I’ve been using L’Oreal mascaras since I first started wearing makeup. They’re a drugstore legend for a reason. You can pretty much always count on them for great formulas that don’t cost a ton.
But with so many different tubes, how do you find the best L’Oreal mascara for you? I’ve tried just about all of them over the years. Some are all about length, others are for crazy volume, and some just do a great job of defining what you’ve already got.
So I sorted through my makeup bag and picked out the absolute best ones that I keep coming back to. These are the L’Oreal mascaras that actually deliver on their promises.
This one costs $12.99 and it’s famous for a reason. It gives you both volume and length without feeling heavy or crunchy. I love how soft my lashes feel even after a couple of coats.
The wavy brush really grabs every lash to build up volume, but it doesn’t clump up. It’s my go-to for a full, feathery look that’s still soft to the touch. It’s also great for my sensitive eyes and doesn’t cause any irritation.
The Downside: This specific version isn’t waterproof, so it’s not the one I’d pick for a day at the pool.
For $14.99, nothing beats Telescopic for pure length. I swear this stuff makes my lashes look 60% longer. The super thin, flexible brush is the secret here.
It separates each lash perfectly so you get a clean, defined finish with zero clumps. And it’s amazing for contact lens wearers or anyone with sensitive eyes. It doesn’t smudge on me all day but comes off easily at night.
The Downside: If you’re looking for big, thick volume, this isn’t it. It’s all about the length.
You can get this classic for just $11.99. It’s an icon for a reason. This is what I grab when I want my lashes to look thick and dramatic, almost like I’m wearing falsies.
The formula is really buildable. You can apply a few coats to get some serious volume, and your lashes won’t get stiff or clumpy. It just makes them look incredibly full.
The Downside: You’ll need to work in a few coats to get noticeable length along with the volume.
At $11.99, this mascara is all about fanned-out definition. The “millionizer” brush has so many bristles, it catches and coats every single tiny lash from root to tip.
I love this for making my lashes look multiplied and super defined. The collagen in the formula keeps them from feeling dry, and the black is really intense.
The Downside: If you apply too many coats, it can start to flake a little by the end of the day.
This one is $13.00 and it really delivers on that wide-eyed, doe-like look. It gives both volume and length and does an amazing job of holding a curl all day long.
The brush is big and coats lashes quickly for a look that’s dramatic but doesn’t scream “fake.” It’s one of those mascaras that always gets me compliments.
The Downside: If you have really oily eyelids, you might experience some smudging with this one.
I found this one for $12.97. The tapered brush on this is fantastic for building up length and keeping every lash separate. You can go for a natural look with one coat or build it up for something more intense.
It feels totally weightless on the lashes, which I appreciate. For my super straight lashes, this did a surprisingly good job of holding a curl throughout the day.
The Downside: I noticed a tiny bit of transfer on my brow bone, which can happen if you have hooded eyes like me.
For $14.99, this is basically a lash lift in a tube. It’s a newer version of Telescopic that’s focused on giving you an incredible lift and curl, plus that signature length.
The formula has little fibers that extend your lashes, making them look so long they almost touch your brows. It doesn’t flake and the curl seriously lasts for over 24 hours. It’s pretty amazing.
The Downside: Like the original Telescopic, it doesn’t offer a ton of volume.
This mascara costs $11.99 and is a lifesaver for anyone with thin or sparse lashes. The hydra-collagen formula really plumps up each lash to make them look thicker.
It’s great at creating a full, fanned-out effect without any flakes. It completely transforms my lashes from looking a little sparse to looking full and defined.
The Downside: The formula is on the drier side, so I find it works best if I use a lash primer first.
You really can’t go wrong with a L’Oreal mascara. Whether you need length, volume, or something in between, they have a formula that works and won’t make you feel guilty about the price.
After trying so many, I can say they definitely compete with mascaras that cost two or three times as much. Just figure out your lash goal, grab one of these tubes, and you’re good to go.
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