7 Best Clear Mascaras to Enhance Eyelashes, Groom Brows, and Even Tame Frizzy Hair
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As Best Products' beauty editor, I've tried my fair share of mascaras, but on days when I want to subtly enhance my lashes I opt for clear mascara. It is the ultimate no-makeup makeup product that's handy for a low-key 5-minute beauty routine — though I think everyone will enjoy using it as a mascara primer and brow gel in the evening, too.
Best Clear Mascaras
Why Use Clear Mascara
“Clear mascara is a universal product that any skin color, skin type, and age can use,” says Brooklyn-based makeup artist Danielle Clarke-Fisher. “Having really healthy, long, lush lashes and brows is in right now. Clear mascara coats lashes and brows, making them appear fuller without mattifying or creating a rough surface, so they look sleek, strong, and shiny.”
There are also several clear mascara brands enriched with conditioners and peptides that strengthen and hydrate the eyelashes and eyebrows. A few common ingredients I found during my research are biotin and vitamins B-5 and E.
Clear Mascara Versus Regular Mascara
Unlike traditional black and brown mascaras, clear mascara doesn't weigh down the lashes with globs of dark, heavy product. Instead, it adds natural definition, separation, and a trendy glossy effect to bare lashes, explains celebrity makeup artist Jenny Patinkin.
Application
Users can coat their lashes with clear mascara like they would apply their favorite traditional mascara. Patinkin is partial to concentrating it at the root of the eyelashes to support a curl and adding a bit on the tips to add a little sheen. Our experts say we can swipe on clear mascara before or after regular mascara. Both methods give beautiful results, but the choice depends on the kind of effect someone wants.
- Applying clear mascara before is ideal when someone wants a primer for their tinted mascara.“It gives added volume and extra length to your lashes,” says Clarke-Fisher. Swipe on a coat and let it dry before applying regular mascara: It’ll help keep the lashes looking full and lush.
- Coating lashes after is best when someone wants to a false eyelash effect or want a pretty sheen. “Applying clear mascara after your colored mascara gives added definition and shine,” adds Clarke-Fisher. If you follow this order, be sure to carefully wipe off excess clear mascara from the applicator to avoid clumps.
Clear Mascara for Your Eyebrows
Another reason to incorporate clear mascara into your routine? It saves you money in the long-run. Not only does it replace traditional mascara and lash primer, but it is an excellent brow gel. “Clear mascara gives you a soap brow effect without the added weight,” says Clarke-Fisher. The soap brow trend will help smooth your eyebrow hairs and impart a natural sheen.
Plus, clear mascara is safe for eyebrows, but brow gel shouldn't be applied to eyelashes because they typically contain brow-enhancing fibers, according to both makeup artists. Clear mascara keeps your brows soft and plush, while eyebrow gel can leave them stiff,” adds Clarke-Fisher.
How We Chose
Ready to scoop up a clear mascara? Here are seven of our editor- and expert-approved favorite clear mascara brands worth using.
- Loved by experts: Some have been a staple in my makeup bag for years, while others earned snaps from Clarke-Fisher and Patinkin. I've been covering beauty for national publications and news networks since 2016.
- Formulation: Many of these clear mascaras are considered natural makeup because they're made with clean ingredients, like aloe vera found in the Ere Perez and Zuzu Luxe options.
- Affordability: As a self-proclaimed budget-conscious shopper, all of these clear mascaras cost $28 or less, making them an affordable addition to someone's beauty routine. Three picks — e.l.f. Cosmetics, Essence, and CoverGirl — cost $7 and under, so dance moms can stock up on backup options for their favorite ballerina.
- Reviews: For added comfort, I read hundreds of online reviews to ensure every clear mascara on this list lives up to its brand promises.
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. She takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Beauty Awards package.
Emily is a contributor for BestProducts.com, where she’s searching the web for the greatest finds in fashion, beauty, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, E! News, and more.
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