Best Hair Mascaras & Root Touch Ups Under $50 (2026)

We ranked products under $50 by a value score combining user ratings, shade variety, color-safe claims, and suitability for gray coverage or adding a thicker-hair appearance

This roundup covers hair mascaras and root touch-up powders under $50, focused on formulas that mask roots, gray regrowth, and add temporary density. Selections were scored by value using product features (shade range, color-safe formulas, and user ratings) and relevance for common needs like gray coverage and thicker-look finish

Top Picks

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

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

    Joan Rivers Beauty • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
  2. 2
    Joan Rivers Great Hair Day Root Touch Up Powder (Brunette)

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

    Joan Rivers Beauty • ★ 4.1/5 • Budget

    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
    Check current price on 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

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
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    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

    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 →
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    Root Touch Up Powder by STYLE EDIT

    Root Touch Up Powder by STYLE EDIT

    STYLE EDIT • ★ 4.0/5 • Mid-Range

    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
    Check current price on Amazon →
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    Root Touch Up Powder for Medium Brown Hair

    Root Touch Up Powder for Medium Brown Hair

    STYLE EDIT • ★ 4.0/5 • Mid-Range

    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

Match to your natural shade

Choose a shade labeled for your hair tone (brunette, salt-and-pepper, red, gray coverage) to avoid obvious contrast at the root line

Prefer color-safe formulas

Look for products noted as color-safe so the touch-up won't strip salon color or interact with color-treated hair

Pick the right format

Powders and mascaras offer different finishes—powders give a natural thicker look while mascara-style applicators provide targeted, wet-look coverage for precise gray hiding

Check user ratings and consistency

Use average ratings and product descriptions to judge staying power and texture; mid-4-star averages often indicate reliable performance without extremes

Consider ease of application

For quick touch-ups, choose an applicator or powder that matches your skill—brushable mascaras for line work and powders for broad coverage or blending