Top 9 Vegan Cruelty-Free Mascaras You Need To Try

Gone are the days when we had to choose between fabulous lashes and our values.

Today’s vegan mascaras are giving animal formulas a run for their money, proving that you can have it all – volume, length, and a clear conscience.

This guide is designed to help you discover the ideal mascara tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

I’ve tried so many mascaras over the years to find the perfect lash enhancer that doesn’t compromise on ethics and let me tell you, finding a good vegan and cruelty-free option isn’t that hard anymore because there are so many good ones to choose from.

A perfect mascara would deliver longer, thicker, darker lashes without flaking, clumping, smudging, or weighing them down. It would be formulated with non-toxic, natural ingredients, in eco-friendly packaging. While no mascara is truly perfect, the ones I’ve recommended come remarkably close, tailored to meet your individual preferences

So, let’s dive in…

What makes a mascara Cruelty-free and vegan?

Cruelty-Free –

No animal testing: The product has not been tested on animals at any stage of its development.
Certifications: Look for certifications from reputable organizations (like Leaping Bunny or PETA) that guarantee the brand does not test on animals.

Vegan –

No animal-derived ingredients: The products do not contain any animal ingredients.
Certifications: Look for the word vegan or the vegan trademark on the packaging to confirm the product does not contain animal ingredients.

It’s important to note that mascara can be ‘vegan’ but not necessarily ‘cruelty-free’, and conversely, it can be ‘cruelty-free’ without being ‘vegan.’

The best mascara overview?

Rare Beauty Mascara: Great for anyone who wants a lightweight formula that holds the curl, delivering mainly length, perfect for a natural, everyday look.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: Perfect for those seeking intense volume and bold drama.
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara: Best for those who want a multi-tasking mascara that adds volume, length, and curl all at once.
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara: Ideal for makeup lovers on a budget who want bold, fluttery lashes and don’t mind occasional flaking.
Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara: Perfect for those who crave a smudge-proof, lengthening formula that gives a polished, sleek finish, great for long workdays.
One Size Fantasize Mascara: Best suited for makeup enthusiasts who love to experiment with bold looks, as it delivers impressive volume and drama.
Tower 28 Make Waves Mascara: Ideal for those with sensitive eyes looking for a clean, easy-to-remove formula that still delivers good volume and definition.
Westman Atelier Mascara: Perfect for those who appreciate luxury and want a gentle, nourishing formula that enhances their natural lashes.
Zao Aloe Vera Mascara: This is for those who want an eco-friendly, natural ingredient mascara that is gentle, hydrating, and enhances their lashes

What Is the Best Cruelty-Free Vegan Mascara?

1. Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara

This mascara gives you that perfect blend of length and volume without clumping. When I tried it, I was seriously impressed! It glides on smoothly and undoubtedly makes lashes look so long.

One of my favourite things? It’s got a lightweight formula that doesn’t weigh your lashes down. You know those days when you want that “I woke up like this” vibe? This mascara nails it!

If you’re searching for a mascara that enhances your natural look without being too over-the-top, Rare Beauty’s mascara might be your go-to. So, when you’re ready come and get it.

Pros

Lengthening and Volume: This mascara effectively adds length and volume to lashes, creating a fluttery, full effect without clumping.
Buildable Formula: You can layer the mascara for a more dramatic look without it becoming heavy or cakey, making it versatile for both day and night looks.
Comfortable Wear: It feels lightweight on the lashes which helps to hold the curl of the lashes and not weigh them down.
Easy Application: The wand is designed for precise application, allowing you to reach even the smallest lashes in the corners of your eyes.
Doesn’t Flake or Transfer: Even when drying out this mascara doesn’t seem to become as flaky as other mascaras and doesn’t transfer under the eyes.
Good to know: 100% recyclable Packaging made from FSC- certified materials printed with water-based ink

Cons

Price Point: While not overly expensive, it may be considered pricey compared to drugstore brands.
Removability: The mascara can be difficult to remove, requiring a good makeup remover to ensure all product is cleared away.
Slightly Wet Formula: The formula can be a bit wet upon initial application, which might lead to minor smudging if not careful during the first few minutes of wear.

2. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Hello, false lashes? Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is an iconic all-time favourite, known for its dramatic results and bold promises…

The hourglass-shaped brush is a game changer, helping to coat every lash and amp up that volume. Seriously, it grabs even those hard-to-reach lashes in the corners! Plus, the formula is rich and creamy, giving you that bold, wispy false lash effect.

And let’s not forget about the staying power! It holds up throughout the day. If you like a bold intense lash look this is definitely the one for you. Is it better than sex? That’s for you to judge…

Pros

Intense Volume: The mascara provides significant volume, making lashes appear thicker and more defined in just a few coats.
Lengthening Effect: It has impressive lengthening results, achieving a dramatic look without the need for false lashes.
Long-Lasting Wear: Once applied, it tends to stay put throughout the day making it suitable for long wear.
Bold Black Colour: The deep black formula enhances the lashes, adding to the overall dramatic effect.
Good to know: Paraben Free, Ophthalmologist tested, contains peptides to condition lashes.

Cons

Clumping Potential: The formula can become clumpy, especially with multiple coats, which may require careful application.
Price Point: It is on the higher end of the drugstore mascara price point, which may not appeal to budget-conscious shoppers.
Limited Flexibility: While it excels at creating a bold look, those seeking a more natural, everyday style may find it too dramatic for their taste.
Brush too big: Those with smaller eyes may find the brush is actually too big making it difficult to apply, especially smaller lashes on the inner corner as the brush becomes larger at the end.

3. Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara

Tartes Light, Camera, Lashes known as a multitasker that – volumises, lengthens, curls, and conditions lashes.

The formula is nice and creamy, not too dry or clumpy. It’s designed to give you that perfect blend of length and volume without making them feel stiff or crunchy. I remember the first time I swiped it on—I was amazed at how my lashes transformed into that fluttery, dramatic look.

The brush is fluffy and has these little bristles that help separate and coat each lash without making them clumpy. I love how it grabs even those tiny lashes in the corners.

Pros:

Lengthening: This mascara is known for its ability to lengthen lashes, providing a fluttery, wide-eyed effect.
Volume: It adds significant volume without clumping, giving a more dramatic look.
Formula: The formula is lightweight and doesn’t weigh down lashes, which helps maintain a natural curl.
Conditioning Ingredients: It contains plant extracts and other ingredients that nourish lashes.
Good to know: Ophthalmologist tested, free from parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, triclosan, SLS and gluten.

Cons:

Smudging: It can smudge or flake throughout the day, especially in humid conditions.
Removal: It can be challenging to remove, requiring a good makeup remover or oil-based cleanser.
Price Point: At a higher price compared to drugstore options, it may not be budget-friendly for everyone.

4. Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

First things first—this mascara is super affordable, that retails for only £3.29! You won’t believe how much lash magic you can get for such a low price.

The brush is a total game-changer. Its shape grabs every single lash and coats them evenly, giving you that beautifully lengthened and fluttery look. I love how it makes my lashes appear.

While I do notice a bit of flaking by the end of the day and often find myself reaching for a touch-up to refresh my lashes, overall, for the price, this mascara is an incredible, affordable gem – that I wholeheartedly recommend!

Pros:

Affordability: This mascara is very budget-friendly, making it accessible for everyone.
Volume and Length: It provides impressive volume and length, giving a false lash effect.
Holds the Curl: It has a lightweight wet formula that helps to hold the curl and not weigh lashes down
Good to know: Paraben, perfume, alcohol and oil-free

Cons:

Wear Time: Some may feel the need to reapply during the day as it can begin to flake
Clump: The formula tends to clump easily the more you apply the product
Limited Availability: Depending on your location, it might be harder to find in stores, although it’s usually available online.

5. Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

This one is all about that instant lengthening magic. Bold, feathery lashes that make you look like you’re wearing falsies but without all the fuss. It has that perfect balance of drama and naturalness at the same time.

