ElytStyle
ElytStyleWhy you can trust us
We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation.

I tried Amazon’s bestselling $5 mascara and agree with over 237,000 five-star reviewers

Katie McBroom
Katie McBroom

Essence Princess Lash Mascara really is as good as its 237,000+ five-star reviewers say it is. (Photos: Katie McBroom, Amazon)(Amazon)

I take mascara selection very seriously and am typically pretty loyal to my favorite, Benefit Roller Lash. But when I saw that over 237,000 (!!) people on Amazon gave the Essence Lash Princess Mascara a five-star review, I had to investigate. Surely a $5 mascara can't be worthy of all this hype. Spoiler alert: It is absolutely worthy of all this hype. I now see (with eyes framed by lush lashes) why it's the No. 1 bestselling mascara on Amazon. Let me open your eyes.

The last effect is false; the quality and value are oh so real...

$5 at essence cosmetics

First of all, the $5 price can't be beat. I admittedly love the pricier prestige mascaras, but even my other favorite drugstore mascara costs nearly double that. Second, the product is actually really good.

I was fully ready to judge the brush because I typically prefer a rubberized bristle brush. (I think it provides a clump-free experience that way and really coats and separates each lash.) But I have to say, this cone-shaped fiber brush really did live up to the product claims that it sculpts individual lashes effortlessly. No need for any glob control. My lashes looked dramatically lifted with plenty of volume that lasted all day without any flaking or smudging.

Advertisement
Advertisement

It seriously does gives the look of instant false lashes, which is great because I hate fighting with lash glue. Apply one coat of this stuff and you're good to go, or you can amp it up with two to three coats for a seriously extra voluminous look. (For the record, I have two coats on in the below photo.)

A photo of the writer wearing the mascara next to a photo of the product itself.
Essence Princess Lash Mascara really is as good as its 237,000+ five-star reviewers say it is. (Photos: Katie McBroom, Amazon)
(Amazon)

I tried (and fell in love with) the OG Lash Princess Mascara before even realizing there are three other kinds in Essence's Lash Princess family. Whhhaaaaat!

There's also the Sculpted Volume Mascara and Curl Mascara. They also have many thousands of five-star reviews and are equally affordable at less than five bucks. Now, please excuse me as I add all of them to my cart. (It's my job!)

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

Recommended articles

The best face primers to blur pores, smooth skin and keep your makeup from melting off

The best face primers to blur pores, smooth skin and keep your makeup from melting off

Makeup
The 3 best setting sprays of 2025, tested and reviewed

The 3 best setting sprays of 2025, tested and reviewed

Makeup
Amazon's No. 1 bestselling mascara is so popular, a tube sells every few seconds — and it's only $5

Amazon's No. 1 bestselling mascara is so popular, a tube sells every few seconds — and it's only $5

Makeup
Amazon's No. 1 bestselling anti-aging concealer — Maybelline for the win — is on sale for $9

Amazon's No. 1 bestselling anti-aging concealer — Maybelline for the win — is on sale for $9

Makeup
Today's best sales: 40% off a Ninja grill, 15% off Clinique's Black Honey and more

Today's best sales: 40% off a Ninja grill, 15% off Clinique's Black Honey and more

Makeup
We found the 13 best Memorial Day beauty sales to shop right now: Save up to 60% on skincare, makeup and more

We found the 13 best Memorial Day beauty sales to shop right now: Save up to 60% on skincare, makeup and more

Makeup
Erase signs of aging with  Amazon's bestselling concealer — on sale now for $8

Erase signs of aging with Amazon's bestselling concealer — on sale now for $8

Makeup
Bethenny Frankel says this drugstore concealer is the best she’s ever used — and its down to $9

Bethenny Frankel says this drugstore concealer is the best she’s ever used — and its down to $9

Makeup
Bethenny Frankel says this affordable drugstore concealer is the best she’s ever used

Bethenny Frankel says this affordable drugstore concealer is the best she’s ever used

Makeup
I tried Amazon’s bestselling $5 mascara and agree with over 237,000 five-star reviewers

I tried Amazon’s bestselling $5 mascara and agree with over 237,000 five-star reviewers

Makeup
Bethenny Frankel took to TikTok to call this $12 drugstore highlighter the 'best on the market'

Bethenny Frankel took to TikTok to call this $12 drugstore highlighter the 'best on the market'

Makeup
Amazon's No. 1 bestselling concealer — Maybelline for the win — can hide signs of aging, and it's on sale for $9

Amazon's No. 1 bestselling concealer — Maybelline for the win — can hide signs of aging, and it's on sale for $9

Makeup
Bethenny Frankel declares this the 'best' liquid blush — and it's down to $11

Bethenny Frankel declares this the 'best' liquid blush — and it's down to $11

Makeup
Fans snap up a tube of this bestselling $5 mascara every 7 seconds

Fans snap up a tube of this bestselling $5 mascara every 7 seconds

Makeup
The best brow gels of 2025 will make even the thinnest arches look robust and refined

The best brow gels of 2025 will make even the thinnest arches look robust and refined

Makeup
Save your makeup—and your skin—with Amazon's best-selling $3 mask hack

Save your makeup—and your skin—with Amazon's best-selling $3 mask hack

Makeup
Believe your eyes: The bestselling luxury mascara in the US is now 50 percent off

Believe your eyes: The bestselling luxury mascara in the US is now 50 percent off

Makeup
Amazon’s No. 1 bestselling makeup sponges are down to $1 a pop — get 'em in time with Prime

Amazon’s No. 1 bestselling makeup sponges are down to $1 a pop — get 'em in time with Prime

Makeup
At $1, this bestselling lipstick is universally flattering and practically free

At $1, this bestselling lipstick is universally flattering and practically free

Makeup
A tube of this bestselling mascara sells every 7 seconds — it's down to $4 for Black Friday

A tube of this bestselling mascara sells every 7 seconds — it's down to $4 for Black Friday

Makeup