Like most makeup fanatics, I love a good mascara just as much as the next person. A good lash day can make or break how I am feeling for the day. And nothing makes it harder than a crummy mascara. Nobody likes a flakey, clumpy, and smudgy mascara—Racoon eyes are my number one enemy! So this month I took it upon myself to find UB’s favorite mascaras!
I put a poll on the UB Her Campus Instagram and we got many responses, but 3 mascaras made more than a few appearances! Thankfully, each mascara that was featured happened to be in my makeup case, going to show just how popular and amazing these products are for us divas on a budget. The things that can make or break a mascara is the formula, drying time, smudging, longevity, and overall look. Here is my list of the top 3 mascaras for us divas on a budget! (Using the term divas because makeup has no gender!!!)
- Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara
Sky High has been many peoples’ go-to mascara for years now. I feel like ever since I started wearing makeup, this was always the one people brought up, and for good reason. Sky High is a lengthening mascara that uses a flexible “flex tower” brush to make sure every lash is perfectly coated. The formula is incredible, and can be washable or waterproof. When I wore this mascara there was very minimal smudging and lasted all day. It gives you the perfect natural long lash effect, you would not even know you are wearing mascara. The biggest con for me with the product is the drying time and price. It takes a little longer to dry than some other mascaras, and I realized that if you use setting spray after application, it will transfer under your eyes. And this one, although budget friendly, comes out to roughly $13, being the most expensive one featured. But overall, I think Sky High is perfect for anyone who wants an effortless, and almost natural look to their lashes.
- Essence Lash Princess Mascara
Essence is a smaller brand typically found at Ulta Beauty, but do not let their size intimidate you because their products are absolutely incredible! I got recommended to the Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara, and WOW it did not disappoint. The tapered brush defines and sculpts your lashes so every strand is perfectly coated. It gives it a fanned-out, dramatic look without clumps and can be easily layered with other mascaras to create the exact look you are going for. This product does take a bit longer to dry and smudges a bit more than the other mascaras, but it will leave you with perfectly coated lashes for more of a false lash effect, and is the least expensive of the three faulted today, coming out to $5 at Ulta.Â
- Elf Lash XTNDR Mascara
I bought this Mascara when I (unfortunately) left my entire makeup case at home after winter break. I had $20 in my pocket and a mission to find a mascara that would hold me over until I had my Sky High. When I found this mascara, the $7 price tag looked too good to be true so I snatched it up! When I got back to my dorm, I ripped open the package and found out immediately after applying it that this was a tubing mascara! I had never tried one before but I knew that tubing mascaras were usually on the pricer side so this was a very pleasant surprise. This mascara does an incredible job at lengthening and separating lashes with a 24 hour, smudge proof wear. The only con I noticed was that it offers less volume to the lashes, but when paired with another mascara to layer, it looks more full.Â
Overall, these mascaras have become staples in my makeup routine for a reason. Depending on the situation, Maybelline, Elf, and Essence, all got my back to make me and others feel their best when getting ready in the morning!