13 Best Natural Mascaras According To A Makeup Artist (2024)
Lengthen your eyelashes and make them look more natural and volumized.
Kerrin is a 4-time Emmy-nominated film and television makeup artist. She has worked on TV shows, such as The Walking Dead, The Mandalorian, and Our Flag Means Death, and films, such as Star Wars - Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars - Attack of the Clones, Guardians of the Galaxy 2, The Hobbit Trilogy, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales to name a few.
Read full bio of Kerrin Jackson
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
Read full bio of Rajeshwari Das
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
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With the best natural mascaras in your makeup pouch, you can achieve long, thick, luscious, and defined eyelashes without having to absorb the questionable ingredients present in your other regular mascaras. Yes, it is true that mascaras contain ingredients like polybutene, a host of synthetic dyes, parabens, carbon black, and preservatives that are not suitable for your eyes. When you rub your mascara-filled eyes, your body absorbs those harmful ingredients. So, just like your lipsticks, deodorants, and moisturizers, you can have mascaras that contain natural and clean ingredients too. And today, a multitude of brands provide you with a wide range of natural mascaras. Yes, those non-toxic mascaras work wonders without a doubt! But since the market is already brimming with them, we have curated a list of the 13 most effective natural mascaras that you must purchase. So, what are you waiting for then? Go ahead, scroll down, read through the list, and pick the one that suits you and that your heart desires! Come on and test these out!
In This Article
13 Best Natural Mascaras You Must Try In 2024
1. Best For Defined Lashes:Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer – Black
There’s nothing more convenient than makeup that multitasks. This long-lasting, all natural mascara is created without animal testing. It is dual-ended where the lash primer and mascara work together to ensure that you have long, voluminous, and defined eyelashes. The lash primer creates an even base and enhances the mascara’s performance while the rich and smooth mascara gives lift and length to your eyelashes. The brush features especially molded bristles that separate every lash without clumping and give them dramatic definition. This natural looking mascara is made with jojoba esters known to moisturize and condition your lashes, and is also gentle on the eyes and suitable for contact lens wearers. A real timesaver and healthy too!
- No parabens
- Paraffin-free
- No silicones
- No mineral oil
- No synthetic fragrances
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Toxicologist-verified
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- May cause itchiness for some
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 2,771 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
2. Best Moisturizing:Bestidy Twinkle Starlight Long Curl Mascara
Just one coat of this organic waterproof mascara promises to give your lashes an instant boost of volume and length, delivering exceptional results. Its soft fiber brush sweeps the creamy and smooth mascara across all lashes without flaking, clumping, or drying out. And its long-lasting and waterproof formula makes sure that despite sweat or rain, your gorgeous eyelashes stay thick, long, and voluminous all day long. This hypoallergenic and natural 4D silk fiber lash mascara contains safe, clean, and gentle ingredients that can be used without qualms for sensitive eyes and by contact lens wearers. And you just need warm water or a mild cleanser to remove this voluminizing mascara at the end of the day. Talk about convenience!
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Waterproof
- Long lasting
- Easy to apply
- Easy to remove
- Smudge-free
- Flake-free
- Longer and thicker lashes
- Contains parabens
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 10,625 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
3. Best For Sensitive Eyes:Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara – Black Brown
We all know the applicator is as important as the mascara! The brush and natural, nourishing formula of this paraben-free mascara work together so that you have statement-making, thicker, longer, and healthy looking lashes instantly. Enriched with jojoba oil and moisturizing glycerin, this celebrity-endorsed brand’s mascara is gentle on your skin and nourishes your lashes. This black brown colored lengthening mascara comes with a convenient and easy-to-use applicator and is suitable for all eye colors and skin tones. Also available in a classic black color, this organic brown mascara is made with clean ingredients, contains no harmful ingredients, is ophthalmologist-tested, and its formula is ideal for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
- No animal testing
- Ingredients from nature
- No parabens
- No phthalates
- No SLS
- Petrolatum-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- Responsible sourcing
- Recyclable packaging
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- May get into eyes on contact with water and cause burning
Quick TipHonest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer - Black est Moisturizing | Bestidy Twinkle Starlight Long Curl Mascara Best Moisturizing | Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara - Black Brown Best For Sensitive Eyes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Black | Black | |
| Dimensions | 0.8 x 0.8 x 5.6 inches | - | |
| Weight | 0.25 Ounces | - | |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,771 | 10,625 | 10,625 |
| Price | $19.99 | $9.99 | $9.99 |
4. Best Vegan:Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mineral Mascara – Black
The Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mineral Mascara is highly regarded by makeup artistry professionals and boasts of several positive reviews online. It helps lengthen, strengthen, and volumize your lashes. It is enriched with coconut oil and kelp that hydrate and strengthen your lashes. The vitamin B and rice protein in the formula enhance the look of your lashes. This long-lasting mascara is also easy to remove. This mascara comes in a compact, travel-friendly tube and the wand features a 100% vegan flexible bristle brush.
