When it comes to makeup, mascara is a staple product that can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking to add volume, length, or drama to your lashes, there’s no denying its importance in our beauty routines. However, for those who choose to follow a vegan lifestyle, finding a suitable mascara can be a challenge. Fortunately, many brands have taken notice and begun developing vegan-friendly mascaras that deliver on performance and aesthetics.
To help you navigate this growing market, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best vegan mascaras currently available, complete with key features to look out for in each product.
What to Look For in a Vegan Mascara
When selecting a vegan mascara that suits your needs, it’s essential to consider several key factors. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important characteristics to keep in mind as you navigate the many options available.
Cruelty-Free
Many brands go beyond simply avoiding synthetic fragrances in their products and take a compassionate stance by ensuring that they are free from animal testing as well. This is evident in several brands on our list, which proudly bear the Leaping Bunny certification – a prestigious mark of commitment to cruelty-free practices. However, some companies opt for a more personalized approach, making a personal guarantee that certain products within their range have never been tested on animals.
Color
When it comes to mascaras, one of the most significant factors that sets them apart is their color palette. The various shades cater to different preferences, ranging from bold and dramatic to soft and natural. Our curated list includes a breakdown of each mascara’s color, ensuring you can easily visualize the look you’ll achieve with it. For a more in-depth exploration of which colors suit individual eye shapes and styles, refer to our comprehensive analysis for further insight.
Organic
For individuals who opt for a plant-based lifestyle due to environmental or health concerns, the quest for organic cosmetics is a natural extension. While all vegan mascaras share a commitment to animal-free products, not all of them adhere to organic standards. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve meticulously researched and curated a list of vegan mascaras that also prioritize organic ingredients.
From dramatic drama to subtle enhancement, our selection caters to diverse preferences, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your beauty routine.
Top 10 Best Vegan Mascaras 2024
Best Overall Vegan Mascara: Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara
Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara stands out with its impressive 4-in-1 benefits: lengthening, curling, conditioning, and adding volume. This vegan-friendly formula is also free from harsh chemicals like phthalates and parabens. The brand’s commitment to ethical practices sets it apart, with a product line that’s entirely vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.
Despite not being waterproof, the mascara is surprisingly long-lasting, holding up well throughout the day without running or smudging. However, some users may find the brush applicator pulls out too much product, requiring some excess to be scraped off before use. Additionally, the thicker texture of the mascara can lead to flaking if applied too heavily.
On the plus side, the gentle ingredients make it suitable for most skin types and the overall impact is impressive, making it a great choice for those seeking a vegan-friendly option that delivers results.
Best Premium Vegan Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
The allure of Too Faced’s ‘Better Than Sex’ mascara lies in its innovative applicator and carefully crafted formula. This cult favorite is a testament to the brand’s commitment to animal testing-free products, with many vegan-friendly options available. While it may not be entirely natural, the brand’s dedication to cruelty-free practices earns praise. The hourglass-shaped applicator ensures even distribution of the mascara, resulting in a natural curl and subtle definition.
The formula, enriched with Acacia Senegal tree extract and a special polymer, sets the curl for all-day wear. However, this liquid-like texture can make it challenging to achieve a thick coat on the first pass, potentially leading to clumping issues. Additionally, the washable classic formula may smudge in humid or hot conditions, leaving a subtle halo under the eyebrow.
Despite these limitations, ‘Better Than Sex’ is an excellent choice for those seeking lightweight definition and natural-looking curls that catch even fine lashes. Its gentle formula makes it suitable for contact wearers and most individuals. With its unique applicator, this mascara provides a great option for anyone looking to enhance their lashes without going overboard.
Best Budget Vegan Mascara: COVERGIRL Clump Crusher Extensions
When considering the value proposition of Covergirl’s Clump Crusher mascara, it’s hard not to be impressed. For a fraction of the price, this product delivers impressive results. The mascara boasts a unique combination of features that set it apart from other drugstore beauty brands. In 2020, Covergirl announced its Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certification as a brand, and also released Clean Fresh, their first entirely vegan line.
Although Clump Crusher isn’t part of the new line, it still uses only vegan ingredients. The product promises to amplify your lashes by twenty times their natural volume, mimicking the look of eyelash extensions. The curved, spiny applicator helps reduce clumping by providing a light and even coat with each pass. Coupled with the ‘fiber-stretch’ formula, this mascara is designed for multiple coats, allowing you to build up the volume gradually.
The downsides are relatively minor – the product tends to dry out quickly, making it harder to apply as intended and reducing its effectiveness. The waterproof variety also shows some minor flaking. However, these issues don’t detract from the overall value proposition of this mascara. For those on a budget who want a solid performer without breaking the bank, Clump Crusher is an excellent choice.
