Best Hair Mascaras & Root Touch Ups Under $50 (2026)
We ranked products by value score using formula type, shade range, color-safety features, texture/coverage performance, and price under $50
The Verdict
- Best Overall: Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Salt Pepper) — Best for salt-and-pepper blends: powder that conceals roots while adding a thicker-looking finish
- Best Value: Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Brunette) — Best for brunettes needing quick touch-ups: focused powder that blends into brunette shades for natural coverage
This roundup covers hair mascaras and root touch-up powders under $50, focused on quick concealment, gray coverage, and temporary thickening effects. Picks were chosen by comparing formula type, shade range, color safety, and overall value score across trusted brands
Top Picks
-
1
Best Overall Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Salt Pepper)
Best for salt-and-pepper blends: powder that conceals roots while adding a thicker-looking finish
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
-
2
Best Value Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Brunette)
Best for brunettes needing quick touch-ups: focused powder that blends into brunette shades for natural 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
-
3
Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder - Red
Best for red coverage needs: pigmented powder that targets roots and blends with red tones for visible concealment
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
-
4
COLOR WOW Root Cover Up: instant grey coverage touch-up
Best for instant gray coverage: a hair-mascara-style formula designed for quick, targeted gray concealment
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
-
5
Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder
Best all-around powder option: versatile root powder that provides concealing coverage and a natural finish
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
-
6
Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Light Blonde)
Best for light blondes: a powder formulated to blend with light blonde shades and add root thickness
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
-
7
Root Cover Up: Instant Grey Coverage & Highlight Touch-Up
Best for gray and highlight touch-ups: dual-purpose formula that covers grays and refreshes highlights
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
-
8
Root Touch Up Powder by STYLE EDIT
Best for blondes seeking a concealer-style powder: targeted coverage that blends into blonde roots
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
-
9
Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Dark Brunette)
Best for dark brunettes needing volume: powder that conceals roots while creating a thicker-root appearance
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
-
10
Root Touch Up Powder for Medium Brown Hair
Best for medium brown coverage: medium-toned powder offering targeted root concealment and a natural look
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