Yes, there is such a thing as authentically natural, mineral or plant-based mascara, though it does tend to be the last product in the line for natural cosmetics brands. Why? It isn’t easy to formulate—especially since mascara is usually fully loaded with tons of preservatives, because it is worn so close to the eyes. Not only that: we demand a lot from that tiny tube. We want our mascara to not only give us long, lustrous lashes, but to do it with no chance of tiny paw prints, smudging or flaking.
According to makeup artist and green beauty expert Rebecca Casciano, “The biggest challenges with natural mascaras is that they don’t always build much fullness or length and they smudge underneath the eye,” she says. “When the area has moisture from skincare and/or makeup, it is more likely to break down the mascara, causing smudges.” Her best tip? “Powder the under eye, prior to applying mascara.”
But we are starting to see some of our favorite natural cosmetics brands coming through for us. Drum roll, please! Here are some new and established favorites.
DeVita Absolute Lengths
With carrot oil (rich in beta-carotene), black tea and iron oxide (for pigment), fruit extracts (to nourish lashes), and natural fibers (to add length), this mascara adds definition to the lashes, without clumping. $23.95; DeVitaSkincare.com
Kjaer Weis Mascara
Danish-born, New-York based makeup artist Kjaer Weis worked long and hard to formulate this 99.81 percent certified organic mascara, which is refillable, hygienic and sustainable, with a refillable insert designed to be tossed after three months, when bacteria builds up in mascara and it should be thrown away. And, as a makeup artist, she held out for a formula—with cupuacu seed butter, beeswax and carnauba wax—that would really perform. $38, $24 for a refill; spiritbeautylounge.com
Logona Mascara
Natural Look 01
If you are looking for subtle lash enhancement, this blend of plant extracts and oils (to moisturize), beeswax and essential oils, along with mineral powders, will yield a beautiful result. And, if you feel like pumping up the volume for a night out, simply let the first application dry and apply a second layer. $22; logona-usa.com
Nvey Eco Volumising Mascara
This 100 percent NaTrue and NSF-certified organic Australian-made mascara contains organic jojoba oil, beeswax and carnauba wax to layer up the lashes for a fuller look. A cult favorite of eco-makeup artists, and free of the talcs and petroleum-derivatives that are standard-issue in traditional products. $29.95; nveymakeup.com