9 Best Vegan Mascara Brands for Luscious Lashes

However, did you know many common mascara brands have chemicals which can actually lead to lash fallout and are toxic to our bodies? Not only this, they often contain animal byproducts.

To make your search easier for the best vegan mascara brands, which are free of harmful chemicals, we’ve rounded up our top picks for you to check out!

In a Hurry? Here’s Our Quick List of Top Picks

• Honeybee Gardens Bellissima Volumizing Mascara
• Better’n Ur Lashes Organic Hypoallergenic Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
• Fifth & Skin Natural Mineral Mascara
• Gabriel Cosmetics Black Mascara
• Endlessly Beautiful Natural Organic Mascara
• EVXO Mineral Mascara – Black
• Harvest Natural Beauty Lengthening Organic Mascara – Brown
• Pacifica Beauty Aquarian Gaze Water Resistant Long Lasting Mineral Mascara
• Endlessly Beautiful Mascara with Chamomile and Vitamin E

Mascara Fun Facts and History

Women have adorned their eyelashes since the beginning of time. While eyelashes are essential for diverting air flow to keep eyes from drying out, they have indeed been important for beauty.

Mascara, which gets its name from the Italian word maschera meaning ‘mask,’ has been used for thousands of years by people wishing to darken their lashes and/or accent their eyes.

Dating back to Ancient Egypt, both men and women used to darken their lashes with kohl and ointments, and women would even use malachite.

People of Ancient Rome used similar practices, while during the medieval times, foreheads were considered more erotic so they would sometimes remove their eyelashes all together!

In an effort to match Queen Elizabeth’s red hair, women during the Elizabethan era were known to dye their lashes to match, but this didn’t fare well for their lashes due to the toxic chemicals.

Moving on to the Victorian era when the first mascara was developed by Eugene Rimmel. His formula consisted of coal dust and petroleum jelly (this was also used by the original creator of Maybelline mascara).

The curled lash trend emerged during the 1920s and 30s, and then later in the 1940s, waterproof mascara came on the scene.

The 1960s and 70s brought a rainbow of colors to mascara, and then in the 1980s and 90s colors and fan-like lashes were popular.

This brings us to the 2000s when anything is possible and technological advances have introduced a variety of mascara wands and even fake lashes.

Watch more about the interesting history of mascara in this video.

Mascara has certainly evolved from coal dust and Vaseline, but many products to include fake lashes, are still not safe and definitely not vegan.

Thankfully natural, vegan mascara products now exist, which are also much safer for our health!

Choosing the Perfect Mascara

There are a few considerations to keep in mind when choosing the perfect mascara.

First, consider your lash type – are they short, thin, or are there lots of them? The kind of wand you use is actually important.

To add volume, look for a full wand which directs the product to the base of your lashes.

Choose a thin wand for lengthening as it evenly distributes the mascara along the lashes from root to tip.

A curved wand is, you guessed it, great for creating a curled effect to your lashes. There are also tapered, ball-tip, and hourglass wands each providing contour, definition, and other effects.

The consistency of the mascara is also worth paying attention to depending on your lash type.

If your lashes are naturally long, look for a formula designed to curl. If your lashes are short, look for a product made to lengthen.

Straight lashes may need a little help from a lash curler as well.

Uneven lashes could be a result of prior damage incurred through the use of false lashes or chemical based mascaras – so look for products with nourishing ingredients which encourage lash growth.

Finally, eye color and skin tone play an important role in deciding on the best mascara color.

Black mascara is flattering on nearly everyone and the right choice if you have dark lashes and skin tone.

Brown mascara is reserved for lighter skin tones as this would create a more natural look. If you are more olive-toned, then choose a darker brown.

Blue mascara makes a statement on people with brown, gray, or light green eyes, while purple looks good on people with blue, green or hazel eyes. Use a darker purple if you have medium-toned to darker skin.

Finally, green mascara looks neat with brown or hazel eyes.

