7 Under-R300 Mascaras That Deliver Big Lash Energy Without the Spend
- BY HUSNA DAWJEE
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Without a doubt, if I were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring three beauty products - a transformative jet black mascara would be one of them. Mascara doesn't just lift your lashes, it brightens your entire look and ties everything together. After the pop of blush and a hint of shimme on the lids, comes the mascara for the finishing touches; it’s the cherry on top of the cake.
In her bag, a woman should carry one of three things : a tinted lipgloss, skin coloured loose powder and cosmic black mascara. You never know when you need a touch-up. The right gloss will not only plump your lips but keep it hydrated with a colourful shine. A loose powder is not just for the dark spots and pigmentation but the smile lines too. And a mascara, black or not, is to revolutionize your lashes from natural to faux.
With all that's on the shelves, there is so much to choose from but so little time to decide. The perfect mascara is both high in quality and effective throughout the day. If you’re looking for a water-resistant, volumising or nourishing mascara, then you’ve come to the right place. Below are 7 budget-friendly mascaras that deliver serious impact without stretching your wallet.
Right at the top of the list is Essence’s Lash Princess collection. Built for you to stay beautiful in, the five mascaras from this range aims to magnify your lashes for eye-catching effects.
Available in three different fonts, the Mega Volume in the colour ‘very black’ is ultra-pigmented with colour deposits at each stroke. Coating every lash with a formula that both protects and nourishes your follicles, the Mega mascaras also come in waterproof options.
Created to deliver enduring effects, Lush’s cruelty free jet-back mascara works like a charm. It coats each individual lash through its neatly designed bristles. For extra lash care, the formula is infused with ingredients such as rosemary and coconut.
If you’re looking to treat yourself, but still want to stay within the budget, then consider Benefit cosmetics's BADgal BANG! in a mini. With a promise to deliver up to 36 hours of greatness, this volumising mascara is engineered to defy gravity, giving your lashes a massive lift from root to tip.
This cult classic is every millennial’s must have but oh-so very popular with today’s influencers. Containing extracts of bamboo, the mascara ink is lightweight, layering the Flex Tower wand evenly, bending to follow the path of your lashes.
Whether you're getting the ‘extatic’ addition or the ‘intense’, L’oreal’s Paradise mascara is a dream come true. Made with soft bristles to build and lengthen your lashes, the formula is creamy with castor oil allowing for a more delicate look.
And finally, making a comeback to South Africa is NYX Professional Makeup. Their buildable, lengthening mascara is made for the corporate girls who work during the day and go for drinks after hours. With a tapered tip, this mascara was designed with ease and comfort in mind.
The beauty aisle is shimmering with hidden gems. These budget-friendly options do exactly what is needed and so much more. Whether you’re shopping at Chanel or Essence, the mascara of your choice should match your lash type and expectations with every stroke. Glamour doesn’t always come at a hefty price, sometimes it’s sitting in your local drug store or beauty store.
