You stand before the mirror, squinting at tired lashes that refuse to hold a curl. A stray flake of black dust settles under your eye, ruining the clean look you spent ten minutes perfecting.
Tracking down the best cruelty free mascaras 2018 changed how I approach my daily routine. These options prove that you can achieve bold, feathery lashes without relying on animal-derived ingredients or questionable testing practices. Let's find your new favorite.
Key Takeaways
- Look for vegan certifications or Leaping Bunny logos on the packaging to ensure no animal ingredients exist in the formula.
- Determine if you require a waterproof formula for long days or if a washable version fits your easier evening removal routine.
- Check the wand shape since silicone bristles usually provide better definition while larger fiber brushes offer more volume.
- Prioritize hypoallergenic labels if your eyes tend to water or sting after applying standard cosmetic products.
- Consider the concentration of ingredients like plant fibers if you specifically want to extend the length of your natural lashes.
| Best Overall Performance |  |
Vivienne Sabó Cabaret Premiere Black Mascara | Extremely defining formula | Provides significant curl | Does not clump | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sensitive Eye Savior |  |
Sandstone Scandinavia Hypoallergenic Black Mascara | Gentle on eyes | Hypoallergenic formula | Clean application | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Budget Friendly Waterproof |  |
Essence Lash Princess Waterproof Mascara | Stays on through moisture | Excellent brush design | Intense black color | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Extreme Length Specialist |  |
Essence Lash Without Limits Waterproof Mascara | Adds extreme length | Defines individual lashes | Resists water | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Natural Mineral Choice |  |
Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Mascara | Vegan and cruelty-free | Smudge-proof durability | Mineral-based formula | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Perfect Travel Companion |  |
Pacifica Mini Stellar Gaze Mascara | Ideal travel size | Strengthens lash appearance | Gentle mineral ingredients | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Soft Volume Enhancer |  |
Pacifica Vegan Collagen Fluffy Mascara | Contains plant fibers | Creates fluffy lashes | Vegan and cruelty-free | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Daily Staple |  |
Wet n Wild Mega Volume Mascara | Highly volumizing | Smudge-resistant | Gluten and sulfate-free | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Vivienne Sabó Cabaret Premiere Black Mascara
If you want lashes that look like they belong on a Broadway stage, this is your go-to. It specializes in giving you dramatic volume and length without making your lashes look like spider legs.
Because the formula is so lightweight, it stays put throughout the day without flaking off under your eyes. Just keep in mind that since it is a washable formula, it might not survive a dramatic tear-jerker movie.
- Brand:Vivienne Sabó
- Product Name:Cabaret Premiere
- Volume:0.3 Fl Oz
- Water Resistance:Washable
- Certification:Cruelty-Free
- Additional Feature:Smudge proof finish
- Additional Feature:Designed for volume
- Additional Feature:Made in Europe
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Sandstone Scandinavia Hypoallergenic Black Mascara
Sometimes your eyes feel like they are actively fighting back against your makeup routine. This formula is crafted specifically for those who deal with irritation or sensitivity, ensuring you can wear mascara without the dreaded red, itchy aftermath.
It provides a clean, understated look that stays on comfortably for hours. You might find it lacks the heavy-duty drama of a volumizing mascara, but for daily comfort, it is hard to beat.
- Brand:Sandstone Scandinavia
- Product Name:Hypoallergenic Mascara
- Special Feature:Sensitive eyes
- Additional Feature:Non-irritating ingredients
- Additional Feature:Subtle black pigment
- Additional Feature:Minimalist design
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Essence Lash Princess Waterproof Mascara
This is a cult favorite for a reason, acting like an armor for your lashes against humidity and sweat. It locks in that deep, dark pigment so you do not have to worry about raccoon eyes by lunch.
The brush is designed to reach every single lash, creating a fan effect that looks much more expensive than it is. Just be prepared to spend an extra minute with your makeup remover at night, as it really does not want to budge.
- Brand:essence
- Product Name:Lash Princess
- Special Feature:Waterproof
- Water Resistance:Fully waterproof
- Additional Feature:False lash effect
- Additional Feature:Long lasting wear
- Additional Feature:Volumizing formula
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Essence Lash Without Limits Waterproof Mascara
When your main goal is to touch your eyebrows with your lashes, this is the tool you need. The brush is engineered to grab and extend even the shortest, most stubborn lashes at the corners of your eyes.
