Best Hair Mascaras & Root Touch Ups Under $100 (2026)

• 10 products compared from 3 brands • avg ItemOracle score 4.1/5

We scored products by formulation type, shade variety, color-safe claims, ease of application, and overall value under $100

The Verdict

Top Picks

  1. 1
    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Salt Pepper)

    Best Overall Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Salt Pepper)

    Joan Rivers Beauty • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    Best for subtle salt-and-pepper coverage: adds natural-looking density with a powder formula suited to thicker hair

    Root touch-up powder to create fuller-looking hair with color-safe formula. Includes a custom brush for even application and transfer resistance until shampooed. Customers note easy use and lasting coverage, with some color accuracy mixed

    • fills in color for fuller look
    • transfer-proof until shampooed
    • free brush for even application
    Buy at Amazon →
  2. 2
    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Brunette)

    Best Value Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Brunette)

    Joan Rivers Beauty • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    Best for brunettes seeking quick touch-ups: powder formula blends into brown shades for discreet root coverage

    Root touch up powder creates the look of fuller hair, matching color for a natural blend. Transfers stay on until shampooed out, with easy 10-second application. Customer feedback notes good coverage and durability, with mixed views on color accuracy

    • full head illusions with powder
    • color-safe blending
    • includes dedicated application brush
    Buy at Amazon →
  3. 3
    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder - Red

    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder - Red

    Joan Rivers Beauty • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    Best for red tones needing quick fixes: powder delivers targeted color and fuller-looking strands at the part

    Root touch up powder that adds the look of fuller, thicker hair. Color-safe formula with transfer-proof wear until shampooed. Includes a custom brush for even application. "Customers say it makes thin hair look thicker and stays on until washing."

    • full head appearance with color-fill
    • transfer-proof until washed
    • includes application brush
    Buy at Amazon →
  4. 4
    COLOR WOW Root Cover Up: instant grey coverage touch-up

    COLOR WOW Root Cover Up: instant grey coverage touch-up

    COLOR WOW • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    Best for instant gray coverage: brush-applied formula targets grays with focused application for roots and temples

    Color WOW Root Cover Up provides water- and sweat-resistant root touch-up with easy application and lasting coverage. Customers say it stays on between washes and is easy to apply, though results on gray coverage vary

    • water- and sweat-resistant
    • easy to apply
    • lasting coverage between washes
    Buy at Amazon →
  5. 5
    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder

    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder

    Joan Rivers Beauty • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    Best versatile powder option: easy-to-blend formula that adds density while matching a range of natural shades

    Root touch-up powder for a fuller, thicker look with color-safe formula. Includes a custom brush for easy application and transfer-proof wear until shampooed out. Users note quick 10-second application and improved coverage between color appointments

    • full head of hair look
    • color-safe blend
    • included brush for even application
    Check current price on Amazon →
  6. 6
    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Light Blonde)

    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Light Blonde)

    Joan Rivers Beauty • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    Best for light blondes: powder designed to blend with fine light hair while adding thicker-looking coverage

    Root touch up powder for fuller-looking hair with matchable color and transfer-proof wear. Includes a custom brush for even application. Customers report easy 10-second use and longer between color appointments

    • full head illusion with powder
    • color-safe blend
    • brush included for even coverage
    Check current price on Amazon →
  7. 7
    Root Cover Up: Instant Grey Coverage & Highlight Touch-Up

    Root Cover Up: Instant Grey Coverage & Highlight Touch-Up

    COLOR WOW • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    Best for gray and highlight touch-ups: formula targets grays and highlights without heavy buildup

    Color WOW root cover up provides instant coverage with water and sweat resistance. Customers praise easy application, lasting coverage, and value, though gray coverage opinions vary

    • instant coverage
    • resists sweat and water
    • ease of application
    Buy at Amazon →
  8. 8
    Root Touch Up Powder by STYLE EDIT

    Root Touch Up Powder by STYLE EDIT

    STYLE EDIT • ★ 4.0/5 • Mid-Range

    Best for blondes needing precise concealment: concealer-style powder that blends into light hair tones cleanly

    Temporary hair color for light blonde roots, highlights, and grays. Conceals with a mineral-infused formula and precise sponge application. Customers note easy application and lasting coverage until next wash

    • instant concealment of roots
    • color-adaptive pigments
    • sponge applicator for precision
    Buy at Amazon →
  9. 9
    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Dark Brunette)

    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Dark Brunette)

    Joan Rivers Beauty • ★ 4.0/5 • Budget

    Best for dark brunettes wanting thickness: powder adds coverage and a fuller appearance at roots and part lines

    Root touch up powder to create fuller, thicker-looking hair. Color-safe formula; transfer-resistant until shampooed. Includes a custom brush for easy application

    • included custom brush for even application
    • fill-in powder for fuller look
    • color-safe formulation
    Check current price on Amazon →
  10. 10
    Root Touch Up Powder for Medium Brown Hair

    Root Touch Up Powder for Medium Brown Hair

    STYLE EDIT • ★ 4.0/5 • Mid-Range

    Best for medium brown coverage: medium-brown powder that conceals grays while maintaining a natural finish

    Root touch up powder with mineral-infused binding conceals grays or re-growth. Precise application with a unique sponge applicator for targeted coverage that lasts until the next wash. Customers note effective gray coverage and easy use

    • innovative binding powder
    • color-adaptive pigments
    • precision sponge applicator
    Check current price on Amazon →

Buying Guide

Choose the right formulation

Powders blend into hair to add density while mascaras and creams provide targeted coverage; pick the format that matches your application style and hair texture

Match shade range to your hair

Look for brands with multiple shades and clear tone descriptions (brunette, light blonde, salt & pepper) to avoid visible contrast at the part or roots

Prioritize color-safe and transfer resistance

Select products labeled color-safe and smudge-resistant to minimize fading and staining on skin or clothing between washes

Consider thickening vs. color focus

Some powders emphasize thicker-looking hair while others prioritize gray coverage; pick based on whether density or color concealment matters more

Application and blending ease

Check for applicator type (brush, sponge, or puff) and how easily the product blends for natural-looking touch-ups in any lighting