It’s widely available and offers good results at a fraction of the cost of many other vegan mascaras. If you enjoy being able to build up your lashes with multiple layers, the special formulation of Clump Crusher allows for this. You can keep it as light or as dramatic as you want.
Best Vegan Mascara for Short Eyelashes: theBalm Mad Lash
This retro-styled mascara from theBalm is a modern classic. Despite its vintage vibe, it’s all about innovation when it comes to quality. Here are some key highlights: the brand was founded in 2004 and has since grown its online presence and product line, committing to using post-consumer products in its packaging and striving for a low EWG rating. The Mad Lash mascara meets these standards by using clean and safe ingredients.
What’s more, it comes in a convenient two-pack, making it an economical option. While not waterproof, the formula is water-resistant and volumizing, staying put throughout normal wear without smudging. The unique curved applicator wand is designed to define individual lashes with ease. However, there are some downsides to consider: the water-resistant aspect may take time to set, and if exposed to moisture, the mascara can run.
It’s also worth noting that the formula is slightly thicker than others on the market, which may cause eye irritation in sensitive individuals. Despite these drawbacks, this mascara is a great option for those with short or fine lashes looking to add volume and length. The buildable formula allows users to customize their look, while the curved comb applicator makes it easy to achieve a natural-looking finish without needing additional tools.
Overall, the pros include excellent value, water-resistant formula, defining applicator, and boost in length and volume. On the downside, the mascara may smudge when exposed to moisture, has a thick texture, and can irritate very sensitive eyes.
Best Vegan Mascara for Sensitive Eyes: Gaya Vegan Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
For those seeking a gentle, yet high-performing mascara, Gaya’s offering is an excellent choice. This Italian-made formula is specifically designed for sensitive users, promising to be gentle on dry and irritated eyes. Contact lens wearers or those experiencing lash loss can use this product with confidence. One coat provides a natural look by separating and lengthening lashes, while the soft brush makes it easy to apply without going too thick.
The mascara can be built up with multiple layers for a bolder nighttime look, making it versatile and suitable for various occasions. Once set, the product doesn’t leave your lashes feeling hard or crunchy. While some users may find that they need to apply multiple coats to achieve significant lengthening, this mascara is still a great option for those who prioritize gentle formulas. However, users with shorter lashes seeking a bigger boost might find it necessary to continue layering.
For a product that offers more drama from a single coat, other options like Too Faced’s offering could be explored. One drawback of this mascara is its tendency to run out quickly due to the need for multiple passes. Nevertheless, this product excels at providing gentle, buildable coverage, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive eyes or issues with lash loss. Its ease of removal and non-clumping formula also make it a great option for daily use.
Best Smudge-Proof Vegan Mascara: Milani Highly Rated – 10-In-1 Volume Mascara
We’re thrilled to share our enthusiasm for Milani’s Highly Rated mascara. Who wouldn’t love a product that can instantly add volume without the need for excessive running or smudging? With its impressive 0.41 oz size and sleek black color, this mascara has won over many beauty enthusiasts. Milani, an LA-based brand, is dedicated to delivering high-quality products at affordable prices. And Highly Rated mascara is no exception.
It’s been hailed as one of the best mascaras on the market by several media outlets, impressing users with its ability to double lash volume in just one coat. The secret lies in its unique comb-brush design, which expertly distributes the product for full coverage on every lash. Plus, despite not being labeled as waterproof, it boasts remarkable staying power – once dry, it’s smudge-proof! The rich black pigment adds an extra layer of luxury to this already-affordable mascara.
While we’re big fans of Highly Rated, there are a few caveats to consider. For the best results, it’s recommended to pair this mascara with Milani’s lash primer, which can increase the fussiness of your morning routine and double the price. However, using it without the primer still yields impressive results – albeit with slightly less lengthening effect. If you’re looking for a single-coat wow factor, our pick from Tarte might be more suitable.
That being said, Highly Rated is an excellent choice for those seeking a luxurious feel without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for individuals who experience watery eyes due to allergies or simply get emotional when encountering adorable kittens. While this mascara can be used on its own, we do recommend layering it with Milani’s primer for the most dramatic lash volume. With its pros and cons in check, Highly Rated remains a top pick among beauty enthusiasts.
Best Conditioning Vegan Mascara: Organic Mascara by Endlessly Beautiful
The Endlessly Beautiful mascara is a unique product that stands out from the crowd. Its formula is boosted with natural moisturizers and features a blend of 85% organic ingredients, including chamomile, coffee, and vitamin E. These plant extracts work together to condition your lashes, making them appear fuller and more voluminous over time. The addition of rosemary and grapefruit extract helps stimulate lash growth, resulting in a more natural look that lasts throughout the day.
