7 best budget mascaras for 2022 for longer, thicker lashes – reviewed

2022-10-16

If there’s one makeup product that we just can’t live without, it’s the best mascara. Sure, lash serums and eyelash curlers are great for subtle enhancement, but nothing gives quite the same lengthening, volumising effect as a coat or two this beloved item of makeup.

And luckily it’s something that you needn’t spend a fortune on nowadays to get a great look– as our beauty testers have discovered. We sent out out a bunch of the best new affordable mascaras – with prices starting from just £5 – and here are the ones that really impressed us and our testing panel…

Best budget mascaras to shop in 2022

L’Oréal Paris Pro XXL [LIFT] Mascara, currently on sale for £11.69 here

Tester Fee says: “Wow, this mascara is brilliant! The two wands can be used to create a subtle or an amazing full glam look without fake eyelashes. It really helps exaggerate my lashes – they look so long but they aren't super clumpy. My husband, who never notices my make-up, said how long my lashes looked! I'm in love with this mascara and will continue to use it. It lasts all day or night, with no smudging.” 5/5

Bourjois Twist Up The Volume Balm Booster Mascara, currently on sale for £9.99 here

Tester Chelsea says: "This mascara gives great volume and length, and I love the fact you can twist the mascara tube to adjust the design of the wand depending on whether you want more length or volume. I accidentally fell asleep with it on and it still looked great and wearable the following day, which was very impressive! It hadn't smudged at all. My partner agreed that it looked really good and made my eyes stand out." 5/5

Rimmel London Thrill Seeker Mascara, £10.99 here

Tester Janine says: “I'll be honest, I haven't used Rimmel in years…but this does exactly what it says on the tin. It lengthens, it curls, and it’s buildable. It makes my eyelashes look massive! Mum said my lashes looked big and asked me what I used, so I will definitely be buying one for her. It really works, and lasts all day.” 5/5

Catrice Max It Mascara, £4.99 here

Tester Catherine says: “I like the mascara a lot; it really thickens and lengthens my lashes, and it’s the first mascara I’ve tried that hasn’t given me “panda eyes”. I loved this mascara's longevity and the way it didn't transfer, although it went a little clumpy during application. I would use it again but using a different mascara wand.” 4/5

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Cosmic Black Mascara, currently on sale for £7.99 here

Beauty editor Laura says: “My eyelashes are long (thank you, lash serums) but the downside to this is that most mascaras aren’t strong enough to hoick them up, then keep them up all day. This one, however, does exactly that. I found the original Sky High a little too natural-looking for my liking, but this new version has amped up the volume, giving standout definition and brow-skimming length. It’s also the most smudge-proof mascara I’ve EVER used.” 5/5

Collection Cosmetics Next Level Lash Mascara, £6.49 here

Tester Noshi says: “This really helps to give definition to every single lash. It has great staying power, and gives you long black lashes with no clumping. Someone asked me if I was wearing false lashes. I will definitely buy this again.” 4/5

Avon Legendary Lengths Mascara, £9 here

Laura says: 'I love this one's firm silicone brush as it allows me to wiggle right into the base of my lashes and push them upwards, and the mascara's fairly dry texture clings to the hairs like a magnet. Unlike fibre-filled formulas, this won't add extra extensions, but instead emphasises every last millimetre, creating length that you never knew you had. Remarkably, it doesn't transfer onto my upper eyelids either, with I often find with lengthening formulas. It gives decent volume too, although does get a bit clumpy if you start packing on the layers.' 4/5

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