- Long-wearing
- Gentle
- Clump-free formula
- Buildable coverage
- Easy to remove
- Cruelty-free
- Talc-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Silicone-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Not flake-proof
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 3,669 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
5. Best Lash-Lengthening Formula:Physicians Formula Natural Origin Mascara – Black
The Physicians Formula Natural Origin Mascara has a vegan formula that is suitable for sensitive eyes. This hypoallergenic formula defines your lashes and adds dramatic length to them. It is formulated with an organic lash-boosting complex and is infused with olive extracts that intensely condition your lashes. It also contains natural fibers that volumize, thicken and separate the lashes for a super dramatic look. The mascara tube comes with a recyclable brush that features ultra-soft plastic bristles which help you apply the mascara with utter precision. This product is praised by several reviewers online for its gentle formula.
- Lightweight
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Offers a natural finish
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Recyclable mascara wand
- Not water-resistant
- Not smear-resistant
6. Best Hypoallergenic:Fifth & Skin Naturlash Mineral Mascara – Black
Are you fed up of trying mascaras that just don’t work like they claim to? Considered one of the best organic mascaras, this natural lash mascara has a silky smooth application that gives you natural looking, long, and thick eyelashes, without any lash fallout. This gentle, hypoallergenic mascara is ideal for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. It’s made with botanical ingredients like olive oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, carnauba wax, and bayberry fruit wax to name a few, and is free of all toxins and chemicals. Extremely versatile, it can also be used as a liquid eyeliner— all you need to do is dip an eyeliner brush into the mascara and apply. What’s stopping you from trying this amazing product?
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-GMO
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Preservative-free
- Mercury-free
- Petroleum-free
- Lead-free
- Dye-free
- Requires more coats than usual
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 781 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
7. Best Water Resistant:Rimmel KIND & FREE Clean Mascara
The Rimmel KIND & FREE Clean Mascara gives you bold, voluminous, and long lashes. It is infused with a combination of organic shea butter and biotin that work together to give you fuller and longer lashes. The unique brush applicator allows you to easily coat every lash, from the root to the tip, without clumping. Not only does this mascara add volume and length to your lashes, but it also contains nourishing ingredients that help to condition and strengthen your lashes. The brush of the mascara is made from 100% bio-based fibers that prevent lash breakage.
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Bio-based fiber brush
- Fragrance-free
- Mineral oils-free
- Long-lasting
- None
8. Best For Volumizing Lashes:Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara – After Midnight Black
This 99% naturally derived mascara lifts, curls, volumizes, and lengthens your eyelashes. This nourishing and lightweight mascara is made with a blend of organic beeswax and carnauba wax to condition each lash individually. This volumizing gentle mascara is also infused with fortifying arginine and organic shea butter to boost and enhance your lashes. And you never have to worry about smudging or flaking with this buildable mascara. It features a patented dual-sided brush for smooth and natural application. The shorter side can be used to curl and create volume, while the longer bristles will separate, lift, and lengthen your eyelashes.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
- Buildable
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
- Fragrance-free
- Synthetic dye-free
- 99% naturally derived
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Some feel it tends to clump
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 2,582 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
9. Best Flake-Free:Beautify Beauties Easy On The Eyes Sensitive Mascara – Black
We have all been through raccoon eyes at some point in our life, and what a disaster when that happens just before an important event! This natural mascara for sensitive eyes contains natural waxes and clays that strengthen, condition, and nourish your lashes without any smudging, clumping, or flaking. Its gentle, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula is designed for sensitive eyes and for contact lens wearers. It features a specially designed brush which picks up just the right amount of mascara for a precise and smooth application. It has a buildable formula that makes it easy to create lush and voluminous lashes. Its water-soluble formula makes it easy to remove with makeup remover or soap and water very gently. It’s available in 2 other colors as well— brown black and navy, which will make your eyes pop.
