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!
I like aveda mosscara. Doesn’t flake off or bother my contacts. Wears all day.
I’m looking for a natural, organic mascara that is great for SENSITIVE EYES. My mother had brain surgery 2 years ago and her facial nerve was severed, causing her to have multitudes of issues with her left eye. Poor thing can’t even wear makeup anymore because of how sensitive they are to the harsh chemicals in traditional makeup. It really hurts her self-esteem as a women because hey, makeup is kinda a big deal for us regardless if we wear a ton or a little. ANY SUGGESTIONS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!
Have you tried Arbonne mascara? It is amazing – 100% goodness! Not only does it smell wonderful (like violets) but after using for a while, one’s eyelashes are longer!
How does the 100% Pure Mascara wear on someone with oily skin?
Have you tried the new BeautyCounter mascara? If so how did it compare? Just curious?
Me too, Mary! It’s a great company.
LOVE 100% PURE’S MASCARA. USING IT FOR YEARS AND WORKS GREAT. LOVE EVERY PRODUCT I HAVE TRIED FROM THEM AS WELL.
Can you please suggest an eye cream, serum or an oil to help with fine lines, dark circles and bags. I have been trying some expensive eye creams but only wind up with redness, puffiness, and burning. I am prone to Mumia and clogged pores and just know what to do.
Oof just looked at the ingredients – talc and parabens! You may want to pick a safer option once your tube is out. I always wonder why so many people believe Lush is totally 100% natural…
Lush also has a great mascara “Eyes Right”
I LOVE everything W3ll People. Plus I’m lucky enough to live a couple of blocks from the store which is so charming and smells amazing!
They also have their mascara in awesome shades of blue, purple and brown now.
I am not one to wear make up with the exception of very special occasions, such as weddings, also I suffer from Fibromyalgia and Chemical Sensitivities, so I am very cautious about the products I buy and use.
There is an Australian Brand of Mascara that is to die for, it is called Eye of Horus and it is the only mascara I will use. I discovered it soon after it came out, thanks to one of my eldest daughters school friends and it has become a favourite with my daughters too. It is available online and is worth a look.
Younique has the most amazing all natural makeup. In particular is their mascara. I have tried so many others, and nothing compares to the length and volume I get with this product.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I use Jamaica black castor oil as a mascara. It’s thick enough and I reuse an old washed mascara bride my mom had laying around. It keeps my lashes thick 😀
You should try Root!!! Their products are made in my hometown and they are all beyond fabulous!!!!!!! Let ’em know I sent ya! Organic, gluten free and their mascara is beyond amazing!!!!
From the website: Root 100% Lash Mascara is 100% Natural with Organic lash conditioning ingredients. Our 100% Lash Mascara coats & thickens each lash while being smudge proof & water resistant. Plus, our no clumping or flaking formula contains no artificial colors, preservatives or fragrances making it ideal for sensitive eyes. Our compact tube contains just as much product as our competitors but in a smaller container to keep it from drying out. The short wand allows you precise control when applying so you don’t miss a lash! …and yes, that is your mascara that smells like a vanilla cupcake!
I’ve never tried it or heard of it!
What about Younique? I’ve heard it is 100% natural.