Cheap Mascaras That Don't Suck

By Sally Burnette on August 24, 2012

Every college student loves to use the “I’m in college, so I’m poor,” excuse to get out of buying anything of quality, but you shouldn’t have to do that when it comes to one of the most essential ugly-hiding tools: mascara.  I used to be a super snob when it came to makeup, until I realized that when it comes to mascara, there will always be problems, whether you get it at Walmart or Sephora.  So, I asked a few girls about which cheap-but-good mascara they use, and here are the results:

Almay Intense I-Color with Light Interplay Technology Mascara

(photo from Google)

“I like it because [it] makes my lashes super long and really thick.  I don’t like that sometimes it can get a little clumpy…I use Almay because it doesn’t test on animals!” -Bettina Tassone, Northeastern University class of 2015

Covergirl Lashblast Mascara

(photo by Flickr user wintermay5)

“I like it, because it does the job really well at first and lengthens your lashes, but it runs out relatively fast.” -Sally Florio, Eckerd College class of 2015

“It is waterproof — I like.  But, it makes my eyelashes clump sometimes– dislike.” -Sarah Fox, Eckerd College class of 2015

“For the most part, it is ok, but it is not the best at separating lashes.” -Abby Shepherd, Eckerd College class of 2013

Covergirl Lashblast Fusion

(photo from Google)

“I like the brush, because it is bigger than the typical mascara brush and seems to cover every lash  but without making them clump together, making them look longer.” -Maggie Haden, Clemson University class of 2015

“I like that it goes on thin (as in not chunky), but I feel like it doesn’t make my lashes look longer and darker.” -Hannah Zaremsky, Eckerd College class of 2014

Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal

 

(photo from Google)

“I like it, because it has the perfect applicator brush to separate your lashes and prevent clumping.  It makes my lashes look extra long and it lasts all day.  There is also a waterproof version…,but it does not work as well as the original…” -Molly Gilbert, EC class of 2014

Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Mascara

(photo from Google)

 

“…Not clumpy, cheap, unpretentious, makes my lashes look long.  Don’t like… doesn’t make me look like a mascara model.” – Rosie Kerber, Eckerd College class of 2013

Almay One Coat Nourishing Thickening Waterproof Mascara

(photo from Google)

“It’s good, because it doesn’t bother my contacts, [it's] waterproof and hypoallergenic since I’m sensitive [sic].  I don’t like that it doesn’t make [my lashes] have drama for night.  I have to layer a couple times…” -Elyse Warren, University of South Florida class of 2015

Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara

 

(photo from Google)

Okay, so this one’s mine (the author, if you’re lost).  I use it because it’s Neutrogena, which makes me feel like it’s less chemical-y, and because it doesn’t make my eyelashes crispy after it dries.  It has a fat brush, which is good for volume, but not so great for separating lashes, which is why I use it in conjunction with…

 Covergirl Professional All-in-One Curved Brush Mascara

(photo from Google)

…this one!  I absolutely love the curved brush, as it separates my lashes well and gets the super long ones on the edges of my eyes without it getting all over my face.  It also dries quickly.  However, it does start to smell weird after awhile, so that’s a problem.

 

So, the experts have spoken.  Literally every mascara has problems, whether you spend $4 or $40.  The point is, you don’t have to spend that hard-earned beer money on mascara to look hot and non-crispy.  Save that Sephora/Ulta giftcard for something more useful, like a $48 powder brush or some beard lube.  Or just accept that you’ll never be as beautiful as this:

Those lashes…

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