- Hypoallergenic
- Highly pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Non-irritating
- Full coverage
- Water soluble formula
- Contains parabens
10. Best For Contact Lens wearers:Gaya Cosmetics Vegan Mascara For Sensitive Eyes – Black
If you want to enhance the beauty of your eyes, this might just be the product for you! This all natural mascara builds, lengthens, and volumizes both your upper and lower lashes with its unique curved silicone brush, so that it looks as if you are using eyelash extensions, and prevents smudging or clumping. The mascara coats each lash and you can build the desired volume. This ophthalmologically-tested, vegan, lash-enhancing formula is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lenses wearers. It comes in a convenient and compact size so you can carry it as your travel companion anywhere. It’s gentle formula is long-lasting and can be easily removed at the end of the day.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- PEG-free
- Talc-free
- SLS-free
- Triclosan-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- Ophthalmologically-tested
- Some feel it tends to smudge
11. Best Long-Lasting:Josie Maran Argan Black Oil Mascara – Black
Treat yourself to the nourishing effect of argan oil with this natural, mercury free mascara that not only softens your eyelashes but helps them grow. It is also infused with jet black iron mineral pigments, and bamboo extract which strengthens your lashes. This lash-defining mascara lasts up to 24 hours as it coats, lifts, lengthens, volumizes, and curls your lashes. It features a unique five-ball brush that coats each and every lash to give you that wide-eyed look. It’s easy to remove so there is minimal lash fallout and your lashes look healthier than ever. The combination of argan oil, bamboo extract, and beeswax do a great job of strengthening and conditioning your lashes while it also fights against bacteria and free radicals making it great for sensitive eyes.
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- No synthetic fragrance
- No mineral oil
- Formaldehyde-free
- PEG-free
- Some might find it a bit clumpy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 705 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
12. Best Cruelty-Free:Evxo Mineral Mascara – Black
This natural organic mascara has ingredients that keep your lashes long, strong, and healthy and is completely free of synthetic colors, harmful preservatives, or fragrances, making it one of the best mascaras for sensitive eyes. The mascara brush separates each lash and coats them smoothly and evenly with no smudges, clumps, or flakes, and your lashes always look long, lush and soft. You can either go for a natural look with a single coat or a dramatic look with multiple coats. This long-lasting mascara can be removed easily at the end of the day, so you no longer have to worry about residue on your pillow or face. You just can’t be missed with this eye-accentuating mascara!
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Long-lasting
- Easy to remove
- Some find the brush bristles too wide for precise application
13. Best Non-Clumping:Zuzu Luxe Mascara – Clear
If you don’t want to go with the obviously made-up look, this might be the product for you! This natural clear mascara lengthens, volumizes, and curls your lashes without clumping, smudging, or flaking. It features an innovative and luxuriant nylon brush that applies the natural looking mascara evenly and smoothly. Depending on the coats you apply, you can go for the minimalist or dramatic look. Its safe and natural ingredients like aloe vera leaf juice, sea fennel extract, vitamin E, and panthenol to name a few, make it suitable for sensitive skin and people who wear contact lenses.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Water-resistant
- Non-GMO
- No coal tar derivatives
- Some feel it might weigh down the lashes
Now that you have been through our review of the 13 best natural and organic mascaras, let us also tell you what to keep in mind while choosing the best one for yourself so that you can derive maximum benefit from it as well as have the most gorgeous eyes ever.
Buying Guide
How To Choose The Best Natural Mascara
- Ingredients to consider:
There is no doubt that harsh, chemical ingredients in your mascara should be a complete no-no and instead, it should contain natural, plant-based ingredients which nourish your eyelashes from root to tip. Ingredients like vitamin E, provitamin B5, sunflower oil, organic beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, saw palmetto oil, avocado butter, and shea butter are a much safer bet. As are natural earth mineral pigments instead of toxic, synthetic dyes, and colors. Oil, wax, gum, and starch derived from organic rice, and food-grade preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are preferable to parabens.
