Mascara is one of the hardest makeup categories to find a “holy grail” product. This is because the results of one product can differ drastically from one person to another. Most often, people find they are trying the popular mascaras of the moment and are disappointed by the outcome.

The Best Drugstore Mascaras and their brushes

To avoid this pattern it’s important to understand the kind of eyelashes you have. Voluminzing mascaras work best for those who have long sparse eyelashes. Lengthen mascaras work best for those with have short plentiful eyelashes. For added benefit, you can layer mascaras for a full dramatic lash effect. Try to avoid waterproof formulas because they are harder to clean off your eyelashes and may cause you to accidentally pull some out.

Remember, in order to prevent eye infections you should toss your mascaras every 6 to 8 weeks. So buying more affordable options will make throwing your mascara in the garbage less painfully.

Here are three mascaras that work for all eyelashes types and are less than $10.

L'oreal's Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara

Voluminous Million Lashes Excess (L’oreal), $9

The entire Voluminous mascara range set the bar high for drugstore mascaras. However, the best is the Voluminous Million Lashes Excess. This mascara has a unique brush that contains plastic bristles of various lengths that catch every eyelash. The brush has an hourglass shape that deposits the most mascara on the center lashes. The mascara formula is very creamy and takes some time to dry. Once it does set it won’t make your lashes feel crunchy or dry. The only downside to this product is that it only comes in black.

Maybelline's The Colossal Volume Express Masacara

The Colossal Volume Express (Maybelline), $6

For years this mascara has been one of the top selling drugstore mascaras and for good reason. The brush is a traditional bristle brush, which Maybelline calls the “colossal brush” because it is twice the size of most mascara brushes. The formula is a little dry but it will give you a false lash look with only two or three swipes. It comes in both black and brown shades and is hypoallergenic. Dramatic volume is what this mascara delivers and you can layer it on top of your favorite lengthening mascara without any clumping.

CoverGirl's LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara

CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher, $6

This mascara has a curved brush, which makes it easy to maneuver to all your eyelashes. No matter how many layers of this mascara you apply it doesn’t clump. If your favorite mascara does clump, you can use this mascara to separate the clumps. Also, this mascara layers great on top of other mascaras. It comes in both black and brown shades and the formula is creamy. This mascara does leave your lashes feeling firm afterward, but it does not cause flaking.