Many makeup newbies may not think that the best clear mascara is worth their time and it’s very easy to understand where they’re coming from. Why, really, would you put on a clear product on your face when there are colored alternatives that can add more oomph to your look? The extra layer is not really worth it if it’s not doing anything for you, right? Using clear mascara to complement a good makeup kit will do wonders and steal looks from others!
This is where most people make their mistakes because clear mascara isn’t useless at all. You can definitely tell what the clear mascara did before and after it’s been applied. It can actually be one of the most useful beauty products there is as it can keep your bushy brows in place, give your already lush lashes a nice definition (especially the bottom ones without having to worry of clumps), offer a gentler option for those with sensitivities, and can even let you express your creativity further with the help of some cosmetic pigments.
Remember that you can further improve your eyelash game by using a great eyelash curler before you apply mascara!
So how do you find the best clear eye mascara for you? Read on as this guide might just be able to help you out.
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Clear Mascara Reviews: Top Picks You Shouldn’t Miss
1. Maybelline New York Great Lash Clear Mascara
Hailed as the best mascara line on the planet, the Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara has a very wide clientele despite its very affordable product. If this doesn’t tell you that it works magnificently, then nothing will. Beauty queens, makeup gurus, celebrities, and even your colleague can attest to the popularity of this line, which includes a clear variety that promises to work wonders.
Ophthalmologist-tested and approved, the Maybelline New York Great Lash Clear Mascara stays true to the line’s promise of delivering prettier eyes without any fuss. It effectively separates lashes and brushes out brows to achieve a more natural look. It will definitely help make your eyes look more open and awake, which is one of the best results that you can get from such a makeup item.
You also don’t have to worry if you have sensitive eyes or skin. This Maybelline clear mascara does not have any oils in its list, so those who tend to get irritated from oil-based eye products can easily opt for this product. It’s also water-based, so it’s very gentle to the skin. In fact, some even recommend it for young makeup enthusiasts as it can be a great alternative to makeup with harsh ingredients.
The packaging may not be as exciting as others in the market today, but if it works marvelously, it can be justified as a fair trade. Besides, as the Great Lash clear mascara has been around for decades and has been known for its quality performance, there’s really not much reason for it to change, right?
Things We Liked
- Great price
- Can easily tame your brows
- Holds curls effectively
- Perfect for simple but put together looks
- Also great as an eyebrow primer
Things We Didn’t Like
- Might require a few touch ups during the day
2. CoverGirl Professional Natural Lash Mascara Clear
As most clear mascaras require touch ups due to their water-based formulations, some ladies find it important to go for products in nice packaging. If you’re going to use it in public, wouldn’t it be better if the actual item looks nice and attractive? The
CoverGirl Professional Natural Lash Mascara Clear definitely succeeds in this aspect as it looks chic in its minimal tube design, making it the perfect addition to your makeup kit.
Aside from its chic design, this CoverGirl clear mascara also works wonders on your appearance. It’s definitely a popular pick for eyebrow taming as it has a nice hold that can last for hours without a hitch.
While it’s not particularly preferred for holding the curl and shape of one’s lashes, it is, however, a great pick for priming your lashes for a more volumizing tinted mascara. Lashes that are sparse and short tend to have difficulties in holding dark mascara as they go on heavier due to the pigment. A clear mascara offers a nice adhesive for the darker varieties, making it better to use both on certain occasions.
If you have eyelash extensions or often use falsies, this clear mascara is also a good pick. Its lightness, combined with its easy to remove formulation will give you a polished look without weighing down your lashes, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your actual lashes with this product’s help.
Things We Liked
- Nice looking packaging
- Lightweight and won’t cause problems when put in a makeup bag
- Very affordable and you can even save more when you buy more
- Great primer
Things We Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t really hold curled lashes
3. e.l.f. Clear Brow and Lash Mascara Crystal
Most people who use clear mascara gets the best value from their products by using them on their eyelashes and brows at the same time. However, applying mascara on these different body parts require different kinds of applicators to achieve the best results. For your lashes to have a more defined curl, a curved wand is essential while a straight wand will help apply product more efficiently on your brows, so some people aren’t exactly impressed by products with just a single kind of wand.
This makes the e.l.f. Clear Brow and Lash Mascara Crystala great pick for those who want precision in their makeup routines. With two wands, you can be more effective in styling and beautifying your brows and eyelashes without having to use two separate products. This also makes it a cost-efficient option if you really don’t want to use the same applicator for both your brows and eyelashes.
In terms of performance, this product does a great job in taming your brows and holding the curl of your lashes. However, it hardens just like hair wax does so if you put too much, it can leave some residue in your brows and lashes that might flake and peel off later in the day. Precision and moderation are needed to be practiced with this product, so make sure to avoid going overboard when using this clear mascara.
