Have You Made the Switch to Clean(er) Mascara?
As I’ve mentioned in the past, toxic waterproof mascara is the last vestige of my dirty past. But there are better and better cleaner mascaras on the market, and this week Well+Good has posted some of their faves. (Note: Not all the ones they list get a clean stamp of approval, but the ladies at Well+Good point out the dirtier ones.) Next week we plan to pick up where they left off, and review a few we love that didn’t make their cut! Is your mascara clean? Is your favorite one on their list?
From the post:
Here’s a not-so-secret secret: Even natural beauty divas tend to cheat when it comes to their lashes, coating them in Maybelline Great Lash or lust-worthy DiorShow.
However, that’s beginning to change.
“Every natural makeup line is working on a mascara worth releasing,” says Spirit Demerson, founder of SpiritBeautyLounge.com. “Expect big reveals next year.”
Can’t wait till then? We found seven that added just as much volume, length, and drama as their chemical counterparts. (There’s still no waterproof natural.)
Here are seven great natural mascaras we wouldn’t bat an eye at.
Keep reading to see Well+Goods picks here.
Not so natural lashes via
Ere Perez actually do a waterproof natural mascara- that promises not to budge for 24 hrs. I’m using the normal almond oil one which is reasonably good but yet to try the waterproof version http://www.ereperez.com/shop/3/natural-mascaras/natural-waterproof-mascara-black.html
Right now I am using Real Purity, though not my favorite. I love Tarte Lights, camera lashes-it is rated a 4 on the cosmetic data base. I know it could be worse, but I would like to do a little better and still love my mascara.
Have you ladies not tried the 100% Pure mascara? It’s amazing, one of the best mascaras I’ve ever tried (counting “toxic” ones). It gives volume, it separates, and lengthens. Check it out, it’s really great! But I am tempted to try the Afterglow one now, I keep reading great reviews!
I’m using Real Purity mascara. It looks natural and make my lashes longer.
Hi!
I’m using Real Purity (super clean, only a handful of ingredients) right now too. Its working fine for me – doesn’t flake or run…probably not so great if you’re looking for waterproof mascara. Previously, I used mascara by Rejuva Minerals, based out of Florida. I’ll probably go back to that next – it gives a little more length and volume for a great price. Also, their face powders are fantastic. Jane Iredale mascara is also good, but for some reason, not as thickening for me…Still looking for something with that wow factor that I used to get with LashBlast before I went natural.
Thanks for all your advice and tips – your blog and book are wonderful! I adore!
Giving thanks from Los Angeles…
:)
Mascara has been the ONE thing that I haven’t been able to “go clean” with— I use Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara and it makes my lashes fabulously full. Nothing has quite compared to it. I’ll occasionally use Physician’s Formula Organic Wear mascara, but it’s a bit flaky and not as dramatic. I’m definitely on the hunt for a new one that’ll meet my clean standards AND my need for crazy big eyelashes :)
Can’t wait to read about your picks!
ooh good topic, clean mascara has been difficult to find. I’m in love with the Jane Iredale lash extender & conditioner! That seems to make a world of difference for the mascara I use on top of it. I’ve been using the physicians formula organic line and they’re alright, still looking for something better, but at least the price is low! I’ve tried Josie Maran in the past, and was thrilled with the trial size. One I bought the full size though, clumps galore! no good. Can’t wait for the rest that you’ve reviewed!
Happy Thanksgiving ladies, thanks for your wonderful site and the book that started it all! xox
Funny, I used clean mascara before I used clean shampoo or anything else. My eyes are very sensitive which was the reason for trying “natural” mascara. I once had Dr Hauschka Volume Mascara which I really loved. But it has one ingredient I don’t want to have in my mascara: silica. Plus it’s very expensive although I live in Germany. At the moment I’m using the Lavera Double Black Mascara which I also love…you can get 3 diffrent effects with this one ;-). I don’t need waterproof mascara, actually I don’t like waterproof mascara. So maybe because of this and cause my lashes are easy to handle, I never had a problem to find a good clean mascara.
They left off 100% Pure – I am in love with their mascaras now, I have Blackberry and Black Tea, and both are wonderful. The packaging, the performance, the scent – I didn’t know mascara could smell anything other than horrid, and the fact that it is non-irritating – truly so, makes them just brilliant.
I’ve also learned, since using their mascara, to love my natural lashes. They are in far far better condition, and so now during the day at work I just use my shu umera eyelash curler and that’s it. They look thick, and stay curled, and I feel comfortable. Working in publishing is quite tiring on the eyes, and it has made all the difference. This comes from a previous Maybelline Volum’ Express addict (of five years! Five!).
You know, it is great to live in Germany, because we have so many good organic brands and also a lot of organic durgstore brands. But I just hate that I can never test the products you suggest. :(
I am another Real Purity fan. LOVE it. The different colors wear differently – I prefer the brown. As @Amy says, using something natural has made my lashes better, so I can go without mascara too.
100% Pure is gorgeous, but it’s not gluten free and it burns my eyes like crazy. If gluten is a non-issue for you it’s definitely worth a try.
Great topic and one I find so frustrating! I’ve spent a ton of money trying one clean brand of mascara after another and by mid-morning, there isn’t one that hasn’t smeared from my lids to my cheekbones. I’ve tried most of those listed above and many more. I wasn’t even looking for dramatic lashes, just something that would stay on. Recently, feeling that enough was enough, I switched back–the only time I’ve done that since going clean–and it’s a relief not to have to be wiping under my eyes all day.
