Eyelash Mascaras Price Comparison
Compare 347 eyelash mascaras from Rimmel to Dior — find the best price across top UK retailers, from budget buys to luxury formulas.
Eyelash Mascaras price comparison UK
Mascara is arguably the one product most people refuse to leave the house without — and the market reflects that obsession. With 347 references tracked across dozens of UK retailers, the range here spans from Essence at under 4 £ to Sisley nudging well past 8 £, which tells you everything about how polarised this category really is. The interesting story, though, isn't at the extremes — it's in the middle, where the real battles are fought.
Max Factor leads by sheer volume with 36 products, but Rimmel is the brand that dominates the top of our most-compared list. Their Scandaleyes and Wonder'full lines consistently attract multiple competing offers, which means genuine price variation worth tracking. At the other end, Dior and Chanel sit at an average of around 8 £ — premium positioning that's rarely discounted, though Boxing Day and Black Friday occasionally shake things up on sites like John Lewis and Boots.
What's changed in recent years is the sophistication of budget formulas. Essence and CATRICE — both averaging around 4 £ — now offer tubing formulas, fibre-infused options, and smudge-proof wear that would have cost three times as much a decade ago. We've compared them directly against mid-range options and the gap is narrower than the price difference suggests. That said, brush geometry and polymer matrix quality still tend to separate a £6 mascara from a £30 one in ways that matter to daily wearers.
For those with lash extensions, formula compatibility is non-negotiable — oil-based formulas will degrade the adhesive bond, so checking the ingredient list before buying is essential. Similarly, if you're building a full eye look, pairing your mascara with the right eyeliner or lash primer can dramatically change the final result. A primer in particular is underrated — it adds bulk before the mascara even goes on, which means you can get away with a lighter, more conditioning formula on top.
Our advice: don't fixate on brand alone. A Clinique High Impact at its current tracked price often undercuts what you'd pay at a Boots counter, and Benefit's Roller Lash appears across three separate retailers with meaningful price differences between them. That's exactly the kind of gap MagicPrices is built to catch.
How to Choose Your Mascara: A No-Nonsense Guide
Most mascara mistakes come down to buying the wrong formula for the wrong lashes — not buying a bad product. With prices ranging from 2 £ to 20 £, the decision isn't just about budget. It's about matching brush geometry, formula type, and wear requirements to what your lashes actually need.
Brush shape and what it actually does to your lashes
This is the single most important variable and the most overlooked. A straight cylindrical brush coats evenly and suits most lash types, whilst a curved brush lifts and curls as it applies. Conical tapered brushes are excellent for reaching inner corner lashes without smudging the bridge of your nose. Comb-like bristles prioritise lash separation over volume — ideal if clumping is your main complaint. If you've been buying the same formula for years and still not loving the result, the brush is usually the culprit, not the pigment.
Waterproof vs tubing formula — they're not the same thing
Waterproof mascaras use silicone-based polymers and waxes that genuinely resist water, sweat, and humidity — but they require an oil-based remover, and daily use can cause lash breakage over time. Tubing formulas are different: they form microscopic tubes around each lash, hold all day, and slide off cleanly with warm water and gentle pressure. For daily wearers who don't want to stress their lashes, tubing is often the smarter choice. Reserve true waterproof for holidays, weddings, or gym days.
Volume vs length — pick your primary effect
Volumising formulas rely on dense pigmentation, fibre content, and thicker wax bases to build apparent fullness. Lengthening formulas use lighter polymers and elongated brush designs to coat each lash from root to tip without adding bulk. Most mascaras claim to do both — most don't do both equally well. Decide which effect matters more to you before reading the marketing copy. If you want drama, look for fibre-infused or heavy-coverage formulas. If you want a polished, defined look, a lengthening formula with a comb brush will serve you better.
