Best Clean Mascaras to Try

Finding a clean mascara that checks all of the boxes can be a challenge. From clumpy lashes to terrible applicators, I’ve trashed my fair share of products over the years. I thought I would share my favorite clean mascaras, as well as some tips for getting the longest, fullest looking eyelashes. Most of these are tried-and-true brands and products that I have been using for years and that you’ve seen me share again and again.

If you are looking for more clean beauty recommendations, check out these posts:

• City Lips Review: My New Favorite Plumping Lip Gloss
• MERIT Beauty Review for Mature Skin
• Monday Musings: What’s New In My Beauty Routine

Best Clean Mascaras to Try

ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara

My ILIA mascara is on constant reorder because my eye doctor insists I need to replace my mascara every 8 weeks. Even mascara with preservatives should be replaced often because they can be a breeding ground for germs. The comblike brush helps it go on beautifully with no clumping. I have tried so many different brands of mascara, but nothing can compete in the long run.

It’s cruelty-free and made with natural dye. I love that it’s also free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oil, silicone and talc, formaldehyde, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, triclocarban, gluten, artificial preservatives, fragrances, nanoparticles, EDTA and DEA.

Merit Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara

Here’s another one of my favorite clean mascaras that I like to keep in my rotation. Unlike regular mascaras that paint the lashes with pigment, tubing mascara works by creating tiny “tubes” around each lash. This type of mascara can be a great choice for those who have issues with smudging, flaking, or have sensitive eyes because the tubing formulas tend to be more gentle and non-irritating.

Tubing mascara also tends to wash off more easily at the end of the day. It goes on lightly, and you can go back to add additional layers to thicken the look. You’ll notice in the picture above that I have on more than one layer.

Tower28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara

I didn’t think anything could knock my Illia mascara off its favored pedestal…but this mascara has given it a good run for its money! I tossed out my eyelash curler after using it for a few weeks, and my daughter bought her own after trying mine.

It’s cruelty-free, clean of nasty ingredients, and an Allure Best of Beauty award winner. There’s something unique about the arc of the brush-type wand that makes my lashes look long, curled, and not clumpy.

Other Clean Mascaras to Try:

• Beautycounter Think Big All In One
• Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara
• caliray Come Hell or High Water Volumizing & Lengthening Tubing Mascara

More Tools for Great Eyelashes

Using an eyelash comb elevates your lashes by separating and defining each lash, eliminating clumps for a polished look. It creates a fluttery effect, prevents lashes from sticking together, and enhances volume, making it a must-have tool for a natural or dramatic look.

I love the Farmacy Makeup Cleansing Balm. It’s amazing at removing my makeup at the end of the day! As a first step in the evening, I’ve recently started using this Baush + Lomb LUMIFY Eye Makeup Remover which is a 3-in-1 Micellar Water that also contains Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C & Niacinamide. My eye DR says it’s critical that I be thorough removing my eye makeup each night because any traces left behind will worsen my dry eye and blocked meibomian glands.

If you aren’t getting the results you’d like with mascara alone, try adding an eyelash curler to your routine. The most important thing about an eyelash curler is that it has a flexible pad, so it doesn’t break your eyelashes.

Have you tried any of these mascaras? Do you have any clean mascaras to add to this list?