- Ingredients to avoid:
Many conventional mascaras contain carcinogens like carbon black, a dark powder made from coal tar, which is used as a bold pigment. They also contain 1,4-dioxane, a toxin used in the manufacturing of PEGs, and which is used to make your lashes look glossy and thick. 1,4-dioxane is masked in many mascaras under the names toluene, xylene, petrolatum, and liquid paraffin. Most regular mascaras also contain small amounts of mercury, formaldehyde, that prevent the mascara from drying out. And how can we forget the parabens, polybutene, synthetic dyes, heavy metals, and preservatives, some of which mess with your reproductive system and the environment.
- Shape of the brush:
The design of your mascara brush, which comes in various sizes and shapes, has a major role to play in how your lashes look after application of mascara. If you want your lashes to look natural, go for one that gives you adequate length and volume without clumping. Mascara brushes come in various shapes— thin or thick wands, tapered wand, curved wand, spherical wand and hourglass wand, and each wand comes with different benefits and features.
- Your eye shape:
It’s imperative that you select your mascara and its brush based on the shape of your eye. Every eye shape is different, ranging from close-set, wide-set, small, round, almond-shaped, or downturned and you should choose your mascara accordingly. Often your mascara smudges because of the shape of your eyes. If your eyelashes are long enough to touch your skin, they absorb the oil, and cause your mascara to smudge and create a mess.
- Your lash type:
People’s eyelashes are as different from one another as the colour and shape of their eyes. Your mascara should be able to naturally enhance the beauty of your lashes. Depending on your eyelash type, choose a mascara and brush that will suit your eyelashes.
- Formula:
Unlike before, there are now a number of innovative and expertly crafted formulas available that are enriched with natural ingredients. They are extremely safe for sensitive eyes, and some of them even help to nourish and strengthen your lashes by preventing lash fallouts. Some formulas are designed to be long-lasting, or feature a clear texture in case you want to go for the no-makeup look. If you decide to go for a waterproof mascara, see that the label clearly mentions the use of natural ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, and candelilla wax or carnauba wax to prevent smudging. They contain vitamins like A, C, and E which are good for your eyes and skin.
- Read the label:
Make sure that when you choose a mascara, you read the label to see that it’s cruelty-free and has not been tested on animals. Also make sure that it’s vegan, gluten-free, paraffin free, and devoid of heavy metals.
Benefits Of Natural Mascara
- Keeps lashes supple:
Squalane oil is a naturally-derived ingredient which comes from olives and is found in many natural mascara formulations. It is a highly stable, moisturizing ingredient and keeps your eyelashes soft, supple, and healthy. Compared to that, conventional mascara formulations contain chemicals that cause your eyelashes to become brittle, dry out, and break.
- Stronger and longer lashes:
Conventional mascaras that contain chemical ingredients can cause your eyelashes to become brittle, dry, and even fall out. Natural mascaras contain ingredients like vitamin E, beeswax, and sunflower oil that condition and protect your eyelashes, making them healthy and strong. Over use of conventional mascaras that contain plastics, acrylics, as well as harsh cleansers that contain alcohol to dissolve makeup, can cause your lashes to fall out which will eventually result in shorter lashes. Using a natural mascara and a gentle, alcohol-free makeup cleanser to remove it, will help to strengthen your eyelashes and allow them to grow long and lush.
- Water resistance:
Natural mascaras contain beeswax, candelilla wax, or carnauba wax, that makes them naturally water-resistant and smudge-proof without causing irritation to your eyes and are easier to remove with warm water or a mild cleanser without damaging the lashes.
- Volume:
Many natural mascaras formulation have advanced microsphere technology that plumps out your eyelashes so that they look fuller and thicker immediately after applying them.
- Buildable color:
Natural mineral pigments which are present in natural mascaras give buildable colour for both a subtle daytime look and a more dramatic evening look.
- Less irritating:
Natural mascaras are ideal for sensitive eyes and people who wear contact lenses as the natural ingredients present in these mascaras are less likely to aggravate your eyes or cause redness and irritation.
- Protects animals:
Most of the natural mascaras use candelilla wax or carnauba wax instead of beeswax, which basically protects the hive structure and the lifecycle of the bees. Beeswax is a natural ingredient but now many companies avoid using it after realizing the damage they cause the bees. In general, many of the natural mascaras are now vegan, cruelty-free, sustainable, eco-friendly, ethically sourced, and have recyclable packaging.