Conditioning ingredients — worth caring about if you wear mascara daily
Mascara sits on your lashes for 8–16 hours a day. Over time, formulas without conditioning agents can cause brittleness and breakage. Look for argan oil (Rimmel's Wonder'full line uses it explicitly), panthenol, vitamin E, or castor oil in the ingredient list. These aren't marketing fluff — they make a measurable difference to lash health over months of use. Budget mascaras from Essence and CATRICE increasingly include these ingredients, so this is no longer a luxury-only feature.
Pigment payoff and how many coats you actually need
A mascara with high pigment concentration delivers deep, saturated colour in a single coat — which matters if you're applying in a hurry or layering over a primer. Lower pigment density requires multiple coats to achieve the same opacity, which increases the risk of clumping and adds drying time. Jet black formulas vary enormously in actual depth: some budget options deliver surprisingly rich colour, whilst some mid-range products lean more brown-black than the packaging suggests. Check reviews specifically mentioning pigment payoff, not just overall rating.
Shelf life and pack size — the maths most people ignore
Mascara should be replaced every three to six months once opened, regardless of how much product remains. A 4–6ml travel size suits occasional users perfectly and reduces waste. For daily wearers, a 12–15ml full-size tube offers better value — but only if you'll genuinely use it within six months. Benefit's Roller Lash comes in both a 4g mini and an 8.5g full size; the mini is actually better value for anyone who uses mascara two or three times a week. Factor this into your price-per-use calculation before assuming the larger size is the smarter buy.
- Budget picks that punch above their weight (From 2 £ to 4 £) : Essence and CATRICE dominate this tier, with several products sitting well under 4 £. Don't dismiss them — the Essence False Lashes Mascara at its tracked price is genuinely competitive with products costing three times as much. Rimmel's Scandaleyes range also sits here. Ideal for anyone who replaces mascara frequently, wears it occasionally, or wants a dedicated waterproof option without committing to a premium price.
- The sweet spot — most people should start here (From 4 £ to 6 £) : This is where the best value lives. Clinique's Lash Power and Lash Fattening formulas sit in this range, as does the Benefit Roller Lash mini. You're getting noticeably better brush engineering, more sophisticated polymer matrices, and conditioning ingredients as standard. Bourjois and Max Factor also offer strong options here. A good first choice for daily wearers who want reliable performance without luxury pricing.
- Mid-range with genuine performance gains (From 6 £ to 8 £) : Benefit's They're Real! and Clinique's High Impact Extreme Volume land in this bracket. The performance gap over the sweet spot is real but narrower than the price jump suggests — you're paying partly for brand positioning. That said, wear time, smudge resistance, and lash-conditioning quality do tend to improve here. Worth it for special occasions or if you've tried cheaper options and found them lacking.
- Luxury formulas — Dior, Chanel, Sisley (Over 8 £) : Dior, Chanel, and Sisley own this space, with Sisley averaging the highest price point in the category. The formulas are genuinely refined — superior brush engineering, long-wear polymer matrices, and packaging that feels considered. But the honest truth is that the performance gap over a well-chosen mid-range mascara is smaller than the price gap. Buy here if brand experience matters to you, or if you've exhausted mid-range options. Always compare prices across retailers before buying — even luxury mascaras see meaningful price variation.
Top products
- Rimmel Wonder'full Mascara with Argan Oil Black 12ml (Rimmel) : The most-compared mascara in the category for good reason — argan oil conditioning at a price that makes it genuinely hard to argue against. Not the most dramatic formula, but excellent for daily wearers who prioritise lash health over maximum volume.
- Essence The False Lashes Mascara eyelash mascara Black 10 ml (Essence) : The outsider pick that consistently surprises. At its tracked price it's almost absurdly good value — delivers a bold, volumising effect that outperforms its price point. The brush could be more precise, but for the money, this is the one to try first.
- Clinique High Impact Mascara, 8g (Clinique) : Clinique's allergy-tested credentials make this the go-to for sensitive eyes. Solid volume and wear time, and the formula is genuinely gentle with repeated use. Not the most exciting mascara on the market, but dependable in a way that matters.