While some users may experience an allergic reaction due to the citrus and coffee components, the benefits of this mascara far outweigh the drawbacks for those who appreciate a subtle makeup effect. For best results, use this product along with an eyelash curler and apply two coats. Water-resistance makes it easy to remove with an oil-based cleanser.
The compact size is perfect for travel, but be aware that the smaller applicator can make it challenging to achieve an even application in one pass.
Best Vegan Mascara for Lash Growth: Pacifica Stellar Gaze Mineral Mascara
This mascara’s unique selling point lies in its nourishing formula, which combines jojoba and coconut oils with vitamins B and K for lash growth and strength. Pacifica’s commitment to being 100% vegan and cruelty-free resonates with customers who prioritize ethics alongside aesthetics. The Stellar Gaze mascara boasts a blend of mineral pigments that promise lengthening and strengthening effects.
The smooth application and non-clumping formula make it a pleasure to use, though removing the product requires an oil-based cleanser to avoid excessive rubbing and potential irritation. While this mascara may not deliver a dramatic effect on its own, layering it can achieve desired results. However, the formula’s runny consistency means it takes time to dry, making it prone to smudging if exposed to moisture. This can lead to the pesky raccoon eye look, so caution is advised.
The brush, although large, provides ample coverage for most users. For those seeking a product that does double duty as an eyelash serum and daily mascara, this Stellar Gaze offering fits the bill. It’s suitable for those looking to enhance their natural lash definition while promoting growth and strength. In humid climates or during physical activity, touch-ups may be necessary to maintain a fresh look.
Best Naturally-Pigmented Vegan Mascara: Ecco Bella FlowerColor Vegan Mascara
Ecco Bella’s FlowerColor mascara stands out for its pure, all-natural formula. This 0.38 oz tube is a great option for those seeking a gentle, non-irritating product that uses organic ingredients and avoids harsh chemicals. The mascara’s secret ingredient is flower cutins, which help retain moisture in the lashes and prevent them from losing their natural hydration. The recipe also includes clay and iron oxides as natural pigments to provide color.
The lightweight formula glides on smoothly, without adding weight or clumping to your lashes. It’s water-resistant but can be easily washed off without scrubbing too hard, making it a great choice for those with sensitive eyes. A built-in mirror and straight bristle brush applicator allow for easy application on-the-go.
While the mascara doesn’t volumize or curl lashes as much as some users might prefer, its natural-looking tint and definition make it an excellent option for those who want to enhance their lashes without looking too made-up. The downsides include a watery consistency that may not provide the impact some users desire, as well as a lack of water-resistance against tears or sweat. For those seeking a more dramatic look, Milani might be a better choice.
Best Creamy Vegan Mascara: Fifth & Skin NATURLASH Natural Mascara
Fifth and Skin’s NaturLash mascara boasts a unique blend of creamy natural ingredients, earning it a spot in our hearts. The organic brand, founded in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, prides itself on using only gentle, non-irritating formulas that won’t harm the skin. This mascara is no exception, featuring mineral pigments and vegetable oils instead of petroleum-based alternatives. The result is a formula that conditions lashes, making them less prone to falling out.
One of its standout features is its versatility – the thick, creamy consistency makes it easy to apply and build up for a bold look. It can even double as an eyeliner when paired with an angled brush. This gentle formula works well for those with sensitive skin around their eyes and provides decent staying power, even in humid environments. However, this thicker formula does come with some drawbacks.
Over time, air can introduce itself into the tube, causing the product to become overly thick and prone to clumping. Additionally, it may flake off throughout the day, requiring a quick brush-off to maintain its appearance. While it doesn’t smudge like some vegan mascaras, it does require reapplication if the flakes become too noticeable. Ultimately, this mascara is suitable for those who prefer a thicker formula that can deliver rich color with one coat.
Its tear-resistant formula and gentle mineral pigments make it a great choice for daily use.
Having the Best Vegan Mascara Experience
When it comes to finding the perfect vegan mascara, individual preferences can vary greatly. However, this doesn’t mean that options are limited or compromising on performance is necessary. With a little consideration of key factors, you can easily find a product that exceeds your expectations and delivers the desired look.
To narrow down the options and make an informed decision, it’s essential to think about what matters most to you in a mascara, be it volume, length, separation, or a combination of these features.