The formula is super lightweight, making your lashes look long and defined without feeling heavy. The unique brush grabs every lash, giving you that perfect fanned-out look.

This is a solid, reliable, high-performing product. If you want mega-length without a ton of work I can’t recommend it enough.

Pros:

Lengthening: This mascara excels at lengthening lashes, providing a dramatic effect that many users appreciate.
Separation: The unique brush design helps separate lashes for a fanned-out look, reducing clumping.
Buildable Formula: It allows for layering without becoming heavy or weighed down, making it easy to customize your look.
Long-Lasting: The formula holds up well throughout the day, with minimal smudging or flaking.
Good to know: Ophthalmologist tested, free from gluten, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, and talc. 5% of net profits go to the Nonhuman Rights Project to unlock the cages of wild animals in captivity.

Cons:

Price Point: It’s on the pricier side, which may not be ideal for those on a budget.
Removal: Some users find it a bit challenging to remove, requiring a good makeup remover.
Limited Volume: While it offers great length, it could provide more volume for a bolder look.

6. One Size Fantasize Lifting & Lengthening Mascara

One Size Fantasize by YouTube beauty influencer Patrick Starrr is designed to deliver bold volume and dramatic length for a striking, eye-catching look.

It has a buildable formula that you can layer up without worrying about clumps. You can start with one coat for a nice, natural look, or keep adding layers for a full-on glam effect. This mascara is designed to resist smudging and flaking.

The brush is curved to hug your lashes just right, helping to lift and separate each one. No more lash clumping or awkward spider legs here! The bristles grab every single lash, from the inner corners to the outer edges, making sure you get that fluttery, full effect.

Pros:

Volume and Length: Offers impressive volume and length, creating a dramatic effect.
Clump-Free Formula: The formula allows for buildable coverage without clumping, making it easy to layer.
Long-lasting: Stays put throughout the day with minimal smudging or flaking.
Bold Black Colour: Delivers a rich, deep black finish that enhances the lashes.
Good to know: Ophthalmologists tested, Gluten free.

Cons:

Price Point: It’s relatively pricey compared to drugstore options.
Brush Size: The brush can be a bit bulky, which might make it tricky for precise application, especially for smaller lashes.

7. Tower 28 Make Waves Mascara

Tower 28 Make Waves Mascara is an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight, clean, gentle mascara that enhances lashes without irritation.

Its water-resistant formula and unique brush design make it effective for everyday wear, particularly in warmer climates.

While it may not provide the same dramatic volume as some competitors, its focus on clean ingredients and sensitivity makes it a standout option in the clean beauty space.

Pros:

Clean Formula: Made with non-toxic ingredients, this mascara aligns with the clean beauty ethos
Water-Resistant: The formula offers good staying power and is resistant to humidity and sweat, making it suitable for warm weather.
Gentle on Eyes: Its gentle formula is designed for sensitive eyes, making it a great option for those prone to irritation.
Unique Brush Design: The brush is designed to separate and define lashes, allowing for a fanned-out look without clumping.
Buildable Coverage: You can layer the product to achieve your desired level of volume and length without heaviness.
Eco Friendly: The packaging is made from 78% PCR (post-consumer recycled plastic)
Good to know: Free from parabens and synthetic fragrances.

Cons:

Volume Limitations: While it provides good definition and some length, some users may find it doesn’t deliver the intense volume that other mascaras offer.
Removal: The water-resistant formula can be challenging to remove completely, requiring a good makeup remover.
Price Point: While not the most expensive option, it is pricier than some drugstore brands, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious shoppers.

8. Westman Atelier Mascara

Westman Atelier Eye Want You Mascara is a clean beauty product designed to enhance lashes with a focus on nourishment and performance. Founded by makeup artist Gucci Westman, the brand emphasizes luxury and sustainability.

This mascara aims to provide definition, length, and a natural look while formulated with lash-loving ingredients. It is buildable – you can go from a natural everyday look to something more dramatic without it getting spidery.

