The 6 Best Natural Mascaras For Wow-Worthy Lashes
Some people love lipstick; some can’t leave the house without perfectly polished brows. Me, I’m an eyelash enthusiast—a small part of my happiness is dependent on good mascara. Unfortunately, I have sensitive eyes and am prone to infection. And while natural mascara is easier on my eyes, it’s not always the most impactful.
I spent weeks testing and comparing brands to find the best natural mascaras on the market. But first thing’s first: What does natural mean? It's a term that’s thrown around a lot, especially in the beauty world, and it can mean different things to different people—not to mention product marketers. The mascaras compiled here are free of parabens, sulfates, pesticides, phthalates and artificial fragrances. They feature naturally-derived and organic ingredients, but may also include safe synthetic ingredients. (Reminder: Everything is a chemical, but not all chemicals are bad for you.)
Because they are formulated without certain ingredients, you might find that natural mascaras don’t give the instant oomph-factor you’re used to, but they have come a long way in recent years. Below, a list of natural mascaras that actually work.
Dr. Hauschka
Volume Mascara, $43, well.ca.
This natural mascara may be pricier than the rest, but it’s worth it for a 100% natural formula that’s dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested and approved. It’s not tested on animals and free from preservatives and synthetic fragrances. (But it still smells fresh and floral.)
Results
The lightweight formula goes on smoothly and creates instant impact by adding length, volume and curl. I only needed one coat. My lashes lost a bit of volume throughout the day, but they still looked great in the evening.
Ilia
Limitless Lash Mascara, $36, well.ca.
Ilia’s mascara is 99% natural and contains shea butter and keratin to strengthen lashes, as well as beeswax and carnauba waxes for weightless conditioning. The brush has two sides: one with long bristles, the other with short, closely spaced bristles. These allow you to coat and separate even the tiniest lashes at the inner corners of your eyes.
Results
If I didn’t know it was natural, I would have thought this was a conventional mascara: It adds dramatic length while also defining lashes. Plus, the formula allows for multiple coats without clumping. The best part? My lashes still looked long and lush at the end of the day.
Juice Beauty
Phyto-Pigments Ultra-Natural Mascara, $33, juicebeauty.com.
This natural mascara from cruelty-free cosmetics company Juice Beauty contains a mix of 60% organic ingredients, as well as plant-derived waxes and safe synthetic ingredients.
Results
Candelilla and carnauba waxes, along with Juice Beauty’s phyto- and mineral-based pigments, make this mascara super glossy. It glides easily over lashes and makes them shinier with every coat for a glamorous look. I expected the formula to smudge, but it stayed on my lashes all day with minimal drooping.
Lily Lolo
Big Lash Mascara, $28, mybloombeauty.com.
This vegan and cruelty-free natural mascara is formulated and made in England and consists of 100% natural ingredients.
Results
Another contender for could-be-conventional mascara, Lily Lolo’s Big Lash mascara lives up to its name. It adds length and volume, and is buildable despite a quick-drying formula. It also has great hold, adding a bit of curl to lashes as it dries. While the curl didn’t stick around all day, my lashes still had impact come evening.
Physicians Formula
Organic Wear Natural Origin Jumbo Lash Mascara, $16, well.ca.
Physicans Formula’s Organic Wear collection features natural and organic ingredients that are sustainable and cruelty-free. The mascara’s big brush is also recyclable.
Results
This natural formula’s brush is thick with soft plastic bristles. It easily adds length and definition to lashes with buildable coverage. My lashes weren’t quite as dramatic come evening as they were in the morning, but the difference wasn’t so dramatic that I was tempted to do a touch-up.
Pure Anada
Natural Mascara, $14, pureanada.ca.
At just $14, this natural mascara doesn’t cost much more than the cheapest drugstore offerings, but it’s free of parabens, gluten and mercury. (Yes, many conventional mascaras contain mercury!) It’s also vegan and 97% natural. Plus, Pure Anada is a Canadian company, so you can feel good knowing you’re supporting a local business.
Results
This mascara adds definition and length while still making lashes look soft and natural. It’s a more subtle effect, great for casual days. The bonus is that it lasts all day and looked just as great in the evening as it did when I first put it on.
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