Common Animal Products in Mascaras
When exploring the ingredient lists of mascaras, some common and less common products stand out. Among the most frequent are beeswax, collagen, lanolin, and silk. Beeswax, often labeled as cera alba or cera flava, is a natural wax that helps the mascara coat your lashes, making them more water-resistant. Carnauba wax, rice bran wax, and candelilla wax are common vegan substitutes. Collagen, derived from bones and connective tissue, enhances plumping and volumizing effects on lashes.
Scientists have developed plant-based collagen for dietary purposes, but no widely used cosmetic substitute exists yet. Lanolin, extracted from sheep wool, is a highly moisturizing oil that keeps their wool hydrated and water-resistant during the winter months. It can be labeled as wool wax or oil in some cosmetics. However, those with sensitive eyes might find lanolin mildly irritating in mascara. Coconut oil can replace it in most formulas.
Silk fibers are used in some mascaras to address short lashes. These products often employ natural silk fibers to thicken and extend lashes. Silk is derived from silkworm cocoons, where the pupae die during processing. While textile use raises questions about ethics and environmental alternatives, there’s no reason to add it to mascara.
Deciding What Features You Want From Your Mascara
When it comes to mascaras, there’s more to consider than just the final look. The right features can make all the difference in terms of achieving the desired benefits. Here are a few common characteristics and who they work best for.
Curling: For those with long but straight eyelashes, a curling mascara is a must-have. Rather than relying on separate eyelash curlers, this type of mascara can provide a more convenient everyday solution.
Look for formulas that lock in the curl and brushes designed to give lashes shape. Too Faced’s offering is a great option for achieving subtle curls.
Lengthening: If your lashes are short or lack definition, you’ll want a lengthening mascara. These products typically have brushes that can catch even the finest lashes and define them. For layering without clumping, look for formulas designed to build up length gradually. theBalm’s product is an excellent choice for this purpose.
Conditioning: For those with slow-growing or fragile lashes, a conditioning mascara is the way to go. These products often contain moisturizing properties and vitamins that can improve lash health when used barefaced. Pacifica’s offering is a great option for nourishing your lashes while still providing a stylish finish.
The Best Color of Mascara for You
While it’s true that the neon-colored mascaras of the early 2000s have faded into memory, the options for choosing the right shade don’t stop at plain black. In fact, there are several factors to consider when selecting your perfect mascara color. If you have a darker complexion and naturally dark hair, black is likely your go-to choice – it won’t clash with your natural coloring.
However, even those with lighter hair and complexions can opt for black if they’re going for a dramatic smokey eye look. On the other hand, if your lashes are naturally pale or blonde/ginger in color, brown might be a better bet to avoid looking too harsh. Brown also makes a great contrast for blue and green eyes, really bringing them out.
For those in the middle ground when it comes to their complexion, black-brown is an excellent choice – it’s universally flattering without being too bold or too soft. And then there’s navy, a less common but still viable option that adds a subtle hint of blue and can make brown or hazel eyes seem even brighter. Ultimately, the right mascara color depends on your natural coloring, personal style, and the look you’re going for – so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
Tips for Applying Mascara
When it comes to getting the most out of your mascara, there are several techniques you can use to achieve the best results. One often overlooked trick is to heat up your tube before applying. This can be done by rubbing it between your hands for a minute or quickly blasting it with a hairdryer. The warmth will help soften the wax-based formula and result in a smoother application.
Another technique is to wiggle the brush as you apply mascara, moving it from side to side while pulling it forward from root to tip. This helps create better definition and can even reduce clumping issues. On the other hand, avoid pumping the wand in and out of the bottle, as this can introduce air into the tube and cause it to dry out faster. Instead, simply swirl the wand around the inside of the tube if you’re running low on product.
Finally, instead of layering equal amounts of mascara across all your lashes, try adding a second coat to just the outer corners of your eyes. This will give your eyes a more open and larger appearance, almost like a subtle cat-eye effect.
Final Thoughts
As consumers, we face an uphill battle in making ethical choices. The path to sustainable living is fraught with complexity, particularly when it comes to fashion and animal product replacements. However, it’s undeniable that reducing or eliminating animal products from our daily lives is a crucial step towards healing the environment. Thankfully, more healthful alternatives are emerging on the market every year.
Even for those who aren’t vegan, adopting plant-based habits in everyday purchases can have a positive impact. A great place to start is with makeup, where many animal-based products can be replaced with safe and effective alternatives. Whether you’re new to a plant-based lifestyle or a seasoned pro, finding high-quality and ethically produced products is essential.
This list aims to help you discover a reliable mascara that fits your needs, regardless of whether you’re a vegan newbie or a long-time convert.
