Actually, the Best Mascaras Are From Walmart — Including a $13 Tarte Dupe I Can’t Stop Wearing
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If you know me, you know I’m always talking and testing mascaras. I’ve been saying this for years and most makeup artists I’ve interviewed over the years agree: you don’t need to shell out tons of cash on a well-working mascara. In high school, I got my lashes sky-high with a few buildable coats of the Maybelline Volum Express line, and most recently, I fell in love with L’Oreal’s Panorama mascara that somehow stayed smudge-proof on a sweaty day at the park.
My lashes are heavy, thick, and almost always experience fall-out — even on waterproof labels. That’s why when I find something seriously good, like the Panorama mascara, I want to shout it from the rooftops.
Best Mascaras at Walmart at a Glance
Best Overall: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Panorama Smudge Resistant Mascara, $13
Best For Volume: Maybelline Volum Express The Colossal Washable Mascara, $8
Best False-Lash Fake Out: Essence Princess Lash, $6
Best Mascara To Hold Curl All-Day: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara, $10
Best Tubing Mascara: Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara, $13
Best Waterproof Mascara: e.l.f. Big Mood Mega Volume & Lifting Waterproof Mascara, $8
Best For Lash Tinting: Revlon So Fierce! Big Bad Lash, Extreme Volume Mascara, $10
Best Clean Formula: CoverGirl Lash Blast Cleantopia Mascara, $10
What to Look for In a Drugstore Mascara
We spoke with celebrity makeup artist Claudia Betancur to get the low-down on how to shop mascara at your local drugstore. She says to look out for brush shape and formulas labeled “flake or smudge-free.”
“When I go to the pharmacy to choose mascara, the first thing I look at is the shape of the brush,” Betancur explains. “I love it when it’s thick because it helps me maximize the volume of my lashes in a uniform and smooth way. The formula also plays a key role, as I don’t like it when it clumps or flakes off throughout the day. I also prefer it when my lashes feel flexible and soft when I touch them.”
How to Get Free Shipping on Walmart Mascaras
Walmart+ 30-Day Free Trial
If you have Walmart +, you can get free delivery, even if you just buy one item. Sign up for a 30-day free trial here.
Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Walmart is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
1. L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Panorama Smudge Resistant Mascara
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Panorama Smudge Resistant Mascara
This is the mascara I’m wearing in the main image of this article, and I’m absolutely obsessed. It’s definitely a close dupe to the Tartlette XL tubing mascara that costs about double the price. I was shocked when I checked my lashes after a few hours in the park and noticed there was absolutely zero fall out under my eyes. That seriously never happens to me. Even the expensive brands usually dust off a little throughout the day.
How do they do it? Well, the 5 percent stretch flex complex formula might have something to do with it; it ensures mascara dries flexibly on the lashes, so they never appear weighed down. Each lash gets coated, thanks to the multi-level bristle brush that leaves no man (or lash) behind. This is definitely my new go-to. Though it’s not marketed as a tubing mascara, it comes pretty close to my favorite tubing options.
Type of Mascara: Smudge-resistant
Pros
Smudge-resistant
Easy to remove
Cons
Some reviewers say there’s not enough product on the brush for an effect, but I didn’t notice this
2. Maybelline Volum Express The Colossal Washable Mascara
Maybelline Volum Express The Colossal Washable Mascara
This mascara is collagen-infused for healthy, hydrated lashes (aka, they’re going to get stronger, and not break off as easily). Plus, the signature “mega brush” gives lashes nine times the volume. This was my go-to mascara when I first started wearing mascaras. I remember loving it so much because of how buildable it was, and reviewers seem to agree.
“Absolutely love this mascara the formula is good but the brush is amazing! I love a brush that doesn’t leave clumps but still give the look of thick healthy lashes and this does that amazingly,” wrote one reviewer.
Type of Mascara: Washable
Pros
Buildable formula
Thick brush
Cons
Some reviewers say product dries out in container quickly
3. Essence Cosmetics Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Essence Cosmetics Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
Our senior e-commerce director Gina Vaynshteyn loves this mascara as the perfect under $10 option to have on-hand at all times. It’s so affordable, you can even buy a few and keep one in your purse. Reviewers love that it “works absolutely amazing and I will buy it over and over!”
This mascara uses a conical-shaped brush that pumps up the volume. Plus, since it’s oil-free, it won’t smudge down into your eyes as the day goes on.
Type of Mascara: Washable
Pros
Buildable
Cons
Some reviewers note the formula has changed
4. Revlon So Fierce! Big Bad Lash, Extreme Volume Mascara
Revlon So Fierce! Big Bad Lash, Extreme Volume Mascara
All mascaras have an instant lash-tint effect if you get them in brown or black shades, but get this: This formula actually gradually tints your lashes over time, so after a few uses, your eyelashes will appear darker even when you haven’t applied any mascara. And yep, they manage to do it all through natural dyes, so don’t worry about harsh stains.
Type of Mascara: Washable
Pros
Lash tint effect
24-hour wear
Clump and flake-free
Cons
Some reviewers note that the formula is very thin
5. e.l.f. Big Mood Mega Volume & Lifting Waterproof Mascara
e.l.f. Big Mood Mega Volume & Lifting Waterproof Mascara
If you like a little drama in your everyday life, reach for this mega volume and lifting waterproof formula from e.l.f. One reviewer said this mascara got her through her breakup. “I’ve spent the last month and a half crying over a boy and that stuff HELD ITS OWN, didn’t even smudge,” they wrote.
The hourglass-shaped brush works to load up and separate each lash with formula, and since it’s made with jojoba wax, it’ll actually hold an upwards curl all day long.
Type of Mascara: Waterproof
Pros
Smudge and flake resistant
Clean, vegan formula
Cons
Some reviewers say oversized brush makes it difficult to apply
6. Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara
Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara
So here’s the deal with tubing mascara. Basically, it’s your BFF if you are anti-waterproof mascara. Why? This formula is water-resistant, which means you get all the benefits of a waterproof (smudge-free, no fallout), but have all the easy removal of a washable mascara. Also, tiny fibers in the formula attach to lashes for a natural-looking, everyday extension so your lashes will look longer and stay defined all day long. The addition of shea butter and castor oil help condition the lashes so they get stronger (and longer!) over time.
Type of Mascara: Tubing
Pros
Water-resistant
Smudge-proof
Easy removal
Cons
Some reviewers note it takes a long time to dry
7. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
I have the type of eyelashes that are long, but stick out straight ahead so when I’m not wearing mascara, you can’t even tell I have any lashes. That’s where this formula from Maybelline comes in. Reviewers say it holds curl all-day long for literal “sky-high” lashes, as the name suggests.
This formula is infused with bamboo extract that creates a small fiber the end of each lash for an ultra lengthening effect. Count me in!
Type of Mascara: Washable
Pros
Holds a curl
Easy removal
Cons
Some reviewers say formula becomes clumpy over time
8. Covergirl Lash Blast Cleantopia Mascara
CoverGirl Lash Blast Cleantopia Mascara
Stylecaster’s commerce writer Samantha Sutton loves this clean formula from CoverGirl. She says, “I knew it was a winner as soon as I applied it for the first time. It went on smooth, thanks to the hourglass-shaped brush, and I didn’t have to comb through any clumps or brush away flakes.”
Since it’s 72% plant-derived, you can breathe a little easier knowing that your mascara isn’t packed with chemicals. Ingredients like aloe leaf extract and ceramides help condition the lashes so they get stronger over time.
Type of Mascara: Washable
Pros
Made with plant extracts
Flake-free
Vegan
Cons
Some reviewers complain formula is heavy, weighs down lashes
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