For people who wear contact lens: look for only water-based mascara and eye makeup remover labeled as hypoallergenic or for sensitive eyes.

Also, avoid waterproof mascara as it usually contains irritating ingredients.

Common Application Mistakes and Other Tips

Mascara application may seem pretty basic and easy, but you may be making mistakes which could compromise your lashes’ full potential.

If you find yourself dealing with black blobs under your eyes, it might be caused from starting with your top lashes. Instead begin with your bottom lashes and then move to the top as you layer.

Pumping the wand can lead to the product drying out sooner and cause the product to clump and flake. Try twisting the wand in circular motions.

Prior to application, wipe the excess mascara off the wand with a tissue.

Also, try using a lash curler before applying the product, and you may want to give a couple different mascaras a whirl to gain the best benefit from each.

Customizing your look to address the parts of your eyes and lashes you’d like to accent is also important.

Finally, make sure you aren’t using expired mascara (toss after about 6 months), and ensure you are removing it correctly with a makeup remover or soap and water as necessary.

If you wear contacts, there are precautions you should be aware of when applying mascara.

By taking these precautions you will prevent injury, infection and dryness from occurring. For instance, apply eye makeup after inserting contacts.

For more practical application tips and tricks, watch this video to learn how to apply mascara the ‘right way’ and make your eyelashes look their best!

Why Choose Natural and Vegan Mascara?

Believe it or not, animal products are found in many popular mascara brands!

Guanine or Pearl Essence is used often in mascara giving it a shimmer, but it is derived from the scales of a fish.

Beeswax is used to keep mascara intact and smooth, but it is taken from honey bees that use it to form combs.

Shellac gives mascara a lacquer effect, but it actually comes from the lac insect after it’s processed into flakes and dissolved in alcohol.

Collagen may make lashes seem thicker, but it comes from the connective tissues of animals, while lanolin, used for moisturizing, comes from the oil glands of sheep.

While you are now most likely contemplating mascara brands you’ve used in the past, consider this as well – traditional mascara brands are loaded with toxic chemicals.

These chemicals could cause lash fallout and breakage along with posing a risk to our health as these substances are inevitably absorbed into our bodies.

Things like heavy metals and aluminum powder lead to organ toxicity, lung issues and aluminum is considered a neurotoxin.

Parabens, a variety of preservatives, and carbon black are all linked to cancer and organ toxicity.

In powder form, these substances and others can pack a lethal dose of toxins to your body, and considering how often mascara is applied, this isn’t a risk worth taking.

In conclusion, it’s fairly important to look for vegan and natural mascara. You will not only protect animals used to derive ingredients, but you will also protect your health by avoiding toxic chemicals – a win-win!

9 Top Picks for Vegan Mascara

Whether you are looking for a lash conditioning mascara, one to help thicken and lengthen your lashes, or one with a pop of color, we have a natural mascara brand perfect for you!

Honeybee Gardens Bellissima Volumizing Mascara

Want fat, healthier looking lashes without heaviness or clumps? Then Honeybee Gardens Bellissima Volumizing Mascara may be just what you are looking for.

This volumizing mascara has a unique blend of Bayberry Wax, Jojoba, and Olive Oil which helps to strengthen, nourish, and smooth your lashes while enhancing their natural length. All without flakes, clumps, and irritation.

The brush is perfect for grabbing every lash, even the tiniest ones often left behind. The smooth formula coats evenly and lasts all day.

It does take a bit longer to dry, so take this into consideration in your makeup routine to allow adequate drying time. Once dried, it doesn’t smudge or flake. It is easy to remove at the end of the day.

Gluten-free formula is a bonus for makeup fans with sensitivities. It’s also a great mascara for itchy, watery eyes, or contact lens wearers.

Better’n Ur Lashes Organic Hypoallergenic Mascara for Sensitive Eyes

Skin2Spirit Better’n Ur Lashes natural mascara is hypoallergenic and great for people with sensitive eyes and conditions such blepharitis and dry eyes.