Price-wise – it’s definitely in the luxury category but f you love clean beauty and investing in yourself this is the one!

Pros:

Clean Ingredients: The formula is made with clean, non-toxic ingredients, making it suitable for those who prioritize wellness in their beauty products.
Nourishing: Enriched with beneficial ingredients, such as carnauba wax and natural oils. Its suitable for sensitive eyes.
Natural Look: Provides a soft, feathery finish that enhances your natural lashes without looking overly dramatic.
Buildable Formula: The mascara is buildable, allowing you to layer it for more intensity without clumping.
Good to know: No PEGs, Free from phthalates and parabens

Cons:

Price Point: It is on the higher end of the price spectrum
Less Volume: While it enhances lashes nicely, it may not provide the same dramatic effect as other volumizing mascaras.
Smudging: A few users have reported occasional smudging, particularly in humid conditions or during long wear.

9. ZAO Aloe Vera Mascara

This beauty is all about hydration and care. Infused with aloe vera extract, it’s designed to nourish your lashes while providing volume and length. The formula is gentle, making it suitable even for sensitive eyes.

The applicator wand is designed for precision, allowing you to reach even the tiniest lashes in the corners of your eyes. This mascara glides on smoothly, delivering a lovely definition without clumping. The result? Fluffy, well-separated lashes that still look natural, perfect for an everyday look or a more polished evening style.

ZAO also emphasizes sustainability in their packaging, using bamboo for their mascara tube. So, not only are you enhancing your beauty routine, but you’re also making an eco-friendly choice.

Pros:

Natural Ingredients: Made with aloe vera and other natural components, making it suitable for sensitive eyes.
Hydrating Formula: Aloe vera helps to nourish and hydrate lashes, potentially improving their health over time.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Comes in a reusable bamboo case, and has refillable packaging inside, reducing waste. You can keep the mascara wand and wash between refills.
Buildable Coverage: Offers the ability to build volume without clumping, allowing for a natural or more dramatic look.
Good to know: Made with certified organic, natural ingredients

Cons:

Longevity: May not last as long as some traditional mascaras, potentially requiring touch-ups throughout the day.
Smudge Potential: Some users report smudging, especially in humid conditions.
Price Point: Can be more expensive than conventional drugstore mascaras, which might deter budget-conscious shoppers.
Application: The brush design may not work for everyone, and some may prefer different wand shapes for application.

To get the best result when applying mascara make sure you:

Use an eyelash curler: For extra lift, curl your lashes before applying mascara. Hold the curler at the base of your lashes and gently curl the lashes from root to tip. You can even heat the lash curler with a hair dryer for a few seconds before to help hold the curl in place.
Wipe Off Excess Product: Before applying, wipe the wand on the rim of the tube to remove excess product. This helps prevent clumping and gives a more even application.
Look down while applying: Hold a small mirror below your eyes and apply the mascara while looking in the mirror. This helps to apply the mascara right from the root.
Wiggle the wand: To avoid clumping make sure you wiggle the wand gently from side to side to coat but separate each lash.
For extra volume: concentrate on applying mascara at the roots of your lashes. Blinking as you apply also adds extra product to the lashes.
For extra length: Concentrate on applying product to the ends of your lashes before applying mascara at the roots.
Layer for Drama: If you want more intensity, let the first coat dry for a few seconds and then apply a second coat. Be careful not to let it dry completely, as that can lead to clumping.
Extra definition: Finally, once the mascara is fully dry you can curl your lashes one more time for that extra lift. And if you want the look of extra defined thick lashes, apply black Knol eyeliner to your upper lash line.
Don’t Pump the Wand: Avoid pumping the wand in and out of the tube, as this can introduce air and dry out the mascara. Instead, twist the wand to get the product.

Remember, when you choose a vegan and cruelty-free mascara, you’re not just making your lashes look fabulous – you’re casting a vote for a kinder beauty industry. So go ahead, bat those gorgeous, ethically-enhanced lashes. Together, we can make compassionate cosmetics the new normal.