I used to be a little bit of a mascara snob, only ever relying on more expensive brands to transform my lashes into a powerful flutter. However, in recent years more affordable brands have really been pulling out all the stops and producing wands and formulas that seriously compete with mascaras triple their price. You can get some great budget buys from your local Wilkinson or Boots store, without having to flash the cash or scrimp in other areas. I've parked my YSL and have been relying on these five to give me awesome results, all for under a tenner.
1. Seventeen Doll'd Up Mascara (£6.29)
Possibly my most re-purchased mascara ever, as well as my most recommended to friends and family, Seventeen's Doll'd Up includes a curved brush specially designed to give you a fabulous set of doll like lashes. It lifts and defines with no clumping, helping to create a wide-eyed look in only a few layers; you can also build the mascara without it giving you spidery lashes, great for taking your look from day to night.
2. Essence Maximum Volume Mascara (£2.80)
Yes, you did read that price correctly. Essence are definitely one of the new brands to watch, as their formulas are really quite advanced and effective - but completely budget in price. The Maximum Volume Mascara features an innovative brush with tiny blades that form a reservoir on the inside, allowing the mascara to not only provide perfectly defined lashes, but breathtaking volume. I love this for daily use, especially as the result lasts as long as I need.
3. Rimmel London Wonder'Full Mascara (£7.99)
Historically I haven't gotten on that well with the majority of Rimmel mascaras, but this is a total game changer. The formula contains Argan Oil for super soft and nourished lashes, while the Ultra Flex brush with ultra-soft bristles also hugs lashes to define them from root to tip. The substantial brush allows you to coat every single lash, but without clumps and feeling feather light. It's so lightweight you can even build it over existing mascara or other products, perfect for when you're in a hurry but need a powerful lash line.
4. Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara (£9.99)
I've loved this mascara ever since it was launched way back in 2010, the giant brush providing serious volume and lots of flutter in practically one swoop. It leaves my lashes feeling amazing, creating a wide-eyed look while simultaneously helping to care for them in the long-term; the formula includes ingredients to help your lashes remain nourished and prevent breakage when used every day. (Although it doesn't help them grow technically - that name is a little misleading!)
5. Seventeen Falsifeye HD Mascara (£6.99)
I went a bit gaga for this when it launched earlier on in the year, thanks to the fact the wide bristles help to catch every single lash (even the teeny tiny ones) to create a false-lash effect. It's one of the easiest mascaras I've ever used, requiring very little effort to get serious impact - all for a reasonable price. (Read my full review here.)
Do you have any favourite budget buy mascaras that beat the more expensive options? Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
1. Seventeen Doll'd Up Mascara (£6.29)
Possibly my most re-purchased mascara ever, as well as my most recommended to friends and family, Seventeen's Doll'd Up includes a curved brush specially designed to give you a fabulous set of doll like lashes. It lifts and defines with no clumping, helping to create a wide-eyed look in only a few layers; you can also build the mascara without it giving you spidery lashes, great for taking your look from day to night.
2. Essence Maximum Volume Mascara (£2.80)
Yes, you did read that price correctly. Essence are definitely one of the new brands to watch, as their formulas are really quite advanced and effective - but completely budget in price. The Maximum Volume Mascara features an innovative brush with tiny blades that form a reservoir on the inside, allowing the mascara to not only provide perfectly defined lashes, but breathtaking volume. I love this for daily use, especially as the result lasts as long as I need.
3. Rimmel London Wonder'Full Mascara (£7.99)
Historically I haven't gotten on that well with the majority of Rimmel mascaras, but this is a total game changer. The formula contains Argan Oil for super soft and nourished lashes, while the Ultra Flex brush with ultra-soft bristles also hugs lashes to define them from root to tip. The substantial brush allows you to coat every single lash, but without clumps and feeling feather light. It's so lightweight you can even build it over existing mascara or other products, perfect for when you're in a hurry but need a powerful lash line.
4. Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara (£9.99)
I've loved this mascara ever since it was launched way back in 2010, the giant brush providing serious volume and lots of flutter in practically one swoop. It leaves my lashes feeling amazing, creating a wide-eyed look while simultaneously helping to care for them in the long-term; the formula includes ingredients to help your lashes remain nourished and prevent breakage when used every day. (Although it doesn't help them grow technically - that name is a little misleading!)
5. Seventeen Falsifeye HD Mascara (£6.99)
I went a bit gaga for this when it launched earlier on in the year, thanks to the fact the wide bristles help to catch every single lash (even the teeny tiny ones) to create a false-lash effect. It's one of the easiest mascaras I've ever used, requiring very little effort to get serious impact - all for a reasonable price. (Read my full review here.)
Do you have any favourite budget buy mascaras that beat the more expensive options? Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
