Best Cruelty-Free Mascara For Beautiful Vegan Lashes

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It can be difficult to find fabulous cosmetics that fit within your ethical boundaries. Yet, I believe no vegan should go without access to products that make them feel and look amazing.

To make things easier, I’ve researched and compiled a list of what I consider to be some of the best cruelty-free mascara products available to vegans today. I hope you enjoy it and get some valuable pointers that’ll help you achieve luscious lashes without the harm.

Look good , do good, feel good

Animal testing is unnecessary, and so is subjecting yourself to unnatural chemical ingredients when you can so easily avoid them. All you need to do is look for products that feature all-natural, nontoxic contents and you can help both animals and yourself.

Switch the parabens for coconut oil, the petroleum for sunflower wax, and the manmade fragrance for an organic vanilla bean. Your body will thank you!

Chemicals applied to your lashes can spread to the surrounding skin and some may even eventually leach into your bloodstream, which is obviously something we should try and steer clear of. (1)

On the other hand, however, some oils and waxes can promote growth and strengthen chemically-damaged lashes.

The best vegan mascaras are designed with an appreciation for the whole body. If makeup is part of your daily routine, it’s wise to try and find yourself a product that will transform your lashes from within whilst making them look great at the same time.

So, save the drama for your lashes, and pick something that is organic, plant-based, and contains all-natural dyes and fragrances.


RELATED: BEST VEGAN NAIL POLISH | BEST CRUELTY-FREE FOUNDATION | BEST VEGAN MAKEUP BRUSHES


Advantages of vegan mascara

Plant-based ingredients offer a wealth of underlying benefits that aren’t typically found in conventional cosmetics. Obviously, the most important reason to make the switch is the unbelievable cruelty associated with products that have been tested on animals. (2)

There really isn’t any need to test on animals if you are using predominantly natural ingredients which have already been proven to be safe. The key reason why animal testing still exists is profit, pure and simple.

New and cheaper chemical formulas are tested on defenceless animals so that manufacturers can bring products to market that’ll increase their profit margins. It’s all about the bottom line.

The best vegan mascara products are formulated to thicken, curl, and elongate lashes while remaining gentle and nontoxic. When it comes to cosmetic formulas, less is more (at least where harmful chemicals are concerned!).

Switching to vegan products means that your makeup is not only benefiting animals, it’s advantageous to you too. Your health is important as well, so ditch the potentially harmful chemical based mascara brands and opt for a more natural way to boost your lovely lashes.

The best cruelty-free mascara will brighten your eyes and present your most beautiful self to the world, making feel as good as you look.

Getting the full effect

Natural products can take some getting used to. If you are switching from a synthetic waterproof product, using a vegan mascara can seem a bit high maintenance at first.

I found that many of the mascaras I looked at needed more than one application to give me the look I wanted. Depending on the consistency of the product, I’d suggest you apply a thin base layer, allow it to dry, and then layer up till you reach your desired volume.

If you’re looking for seriously full and long lashes, I recommend you apply a small amount of translucent powder onto your eyelashes after adding the first layer of vegan mascara. Then, all you need to do is add another coat and admire your beautiful cruelty-free lashes.

When looking to purchase a mascara, think about the product consistency and whether it will work well with the brush provided. Consider the effect you’d like your mascara to have. Lastly, consider your natural eyelashes and how they’ll respond.

That magic wand

After spending way too much time researching mascara formulas, I realized that even the most superb organic ingredients can sometimes create drab results without the perfect brush. Wire, plastic, curved, or straight… there are plenty of options, but which ones work best?

You want an applicator that features twisted wire or plastic bristles that will efficiently transfer your product of choice from the tube to your lashes. Fat or thick brushes are best for fully coated, robust looks.

While narrow, thin brushes or single row combs produce a defined look that is free of clumps. Curved applicators help to curl lashes and give them more body.

Five fantastic vegan and cruelty-free mascara products Reviewed

While this list is by no means comprehensive, it is a great place to start if you’re not sure which products tick all the right boxes when it comes to being both vegan and cruelty-free.

Not only that, all of these mascaras work, so you should be able to find a product that suits you, your pocket, and your lashes too.

Let’s get to it!

Beauty Without Cruelty Paraben-free Mascara

Beauty Without Cruelty’s black, paraben-free mascara features a sleek, narrow tube with a gentle, full-coverage brush.

