Actually, the Best Mascaras Are From Walmart — Including a $13 Tarte Dupe I Can’t Stop Wearing

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

If you know me, you know I’m always talking and testing mascaras. I’ve been saying this for years and most makeup artists I’ve interviewed over the years agree: you don’t need to shell out tons of cash on a well-working mascara. In high school, I got my lashes sky-high with a few buildable coats of the Maybelline Volum Express line, and most recently, I fell in love with L’Oreal’s Panorama mascara that somehow stayed smudge-proof on a sweaty day at the park.

My lashes are heavy, thick, and almost always experience fall-out — even on waterproof labels. That’s why when I find something seriously good, like the Panorama mascara, I want to shout it from the rooftops.

Best Mascaras at Walmart at a Glance

Best Overall: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Panorama Smudge Resistant Mascara, $13
Best For Volume: Maybelline Volum Express The Colossal Washable Mascara, $8
Best False-Lash Fake Out: Essence Princess Lash, $6
Best Mascara To Hold Curl All-Day: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Mascara, $10
Best Tubing Mascara: Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara, $13
Best Waterproof Mascara: e.l.f. Big Mood Mega Volume & Lifting Waterproof Mascara, $8
Best For Lash Tinting: Revlon So Fierce! Big Bad Lash, Extreme Volume Mascara, $10
Best Clean Formula: CoverGirl Lash Blast Cleantopia Mascara, $10

What to Look for In a Drugstore Mascara

We spoke with celebrity makeup artist Claudia Betancur to get the low-down on how to shop mascara at your local drugstore. She says to look out for brush shape and formulas labeled “flake or smudge-free.”

“When I go to the pharmacy to choose mascara, the first thing I look at is the shape of the brush,” Betancur explains. “I love it when it’s thick because it helps me maximize the volume of my lashes in a uniform and smooth way. The formula also plays a key role, as I don’t like it when it clumps or flakes off throughout the day. I also prefer it when my lashes feel flexible and soft when I touch them.”

How to Get Free Shipping on Walmart Mascaras

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Walmart is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.