- Benefit They're Real! eyelash mascara Jet black (Benefit) : A cult product with a devoted following — and the jet black pigment payoff is genuinely exceptional. The ball-tipped brush divides opinion: brilliant for lifting and separating, frustrating if you prefer a traditional wand. Worth comparing prices across the three tracked retailers before buying.
- Benefit Roller Lash Curling Mascara 8.5 g (Benefit) : The best curling mascara in the top 15 by some margin. The hook-and-roll brush design genuinely lifts lashes rather than just coating them. If you have straight lashes and have given up on curling mascaras, try this before reaching for the heated curler.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between waterproof and tubing mascara?
Waterproof mascara uses silicone-based polymers that resist water and sweat, but require an oil-based remover — which can weaken lash adhesive if you wear extensions. Tubing mascara forms small tubes around each lash, holds just as well throughout the day, and removes cleanly with warm water alone, making it far gentler on lashes with repeated daily use. If you're not swimming or crying at a wedding, tubing is usually the smarter long-term choice.
How often should I actually replace my mascara?
Every three months is the standard recommendation, and it's worth taking seriously — mascara tubes are a breeding ground for bacteria, and using an old formula increases the risk of eye infections. The pump-and-pull motion on the wand also introduces air into the tube, drying the formula faster. If your mascara starts clumping, flaking, or smelling different before the three-month mark, replace it immediately regardless of how much product is left.
Is expensive mascara actually better than a drugstore option?
Not always — and the data here makes that clear. Essence mascaras averaging around 4 £ regularly outperform mid-range options in lash separation and wear time. The honest answer is that brush design and formula type matter more than price tier. A £6 mascara with the right brush for your lash type will outperform a £35 mascara with the wrong one. That said, luxury brands like Dior and Chanel do offer genuinely refined polymer matrices and conditioning quality that daily wearers with fine or brittle lashes may notice over time.
Which mascaras are safe to use with lash extensions?
Only oil-free, lightweight formulas are safe with lash extensions — oil-based ingredients degrade the adhesive bond and cause premature shedding. Avoid waterproof mascaras entirely with extensions, as the oil-based removers required to take them off will cause the same problem. Look for formulas explicitly labelled extension-safe, and apply only to the tips of the extensions rather than the base. If in doubt, check with your lash technician before trying a new formula.
What does 'fibre-infused' mascara actually mean, and is it worth it?
Fibre-infused mascaras contain tiny synthetic or natural fibres — typically nylon or rayon — that adhere to lashes to create the appearance of greater thickness and length. They can deliver genuinely dramatic results, but the trade-off is a higher risk of clumping and, for sensitive eyes, occasional irritation. They're best applied in thin coats with a separating brush between layers. Worth trying if you want a false-lash effect without the commitment, but not ideal for everyday wear if your lashes are already prone to clumping.
Are there any mascaras to avoid if I have sensitive eyes?
Yes — heavily fibre-infused formulas and some waterproof mascaras with high solvent content are the most common irritants for sensitive eyes. Fragrance-free formulas are a safer starting point, and brands like Clinique (which is allergy-tested and fragrance-free across most of its range) are a sensible choice. Avoid mascaras with added glitter or shimmer particles near the waterline. If you experience persistent irritation, a tubing formula is often better tolerated because it sits on the lash rather than releasing pigment particles throughout the day.
Is it worth using a lash primer before mascara?
A lash primer is one of the most underrated steps in eye makeup — yes, it's worth it, particularly if you have short or sparse lashes. Primers add bulk and grip before the mascara goes on, meaning you need fewer coats to achieve the same effect and can use a lighter, more conditioning formula on top. This is especially useful if you've been layering multiple coats of mascara to compensate for thin lashes, which increases flaking and clumping risk. Check our eyelash primers category for tracked prices across retailers.