Last Updated on 03/19/2022
Mascara is a product that I don’t actually consider a part of makeup! It is an inevitable part of my life. Just to avoid a sleepy face, I layer a good dose of mascara onto my lashes.. yeah. A good mascara is all you need to look awaken. Even if you ain’t much into makeup, I feel a mascara, some lippie & concealer would be good to go.
If you’re into cruelty free makeup, here is a list of the 14 top best cruelty-free mascara currently in the market. Just to make it more user-friendly, I’ve attempted to include drugstore mascara that is affordable as well as some vegan options.
14 Top Rated Cruelty Free & Vegan Mascara
Table of Contents
Let’s get started now!
Tarte Lights Camera Lashes 4 in 1 (V)
This is first on the list because it is one of my favorite mascara. I keep going back to it. If you ask me in person, my goto HG mascara, Tarte Lights Camera is my answer. Highly recommended!
Tarte 4 in 1 mascara is one of the best-selling mascara. A vegan mascara that adds length & volume to your lashes. There is also that beautiful curled effect and it stays throughout the day. No smudging! Didn’t notice any flakiness or clumps. It comes off easily too.
They do have a waterproof version too. It is the same formula but waterproof. So if you’re on a hunt for waterproof vegan mascara that is also cruelty-free, you can give it a shot!
It comes with a simple straight brush, nothing fancy in here. But the brush works pretty decently, giving a fuller look, kind of thick lashes without being wonky. The bristles work wonders.
Pros:
- Vegan
- Fuller natural looking lashes
- Lasts long
- No clumps or flakiness
- Waterproof version available
- Adds curls & volume
Cons:
- Pricy
Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof
This UD mascara has a creamy texture, just right, neither too thick nor thin. A non-sticky & non-clumpy mascara that provides volume to lashes. The mascara adds length and gets applied evenly, all thanks to the great wand. It separates the lashes and they do end up looking pretty!
The pigment is great, it adds a rich deep black color to your lashes, making it look sexy. The mascara feels luxurious, and overall is a good performer. It has a big brush which definitely helps in the application. It is an underdog which surely deserves more.
Urban Decay also has a regular version. which is non-waterproof, the UD Perversion Mascara.
Pros:
- Glides smoothly & evenly
- Big brush; helps in application
- Paraben-free
- Adds volume and length; dramatic false lash effect
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Non-vegan (contains honey extracts)
Smashbox Super Fan Mascara (V)
If you are into fanned-out lashes, then Super Fan is a great vegan mascara for you. It adds length to the lashes and is nicely pigmented. The coverage is even.
The only thing you should know is that it dries down quickly. It is suitable for small lashes and there is no flakiness or clumping. The best part of this Smashbox baby is how beautifully it separates the lashes, making it look fuller. Also there is added lengthening effect.
Pros:
- Vegan
- Lightweight
- Lasts long
- Fan-out/super spread effect
- Well pigmented
- No clumping
- Free of parabens & phthalates
Cons:
- Dries down quick – you gotta have ‘fast hands’
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof
Another one of my favorite. It volumizes, lengthens, and provides a dramatic look to your lashes. Works very well without flaking or clumping. It also lasts throughout the day. Mostly, I don’t like the waterproof versions as they can be a little too messy while removing. But this one gets off easily without much hassle comparatively.
If you’re looking for a non-waterproof version, you can check it on Ulta here. The mascara wand is great and the brush is easy to work with. It goes on smoothly and dries down to pretty fuller lashes. It is a mass favorite.
Pros:
- Lengthens & volumizes
- Lasts good
- Great brush
- Intense black
- Easy to apply & looks beautiful
- Gets off easily
Cons:
- Not vegan
NYX Worth The Hype Mascara
I remember getting this mascara as soon as it launched because they actually got me hyped. And I didn’t regret it as I like treating myself here and there. Mostly, I don’t regret makeup purchases whatsoever, until it comes in pieces. Yeah.. it has happened multiple times, especially when it’s imported from overseas.
Back to mascara, you ain’t here for my stories, I know! This NYX mascara won’t ditch you. It has an amazing formula that didn’t clump for me. It added length and volume but there were not much of curls or lifted lashes.
You can always use a cruelty-free curler if you’ve straight lashes. It gets removed easily too. Overall, a decent performer at a drugstore price.
Pros:
- Drugstore
- Lengthens & volumizes
- Available in 4 fun colors
- No flakiness
Cons:
- No curl or lift
- Non-vegan
KVD Go Big or Go Home Mascara (V)
A vegan mascara that is suitable for a regular and dramatic look. It has great pigment, appears beautiful black. This can be your ideal pick if you’re not fond of curling your lashes.
