Bargain vs Bougie: The Difference Between Our 4 Best-Selling Mascaras

Let's not sugar coat it. There are good mascaras and really, really average ones.

But what actually makes a good mascara? And are more expensive ones better than cheap mascaras?

So, we thought it'd be fun (and helpful) to compare four of the best-selling mascaras on Adore Beauty with different price points:

• Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Volumising Mascara, $24.95.

• Eye Of Horus Goddess Mascara, $36.

• Benefit BADGal Bang Volumising Mascara, $44.

• Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara, $58.

From volume, length and curl, to clump factor, price and the all important mascara wand, watch our budget vs bougie mascara comparison YouTube video below (or keep scrolling for the quick version).

1. Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Volumising Mascara, $24.95.

Fast facts:

• Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Volumising Mascara - Ultra Black is an affordable mascara loved by beauty editors for being a lash lift in a tube.

• Double-curved brush and fibre-infused formula lifts, thickens and lengthens lashes from root to tip.

• No clumping, smearing or flaking.

• Comes in a new ultra black shade for super intense, glossy black lashes.

Why it's so good:

Maybelline The Falsies applies really nicely. It gives a lot of length you can build up, and it doesn't clump up the lashes - I hate when mascaras dump too much product onto the lashes at once.

This one gives the eye a noticeably lifted appearance and comes in at an affordable price point. Put simply, it works.

2. Eye Of Horus Goddess Mascara, $36.

Fast facts:

• Eye Of Horus Goddess Mascara is a lengthening mascara that gives subtle volume and curl.

• Great for contact-lens wearers and anyone with sensitive eyes that usually hate mascaras!

• Natural, cruelty-free formula is clump-proof and smudge-proof.

• Rich in waxes and nourishing oils to strengthen your lashes while lengthening them at the same time.

Why it's so good:

Eye Of Horus Goddess Mascara is perfect if you want an elongated, natural-looking lash. I feel like you almost can't over apply product with this wand. Zero clumping with this one, too.

It really separates the lashes quite effortlessly, so you don't have to work too hard to get the effect you're after. A great mascara if you like length over volume.

3. Benefit BADGal Bang Volumising Mascara, $44.

Fast facts:

• Benefit BADGal Bang Volumising Mascara is a mega volumising mascara designed to give you your biggest, fullest lashes.

• Flexible comb-like brush separates each lash before adding weightless volume and colour.

• Formula is smudge-proof and water-resistant (not to be confused with waterproof).

• Best for anyone who wants a dramatic false lash effect.

Why it's so good:

The power of this Benefit BADGal Bang mascara is instant. Instant length. Instant volume. Instant lift.

The wand is a bit thinner than other mascaras, so it's easy to add length and volume to those little lashes that are hard to reach in the corners. If you want a dramatic effect, keep layering this one for a bigger impact.

4. Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara, $58.

Fast facts:

• Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara is a volumising and lifting mascara.

• Best for anyone who wants a wide 'doll' eye look.

• Unique cone-shaped brush helps coat every lash, including in hard-to-reach corners and lower lashes.

• FiberShine formula gives lashes a glossy, high-shine finish.

Why it's so good:

Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara does exactly what it says it will. The cone-shaped wand allows you to lengthen and separate with the thin, tapered end, and add volume with the wider edge.

The volume and separation this mascara gives is perfect for creating a wide-eyed look. But you can also tweak how you use it i.e. if you like a feline cat eye look, use the thin end of the brush on your outer corner lashes.

But is it worth $58? If you have the cash and you want to invest in a mascara, this will impress you.

Final verdict... which one of these four mascaras is the winner in my eyes?

While the Lancôme mascara made me feel bougie, I can't go past Maybelline Falsies because it does the job, and with the lowest price tag.

But really, the moral of the story is: Regardless of price, there's a mascara option out there to suit your lashes and budget. Praise be!

Want more tried and tested makeup product recommendations? Check out these helpful stories below!

• I’ve Tried Hundreds of Mascaras - Hands Down, These 5 Are the Best for Every Type of Lash

• Bargain vs Bougie: The Difference Between Our 4 Best-Selling Foundations

• 4 New Makeup Products Under $25 I'm Loving Sick Right Now