Unlike some mascaras, BTC goes on clump-free and even elongates lashes. As the name implies, it is both a vegan and cruelty-free cosmetic.

It is also free from commonplace cosmetic industry additives, such as paraben. However, there are some distinctly chemical type names on the ingredients list, which is unfortunate.

If you are looking for a more dramatic look, this product offers a glossy black finish that would brighten smokey eyes or compliment candy apple red lipstick. For this reason, we’d shy away from the product for daily wear, but it’s great for those big nights out.

BWC doesn’t flake or crust, but it is not the least bit waterproof. While this makes removal an easy task, there are products better suited for hot weather and clammy conditions.

Beauty Without Cruelty was founded in 1963. For decades, they’ve been resisting the status quo of animal testing and ingredients. They’ve managed to create high quality, beloved cosmetics without straying from their original ethical constraints. Way to go, Beauty Without Cruelty!

LIKES
  • No flaking
  • Doesn’t clump up
  • Adds volume
  • Nice brush, but it is a little on the big side
  • Smudge-free
  • Manufactured by a well-respected industry favorite
DISLIKES
  • Can cause stinging sensation if it gets in your eyes
  • Takes a while to dry
  • Not very natural ingredient list
  • Not at all waterproof

EVXO’s Mineral Mascara

EVXO’s Mineral Mascara is organic, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. I love the lash thickening feature, which plumps up and elongates otherwise thin lashes with the use of microfibers.

This product also has an intense, jet black color that truly stands out. Best of all, it barely runs or smudges when it comes in contact with sweat or water.

One application of this product will give your lashes a subtle boost. Meanwhile, multiple layers will give you a dark, dramatic look. Some users might be frustrated by the need to apply generously, but I liked having the ability to tone a look without having to invest in multiple products.

I also love that EVXO is dedicated to bringing customers the best in cruelty-free mascara as well as other environmentally friendly products. You won’t find this tube hidden within landfill-destined clamshell packaging nor filled with harmful chemical additives.

This company is striving to serve a customer base that thinks beyond the immediate results.

The vegan founders of this company are dedicated to creating transparency throughout the entire manufacturing process. Unlike companies that switched to vegan or cruelty-free, EVXO Cosmetics has been critter-friendly from the start.

LIKES
  • Nice, even finish
  • Easy to apply
  • Good for thin lashes
  • Natural ingredients
  • Minimal packaging
DISLIKES
  • Brush isn’t great
  • May clump in some instances
  • Can cause itchiness for some

Natural Organic Mascara by Endlessly Beautiful

Despite the name, Endlessly Beautiful’s Natural Organic Mascara isn’t actually 100% organic (it’s 85%, if you were wondering), but it is made of only all-natural ingredients. It is, however, both cruelty-free and vegan.

We love that it features chamomile and vitamin E, as this makes it ideal for individuals looking for a product fit for sensitive skin. After all, we all want something that is going to help us look and feel better without irritation. That being said, a small number of users have commented on a burning sensation caused by this mascara.

The product lives up to its coverage and color promises. However, if you plan on wearing this day-to-day, you’ll go through the small tube quite quickly.

Rest assured, though, you’ll be investing in a vegan-friendly product that will both improve your look and make a great addition to your natural cosmetics collection.

LIKES
  • Great smell
  • Easy to achieve a “full” look
  • Brush works well
  • Holds lash curls well
DISLIKES
  • Very small size
  • Could add more volume
  • Some consumers have commented on allergic reactions

Ecco Bella All Natural Brown FlowerColor Mascara

If you’re looking for something different to the usual black vegan mascara, look no further.

Ecco Bella’s All Natural Brown FlowerColor Mascara product is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, gluten-free, and perfect for sensitive skin.

The chocolatey brown color looks great on blondes or redheads with fair complexion. Not only that, this vegan mascara coats lashes without clumping and promotes a subtle contrast around the eyes, giving you a wonderfully understated look.

Ecco Bella’s All Natural Brown FlowerColor Mascara does alright in moist conditions, but we wouldn’t go so far as saying it is waterproof. Water resistant, yes, Waterproof, no. To be fair, Ecco Bella do state the same in their description of the product, so they’re not trying to hide anything.

