When I discussed the best mascaras with friends, some were shocked to learn I have started dabbling in clear mascara again. You remember clear mascara, the product you used in school when you weren’t allowed to wear makeup. 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 should, because it’s true.
Thanks to the best eyelash serums, I naturally have fairly long lashes. 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 work, 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 I've switched more regularly, lots of people have asked if I’ve had a lash lift because it gives the 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 at a Glance:
- Best overall clear mascara: e.l.f Clear Brow & Lash Mascara | £3, Boots
- Best clear mascara for lengthening: Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara | £11, Amazon
- Best clear mascara for strengthening: Barry M Strengthening & Conditioning Clear Mascara | £5.99, Barry M
- Best clear mascara as a primer: Chanel La Base Mascara Volume & Care Lash Primer | £38, Chanel
- Best affordable clear mascara: 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, Cult Beauty
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 Better 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.
The Best Clear Mascaras, Reviewed by a Beauty Editor
£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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Both a mascara and brow gel, this aloe-infused formula is nourishing and sensitive-friendly. Idealensitive eyes, contact lens wearers and those with lash extensions, it's a sweat-proof, water-resistant formula that will give the lashes a glossy finish.
The wand is also wider than some other options with a tapered shape, so you can get into the corners of the eyes for the ultimate lift.
This multi-tasking product beautifully separates and lengthens the natural lashes when worn alone, while also perfectly priming lashes for mascara to ensure maximum curl and hold.