Things We Liked
- Very affordable
- Shapes and holds brows in place
- Holds nicely
- Precise shaping and application
- Has a nice sheen to it
Things We Didn’t Like
- Leaves a gel-like residue that hardens up and peels away
4. CoverGirl Professional Natural Lash No Color Mascara
Those who wear contact lenses find it difficult to put on eye makeup, especially mascara. With an additional accessory that’s touching your actual eyeball, you tend to be more sensitive when wearing contacts, so it’s just natural that some people wonder about the safety of wearing eye makeup when sporting contact lenses.
Truth be told, contacts and mascaras don’t mix well. As mascaras get old, they can dry up really well when applied to your lashes and flake, causing its debris to get to the eyes. This can be very painful for someone who’s wearing contact lenses, so many just prefer to skip volumizing their lashes so they can avoid its dangers in its entirety.
The CoverGirl Professional Natural Lash No Color Mascara offers an excellent solution to this problem. It’s lightweight and water-based formulation guarantees that it won’t get flaky and put your peepers in danger of catching all the debris from broken down makeup. Its ingredients also guarantee that it won’t harm those with sensitive skin and eyes, making it an even better pick for a lot of users.
Add to this its use of a curved wand instead of the generic straight ones and you’ve got yourself a product that won’t just define your lashes, but will also add some charm to it on its own. It can curl and hold the curl with ease, so you can count on it to make your eyes look more open and awake.
Things We Liked
- Curved wand so you can curl your lashes while applying product
- Natural looking
- Made for those with sensitive skin and eyes
- Can be a good pick for contact lens wearers
- Cheaper than dedicated eyebrow gels
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Things We Didn’t Like
- Can get crusty when over applied
5. Technic Natural Lashes Clear Mascara
With a very short lifespan, mascaras are the last thing most people want to spend a lot of money on. This is even more true for clear mascaras, especially since they’re not really supposed to offer a very strong hold on the areas you use them in. This is how the very affordable Technic Natural Lashes Clear Mascara earned a spot in this list as its very low price has certainly made it a great choice for many.
Being one of the cheapest clear mascaras in the market today, some people don’t even expect a lot out of this product. This is why you’ll be pleasantly surprised that it can actually get the job done.
While it’s not popular for being able to provide a good hold on one’s lashes, it’s well-loved for its ability to keep untamable brows in check. It can hold your eyebrows’ shape for hours, which is a lot more than what others can offer.
But what really makes it an excellent product is its moisturizing seaweed extract content. Some folks say that it feels more like a lash serum rather than mascara because it doesn’t really help hold curls, but it will make your lashes look and feel great.
Things We Liked
- Fantastic price
- Moisturizing
- Holds brows in place
- Has a bit of glass to it when dry
Things We Didn’t Like
- Breakable tube
- Application can be a bit messy
6. Zuzu Luxe – Mascara Clear
Zuzu Luxe – Mascara Clearis one of the emerging natural beauty brands that has been getting a lot of buzz lately. Their clear mascara is definitely one of their more popular wares, with stocks flying off the racks in local health supermarkets that carry their line.
Aside from their use of all-natural ingredients that are free of paraben, mineral oil, talc, lanolin, phthalates, nano and micro-sized particles, lead, gluten, carmine, carcinogens, and other kinds of toxins, they’re also vegan and cruelty-free, making them the perfect choice for those who want an ethically-produced beauty product.
When it comes to performance, the Zuzu Luxe delivers as well. Some naysayers may not believe it, but this product actually offers a decent hold for your eyebrows, ensuring that you can easily look put together without too much fuss.
It’s also very safe for those with sensitivities and contact lenses, thanks to its mild formulation. It won’t flake when dry, so you don’t have to worry about pieces getting to your eyes. It can also offer a decent hold on curls, so you can definitely count on it to help finish your fabulous look.
Things We Liked
- Uses organic and natural ingredients
- Ideal for those with sensitive skin and eyes
- Won’t irritate wearer
- Ideal for contact lens wearers
- Made in the USA
Things We Didn’t Like
- Quite pricey
7. Sorme Cosmetics Ultra Lash Conditioning Mascara
Lots of people take special pains to care for their hair, ensuring that they’re well-moisturized and healthy. However, not everyone does the same for their lashes, which can also benefit from some extra TLC. If you’re one of the many who wants to change their ways and give their lashes a boost, Sorme Cosmetics Ultra Lash Conditioning Mascara can do the trick.
Infused with Vitamin E and shea butter to provide deep conditioning to your lashes, it also has a good dose of jojoba oil that promises to strengthen and prevent lashes from breakage and brittleness. It also promises to make your lashes lusher, making it double as a lengthening and thickening serum as well. These make this mascara an excellent pick for those who have just made the mistake of using a very drying mascara to make their peepers look more open and awake.
