12 Target Mascaras That Are Actually Worth Every Penny

Buzz Feed

18-04-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Because you work too hard to be wasting money on mid mascara.
1. Versed Day Lash Lifting and Defining Mascara — a water-resistant formula (that I own!) infused with vitamin E to help nourish your lashes. It lengthens and defines every lash (with zero clumps!) for a glossy, my-lashes-but-better look. The best part is it doesn't smudge, flake, or leave eyelashes feeling brittle.
Target
Promising reviews: 'This is the only mascara I've ever used that doesn't rub off under my eyes by the end of the day. Love the brush for applying, truly the best.' — hetravis
"Beautiful, clean mascara! No clumping and goes on smooth. I have not experienced any negatives. Lengthening and definitely gives you pretty natural looking lashes. I would say that this is a nice daily mascara but if you are looking for a more dramatic lash look then you should try something else. I feel it is a perfect staple mascara that is easy to apply, stays on all day, and provides fluttery natural-looking lashes. Very happy with it!" — CNash
2. An E.l.f. Lash N' Roll Mascara for super-lifted lashes that hold a curl, dare I say, even better than its high-end counterpart. The slightly curved silicone wand hugs lashes at the root, while longer bristles on the outer edge comb through to prevent clumps, lifting your eyelashes to new heights (no curler required). No smudging, no flaking, no worries!
Target
Promising review: 'I've spent so long looking for the perfect mascara for me. After randomly picking this up one day and trying it for the first time, I knew this was the one. It's the only mascara that makes my lashes stay up and doesn't smudge throughout the day. The quality of this is just amazing and I couldn't recommend it enough. Thank you elf for this amazing mascara.' — Jocelyn
3. A viral L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Panorama Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara to give you thicker, longer, fanned-out lashes and up to 24 hrs of wear. It's all in the wand — the tapered design reaches the inner and outer corners of your lashes to deliver the prettiest, doe-eyed look. Shoppers say it's better than prestige brands, and I have to agree.
Promising review: 'I generally NEVER switch up my mascara but I took a chance on this one and I'm so happy I did. This gives me the perfect length and volume but doesn't have issues smudging like other mascaras I have tried in the past. Even though it has really good staying power during the day, I don't find it to be a pain to take off at the end of the day.' — MV
4. A ColourPop Act Natural Mascara for naturally defined, wispy-looking lashes, all for the same price as an iced matcha. The creamy vegan formula gives you that coveted 'clean girl' look, lifting and separating lashes for a barely-there boost that's easy to remove when you're ready.
Target
Promising review: 'I've been trying to find a brown mascara that just adds a little bit of oomph when I don't wear a lot of makeup, I decided to grab this and try it and it does that job perfectly! No clumps at all and glides on smoothly, just adding a bit of color and length to my lashes. I love it!' — em
5. A Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Lengthening Mascara for lashes so long, people will wonder if you got extensions. The fiber-infused formula effortlessly extends your lashes without adding weight, creating a full, feathery look. Bonus that it comes in some super fun shades like Burgundy Haze and Space Diamond (which is like a glittery silver)!
Target
Promising review: 'This mascara stays on all day, is buildable, and adds great length and volume, rivaling its more expensive competition with similar results but with a super reasonable price tag. I've never met anyone who tried it and didn't like it! My teenage daughter and I both use it daily.' — Darcy
6. A L'Oreal Paris Paradise Big Deal Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara aka the even more volumizing followup to the brand's Lash Paradise Mascara. It's a lightweight formula with a BIG lash impact, just keep adding coats for limitless volume without any clumps.
Target
Promising review: 'The Lash Paradise mascara is my absolute favorite everyday mascara ('drugstore' brand, whatever), so I didn't think I'd like this as much… and I was WRONG. This mascara is a mix of the Lash Paradise and Maneater by Tarte and I can't get enough of it. Pair it with the lash primer and you will be impressed. I had several people tell me they loved my lashes and I didn't realize they thought they were fake. Nope, all real!!' — Brooke
7. A Well People Expressionist Lengthening Mascara for a vegan, plant-based formula that's gentle for sensitive eyes. Jojoba oil nourishes with every coat, while rice bran oil helps boost volume and length. The result? Naturally enhanced lashes that feel as soft and fluttery as they look. No smudging, either!
Target
Promising reviews: 'I love this mascara. It doesn't smudge or clump like other mascaras I've used in the past. I think it's definitely worth the price and the quality is better than other expensive brands I've used in the past that have disappointed.' — Marlinee
"Amazing mascara! I bought this on a whim wanting to try something with a bit better ingredients, as telescopic has been my holy grail for 10+ years, but it's started to burn my eyes. This is better, just as lengthening, doesn't clump at all, easy application, it's the best!! Highly highly recommend, my new go-to." — Alexa
8. A Maybelline The Falsies Surreal Extensions Mascara because these deliver super long and voluminous lashes that, yes, look like they could be falsies. The secret is its fiber-powered formula, that attaches to your natural lash to literally boost length. The effect is longer, fuller-looking lashes that promise to last up to 24 hours.
Maybelline / Via instagram.com, Target
Promising review: 'This mascara is amazing! I have short, thin lashes and it adds a ton of length and volume. It stays on while I'm sweating all day at work but washes off easily enough. I will definitely be buying this again.' — Desiree
9. A Pacifica Dream Big Lash Extending 7 in 1 Black Magic Mascara with an adjustable brush you simply extend to lift and lengthen or shorten to buildup volume, it's that easy. Plant fibers make your natural lashes look longer, while coconut oil and vitamin B keep them soft and hydrated — it's essentially a lash serum and mascara in one.
Target
Promising review: 'I LOVE this mascara!! I get so many people asking if I got eyelash extensions when I wear this mascara. It is very buildable and natural looking!' — Jtarget
10. A Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara that uses tubing technology to instantly lengthen and lift every lash, while allowing for easy removal with warm water. The skinny, conical wand gives you easy access to your inner lashes for a natural, fanned-out effect and did I mention it wears for up to 16 hours without smudging? *Adds to cart*.
11. A Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara for dramatic, va-va-voom volume. Its iconic spin-shape brush offers intense fullness and length in a single swipe for statement lash looks with zero clumping or smudging. No wonder it's been the brand's #1 mascara for years.
Target
Promising review: 'I love this mascara. I have been using it for years! Over a decade. I have tried countless different brands–high and low–and prefer this mascara over all others. The formula stays put on my watery eyes. I love the brush and that it adds the perfect amount of volume and length to my eyelashes.' — Cjmlsw
12. A classic L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara that'll give you super buildable, touchably soft volume that comes in a TON of cool shades. Go forest fairy glam with the emerald color or try for a spooky witch look with the deep violet. Best part is? They're $10 so if you try something and it isn't your vibe, you just move on to the next!
Target
Promising review: 'This is my go to drugstore mascara and it's better than some expensive brands. I keep going back to it. It's great for adding length, doesn't clump my lashes together and it washes off easily as well.' — MMMick