Best Drugstore Mascara 2025: Top 5 Picks for Straight Lashes, Volume & Length

1. The Definition Queen: Wet n Wild So Defined Mascara

Best For: Separation, Lift, and Budget-Friendly Definition

I’ll admit, outside of their "Big Poppa" release, I haven't historically looked to Wet n Wild for groundbreaking mascara. However, the Wet n Wild So Defined has changed the game for me.

This mascara features a wand with plastic/rubber bristles that has a gentle curve to it. Usually, defining brushes like this can be too dry, requiring twenty coats to see a difference. What I love about this product is that the brush pulls a generous amount of formula out of the tube. It coats the lashes immediately on the first swipe.

My Experience

Because the brush deposits product so well, it builds up incredibly fast. I get a defined, separated look that actually builds upon itself rather than just getting clumpy. It does a fantastic job of holding the curl I create with my lash curler. It gives me that fanned-out, wide-awake look without a struggle.

✅ Pros

• Rapid Application: Builds volume and length quickly.

• Curved Brush: Hugs the lash line for a lift.

• No Flaking: Wears beautifully throughout the day.

• Price: Unbeatable value.

❌ Cons

• Formula Load: The brush comes out fairly wet; if you prefer a very dry application, you might need to wipe the wand first.

A Note on Affiliates:
I hope you love the products recommended in this article! Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to buy through my links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). This helps me keep testing new beauty products and creating content for you. Thank you for your support!

2. The Lengthening Superstar: L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Panorama

Best For: Extreme Length, Fanned-Out Effect, and Curl Holding

L'Oreal has arguably been the drugstore mascara authority for decades, and their latest additions to the family are no exception. I have been reaching for this metallic tube constantly because of how it makes my lashes look "stretched out."

The brush here uses rubber bristles that vary in length—longer at the tip and base, and slightly shorter in the center. This geometry seems to stretch the lashes upward and outward.

My Experience

This is my go-to when I want my eyes to look huge. It holds a curl arguably better than any other non-waterproof mascara on this list. I use a lash curler and pulse it for about 30 seconds before applying, and this mascara locks that shape in. It doesn't just coat the lashes; it elongates them.

✅ Pros

· Curl Lock: Excellent at keeping straight lashes pointing up.

· Elongation: Creates a wispy, long, "butterfly" effect.

· Buildability: Can be layered for drama without looking spidery.

❌ Cons

· Drying Time: Like many L'Oreal formulas, if you keep the tube too long (past 3 months), it can start to flake slightly.

A Note on Affiliates:
I hope you love the products recommended in this article! Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to buy through my links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). This helps me keep testing new beauty products and creating content for you. Thank you for your support!

3. The Volume Heavyweight: CoverGirl Exhibitionist Stretch & Strengthen

Best For: Thickening, Bold Volume, and Grip

If you hate "wet" formulas (like the classic Maybelline Great Lash) and prefer something with some grip and grit, this is the one for you. The CoverGirl Exhibitionist line is fantastic, but the "Stretch & Strengthen" version takes the cake for pure thickness.

It uses a traditional fiber bristle brush (not rubber) that looks spiky and holds a ton of product.

My Experience

This gives me "IT Cosmetics Superhero" vibes. It really grabs the lashes and thickens them from root to tip. I have found that this mascara actually performs better after it has been open for a couple of weeks. Once the formula dries out ever so slightly, it hits a "sweet spot" where it builds massive bulk on the lashes without weighing them down. It makes my lashes look dense and full.

✅ Pros

· Major Thickness: Best for those with sparse lashes needing bulk.

· Grip: The formula adheres instantly to the lash.

· Comparison: A drugstore dupe for high-end thickening mascaras.

❌ Cons

· Messy Potential: The large bristle brush can deposit too much product if you aren't careful.

· Requires "Aging": Works best after the tube has been open for a bit.

A Note on Affiliates:
I hope you love the products recommended in this article! Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to buy through my links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). This helps me keep testing new beauty products and creating content for you. Thank you for your support!

4. The Jack-of-All-Trades: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect

Best For: All-Around Performance (Volume + Length)

I have a confession: I used to think this mascara was overhyped. I tried it years ago and just thought it was "okay." However, I decided to give it another shot recently, and I finally understand the obsession.