I love the fact that it’s so gentle on your lashes, though. You certainly won’t need to worry about potential chemicals leaching into the skin around your eyes with this product.

LIKES
  • Great color
  • Good for sensitive eyes (mostly)
  • Gives a nice, natural look to lashes
  • Easy to apply and remove
  • Not as “heavy” feeling as some mascaras
  • Separates lashes well
DISLIKES
  • Doesn’t add much volume
  • Brush could be better

Earth Lab Cosmetics Mascara Vegan Natural Lash Mascara

A single application of Earth Lab’s mascara will hardly volumize your lashes. However, several coats of this luxuriously smooth product will completely transform your eyes.

The color is a rich black that is similar to common drugstore mascaras. However, this lash product triumphs over generic makeup with its long list of all-natural ingredients, such as organic aloe vera, vegetable glycerin, and sunflower wax.

Our favorite feature when it comes to Earth Lab’s Lash Mascara is its subtle cupcake-like fragrance which is derived from organic vanilla bean extract. Layer it on and you will experience thicker, separated lashes that you can wear for hours.

While it may not be entirely waterproof, this vegan mascara will certainly fall in line with your earth-loving cruelty-free morals!

Earth Lab is packed in a tube and features a thick, multi-bristle brush that promotes volume. You won’t have to worry about clumping and lost product with this handy applicator. Love it!

LIKES
  • Very smooth and easy to apply
  • Washes off cleanly and easily with water
  • Aloe based, with certified organic ingredients
  • Subtle, hint of vanilla scent
DISLIKES
  • Really needs to be layered on, not great if short on time
  • Wand could be better

Which mascara comes out on top?

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After taking a look at some truly amazing products, I personally think the best vegan mascara is a dead heat between Ecco Bella and EVXO. These products are quite different, not least in color, but they both perform admirably.

Ecco Bella is perfect for those looking for a subtle, daytime enhancement to their lashes, while EVXO’s Mineral Mascara really packs a punch with its deep, intense black, making it ideal for when you want to stand out from the crowd.

The research for the best cruelty-free mascara was fun. There are a number of brilliant cosmetic companies working to create luxurious lash plumping formulas for us vegans who want to look the best we can without contributing to the barbaric practices associated with animal testing.

Remember, veganism isn’t just a diet

I know I’m probably preaching to the choir here, but it’s important to remember that veganism doesn’t just apply to what we eat. While changing our diets is a great start, we really need to look at every aspect of our lives if we truly want to rid the world of animal cruelty and exploitation.

That being said, I also realise that transitioning to a fully vegan lifestyle can be challenging. Every effort you make to change the way you live your life is to be applauded, so don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get there straight away. Stick with it and don’t lose sight of your values.

When you’re struggling to decipher an ingredient list or suddenly find yourself spending more on uninspiring all-natural products, you may feel as though you’re taking one step forward then two steps back.

Religiously reading ingredient lists takes dedication. Moreover, identifying hidden animal ingredients can often be a tedious and frustrating process. Even when we find 100 per cent vegan products, it doesn’t guarantee they haven’t been subjected to animal testing (a common cosmetic industry practice).

However, by making informed decisions we can avoid purchasing lowly products and supporting the industries we loathe. That’s why every mascara I’ve listed above is both vegan AND cruelty-free, which will help lessen the amount of research you’ll have to do!

I truly hope this post has helped you find a product that both makes you look beautiful and satisfies your ethical needs too. Be sure to share with your friends – both vegan and non-vegan alike!

About The Author:
Lisa Williams
Happy Happy Vegan editor

Lisa Williams is a committed vegan, passionate animal welfare advocate, and keen follower of too many v-friendly food blogs to mention. She started happyhappyvegan.com back in 2016 because she felt there was a need for more straightforward information on plant-based living.

Back then, too many sites seem to either concentrate solely on recipes or be too intimidating or inaccessible for the v-curious, and she wanted to change that. The landscape is certainly a whole lot different now!

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REFERENCES
  1. Lindsey Averill | Reasons Why Mascara is Dangerous | https://www.bustle.com/articles/56351-is-mascara-dangerous-i-talked-to-a-medical-expert-to-find-out
  2. PETA | Facts and Statistics About Animal Testing | https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-experimentation/animals-used-experimentation-factsheets/animal-experiments-overview/

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