Truly a great mascara for straight lashes. It is truly long-lasting and has a smooth, creamy texture which helps in the application. The unique shape of the brush does help too.
This mascara provides volume and length. It is buildable and you can switch it up as per your needs. It provides great ‘natural-looking lashes.
Pros:
- Vegan
- Adds curl to your lashes
- Lasts long
- Buildable
- Provides a natural look
- Paraben, phthalate & sulfate-free
Cons:
- Some find it flaky
Essence False Lash Effect Mascara
One of the great performing mascaras is Essence False Lash. It lengthens, adds volume, and defines the lashes. There is no spider-leg effect. The brush is great too, simple and easy to work with, nothing fancy though.
It does somewhat clump and may even smudge after a few hours. As a 5 bucks drugstore mascara, it does a good job! So if you’re into affordable and quality makeup, this is the one for you. (I love it too; always have Essence mascara as a backup!)
Pros:
- Affordable
- Applies great, super fan effect
- Gluten-free
Cons:
- Smudges later on
Elf Volumizing & Defining Mascara (V)
This is one of the best bets for a cheap cruelty-free and vegan pick! This Elf Mascara adds volume and definition to your lashes. It contains Vitamin B & E to enhance the lashes.
Although not long-lasting, it is easy to work with. Compact & travel-friendly, overall it is a decent mascara. If you don’t compare it to a $30 mascara, it is pretty nice for just $3. I’m not being too judgy here or comparing it with my favorite Tarte or Too Faced ones.
If you can make it work for you, surely go for this baby. Elf is a brand that shows makeup can be vegan and cruelty-free without being expensive.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Contains Vitamin B & E
- Vegan
Cons:
- Doesn’t lasts long
Covergirl LashBlast
Covergirl Mascara adds a good chunk of volume to your lashes. It has a great formula and goes on smoothly. The waterproof version is one of the best waterproof mascara. It won’t turn you into a raccoon and fade away. Also, available in 5 different shades; variations of Black mostly. It won’t cause clumping or any irritation too.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic
- Adds volumes
- Doesn’t flake or clumps
- Affordable
- 5 shades
- Buildable
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Not a fan of wand
Mia Adora 3D Lash Mascara
This mascara sounds pretty tempting! It claims to add length and volume, plus boasts of including natural ingredients. It is paraben-free! A 2 tube system & comes with an ebook. It claims to be long lasting and smudge-free.
Pros:
- Non-Toxic & Hypoallergenic
- Paraben & SLS free
- Contains natural ingredients
- Clump free
Cons:
- None
Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara
You will love the Stila mascara’s effect on your lashes. They make your lashes ‘visible’, quite a lot. It gets applied evenly and makes the lashes appear longer. Huge Extreme is a non-clumping and lengthening mascara that does its job quite well.
There is an added curl effect that you’ll definitely notice if you’ve straight lashes. You can get it on Amazon. It is being sold by the brand itself there. So don’t worry about any knock-off!
Pros:
- Adds length
- No clumping
- Lifts & curls lashes
- Nicely pigmented
Cons:
- Not waterproof
Pacifica Stellar Length & Strength Mascara (V)
Pacifica Stellar is another amazing affordable vegan option. It contains coconut oil and vitamin B which provide strength to your lashes. Stellar also adds a beautiful length effect. A great affordable drugstore mascara that provides good coverage and adds volume. Best suitable for an everyday look.
Pros:
- Drugstore
- Vegan
- Contains Vitamin B & coconut oil
- Adds volume & length
Cons:
- None
IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara
A Super Hero that saves your lashes and not the USA! It is developed with plastic surgeons and contains anti-aging ingredients, such as peptides, biotin, among others.
If you want a fuller lash effect, this can be your go-to pick. The brush is amazing which defines and separates the lashes. The pigment is good and so is the coverage. Similar to Smashbox Super Fan, it also dries down quickly. I’m not a fan of super-fast drying as it ends up getting messy for me.
Pros:
- Adds volume
- Lengthens
- Amazing mascara wand
Cons:
- Dries down quick
- Not waterproof
- Non-vegan
Vivienne Sabó Volume Mascara (V)
This was a random Amazon find. It boasts a lightweight and long-lasting formula giving you a pretty everyday look. Moreover, claims to be smudge-proof and clump-free. They also have a waterproof version.
Pros:
- Lightweight formula
- Long-lasting
- Smudge-proof & clump-free
- Easy to apply & remove
- Vegan
Cons:
- None
That’s a wrap for now! Let me just remind you that you’re supposed to toss your mascara after 6 months, once opened. If you have a cult favorite, feel free to share in the comments below!
x
Read further:
14 Cruelty Free Drugstore Foundation
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I recently discovered physician’s formula is no longer cruelty-free
Thanks Brit! Updated 🙂