What do reviews say about price?

Editors found it for about $4–5 and say it performs like far pricier mascaras.

What do reviews say about volume?

Both editors praise the length and lift; one calls it her all-time favourite from the brand.

What do reviews say about rating?

On Target, 81% of 3,358 ratings are 4★ or 5★; about 19% are 3★ or lower.

Beauty & Skincare · Eye makeup · 3,358 reviews · 3 sources

essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Best for: big lashes on a tiny budgetBudget

A $5 cult mascara that gives real length and volume. Editors rate it highly, but about 1 in 5 Target buyers give 3★ or less.

Tracking since Sep 2026

Buy if

You want false-lash length for $5
You like building up volume in coats

Skip if

You need a smudge-proof tubing formula
You want a subtle, natural look only

How it scores

Value10.0

Efficacy9.0

Price

$4–5

You pay for: One of the cheapest mascaras

Reviewed Sep 2026 · 0 new reviews since · score unchanged

What people love

Most mentioned by reviewers

Length and curlEditors saw long, lifted lashes

Tiny priceAbout $4–5 a tube

Most buyers happyOver 7 in 10 rate it 5★

What people complain about

Most mentioned by reviewers

Not a category winnerOne list ranked a rival above it

Rated 3★ or lowerAbout 1 in 5 buyers

One-star ratingsRoughly 1 in 13 buyers

Reviewers disagree on

Editors call it a holy grailA fifth of buyers are let down

Alternatives

Same price · $4–5

Ask about this product

Sources

AI summary of public reviews, not a recommendation.