The Essence Lash Princess (Green & Black Tube) uses a traditional cone-shaped fiber brush. It tapers at the tip, allowing you to get into the inner corners easily.

My Experience

This is the "whole package" mascara. While the Wet n Wild defines, the L'Oreal lengthens, and the CoverGirl thickens—the Essence Lash Princess does a solid B+ job at all of those things simultaneously. It gives you the big, false-lash look with very little effort. Like the CoverGirl option, this one benefits from being open for a few weeks to let the formula thicken up.

✅ Pros

· The Price: It is incredibly affordable.

· Versatility: Provides length, volume, and decent separation.

· Cone Brush: Great for reaching tiny inner corner lashes.

❌ Cons

· Curl Droop: On my heavy lashes, this doesn't hold the curl quite as firmly as the L'Oreal Panorama.

A Note on Affiliates:
I hope you love the products recommended in this article! Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to buy through my links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). This helps me keep testing new beauty products and creating content for you. Thank you for your support!

5. The Lower Lash Savior: e.l.f. Lash Xtndr Mascara

Best For: Lower Lashes, Smudge-Proof Wear, and Natural Length

For years, I struggled with mascara transferring from my lower lashes to my under-eye area, creating raccoon eyes by 3 PM. I used to rely on high-end tubing mascaras (like Thrive Causemetics or Caliray) to solve this, but now I've found a $7 solution.

The e.l.f. Lash Xtndr is a tubing mascara. This means instead of painting pigment onto your lashes, it wraps them in little polymer "tubes."

My Experience

This is my "unsung hero." I use this exclusively on my bottom lashes (though it works on top, too!). Because it is a tubing formula, it is completely smudge-proof. Sweat, humidity, and oily skin stand no chance. However, when you want to remove it, you just use warm water and gentle pressure, and the tubes slide right off—no makeup remover required.

The brush is a very slim, tapered rubber wand that keeps my naturally long lower lashes looking defined and fringy, rather than clumpy and spider-like.

✅ Pros

· Smudge-Proof: Zero transfer to the under-eye area.

· Easy Removal: Comes off with warm water; no scrubbing needed.

· Precision Brush: Perfect for coating tiny bottom lashes without making a mess.

❌ Cons

· Natural Look: It doesn't build massive volume, so if you want thick, chunky lashes, this isn't the one.

A Note on Affiliates:
I hope you love the products recommended in this article! Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to buy through my links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). This helps me keep testing new beauty products and creating content for you. Thank you for your support!

Bonus: Get The Look (Face of the Day)

While the lashes were the star of the show, I paired these mascaras with a fresh, summer-ready complexion. If you are curious about what else I was wearing during this review, here is the breakdown of my "Face of the Day":

· Base: I used the NYX Buttermilk Glaze. It has a nice texture but offers very light coverage—good for "no makeup" days.

· Concealer: I am loving the Tarte Shape Tape Radiant Concealer for blurring under the eyes.

· Setting Powder: To brighten the under-eye, I used the L'Oreal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer (Pink Light shade). It’s a great drugstore dupe for high-end pink powders.

· Cheeks: The Too Faced Cloud Crush Blush in "Berry Dreamy" looks intimidating in the pan but shears out to a gorgeous flush.

· Eyes: I attempted a quick look using Morphe Cream Shadows, but I saved the look with the e.l.f. Bite Size Eyeshadow Palette in Cold Brew—a staple for a natural shadowed eye.

Final Buying Advice

If you only buy one mascara from this list, here is how to choose based on your specific lash type:

· For Straight Lashes: Go with the L'Oreal Voluminous Panorama. The curl hold is superior.

· For Sparse Lashes: Pick up the CoverGirl Exhibitionist. The thickening power is unmatched at the drugstore.

· For Smudgy Eyes: You need the e.l.f. Lash Xtndr. It will change your life, especially for lower lashes.

· For the Budget Conscious: The Essence Lash Princess gives you 90% of the performance of high-end brands for the price of a coffee.

You don't need to spend $30 at Sephora to get great lashes. These drugstore picks prove that with the right formula and brush, you can get the false-lash look for a fraction of the cost.

A Note on Affiliates:
I hope you love the products recommended in this article! Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to buy through my links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). This helps me keep testing new beauty products and creating content for you. Thank you for your support!