The 8 Best Lengthening and Curling Mascaras—All $10 and Under

It’s quite possible that you’re proud of—and married to—your decade-old mascara. We get it. You apply two coats and you get the best volume you’ve ever seen. It also never flakes or clumps on you. It’s clearly the cherry on top of any look, and you’re not changing your ways. 

But what if we told you there were other amazing options to consider that are all under $10? Whether you have super thin lashes that need a huge boost or tiny lashes that need major volume and length, we have you covered. 

Ahead, the best mascaras under $10:

1. essence Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara

Source: essence makeup

There’s a good reason why essence Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara ($4.99, essenceMakeup.com) is sold every 10 seconds and is the   #1 mascara on Amazon. Its coned-shaped fiber brush coats every lash provides lashes, giving you the subtle drama you crave. 

2. Revlon So Fierce! Big Bad Lash Mascara

Source: Revlon

Wouldn’t it be nice to have no smudging, flaking, smearing, or fading in your mascara? It sounds a bit too good to be true, but Revlon So Fierce! Big Bad Lash Mascara ($6.46, ulta.com) does exactly that. It’s also unique in that its formula has a lash tint technology that darkens your lashes in seven days, and will keep them dark for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to use the flat “Bad Side” for a fanned-out look.

3. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

Source: Maybelline

Did you know that Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara ($8.48, walmart.com), has over 49 million views on TikTok (and counting!) and sold out five times on Ulta.com? If you’re obsessed with lash tints and volume, this one is for you. The formula is infused with bamboo extract and fibers for long, lashes that won’t get weighed down with your other makeup. 

4. L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara

Source: L’Oréal Paris

Okay. We love black mascaras, but every now and then we like to add a pop of color. L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara in deep violet ($8.95, ulta.com)not only looks great on dark complexions, but it also builds lashes up to 5 times their natural thickness. We tested it and the claims are accurate—it is indeed, the best mascara to lengthen short lashes. Plus, you’ll also enjoy a clump-free and smudge-resistant experience. No touch-ups required.

5. L’Oréal Air Volume Mega Mascara

Source: L’Oreal Paris

We admit that the L’Oréal Air Volume Mega Mascara ($13.99, ulta.com) isn’t under $10, but the benefits are too good to not include in the roundup. For starters, it inflates and puffs up lashes just like an airbag. The formula is air whipped and gives each lash weightless volume. It sounds too good to be true, but it isn’t—in a consumer test, 84% of women said the product feels as light as air on their lashes. Sounds like a definite win-win.

6. Covergirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara

Source: CoverGirl

For those who prefer vegan formulas, Covergirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara ($7.99, target.com) is a good choice. For starters, the price is unbeatable. Having a vegan mascara under $10 is unheard of. This one is infused with argan and marula oils and is made without parabens, sulfates, talc, or mineral oil, so you can feel good about wearing it. Also nice: The mascara is both smudge- and clump-proof. 

7. Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara  (Travel size)

Source: Tarte

Tarte 4-In-1 Mascara Mini ($10, tartecosmetics.com) gets major points for fitting seamlessly into our pocket, which is great while we’re on-the-go and don’t have your big purse with us. You’ll also love that it curls and separates each lash during application. A true ride-or-die mascara for every occasion. 

8. Kiss New York Professional Bold N’ Long Mascara

Source: Kiss New York

The bright yellow packaging stands out on the shelves, but there’s more to Kiss New York Professional Bold N’ Long Mascara ($3.99, wessentials.com) than meets the eye. This is our go-to for a smudge-proof mascara that gives thickness and length. You also don’t have to coat your lashes several times for maximum results. Just once swipe gets the job done.

1. essence Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara

essence Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara mascara