My Hunt for the Best Natural Mascara (Spoiler: Found it!)
Cosmetics Natural Beauty
Looking for the best natural mascara and daunted by all the different options?
Well I’ve done all the footwork for you — I put 8 popular natural mascaras to the test. Which one came out on top? Let’s take a look…
I don’t always wear makeup… but when I do, it’s mascara.
With one swipe of a little wand, I suddenly look more awake, brighter, and ready to take on the world.
(It’s a magical little wand.)
Why is it important to switch to natural mascara?
Like most conventional cosmetic products, most mascaras on the market unfortunately contain some unhealthy chemicals like:
- Parabens: endocrine disruptors that have been linked to cancer
- Aluminum: a neurotoxin that is considered to be far worse than mercury — yikes!
- Propylene glycol: can cause extreme irritation for some individuals
- BHA and BHT: endocrine disruptors that have been linked to cancer
Remember: endocrine disruptors interfere with your body’s hormones, the chemical messengers that tell the body what to do and how to do it. Yes, they’re a big deal, which is why we don’t want anything interfering with them!
Related: Your Hormones Impact Your Skin. But Can Your Skincare Impact Your Hormones
Related: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry
But finding a great natural mascara is no easy feat!
There are a ton of options out there and not all of them perform the way you want or are accustomed to if you’re transitioning from a conventional mascara.
In fact, one of the most common questions I get from readers is, “What mascara do you use?”
If you’ve read about my super-simple all-natural skincare and beauty routine, then you know the answer…
But few things thrill me like trying a new non-toxic beauty product. (What can I say? I fit the “girl” stereotype to a tee sometimes.)
I was also curious if the mascara I was using and recommending to readers really was still the best natural mascara in 2019. After all, I’d been using it for over 5 years and a lot of new options have popped up on the market since then!
So I went on a little hunt… a hunt for the best natural mascara.
I tested 8 different natural mascaras and wore them each for at least two full days.
Some were duds while others were UHMAZING! And I am happy to say that my longtime, tried-and-true favorite held it’s ground 🙂
P.S. I think all of these mascaras (really all mascaras, ever!) work best when applied after curling your lashes.
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara
Verdict: LOVE 💕
My tried-and-true favorite for years now, this mascara gives perfect length and lots of volume. Stays put all day without any flaking, and washes off quite easily.
Beautycounter Volumizing Mascara
Verdict: LOVE 💕
Want big volume? Here you go! Provides great volume with one swipe but builds easily for extra drama. Also provides length and has great staying power.
Verdict: LOVE 💕
Another all-around fantastic option. Gives awesome volume, length, and definition without looking clumpy or smudging. Also really buildable if you’re looking for a more dramatic look.
W3LL PEOPLE Expressionist Mascara
Verdict: LOVE 💕
Doesn’t give as much volume as the 100% Pure mascara, but gives beautiful length and definition. The brush is not one I typically like — it’s fat with short little bristles. In the past, this type of brush caused clumps but that didn’t happen with this one.
Verdict: LOVE! 💕
With a well-defined brush that gives just the perfect amount of mascara, this one is lengthening and defining. I rolled the wand at the base of my lashes for more volume, and it layered well.
Gabriel Cosmetics Natural Mascara
Verdict: Not bad
I liked the brush — the bristles are well-defined and it applied evenly. It gives good length and volume but it did flake under my eyes a little throughout the day.
Juice Beauty PHYTO-PIGMENTS Ultra-Natural Mascara
Verdict: Nope
The brush is twisted and the bristles are not defined, which gives a heavy, clumpy application. When I tried combing my lashes to fix it, the mascara already started to dry and so I was left with obvious flakes, which fell under my eyes over the day.
Honeybee Gardens Truly Natural Mascara
Verdict: Nope
I REALLY wanted to love this mascara — it’s the cheapest! But honestly it didn’t even look like I was wearing mascara no matter how much I tried to layer it (and it smells a little like beer!).
Have you tried any of these or other natural mascaras?
What did you think?
Please share with us in the comments below!
Awesome, Kristin!!! Thanks so much for reporting back 🙂
I read your article about mascara, and was skeptical. I’ve used waterproof mascara for 30 years, as it is the only kind that does not rub off on my skin. I ordered the 100% Pure mascara in Dark Chocolate and am amazed at how well it stays put. No smudges, no smears all day! AND, it smells like chocolate…what could be better? I’m sold on this product, worth every penny!
LOVE LOVE LOVE 100% Pure’s black tea mascara!!
I use W3ll People Expressionist Bio-Extreme Mascara and I LOVE IT!. I like the company, what they stand for and the ingredients they use or more importantly, what they don’t use.
One coat is great for a great all natural look but add two or three coats if you want to glam it up! Brush is wonderful and you never get clumps!
I’ve shared one of your recipes on my blog and my followers have absolutely loved it! I gave you credit in the post!
My favorite is definitely 100% Pure but my next favorite (since I use a few different mascaras at a time) is Hynt Beauty!
I’ve been using Arbonne’s It’s a Long Story Mascara for two years now…I am an Arbonne Independent Consultant. I love how our mascara is botanically based and is free of harsh chemicals. After one year of using the mascara, I was shocked at how much my lashes grew longer…and I’m 55 yrs old!!! The mascara washes off easy and conditions great.
$25 for mascara is a bit pricy. Was wondering how long that Pure Fruit one lasts you?
Huh I did not have that problem? Was it hot out? I’ve only ever used it in winter so I hope that’s not the case… :/
I’ve used the W3LL People Expressionist Mascara and loved it! Great Length, and went on smooth. Un-fortunately, it ‘melted’ off my lashes to under my eyes w/n 3-4 hours. I use the oil cleanse method and moisturize w/ oil so I don’t know if this is part of the problem or not.
I’ve been liking the mascara from Pacifica. It’s a brand I found at Whole Foods.
I also love Arbonne’s It’s a Long Story Mascara. It conditions my lashes and builds easily so I can apply two coats with no clumping, plus it lengthens beautifully. It’s botanically based, vegan, and gluten free and has no harsh chemicals!
My goal was to never sell makeup when I became a consultant for Lemongrass Spa Products. However I received the mascara in one of my kits and fell in love!! I previously used tarte which I still love… but i am absolutely hooked on our mascara! I would love for you to try it and tell me your thoughts. It smells great, removes easily, doesn’t smudge. And it’s all natural 😉
I love tarte’s lights, camera, lashes. Have you tried that?
My favorite used to be Alima Pure. I just recently tried Elate Clean Cosmetics and am in love. It’s the best mascara ever! Tops 100% Pure in my book!
Dr. Hanushka -Easy to remove, I don’t feel dryness at the end of the day. Not cheap. Great mascara at NYR Organics.
Hmm very interesting! I have not heard of that.
<3
That picture! LOL too funny
Again Arbonne non toxic hypo allergenic. Also contains no formaldehyde. My lashes are so healthy since using. Removes easily!
I have used mirenessa: secret weapon mascara with beeswax. Last all day, waterproof, but still essy to remove wirh only warm water.
But actually I have tried a homemade mascara the last couple of days (on som sites called eggscara): egg yalk and active charcoal. So far works just fine 🙂