The Best Mascaras
We compared seven mascaras on owner ratings, video reviews, and price. The Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara is our top pick for its balance of performance and affordability.
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The bottom line
The Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara (B08H3JPH74) is our top pick, praised for its lengthening, volumizing, and buildable formula at an affordable price. It is known for its smudge-proof and easy-to-remove properties, making it suitable for daily use. The essence Lash Princess Mascara (B00T0C9XRK) is a strong budget alternative, offering dramatic volume and length at a lower price point. The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara (B0CBKJ828B) is the upgrade pick for those willing to spend more for a waterproof formula.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara $10.82
Best balance of performance and price
The Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara provides long-lasting wear, easy removal, and a flexible brush for extended and volumized lashes. Priced at $10.82, it is a cost-effective choice for daily use. Tradeoff: Some users find it tough to remove completely.
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essence Lash Princess Mascara $4.97
Best budget option with high performance
The essence Lash Princess Mascara offers dramatic volume and length at an affordable price of $4.97. It is cruelty-free and easy to remove, making it a great value for money. Tradeoff: May smudge or flake over time.
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Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara Makeup $18.39
Best waterproof option for intense activities
The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara offers a waterproof formula for smudge-proof wear at $18.39 for a pack of two. It is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Tradeoff: Higher price point.
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- Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara Best balance of performance and price 9.0/10 $10.82 Amazon
- essence Lash Princess Mascara Best budget option with high performance 8.0/10 $4.97 Amazon
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara Makeup Best waterproof option for intense activities 8.0/10 $18.39 Amazon
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Good volumizing and lengthening formula 8.0/10 $9.20 Amazon
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara Good volumizing and lengthening formula 8.0/10 $9.20 Amazon
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Underperforms compared to expectations 7.0/10 $9.99 Amazon
- essence Lash Princess Mascara Good value and performance, but some issues 7.0/10 $14.97 Amazon
What owners say
Owners of the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara (B08H3JPH74) frequently mention its smudge-proof and easy-to-remove properties, making it suitable for daily use and various activities. The essence Lash Princess Mascara (B00T0C9XRK) is praised for its value for money and effective volume and length enhancement. However, some users report difficulty with application on bottom lashes and potential smudging.
Also-rans
The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara (B08H4FSGDW) underperforms compared to expectations set by online hype, with users reporting clumping, smudging, and difficulty in removal. The essence Lash Princess Mascara (B0CP8C1WXF) has some issues with clumping and smudging, though it offers good value and performance.