Best drugstore mascara?

[MercyA]

I've noticed my lashes thinning a bit lately and I think it's time for a new mascara. I'm looking for something that is: 

Thickening / plumping

Not clumpy

Not flakey

Not easily rubbed off

Cruelty-free

Under $10 (or, at least, under $10 with a coupon!)

Tell me about your favorites! 🙂 

[crazyforlatin]

I just bought this one for dd because I don’t want her curling her eyelashes, Revlon Unlimited Mascara, which lengthens and curls. I don’t see any clumping, flaking yet. I didn’t buy the waterproof one. Not sure if it’s cruelty free as their products may be sold in China. Their website states that they do not test on animals, but to sell in China, they would have to, I think. https://www.revlon.com/animal-testing

Do you happen to know?

[MercyA]

8 hours ago, crazyforlatin said:

I just bought this one for dd because I don’t want her curling her eyelashes, Revlon Unlimited Mascara, which lengthens and curls. I don’t see any clumping, flaking yet. I didn’t buy the waterproof one. Not sure if it’s cruelty free as their products may be sold in China. Their website states that they do not test on animals, but to sell in China, they would have to, I think. https://www.revlon.com/animal-testing

Do you happen to know?

Yes, Revlon sells in China, alas.

Here is a list of cruelty-free drugstore brands (scroll down for the full table):

https://www.crueltyfreekitty.com/cruelty-free-drugstore-brands/

Edited August 12, 2020 by MercyA

[MercyA]

2 minutes ago, Bagels McGruffikin said:

It’s difficult to find a cheap cruelty free brand, that actually is. Some claim it but it’s hard to back it up. If you can flex on price, there are lots of options at Ulta in the mid range market - $14-20 per tube. Tarte is consistently good but pricier, and you may  give Burts Bees a try.

Yes, I can go a little pricier if need be.

Does Ulta ever have free shipping?

[MercyA]

Just now, Bagels McGruffikin said:

They do, but usually for larger orders. Are you too rural to get to one in person?

You may be able to find these brands on amazon too.

There's an Ulta about 40 minutes away. Thanks for the tip! 🙂 

[Selkie]

e.l.f. is my favorite. It's cheap, vegan, and cruelty-free.

[J-rap]

I like CoverGirl Lash Exact, because it goes on lightly with very little clumping.  (I like to wear mascara that doesn't look like mascara!  :)) I just looked it up and see they've been declared cruelty-free.  It sells for under $8.00.

[MercyA]

Oh my goodness, the Tarte packaging is so cute. ❤️

[KungFuPanda]

I’m impressed you all are still wearing mascara. The last tube I purchased in March is still in its packaging. 
 

I can’t even get my brain around how a mascara can curl your lashes.  Does that work? I’ve hit the age where I could use the assist and I’m too blind to use a eyelash curler. My eyelashes are invisible without mascara and I can’t get close enough to the mirror to see them!

[MercyA]

13 minutes ago, KungFuPanda said:

I can’t even get my brain around how a mascara can curl your lashes.  Does that work? I’ve hit the age where I could use the assist and I’m too blind to use a eyelash curler. My eyelashes are invisible without mascara and I can’t get close enough to the mirror to see them!

Someone on this forum talked me into buying a magnifying mirror a few years ago and now I won't be without it!

I definitely need my eyelash curler.

Edited August 12, 2020 by MercyA

[MercyA]

13 minutes ago, KungFuPanda said:

I’m impressed you all are still wearing mascara. The last tube I purchased in March is still in its packaging. 

Hey, when the only thing people can see is your eyes, you want them to look good!!! 😉 

[Forget-Me-Not]

I like L’Oreal Voluminous for drugstore mascara. 

[KungFuPanda]

2 hours ago, MercyA said:

Someone on this forum talked me into buying a magnifying mirror a few years ago and now I won't be without it!

I definitely need my eyelash curler.

I HAVE a magnifying mirror.  The curler handle hits the mirror before I can get close enough to see my invisi-lashes clearly. I once saw a compact eyelash curler that you pushed down like a little guillotine, but I couldn’t find it again. 

[crazyforlatin]

There’s also the heated curler where you push the lashes upwards. 

[KungFuPanda]

17 hours ago, crazyforlatin said:

There’s also the heated curler where you push the lashes upwards. 

They make heated devices to put near your eyeballs?

Sooooo . . . I watched a few videos and I think I want one. 😬 The shape alone makes it so I can get right up to the mirror and one of them is designed to be used after mascara is applied. That would help me see too. 

Edited August 13, 2020 by KungFuPanda

[lmrich]

Use an eyelash primer or conditioner before mascara. I can't believe the difference it has made. I have used drugstore brands and have been pleased. 

[Splash1]

I got Well People mascara at Target and really like it.  It is $9.99 for small one and $19.99 for larger tube.  

https://www.target.com/p/w3ll-people-expressionist-mascara-mini-black-0-12oz/-/A-23964918

[sassenach]

On 8/12/2020 at 6:21 AM, Selkie said:

e.l.f. is my favorite. It's cheap, vegan, and cruelty-free.

LOVE this brand. My girls have a crazy variety of mascara brands and this is my very favorite. Goes on smooth, never clumps.

[Pippen]

21 hours ago, MercyA said:

Hey, when the only thing people can see is your eyes, you want them to look good!!! 😉 

I got new glasses a few weeks ago and had to pull down my mask briefly just to make sure they looked good with my full face!

Edited August 13, 2020 by Pippen

[TravelingChris]

1 hour ago, lmrich said:

Use an eyelash primer or conditioner before mascara. I can't believe the difference it has made. I have used drugstore brands and have been pleased. 

Yes, that.