Offered in black or brown, it goes on smoothly without leaving smudges and will work to give you thick and long lashes!

The tear-resistant formula is all-natural and does not include toxic chemicals which could lead to lash fallout – the opposite effect you’re looking for I’m sure!

It is 85% organic and there is no mercury, lead, petroleum, preservatives and dyes; so you can wear this product in confidence knowing you are not negatively affecting your body and health.

I like the buildable volume this product offers – use one coat for naturally long and thick lashes or apply additional coats for a more dramatic look (make sure you let each layer dry first before applying additional layers!).

With continued use, this mascara will actually improve the condition of your lashes and help them grow longer and thicker thanks to the nutrient-rich extracts and vitamins.

This Skin2Spirit mascara is smudge-proof and water-resistant, it isn’t waterproof, and so you can easily wash it off with soap and water.

Fifth & Skin Natural Mineral Mascara

This natural mineral mascara is hypoallergenic for sensitive eyes, and will thicken and lengthen your lashes while also conditioning.

The formula goes on smoothly with minimal clumping, and it’s tear-free along with being water-resistant.

The black pigment is naturally-derived mineral black iron oxide and it is water-based using only plant waxes, such as rice bran wax, to achieve its consistency and hold.

As stated, this product is hypoallergenic and is a great choice if you typically can’t wear mascara due to sensitivities to ingredients in mascaras, have an eye condition such as blepharitis, or wear contact lens.

This mineral mascara is multi-tasking and buildable too! Use it as eyeliner by dipping an eyeliner brush into the tube.

If you want more dramatic lashes, you can build by layering ensuring each layer dries first.

Use a makeup remover if you prefer, but isn’t necessary since this washes off easily with soap and water.

Gabriel Cosmetics Black Mascara

Another gluten-free contender in the mascara category, Gabriel Cosmetics Black Mascara offers a subtle, natural shade for sensitive eyes.

Unlike most mascaras in black, this one isn’t as stark. It’s a very soft shade which helps to define and enhance your eyes.

The combination of subtle color and volumizing ingredients equals beautiful texture and thickness without fear of clumpy raccoon eyes.

The tapered brush helps to define and separate your lashes, adding length and volume without weight.

This gentle, non-irritating formula uses vitamin B-5 to help care for your lashes, leaving them stronger, naturally.

Endlessly Beautiful Natural Organic Mascara

This natural, volumizing mascara by Endlessly Beautiful is perfect if you are looking for longer, thicker lashes with curl!

It has a mineral fusion formula which won’t flake, smudge, or clump. There are also nourishing ingredients included to moisturize and treat your lashes.

Chamomile and vitamin E sooth and protect lashes while giving you lengthened lashes, and encourage growth without the usual toxic chemicals.

This also contains other beneficial ingredients which are used to encourage lash growth. This includes oregano, thyme, coffee powder, cinnamon, rosemary, and grapefruit – all-natural and 85% organic!

The water base and unique use of corn starch, rice starch and carnauba wax combines to achieve the consistency, and it is great for sensitive eyes.

In addition to these great attributes, this product is also water-resistant and sweat proof; so you can expect to have beautiful lashes all day long! Plus, it’s super easy to remove with soap and water.

EVXO Mineral Mascara – Black

EVXO natural and organic mascara goes on smoothly and creates soft, long and lush lashes.

This vegan and cruelty-free product delivers amazing lashes without any artificial colors, preservatives, or fragrances.

It is great for creating a daily, natural look, but can also be layered for a more dramatic look for a night out.

Although it is long-lasting, it’s easily removable – no worries about it staining clothing or bed sheets due to leftover residue!

The perfectly-sized mascara wand effectively separates lashes and the bold black pigment really makes lashes standout!

Water and rice bran wax are the base ingredients while olive oil and coconut nourish lashes. Also, black iron oxide is the natural mineral color used for pigment.

