The 4 Best Essence Mascaras

Essence's Lash Princess mascara is my everyday go-to, but I'm not the only one. Currently, it has more than 300,000 reviews on Amazon, not to mention a 4.4-star overall rating and best-selling status. People are "obsessed" because it has a cone-shaped brush alongside a bold, flake-free formula, both of which deliver dramatic, voluminous lashes that last all day — all for $5 a bottle. It's cruelty- and gluten-free, too. If you're looking for a great all-around mascara that checks most of the boxes while remaining extremely affordable, this one's a safe bet. However, if you're looking for a waterproof formula, scroll on to the next option.

One reviewer wrote: "I have heard people raving about this mascara so I finally decided to give it a try. I wish I had tried it way sooner! It goes on amazingly smooth, no clumps, and even on my short and very straight lashes, I get a lovely length and curl with this mascara! This will be my go to from now on!"

Waterproof: No | Colors: 1 | Brush: Tapered

This pick is the waterproof version of Essence's Lash Princess (meaning it's virtually the same formula with added staying power in the presence of moisture), but it deserves its own mention for several reasons: First, it truly does last all day, even through swimming, sweating, and showering. Second, it delivers serious volume without flaking, fading, and clumping — and it has the same cone-shaped fiber brush as the original for effortless application. It's also cruelty-free. Finally, it costs $5, just like the original. When you're ready to take it off, reviewers say coconut oil helps to loosen it up.

One reviewer wrote: "After falling in love with the regular mascara, I got the waterproof version because I live in the South where humidity ruins everything. It worked fantastically for everyday wear so I decided to try it out at the beach while playing in the waves for hours. It held up amazingly. After 6 hours of salty waves making both direct and indirect hits to my face, only a few smudges were noticeable and wiped away easily leaving still gorgeous lashes."

Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 1 | Brush: Tapered

If you're looking for really intense volume, look no further than the What The Fake! mascara. Again, each tube is just $5, but this formula is infused with fibers to deliver extreme volume and length. It has a thick, creamy texture that’s great for building and layering and comes with a double-tapered brush to help define and coat every lash.

One reviewer wrote: “Wasn't expecting much from such a cheap mascara but this stuff works great! It is a little harder to remove but the staying power is amazing. Definitely adds length and thickness. Separates lashes and doesn't clump. I've tried so many mascaras and this one is in my top 3. Will be repurchasing.”

Waterproof: No | Colors: 1 | Brush: Double-tapered

Some people want all-day staying power, but they don't necessarily want to deal with a hard-to-remove waterproof formula. If that describes you, Essence's tubing Bye Bye Panda Eyes formula is a great option. Unlike standard pigmented mascaras, this one wraps each individual lash in a tube-like enclosure. As a result, it won't smudge, flake, or fade, even in the presence of mild moisture — but when you wash your face with warm water and just a bit of pressure, the tubes slide right off, leaving your lashes clean and lightweight. That way, you can get long-lasting volume without scrubbing.

One reviewer wrote: "For years and years, I've tried to find a mascara that wouldn't smudge. I've bought very, very expensive brands of waterproof mascara that always end up failing at some point during the day. Bye Bye Panda Eyes is, hands down, the absolute best mascara I have ever tried. It has never, ever smudged."

Waterproof: No | Colors: 1 | Brush: Straight

Essence also makes a volume-boosting primer, which isn't a mascara in and of itself — but it's worth mentioning due to its 27,000-plus Amazon reviews and cult-favorite status. This formula goes on white to create a base that mascara can cling to, boosts your lashes with buildable volume, and is infused with botanical ingredients to nourish and condition your lash line. And one reviewer raved that it gives "amazing volume" when used with essence's Lash Princess products.

One reviewer wrote: "This PRIMER IS A MASTER! It increases the volume and length of my lashes before I even apply the mascara, once I put the mascara on WOW it almost looks like I’m wearing false lashes! So much volume and it keeps my mascara in place all day!"

Waterproof: No | Colors: 1 | Brush: Hourglass