Time to Toss Your Chemical Mascara

If you haven't already chucked your old mainstream mascara in the bin, there's no time like the present! We all love thick, long luscious lashes, but you don't have to stick to mainstream commercial brands to get the volume and definition you're after. Mainstream mascaras have actually been known to contain heavy metals and parabens, among other questionable ingredients.¹ Not ingredients we really want near our eyes! Natural mascaras are pigmented with fruit and mineral extracts instead of chemicals, and are often enriched with conditioning ingredients to help lashes grow longer. Eyes can be sensitive, and are often especially tricky when it comes to finding the right makeup. Whether you're on a budget or trying to find your all-time favourite mascara, I've put together this guide to the best natural mascaras which hold curl, don't smudge or clump and last all day long.

Natural lengthening mascaras

100% Pure Black Tea Mascara
A bestseller and my personal favourite, the 100% Pure Black Tea Mascara in Blackest Black lengthens and separates lashes for a glossy finish. Naturally coloured from the pigments of Black Tea Leaves, Cocoa and Blackberries, this delicious smelling mascara is packed with healthy lash loving ingredients such as conditioning ProVitamin B5 and Vitamin E which may stimulate lash growth! Smudge resistant and contact-friendly, this is a lovely, gentle mascara.

Inika Long Lash Vegan Mascara
Formulated with organic Carnauba Wax for incredible body and length, the Inika Long Lash Vegan Mascara in Black contains Mineral Pigments for intense, long-lasting colour and definition. Ideal for sensitive eyes, this gentle mascara also includes Magnolia Bark extract, antioxidant-rich Sunflower Oil, as well as conditioning Vitamin E and Castor Oil to help protect lashes from environmental damage. Certified Organic, vegan and cruelty free, this protective formula can be worn lightly for a natural look or built up for dramatic definition.

Organic thickening mascaras

Dr Hauschka Volume Mascara
For thick, dark lashes, the Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara in Black works to curl and volumise without clumping. With a gentle formula including nourishing ingredients such as Castor Oil, Beeswax, Jojoba Oil and Neem, this volumising mascara intensifies each and every lash while providing moisturising protection. Fast-drying and gluten and cruelty free, this hardworking mascara is ideal for those with sensitive eyes and shorter eyelashes in need of some definition.

Ere Perez Volumising Waterproof Mascara
Ideal for workouts, pool swims or when you just need your mascara to stay put, the Ere Perez Volumising Waterproof Mascara offers 24-hour wear with waterproof protection from natural Carnauba Wax. In a smudge proof formula, this thickening mascara gives lashes dramatic definition and also contains hydrating Avocado, Sweet Almond Oil and Vitamin E which may help prevent brittleness and breakage. Long wearing and totally reliable, this no-budge, vegan mascara lasts all day long yet is easily removed with coconut oil or your favourite makeup remover.

Budget buy natural mascaras

Benecos Natural Mascara Maximum Volume
Perfect for shorter lashes, the Benecos Natural Mascara Maximum Volume in Deep Black is designed to give a boost of volume in a silky smooth, clump-free formula. Gentle on the eyes, this budget-friendly mascara contains organic Jojoba Oil, Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Sunflower Seed Oil and Vitamin E to soothe and nourish sensitive eyes and may even promote healthy lash growth! Made in Germany and gluten and cruelty free, this Certified Natural mascara is long lasting yet easy to remove.

Benecos Natural Mascara Vegan Volume
Ideal for Vegans or those with a sensitivity to Beeswax, the Benecos Natural Mascara Vegan Volume in Magic Black provides lashes with lift and separation while adding luscious length and volume. With a large-bristle brush for easy, clump-free application, this nourishing, cruelty free and Certified Natural formula contains Avocado Oil, Vitamin E and Clary Flower Extract to condition and protect lashes.

Source: ¹Sydney Morning Herald.