The 5 Best Clean Mascaras of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Benefits: Defines, lifts, lengthens | Size: 0.17, 0.31 oz | Shades: Black, brown | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If I could only have one mascara in my makeup bag, it would be this one because the mighty brush can do it all. Thanks to the slightly curved shape, the wand helps lift and curl my lashes for a long, fluttery look. Beeswax is the star ingredient, which helps to coat, lengthen, and stiffen lashes without making them hard or crunchy. I love how I can apply several coats without any clumping or weighing my lashes down. Knowing the formula contains moisturizing shea butter and strengthening minerals makes me feel good about using it. Yet my favorite feature is the brush’s rounded, ball tip, which allows for extra precision when applying to my inner corners or bottom lashes. I often skip applying mascara to my bottom lashes because it becomes messy pretty quick, but with the little wand, I am able to get defined bottom fringe. Whenever I use this, I feel like I’m channeling 1960s Twiggy, and I’m here for it!

Benefits: Volumizes, lifts, lengthens | Size: 0.3 oz | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While this mascara may not be as cheap as a drugstore find, it’s the most affordable on this list, and I certainly think it’s worth the investment. It instantly transforms my straight lashes into lifted, feathery fringe and it adds a nice amount of volume. The tapered wand also allows me to get into my inner corners and along the bottom lash line with ease. While the formula can clump, I find that wiping the brush off on the lid and applying it with care avoids this issue. This is a great everyday mascara that offers lift and volume without being too dramatic or hard to remove. Not to mention it contains moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil to keep my lashes strong and healthy. I also think the bright orange tube is genius—I can instantly spot it on my vanity or at the bottom of my bag, saving me minutes digging around.

Benefits: Curls, lifts, lengthens | Size: Mascara: 0.2 oz / Primer: 0.07 oz | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This was my first time using a mascara primer, and I have to say it’s worth the extra step. Much like a face primer, this first step creates an even base and a long-lasting hold. When I first applied the white primer, I was a little worried because it easily clumped, but once I glided on the mascara, all the clumps disappeared and instead I was left with incredibly lifted and long lashes. Besides finally empowering my lashes to hold a curl, the mascara doesn’t flake or smudge throughout the day yet comes off easily with a makeup remover. Both the primer and mascara contain jojoba esters for nourishment, and the formula is EWG verified, meaning it doesn’t contain chemicals that the EWG finds concerning. While you can always use the mascara alone, I say why not get the most lifted, curled lashes of your life?

Benefits: Curls, thickens, lifts | Size: 0.51 oz | Shades: Black | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There’s volumizing mascara and then there’s Jones Road’s The Mascara. When looking at the before and after photos, I am shocked how much darker, thicker, and dramatic my lashes look after a couple coats. It’s giving falsies. The curved brush also helps to lift and curl, which you already know is a top priority for me. While some curved brushes can be bulky and difficult to use, this one is easy to apply without creating a mess on my lids. Even though it creates a ton of volume, the end result isn’t clumpy, though if you prefer each lash to be defined and separated, this may not be the one for you.

Benefits: Lengthens, separates | Size: 0.38 oz | Shades: 7 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Tubing mascara is known for its lengthening properties and easy removal, and this formula from Thrive Causemetics delivers just that. When I swipe on this mascara, the formula creates little tubes around each individual lash, further stretching the length of my lashes. If you prefer length over volume, this is the one for you, as it achieves that wispy, feathery look that’s just as dreamy as thick lashes. The formula is a bit wet, so I usually end up with a bit on my lid, but it’s a breeze to clean up. In fact, this tubing mascara offers one of the easiest—and most satisfying—removal processes. The tubes literally slide right off when I take a shower, and I don’t even have to follow up with a makeup remover. It’s perfect for a night out when I don’t want to struggle to take off my makeup before bed.