously inexpensive — only $4.99 from Ulta — but it truly does give you that beautiful false-lash effect. (The elegant kind — not the OTT spidery look.) 

Whenever I like to play up my eye makeup with that classic doe-eyed look, I use Lash Princess. It really does a great job making me look refreshed and pretty — without the clump-factor you’d expect from such an inexpensive tube.

The only con I’ve noticed is that it doesn’t last for as long as I’d like. Perhaps cause I use it every day, so I go through my tubes in a matter of months. For the very reasonable price and the beautiful results? Totally worth it. 

Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara

Another mascara that’s forever in my purse is Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara. Love, love, love! It’s perfect on its own, or to top off my Lash Princess False Lash Effect. You can snag a tube at Ulta for $30. Although it’s a bit pricier than most drugstore options, I believe it’s worth it due to how elegant everything comes out. 

I have this long held theory that the smaller the mascara tube, the better the quality. There’s less air stored in small tubes, so more comes out. You can tell by the quality of Monsieur that you’re treating your lashes to something lavish. To me, that alone makes it worth the price.

Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara Makeup

Sometimes, you’ve gotta just go with the classics. Maybellinhttps://fave.co/42LiWtAe’s Great Lash Mascara has been a super best-seller since the 1950s — and for good reason. This brand of mascara gives you a timeless look, which volumizes your lashes with its lash-doubling formula and topples off any makeup look due to its dark black coloring.  

Plus, there’s such a nostalgia factor to this mascara. This little pink and green bottle has been a staple throughout my life, as well as my mother’s, and perhaps her mother’s, too. While trending TikTok mascaras may come and go, Maybelline Great Lash Mascara will never go out of style. 

Essence I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara

This one is for my girlies who prefer a more dramatic look. The name of the product says it all, you guys. If you prefer more “extreme” results that don’t beat around the bush, you can’t go wrong with this little tube of wonders.

I’m telling you, Essence brings out the big guns with this one. With just one coat of this mascara, you’ll be looking stylish and gorgeous enough to pose for the cover of Vogue. And the fact that it’s only $4.99 on Amazon makes you wonder — what’s the catch?? Turns out, there is none! It’s cruelty-free, long-lasting, and fair-priced. What more could you want?

Lash Idôle Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara

Let’s talk about Lash Idôle Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara, aka Sephora’s highest-rated mascara product. For a mere $30, you can step outside with your lashes coated in the best mascara on the market. 

I’m amazed by how expensive this product looks, despite costing only $30. Yes, $30 is higher than most drugstore mascaras, but the results are super worth it IMO. It’s excellent at lengthening and volumizing and totally oil-free. No more worries about that gruesome smudged look. Plus, it gives your eyes this beautiful lifted appearance, instantly making you look five years younger. Total bang for your buck if you ask me.  

Fan Fest Fanning & Volumizing Mascara

Another fan favorite from Sephora is Benefit Cosmetics Fan Fest Fanning & Volumizing Mascara. For $29 bucks, you can treat yourself to this luxurious, lash-lifting gem. I love that it contains cranberry extract, which helps nourish your lashes. I always prefer beauty products that offer long-term benefits for your skin or lashes.

There’s something airy about Fan Fest Fanning — you never have to worry about oiliness or clump. And the final result looks classy, healthy, and oh-so lovely.