Forget everything you’ve heard. A quality mascara should add volume, not falter on its waterproof claims, and curl even the straightest of lashes. A high price tag, however, does not automatically equate to higher quality.
As we continue to learn, some of the best beauty products are residing on the shelves of our local supermarkets and drugstores, you just need to know where to look.
Here are seven top-performing and affordable mascaras, starting at just $5.
Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara
We don’t even need to tell you about this mascara’s staying power, lash conditioning and volume-boosting properties. The fact that it’s still a best-seller 50 years after its release does all the talking.
“This is my workhorse mascara that I always come back to when others disappoint or dry up. It’s always reliable for me and I find this version in particular to be the best affordable mascara on the market.” – Amy Burnett
$10 at Chemist Warehouse
L’Oréal Paris Paradise Mascara
Saving in price doesn’t mean sacrificing in quality. This is particularly evident in the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Mascara. The formula has been enriched with castor oil to promote the growth of lashes, plus a wavy brush for dramatic length and a smooth application that won’t clump
”I have very fine, straight lashes and a lot of mascaras weigh them down, but this actually holds its curl all day with minimal flaking.” – JMenz
$14.99 at Chemist Warehouse
MUD High Definition Waterproof Mascara
Coming in at the same price as your morning coffee (a strong almond latte, that is), the MUD High Definition Waterproof Mascara will add length, curl, and staying power to your lashes, especially during humid months, thanks to the moisture-resistant, waterproof formula.
“The product itself really works. I will be going back to Woolies and buying a bunch of these so I always have a backup!” – claredelalune
$4.50 at Woolworths
essence lash princess sculpted volume mascara
This mascara combines the best of both the lifted and lengthening worlds, with- a tapered brush that coats every lash individually while still providing dramatic, sculpted volume.
“I recommend it to everyone.It lengthens my lashes like no one else does” – Marih
$7 at Target
ulta3 Great Lengths Mascara
If you live and die by tubing formulas, this affordable option is worth trying. The ulta3 Great Lengths Mascara offers a smudge-free, hydrating formula that has been infused with vitamin E. It comes with a thin, silicone brush that easily gets into the small, difficult-to-reach inner-corner lashes.
“The wand coats the lashes evenly and really lengthens! I also haven’t has any issues with flaking or smudging under the eyes, which is amazing!” – Lianatriesmakeup
$9.95 at ulta3
Natio Amplify and Separate Volumising Mascara
Back with a new and improved formula, the Natio Amplify and Separate Volumising Mascara has been enriched with keratin to condition and strengthen lashes from root to tip.
“The quality is fantastic, it lifts, separates and coats the lashes beautifully. It doesn’t clump and you can put a few coats on to achieve the look you want” – Elisa361
$11.69 at Chemist Warehouse
Maybelline The Colossal Volum’ Express Smoky Eyes Mascara
Perhaps you didn’t guess it from the name but Maybelline’s Colossal Volum’ Express Smoky Eyes Mascara is all about intense, bold lashes. All the way down to the applicator brush, this mascara delivers oversized, dramatic and larger than life results.
“This mascara is absolutely amazing. It gives great volume even to short, thin lashes and doesn’t clump in my experience. I also love the cute yellow package which is quite unique from others.” – AlyshaA
$19.95 at Chemist Warehouse
Main image credit: @jastookes
Have you tried any of the above mascaras? Do you prefer to save or splurge on mascara?
I love mascara my lashes look so much better too.
What is the difference between the purple essence mascara and the green one everyone seems to rave about?
Great Lashes is amazing.
Wow a great selection and really good prices. Worth buying a couple or even a few.
Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara has been my fav for years. I have tried other brands but I always come back to it.
It was my first mascara, & I remember they had a liquid eyeliner in a matching tube – I still miss that eyeliner!
It was my first mascara too.
I’m so impressed with Natio, so I’d give their mascara a try next.
Using atm budget mascaras as they are so good! Better than high end I used. One is Revlon, other DB.
I’ve tried three different mascaras from Benefit, bought in limited-edition sets – otherwise, they’re too pricey. Their Roller Lash the best mascaras I’ve used, but I usually buy the cheapies because they do a good job.
Essence is a great brand & their products are all made in the EU, but I haven’t tried any of their mascaras.
I’m never without a Lash Paradise Waterproof in my stash. Excellent!
I love a lot of the Maybelline mascaras, they are generally budget friendly and great quality.
I’ve tried the maybelline, and a few others that are’nt here. I don’t wear make up regularly so expensive mascara’s are wasted on me, they expire before I’m halfway through I have to chuck them out.
I can’t go out without mascara.. I feel like mascara is a important part of the make up process
I agree! I have to wear mascara or else the look doesn’t feel complete
Love a good budget mascara!
I’ve used all of the mentioned ones except for MUD and ultra3. I’m currently using the green essence mascara and Maybelline Snapscara.
I like Maybelline The Colossal mascara and I also love elfs mineral mascara. It’s cheap but it’s soooo good.
I like the look of mascara but I have a problem with it smudging.
Great to know, DB brands is very good
I don’t wear mascara anymore – eyes too sensitive but i do occasionally get them dyed
Oooo I hadn’t heard of mud before.
I’ve discovered tubing mascara and I’ll never use anything else again
So many great mascaras at budget prices!
Haven’t tried any of these.
I haven’t been able to wear mascara for years unfortunately and even the expensive brands for sensitive eyes haven’t liked my super sensitive eyes.
I find Great Lash is not as good as the other ones on the list to be honest
Somehow I never seem to get a good effect with mascara – I think my lashes are too short to start with. The lengthening ones don’t seem to make a difference.
I dont rate Maybelline Great Lash, it doesnt do anything at all for my lashes, but Lash Paradise is wonderful.
I’m definitely keen to try some of the others too!
I’ve got rather short lashes, too. I’ve got an unopened Lash Paradise – you’re giving me high hopes for it, JMenz!
Some great looking brushes too
I like L’Oreal brand.
Nice
I have tried the Great Lash and I hated it. Thin and sticky, it was still smudging hours after I applied it, it just wouldn’t dry!
The only one of these that I have tried is the Great Lash and I hated it; would not repurchase.