Makeup Artist, Kerrin Jackson, says, “While you can treat and condition your eyelashes with the right mascara, don’t forget that age-old rule about how often to replace your mascara! Every 3 months you should be replacing your mascara for a new one.”
Tips On How To Apply Perfect Natural Mascara
- For the upper lashes:
Step 1
—Clean your eyes and lashes so that all traces of makeup are removed as it prevents clumping.
Step 2—Curl your lashes while looking straight and start with the lash curler at the base of your eyelashes. Look down and gently press the eyelashes. Do it thrice while moving towards the tip of your lashes. If you are uncomfortable using an eyelash curler, place your index finger at the base of your lashes, look down, and hold them for 5 to 6 seconds.
Step 3—Wipe off the excess product on the applicator. Look straight and start at the middle of your eyelash. Put the applicator at the base of your lashes and move upwards so that your eyelashes are coated from base to tip.
Step 4—Move to the corners and use the applicator tip to cover the corner eyelashes. Coat them evenly from base to tip to prevent smudging or transferring mascara.
Step 5—Use a clean spoolie brush to first comb your lashes down and then up to prevent clumping. It’s best to do it before the first coat of mascara completely dries.
Step 6—Repeat the same method to apply a second coat of mascara.
- For the lower lashes:
As the lower eyelashes are shorter and thinner than the upper lashes, it needs a different method of application so that there is no transferring or smudging.
Step 1—Place a tissue under your lower eyelashes.
Step 2—Wipe off the excess mascara from the applicator and apply it to your lower eyelashes, starting from the middle.
Step 3—Coat the corner lashes by holding the wand vertically and use the tip to coat each lash.
The Bottom Line
Mascaras make your lashes curly, thick, and voluminous and define your eyes, contributing their timeless beauty. They make you look stunning. However, the harmful ingredients in the regular mascaras may be absorbed in your skin when you rub your eyes. So, it is always safe to use mascara formulated with non-toxic and natural ingredients. The Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer is an excellent choice as it combines mascara and primer for show-stopping results, while the Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara defines and nourishes lashes with its natural ingredients. If you are looking for a vegan formula that boosts and enhaces lashes, try the Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara which offers buildable volume and curl. The products infused with vitamin E, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, and other natural ingredients can be your best bed. Finally, mascaras infused with paraben and other harmful ingredients are a big NO.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijita De, the author, enjoys makeup and has the lowdown on the mascara you should own for your makeup routine. You will find in her guide how natural mascaras can help you achieve the best results. She compiled a comprehensive and detailed list of the top products after checking online reviews and user feedback of the available products on the market. Natural mascara can give you long, thick, luscious, and defined lashes without damaging your eyelids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between organic and non-organic mascara?
An organic mascara, unlike a non-organic mascara, is made of all natural ingredients and does not contain any parabens, sulfates, chemicals, or preservatives. The ingredients would be ethically sourced, and they usually have a shorter shelf life than non-organic mascara.
Why should you switch to natural mascara?
The natural ingredients will help your skin and lashes to heal and repair, and the chances of eye and skin irritation greatly reduce. Since it’s devoid of harmful chemicals, it’s gentle on your body, as well as on the environment and ecosystem. These products are usually cruelty-free and not tested on animals.
How bad is mascara for your eyelashes?
Mascara can thin your lashes, but it’s often the fault of the user rather than the product. If you pile on the layers of the mascara, or remove it roughly with harsh cleansers it can lead to your eyelashes falling out. Some mascaras have petroleum-based formulas which can cause allergic reactions and prevent the hair follicles of your eyelid from growing.
Is it okay to wear mascara everyday?
Wearing mascara everyday may cause inflammation and infection and in some cases, even loss of eyelashes. So even if you do use mascara everyday, make sure that you remove it properly before sleeping.
How does conventional mascara affect your eyes?
Conventional mascara contains a lot of harmful chemicals and toxins, and because the skin and mucous membranes of our eyes are semi-permeable, they absorb these. Flakes and residue of mascara may also get embedded in the eyelid or the mucous membrane, which can cause inflammation, infection, and even corneal abrasions.
Are Microfibre mascaras safe and natural?
Yes, Microfibre mascaras are safe and natural as they contain natural microfibers and natural ingredients which are not harmful to the eyes.
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