The formula is hypoallergenic and is a superb replacement for other popular and chemical-laden brands since it is just as effective!

Plus, it strengthens lashes and ensures their continued health by preventing breakage and fall-out.

Harvest Natural Beauty Lengthening Organic Mascara – Brown

Harvest Natural Beauty’s product is a certified organic mascara designed to lengthen lashes.

Ideal for sensitive eyes, it’s free of toxins such as petroleum, mercury and parabens, and it is completely vegan and cruelty-free.

The sustainable formula contains protective and nourishing vitamin E, chamomile, sunflower seed oil, coffee powder and rice powder among other organic extracts.

Uniquely, goldenseal is also used in the formula. Goldenseal is used for a variety of medicinal purposes, and when it comes to lashes, acts as a detoxifier and antibiotic.

Due to the lemon peel and vanilla extracts, this mascara naturally smells great without any added fragrances.

Also, it is smudge-proof and water-resistant without preservatives and artificial colors.

Available in either black or brown so regardless of your skin tone and eye color, you’ll have flattering lashes.

Create an extra lengthening effect by holding the wand in place horizontally and then blinking into the wand.

Pacifica Beauty Aquarian Gaze Water Resistant Long Lasting Mineral Mascara

Pacifica Beauty Aquarian Gaze mascara is mineral, natural and it’s blue! I really like how this product will hold even when swimming and is practically waterproof!

The formula separates lashes well and builds volume and length utilizing its specially-designed (and vegan) brush.

It is infused with lash-loving, natural ingredients such as vitamin B, coconut oil and kelp extract to keep lashes healthy and hydrated.

As a nutritional supplement essential to our bodies, vitamin B also effectively treats lashes and helps prevent breakage.

Kelp extract is used to protect against moisture loss, and it’s rich in nutrients like iodine, calcium, vitamin A, E, and D.

Coconut oil is naturally anti-microbial and anti-bacterial, along with its moisturizing properties; it’s a great addition to the formula in this product.

It is gluten-free and also free of other harmful ingredients such as triclosan, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil and petroleum.

Get creative with this blue mascara! It is also available in black. Apply one coat for a natural look or layer it on for more drama.

Endlessly Beautiful Mascara with Chamomile and Vitamin E

Who doesn’t love beautiful, lush lashes without all the clumps and flakes? If you’re looking for a flaky mascara which leaves your lashes heavy and spidery, this isn’t the one for you.

However, if you like the look of feathery soft and voluminous fringe, Endlessly Beautiful Mascara might just be what you’ve been searching for.

Made with a blend of healing ingredients such as Chamomile and Vitamin E, this mascara nourishes your lashes while it lengthens and thickens. No more lash fallout or brittleness. No need to apply lash conditioners or serums. This mascara has you covered.

No preservatives, artificial colors or fragrances live inside this tiny bottle of inky perfection. And even though the tube may be small, it’s actually the same amount of product as the leading brands. Just less waste in packaging.

This is the first mascara I’ve ever used that doesn’t smell like mascara!

Top Choice for the Best Vegan Mascara

All these vegan mascara brands are amazing and come with beneficial ingredients which help your lashes rather than toxic chemicals causing them to break and fall out.

From conditioning treatment all the way to blue mascara, there are so many options for you to find the best mascara suiting your needs.

Among these we have chosen our top pick which we believe leads the pack – Better’n Ur Lashes Organic Hypoallergenic Mascara for Sensitive Eyes.

Better’n Ur Lashes is hypoallergenic and non-irritating for sensitive eyes, and creates thick and long lashes with a tear-free formula.

Over time, this mascara will actually encourage lash growth and make them thicker; thanks to the nutrient-rich vitamins and extracts.

It’s buildable and available in black and brown! So go create the natural or dramatic look you’re going for knowing you are helping your lashes stay healthy!

For these reasons, we pick this product by Skin2Spirit as our top choice!