My eyes have gotten super-sensitive in the last year or so and I am having a lot of trouble with eye-makeup, especially the unclean kind! I like Josie Maran’s mascara, even though it’s not totally clean, and I also really like Couleur Caramel mascara, although I accidentally bought it in blue instead of black :( Still, it makes lashes look good and doesn’t make my eyes itchy!
Just got this from Real Purity if anyone wants to try:
We are very thankful for you our customers! Please enjoy our Thanksgiving promotion you can recieve Free Shipping on all orders of $50.00 or more (US & Canada only) use coupon code [TD2011], or 10% off your order (US, Canada, or International). If you choose 10% please note that in the comments section of your order and we will credit the 10% at time of shipment. Both promotions run from 11/23/2011 thru 11/28/2011.
I love Gabriel and Zuzu Luxe mascaras. I actually just did a post on them: http://ow.ly/7Efwj
I also really want to try the Afterglow mascara, Colour Caramel and the Jane Iredale lash extender!
My favourite clean mascara is the one for long lashes from Couleur Caremel. After reading all the comments I’m now really tempted to try the one from 100%Pure.
Right now I’m enjoying 100% Pure in Black Tea. It separates, lengthens and is quite dramatic for a natural mascara. My only complaint is that I find it runs a bit under my lower lashes about 10 minutes after I put it on. It’s not a huge problem and it might have to do with the coconut oil in the RMS Un Cover Up I use for dark circles as opposed to the mascara itself.
Josie Maran isn’t bad either, though I did find the formula a bit thick so I often had to declump my lashes after applying
We love Dr.Hauschka Mascara
Have been on the search for the perfect natural mascara for a long time now. Hope we’ll find one soon that we find good enough to stock!
@zimt-peppermint you might want to try http://amazingy.de – a brand new German company selling some very nice exclusive brands.
I’ve been using 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascaras in Black Berry and Dark Chocolate. They didn’t make the list, but they both have low hazard scores of two…and I’m consistently impressed with their performance. After reading the list, I definitely plan to try the Afterglow Pure Soul Mascara! :)
I have long lashes and slight puffiness under my eyes which means almost every mascara smudges on me…. except Korres. may not be super clean but it is quite good and works really well. also since using an organic eye makeup remover my lashes have become beautifully long and thick which proves that putting all those nasties on them is really counterproductive in the end! BTW, I’ve been using natural mascaras for over 5 years now so I’ve tried quite a few…Jane Iredale, Tarte, Hauschka, Physician’s Formula and Korres is the only one so far that has worked (I do look forward to trying Nvey’s and Afterglows soon).
I would love to hear from someone who has tried a brand they love that doesn’t smear under your eyes like a football player! Everyone says they like their mascara, but what about the PERFORMANCE throughout the day? I’ve tried many of the brands listed so far and have loved the application, the scent, the wand, the packaging, the way it coats, etc,…and I always end up with football player syndrome! I’ve see a couple comments already regarding this, so I know it’s not just me. If you have one that does NOT smear, do tell. I’m SO READY to go back to my dirty brand – I feel like an idiot walking around work all day when no one tells me to wipe under my eyes and I look in the mirror later in the afternoon and see my stupid mascara has failed me again!!!
why no mention of “tubes” mascara? Completely removeable without smudging! Little tubes slip off with water. Loreal and Blink both make them.
I use Suvana Bio Lash mascara. It’s an Australian brand with minimal ingredients list and uses quite a few certified organic ingredients. It’s no Dior Show but I think it’s comparable to Shu Uemura’s Basic mascara. I have pretty sensitive eyes, this doesn’t burn or smudge on me and I have oily lids + skin. Then again I’ve yet to try this in the middle of hot and humid summer.
There’s another Australian brand that does clean mascara called Miessence, apparently it’s 95% organic. It is more expensive than Suvana Bio Lash, but am thinking of trying it once I finish this one.
@Jill, for me liking a product must include good performance. Real Purity does not flake or smudge for me, though I’d say the brown and black/brown perform better than the plain black which gave me a teeny bit of smudge by the end of the day. I do not wear mascara on my bottom lashes since I don’t need to. I have super oily lids and ALWAYS use a mineral makeup and finishing powder around my eyes. I think that may be more important than the formulation of the product for smudge resistance, in my case. I only ever use one coat, but I think that Real Purity gives a really natural look in any case – it might not work if you are after really big lashes. I can’t say anything about 100% Pure other than it’s pretty, because I had to take it off within 30 minutes since it irritated my eyes (probably the gluten thing).
I’d be interested in hearing some details about people’s experiences with Afterglow – it’s tempting to try.
I LOVE Dr. Hauschka Volumizing Mascara in Eggplant. I’ve been using it for years. Every time I try something else, I end up going back to the Hauschka. It’s not for going out, and not for a really made up look generally, but it’s the best thing for every day. It brings out the green in my eyes, and gives just enough accent, but still looks like I’m not wearing make up- so not weird with a bare face. Really great for all the low-maintenance ladies out there! Oh and it doesn’t flake, and not waterproof (which I never understood with mascara- are people crying or getting sprayed with water guns on a daily basis?).