Unfortunately, I haven’t been blessed with beautiful curly eyelashes. Instead, mine stick straight down. And if I’m being honest, this has always been a very large insecurity of mine. When I started to get into makeup, I searched and searched for mascaras that would keep my straight lashes curled all day long. After trying dozens of drugstore mascaras, I’ve finally found some that work AMAZING.
If you know about me, I’ve always been into natural and affordable beauty. That being said, all of the mascaras that I’m going to be sharing are drugstore mascaras, meaning that they’re super affordable and easy to find! Trust me, just because they’re affordable doesn’t mean they’re less quality. (Some of the higher priced mascaras I’ve tried haven’t worked as well!)
5 Drugstore Mascaras That Hold A Curl All Day Long
***This post does contain affiliate links, meaning if you choose to make a purchase using the link I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you.
The real secret
First things first, I just want to remind you that if you have straight lashes or not too curly lashes like me, you most likely will not get curly lashes just by putting mascara on them (even though I used to believe that LOL!). One of the biggest game changers for my lashes has been using an eyelash curler, and not just a random one, a GOOD one!
The eyelash curler I use is the Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler, and it’s the ONLY eyelash curler that has lasted me months on end and still curls beautifully and the curls last all day! It was suggested by an Ulta employee, and it has blown all other eyelash curlers out of the water.
Another little tip for those who have straight lashes is to use a waterproof mascara. You’ll find that these hold a curl MUCH better and longer, so that’s why most of the mascaras I recommend will be waterproof. Just make sure to have a good makeup remover for when you take it off!
Okay, now let’s get into the mascaras!
1. Essence Get BIG! Lashes Volume Waterproof Mascara
The Essence Get BIG! Lashes Volume Waterproof Mascara was the first mascara I ever bought and I absolutely adored it for the longest time. Essence is a great brand because of the affordability and quality of its products. (This mascara is $3.99!)
BUT, I wanted to put this mascara first because out of all the mascaras I am talking about, this is one that I probably wouldn’t pick first. Although this mascara works well to hold lashes, I simply find better results with the others. However, if you’re on a tight budget, I’d recommend it because it still delivers results!
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2. L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof
Okay, now this one is my GO TO! (This is one of the only mascaras that I’ve pretty much completely used up…I have to reorder ASAP!) I could not recommend it more!
This mascara is commonly considered a dupe for the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. I’m obsessed with the L’OréalVoluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara because it looks good and holds all day. Plus there is no smudging! Save your money on higher brands and purchase this mascara. Seriously. It’s the best!
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3. Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara
As I said above, my L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara ran out, and this mascara has been my main replacement. I love the Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara because it looks natural, it holds all day, and it is incredibly easy to remove. There’s nothing I love more than a waterproof mascara that holds AND can be taken off easy.
Something unique about this mascara is that it is HYDRATING. What?! A hydrating mascara? Yes! This mascara does not try out the lashes and make them crusty or flaky (like some others). Instead, you get this gorgeous look that is like ‘your lashes but better.’
This is a great go-to for anyone who is looking for a more natural look. If you know me, I LIVE for natural beauty and just enhancing your own features. So for me, this is a must-have. I think it is one of the best mascaras on the market!
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TIP: If you want more of a natural looking mascara, consider checking out BROWN or BLACK BROWN colored mascaras. You can even find the L’OréalVoluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof (my favorite) in the black brown shade! Brown mascaras are known to look more natural than a dark black mascara!
4. Catrice Glam & Doll False Lashes Mascara Waterproof
The Catrice Glam & Doll False Lashes Mascara Waterproof is another mascara that gets the job done. Something that I like about this mascara is that it is very dark and it is very lengthening. While it might not be the best option for someone wanting more of a natural look, this is a great ‘spider lashes’ mascara and a mascara that will really accentuate the eyes! Catrice is another great affordable brand!
This mascara is great at keeping your lashes clump-free but creating a bold look!
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TIP: If you’re really into long, full, and voluminous eyelashes, check out eyelash primers such as the L’Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Lash Boosting Conditioning Primer Mascara. While I don’t personally use one (although I’ve always wanted to get one but I keep forgetting!), I’ve heard great things and read amazing reviews!
5. L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara Waterproof
I’m CONVINCED that the L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara will hold a curl no matter what! This mascara is both volumizing, lengthening, AND curling. It looks great and holds all day. Seriously! I especially love the mascara wand. It never gets chunky and it evenly coats each lash for a semi natural look.
The only downfall I can think of is that this mascara can be difficult to remove. However, the curl it holds is outstanding. Just make sure to be gentle when you take this mascara off (or any mascara) so that your eyelashes stay healthy and actually on your eyeball LOL!
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TIP: Put castor oil on your eyelashes at night to strengthen, thicken, and grow your eyelashes (it also works for eyebrows too and is great for your hair and scalp!). I’ve been doing this for a while and it always makes a difference. I personally use the Isoplus castor oil, but I had a hard time finding out where to legibly get it online. However, there are other castor oils such as this Kate Blanc cosmetics castor oil or this PURA D’OR Organic Castor Oil that are very affordable, have thousands of incredible reviews, and are more specifically aimed at helping your eyelashes and eyebrows.
I wanted to end this post with a reminder that no matter how your lashes look, that does not take away from your beauty. Like I mentioned at the beginning, my straight lashes have always been an insecurity of mine. Because of this, I’ve found so many ways to enhance the eyelashes that I am even blessed to have such as with oils, lash curlers, and mascaras.
Never let something as small as straight lashes blind you from your beauty. I hope that these tips helped you and if you choose to purchase any of these mascaras, that they help you as well!
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