The formula adds a noticeable amount of volume while keeping the look sharp and defined. Like its sister product, the waterproof nature means you need a good oil-based cleanser to take it off effectively.
- Brand:essence
- Product Name:Lash Without Limits
- Special Feature:Extreme length
- Water Resistance:Waterproof
- Additional Feature:Volumizing properties
- Additional Feature:Precise brush tip
- Additional Feature:Secure hold
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Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Mascara
If you prefer your makeup with a side of plant-based ingredients, this formula is a fantastic match. It uses mineral pigments to give you a dark, sultry look that stays put even when the air gets humid.
This mascara manages to be water-resistant while avoiding the harsh chemicals often found in long-wear products. It can feel a bit thinner than a heavy synthetic wax mascara, so you might want to apply a second coat for extra impact.
- Brand:Pacifica
- Product Name:Aquarian Gaze
- Special Feature:Water-resistant
- Water Resistance:Water-resistant
- Certification:Vegan and Cruelty-Free
- Additional Feature:Long lash finish
- Additional Feature:Abyss black pigment
- Additional Feature:Clean beauty standards
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Pacifica Mini Stellar Gaze Mascara
Tossing a full-sized tube into your carry-on is often a recipe for disaster, but this miniature powerhouse fits perfectly into any travel bag. It offers the same strength and length benefits as its larger counterparts in a compact form.
The mineral formula is easy on the eyes and avoids the heavy, stiff feeling that some mascaras leave behind. Since it is a smaller size, it is ideal for those who like to use up their product before it expires.
- Brand:Pacifica
- Product Name:Mini Stellar Gaze
- Special Feature:Travel-friendly
- Certification:Vegan
- Additional Feature:Ophthalmologist tested
- Additional Feature:Supernova black shade
- Additional Feature:Compact packaging
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Pacifica Vegan Collagen Fluffy Mascara
This mascara is infused with plant fibers that act like tiny extensions for your natural lashes. It is specifically designed to build up fluffiness and volume without getting heavy or crunchy.
It creates a soft, feathered look that is ideal for a more natural, daytime aesthetic. Because it emphasizes volume over rigid structure, it feels very comfortable on the lashes throughout the day.
- Brand:Pacifica
- Product Name:Vegan Collagen Fluffy
- Special Feature:Plant fibers
- Volume:0.24 oz
- Certification:Vegan and Cruelty-Free
- Additional Feature:Thickening effect
- Additional Feature:Lengthening formula
- Additional Feature:Lightweight feel
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Wet n Wild Mega Volume Mascara
When you want a product that checks all the boxes without any fuss, this is a dependable performer. It offers solid volume that holds up well against both water and smudges.
The formula is free from gluten and sulfates, making it a great option if you have specific sensitivities to common cosmetic additives. It delivers a very black, bold look that works well for both the office and a night out.
- Brand:wet n wild
- Product Name:Mega Volume
- Special Feature:Volumizing
- Water Resistance:Waterproof
- Certification:Vegan and Cruelty-Free
- Additional Feature:Very black pigment
- Additional Feature:Smudge resistant
- Additional Feature:Clean formula choices
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a brand is actually cruelty free?
Look for the Leaping Bunny certification or confirm the company is on the PETA list. Some brands claim to be cruelty free but sell in regions where animal experimentation is required by law. Always check if the company owns a parent corporation that still participates in these practices.
Can I find a good mascara at a drugstore price?
Yes, several affordable brands offer excellent formulas that rival expensive department store options. You can easily find high-performing tubes for under ten dollars. These often use high-quality waxes and pigments that provide great coverage for a low cost.
Will a cruelty free mascara hold a curl?
It depends on the formula, but look for volumizing mascaras that contain heavier waxes. These formulas are often stiffer and can lock your lashes into an upward curve much better than thin, lengthening formulas. If your lashes are stubborn, using a lash curler before application helps significantly.
Does natural mascara expire faster than others?
Because many of these products avoid harsh synthetic preservatives, they may have a shorter shelf life. You should aim to replace your tube every three months to keep bacteria at bay. If the product starts to smell strange or becomes chunky, toss it out immediately.
How do I remove stubborn cruelty free mascara?
If you use a long-wear formula, reach for a micellar water or a gentle oil cleanser. Soak a cotton pad and hold it against your closed eyelid for thirty seconds before wiping. This dissolves the pigments so you do not have to pull or rub your skin, which keeps your lashes healthy.
