Is there a more fun subject to discuss than the best affordable mascara 2023? From the time my mom allowed me to start wearing makeup to school in Junior High, I have loved makeup. If I could own only two makeup products (horrible thought!) I would choose mascara and lip gloss. Those are my non-negotiables for leaving the house.
My love of mascara spans all companies and kinds, and sadly for my credit cards, price points. So when I was reading about the new drugstore mascaras on the market this year I decided to try some out and see what I thought. It’s been a hot minute (or a few years) since I purchased a drugstore mascara, but I went all in and instead of one I decided to try three.
Now in the interest of transparency, I will say that I only bought from brands that I knew I had a good chance of liking. There are obviously a lot of other drugstore brands out there, but I feel like L’Oreal, Maybelline, and Cover Girl are always reliable. If I’m going to spend my hard-earned cash, I want it to be on a product that I have a decent chance at really liking. Turns out I really like all three. So let me share with you the best affordable mascara 2023 according to me.
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#1. Best Affordable Mascara 2023
Coming in at first place in the lineup is Maybelline Falsies Surreal Lash Extension Mascara. This mascara was my personal favorite of the three. Why? Drama of course. I love a rich black mascara that adds a lot of drama. This new vegan formula claims to extend the length of your lashes, as well as 10X the volume (per the Maybelline website).
I’m not going to speak to percentages but I certainly think this mascara does add both length and volume. It’s totally buildable but even with only one coat, it makes a noticeable difference.
LET’S BREAK IT DOWN
Why Choose This Mascara?
This rich black mascara lengthens and volumizes providing a lot of drama
Who Is It Best For?
Someone who likes to look like they are wearing makeup and wants their eyes to be noticed.
How Much Does It Cost?
$9.99 on the Target Website. Check it out here
#2. Best Affordable Mascara 2023
Coming in at second place we have Cover Girl’s Lash Blast Cleantopia. This one was such a shock to me! Although Cover Girl as a brand is well-loved and dependable I haven’t ever been a fan of their mascaras. However, this one I LOVE.
First of all its a clean product. Win. Second, it’s vegan. Win-Win. Third it has all kinds of good ingredients in it such as plant fibers, aloe leaf extract, ceramides, and marcuja oil. Win-Win-Win!
In addition to all the before-mentioned goodness, it also looks great! This mascara adds almost as much drama as the Maybelline Surreal. It is a lovely mascara if you land somewhere in between wanting to look natural and wanting to make a statement. This is a great every day mascara with great ingredients.
LET’S BREAK IT DOWN
Why Choose This Mascara?
This mascara is packed with good-for-your-lashes ingredients and it looks great.
Who Is It Best For?
Someone who likes to look like they are wearing mascara, but not overdone.
How Much Does It Cost?
It’s $10.49 on the Target Website. Check it out here
#3. Best Affordable Mascara 2023
In third place, but not to be dismissed, is the L’Oreal Telescopic Lift Volumizing Mascara. Now I’m going to just be upfront and say I don’t think this mascara does a good job of volumizing lashes. At least not compared to the Maybelline Surreal Falsies or the CoverGirl Cleantopia.
Where this mascara excels is at fanning out your lashes and adding some length. This does a nice job of holding the curl and adding some color and length to the lashes. I enjoy wearing this mascara on the weekends when I’m doing errands.
LET’S BREAK IT DOWN
Why Choose This Mascara?
This is a lovely mascara that does a great job of fanning out the lashes and adding lift and length. It also has a very thin spoolie which allows you to get every lash and apply mascara easily to the bottom lashes.
Who Is It Best For?
This mascara is good for someone who likes to have their lashes separated and lifted, and who prefers more natural-looking lashes.
How Much Does It Cost?
$11.99 on the Target Website. Check it out here.
Summing it up…
Well, those are my thoughts on this latest makeup roundup. Three great drugstore mascara options. I was truly impressed and honestly think these rival higher-end mascaras. It’s so nice to have more affordable makeup options.
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