Mascara is the universal beauty product.
From the most glammed-out real housewife of whatever, to the most minimalist no-makeup makeup wearer, nearly everyone wears mascara and wants the best looking lashes possible.
What’s a person to do if you care as much about animals as you do your eyelashes?
Don’t fret. There are so so many amazing cruelty-free mascaras out there that not only do no harm, but do a world of awesome for your lashes.
Mascara is also the most subjective beauty product, meaning that one person might love a formula, while another hates it.
Nonetheless, according to me and my lashes, here are the best cruelty free mascaras, in a variety of price points.
$10.50–$16.00
Pacifica Beauty Stellar Gaze
A natural, mineral formula, a big, bushy brush like I love and rich, black pigment. What more can you ask for?
Pixi Large Lash Mascara
It made the best of Pixi post for good reason. I crown this my favorite, cruelty-free drugstore mascara.
Ulta Beauty Plush Drama Mascara
So affordable, so good. I wrote about it here.
Glossier Lash Slick
This is your pick if every mascara smudges and/or flakes on you because I’m telling you, this stays put. It’s Lollapalooza tested.
$20–$24
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Despite my reservations about the brush’s hourglass shape, it doesn’t deposit too much mascara and the effect is actually lovely and feathery, not thick or crazy. You’ll definitely want to do a few coats, and the name honestly depends on your expectations, but I’m a fan. Read more of why I love it here.
Buxom Lash Mascara
This is a tried-and-true mascara that’s been around the block for a while. With it’s effective, spiky plastic brush style and just an overall great formula, you really can’t go wrong.
Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara
This brush is hefty and I love it for that reason. It seems to grab every lash and just totally dominate them, in a good way. It creates lashes that I’d describe as lush without clumps. It’s a sure bet for me and never disappoints.
See original review here.
Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes Statement Mascara
This mascara wand is very similar to Benefit’s They’re Real, a non cruelty-free pick. It has a similar, spiky brush and delivers in the length, volume and separation departments. See it in the flesh here.
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara
When you don’t want to think about it, this is just a great formula, with a great brush, no clumps, great lashes. I love this for everyday, a natural look but with impact. It leaves lashes soft and fluttery and the slim brush won’t overwhelm smaller eyes. Want to see more?
Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Mascara
Have you figured out that I like Tarte mascaras yet?! I can’t help it; they’re all so good. This one gives the most natural effect but I really like it for low-fi days and experience great wear with it.
Ciate Wunderland Intensely Volumising Mascara
This really does give great volume. I love the brush style for creating lush lashes. Just be careful not to over apply or you’ll get into crazy town.
$29.00 (WORTH IT)
Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes
This is one of the CT products I’ve been most wowed by. True to it’s name, it really does give me gorgeous, full fat lashes. They aren’t too thick though, just right. I will warn you; this isn’t smudge-proof so save it for days when you won’t be crying or rubbing your eyes.
Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash
I had seen a lot of hype for this new mascara when it launched and I can tell you; the hype is real. It reminds me a lot of Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes but a little more long wearing.
Laura Geller GlamLash Dramatic Volumizing Mascara
This is the sleeper mascara. No one ever talks about it, yet it’s totally amazing. See my review on it here.
For some reason I just can’t get the They’re Real Mascara to work for my lashes! I really wish I could since it does look amazing on a lot of different people. My favorite mascaras at the moment are Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Mascara and MAC In Extreme Dimension 3D Mascara (which is also the worst name ever hah)