Reader Question: What are the best drugstore mascaras?

Hi Ms. Liz! Can you recommend an affordable water- and smudge-proof mascara? I've only tried Maybelline The Falsies but it doesn't hold my curl! I'm disappointed with the "lengthening" property too :( -.B

Thanks for your question on the Ask Liz Forum, B! Mascara is one of those things that drugstore brands, especially Japanese ones, do really well. You don't need to spend over 800 bucks for an excellent mascara that'll prettify your lashes and stay with you, no matter what you do!

I haven't tried all drugstore mascaras so this list is subjective. :) I can stand by all these recommendations though - they're excellent products that curl, lengthen, and volumize my stick-straight, barely-there lashes. I always get asked if I'm wearing falsies whenever I have 'em on. Of course, I curl my lashes first to maximize the effect of the formula. Here goes!

Max Factor 2000 Calorie Dramatic Volume Mascara (P595). This is really, really black and makes my lashes look naturally thick. It lengthens nicely although not extremely. I love using this for everyday looks, as it easily washes off while still being non-smudgy on my eyes.

Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara (P750). Another one from MF! This has the effect of wearing falsies. The lashes are evenly distributed, lengthened, and volumized from the roots, tapering neatly at the tips. Lisa Eldridge loves this mascara and so should you! I have the waterproof version which does not smudge or budge no matter how long I wear it.

Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Edge Meister (P795). This is famous for lengthening lashes and making them stay there all freakin' day. You won't get as much volume compared to the length, but if you already have thick lashes this is the perfect product to make them look surreal.

Heroine Make Long and Curl mascara (~P600). This is my current favorite mascara because it lengthens and volumizes so well! Like the others, this doesn't smudge at all. I like the brush too since it's the easiest to control out of the three - it's curled and somewhat thin, so I don't get it all over my lids. That's it's one advantage, IMHO!

It is very difficult to remove though, but I use Heroine Make's mascara remover to melt it off. ^_^ I'll post a full review of both very soon. Heroine Make will soon be available in Watson's so watch out for it!

And that is that. Hope this helps, B.! Guys share your fave drugstore mascaras too, for a more comprehensive list