When discussing the best mascaras recently with friends, some of them were shocked by my admission that I have started dabbling with clear mascara again. You remember clear mascara, the product you used in school when you weren’t allowed to wear make-up. But would you believe me if I said it’s become a staple in my everyday routine as a 20-something beauty editor? Well you better because it’s true.
Thanks to the best eyelash serums, I have fairly long lashes naturally. Because of this, I don’t always like a super intense mascara day-to-day as it can give them a bit of a spidery look. If I’m going out then of course I reach for one of my favourite jet black formulas - Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara is a current favourite - but when I’m hitting up my local coffee shop for a work sesh, I want to keep it very minimal.
Enter: the best clear mascaras. They give me just enough lift and volume whilst still looking incredibly natural. In fact, since making the switch more regularly, I’ve had lots of people ask me if I’ve had a lash lift because it gives that same effect.
If you’re also considering opting for a more natural-looking lash from time to time, these are the very best clear mascaras out there. Oh, and the best news? They’re way cheaper. (For the most part, anyway.) As with all clear mascaras, they're far more natural than regular mascara, though. So, if you want a volumising mascara or one that brings the drama then you might be better off looking elsewhere as that's not why I love these clear formulations. For me, the beauty lies in their low-maintenance appeal.
The best clear mascaras, listed:
- Best overall clear mascara: e.l.f Clear Brow & Lash Mascara | £3, Boots
- Best clear mascara for lengthening: Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara | £6, Amazon
- Best clear mascara for strengthening: Barry M Strengthening & Conditioning Clear Mascara | £5.99, Barry M
- Best clear mascara as a primer: Collection Colour Lash All Day Wear Colour Mascara Clear | £2.49, Boots
- Best clear mascara for a natural look: No7 Lash and Brow Perfector | £9.95, Boots
- Best clear mascara for sensitive eyes: Ere Perez Aloe Gel Lash & Brow Mascara | £27, Naturisimo
Everything you need to know about clear mascara
What is clear mascara?
Clear mascara is a transparent, gel-like formula that is applied using a mascara wand to softly enhance, lengthen and define eyelashes. The results are far more subtle than traditional black or brown mascaras, making it a perfect choice for no-makeup makeup, minimalist looks.
Thanks to its transparency, it also makes a great brow gel or baby hair styler, adding control and definition without coating hairs in pigment.
Is clear mascara good for sensitive eyes?
Clear mascara can be used on sensitive eyes, however, it's always important to check the label for any ingredients that could be potential irritants and look out for formulas that are hypoallergenic.
How to apply clear mascara
For best results, prep with an eyelash curler on clean, dry lashes to lift and help encourage the natural curl. Then, wriggle the clear mascara wand into the base of your lashes, and gently sweep up towards the ends.
For brows, simply sweep upwards from the inner base of the lash, angling outwards as you move out towards the tail.
Best clear mascaras, reviewed by a beauty editor
1. e.l.f Clear Brow & Lash Mascara
£3 and a 2-in-1? This e.l.f Clear Brow & Lash Mascara has truly won me over. The formula is a nice consistency and dries down to leave lashes feeling well held up without that horrid glued feeling. It leaves my lashes feeling fluffy, fanned out and lengthened without looking "done" at all.
Oh, and the brow product works excellently as well if you're looking for a little no-colour hold. Hands down one of the best e.l.f. products I've used to date.
2. Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara
Maybelline Great Lash but as a clear version, now this is really throwing us back. This formula is very wet making it easily buildable on lashes to give the length you're after. It gives curls a lovely definition without going OTT on the volume so you really can pack it on.
It doesn't leave a tacky or crispy feel on the lashes, which makes it ideal for everyday wear, holidays and trips to the swimming pool.
3. Barry M Strengthening & Conditioning Clear Mascara
This is another 2-in-1 but this time it's because it acts as a conditioner for your lashes as well as a mascara. If you're on a lash growth journey, this is one you might want to consider. As well as giving lashes a bit of a length and curl boost, it contains vitamin B5 to help improve the condition of lashes and encourage growth. You don't need much to get a lift with this one and I'd recommend not packing it on otherwise it can feel a little overdone.
If you have short lashes and are looking to grow them out but still can't get by without a mascara in the day, this is well worth a go. It's a fantastic alternative to regular mascara.
4. Collection Colour Lash All Day Wear Colour Mascara Clear
Collection really is the go-to when it comes to make-up products like this, and it's no wonder because they're done really, really well. It lengths and coats lashes leaving them more defined and lasts all day with an impressive lift.
It doesn't go clumpy whatsoever so can really be layered onto lashes to build up the finish. Some people even use this as a primer or a top coat for their regular mascara as it gives added lift, plus it doesn't smudge—giving higher end products a run for their money.
It's another 2-in-1 brow and lash product making it even more of a savvy choice at just £2.49.
5. No7 Lash and Brow Perfector
This one is definitely for the ultimate no make-up, make-up look; it does give lashes a nice hold but is predominantly used for lash separation and giving them a condition. It doubles as a brow gel, which works as a great tidy up tool.
The brush is better quality than others in the list but it's small and tapered, which you'll either love as it catches every lash or hate as it's not big enough to coat them in a single sweep.