In terms of performance, it does a great job in separating your lashes and holding its curl. A single swipe can also go a long way, thanks to its special formulation. It also doesn’t flake, so even if you tend to often rub your eyes while wearing it, you don’t have to worry about getting bits and pieces of dried up product in your eyes.
It also works great as a “setting” coat for both your lashes and brows. A lot of people like to use this product after applying dark mascara as it extends the hold and shape of their dark mascara and brow fill.
Things We Liked
- Made in the USA
- Cruelty-free
- Conditioning and moisturizing
- Lengthens and thickens
- Won’t flake
Things We Didn’t Like
- A bit expensive
Buying Guide: Finding the Best Clear Mascara to Enhance Your Beauty
Like when buying any other kind of cosmetic product, shopping for a good clear mascara should also be done with great care and consideration. This way, you can be sure that you’ll only get in contact with a high-quality product that won’t compromise your look or health in any manner.
To help you find a great product to work with, here are a few things you should look for in a clear mascara:
Safe Ingredients
A lot of us are not exactly very particular about the ingredients of our beauty products until we get irritated or break out from it. However, this should never be the case with eye makeup because these things sit too close to a sensitive area of your body. The FDA lists the ingredients that are restricted and deemed unsafe for use so it’s best to keep yourself updated to ensure your safety.
Long-lasting Effects
As clear mascara is primarily used to hold your brows and eyelashes in place, you should make sure that the item you’re buying offers just that. You should be able to rely on its intended effects for at least the whole day. If it can’t keep your hair and lashes from straying, it’s not exactly the best clear mascara brand there is.
Great Extras
You may already find a dedicated clear mascara for eyebrows that are sold separately from regular clear mascaras. While there’s completely nothing wrong to opt for these products, the regular ones can still be the more practical options for many. Traditional clear mascaras are highly versatile as you can also use them for your lashes without any hesitation.
Some clear mascara for brows and lashes also have ingredients that promote hair growth. This is a fantastic additional feature that you can opt for, especially if you need some help in that department. Certain ingredients are known to help lashes and brows to grow thicker, so if you’re struggling with drawing your brows in and having to constantly use falsies, this extra can come in handy to you.
Friendly Price
A lot of experts will tell you not to splurge on mascara as it only has a shelf life of 3 months. Due to the sensitivity of the areas you use these products in, their contamination can easily put your health at risk. So to avoid any serious injuries or ailments, it will be best to just stick with the FDA’s recommendation and chuck it after it’s intended shelf life. If you can’t bear to throw out something costly after just a few weeks of use, then you should be on the lookout for a good but cheap clear mascara that you won’t have to feel wasteful about.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the point of clear mascara?
The point of clear mascara is to give your lashes curl and definition without the black or brown drama. Apart from getting a clean and fresh look, you’ll be able to keep focus on your lips, for example, while still having voluminous and curly eyelashes.
Should I use clear mascara?
Yes, you should use clear mascara either as a primer for your regular dark mascara or as a way to give your lashes defined look without risking raccoon eyes when you’re on the beach or in a hot and wet weather. Yet another reason is to add volume to your lashes while leaving the focus on your new lipstick.
What does clear mascara do for your eyelashes?
Clear mascara defines your eyelashes by separating them, adding volume and making them hold the curl. Clear mascara also make your lashes keep their natural color while making them look longer.
Is clear mascara better for your lashes?
Clear mascara is better for your lashes if you:
- want the glossy finished look
- like your natural lashes color but want definition
- want to wear makeup in wet weather
- want no dark mess to spoil your look on the beach
- are very young and are transitioning to makeup
- want more focus on your gorgeous lips
Does clear mascara make your eyelashes grow?
Clear mascara makes your lashes grow but only if it contains the ingredients which promote eyelashes growth. Always read tha label when looking for this feature and read reviews before buying a new clear mascara.
Can you use clear mascara as a primer?
You can use clear mascara as a primer if you don’t have one. However, a specialized primer is always a better option because it has a specialized formula for making your lashes hold the colored mascara better and look longer with more volume.
Can you use clear mascara on eyelash extensions?
You can use clear mascara on your lashes extensions ONLY if it’s water-based. Oil-based mascara may cause the eyelash glue to disolve and the extensions to fall off, which you do not want. Try finding cleare mascara formulated for extensions. This will be indicated on the label.
How do you remove Clear mascara?
You can (and need to) remove clear mascara with a quality eye makeup remover. Soak up your lashes with your eyes closed for 10-20 seconds by holding a cotton ball with the remover against your lashes. The remover will dissolve clear mascara. Next, wipe the cotton ball along your lashes gently and you’re done!
Can clear mascara damage your eyelashes?
If not removed before bed time, clear mascara can damage your eyelashes. In addition, a stiff eyelash can get into your eye and scratch your cornea which you do not want to happen. So, don’t be lazy, lovelies: always remove your eye makeup before you go to sleep.
