It is true that eyes do the talking especially when you sweep a few strokes of mascaras onto your lashes. If you ask me, mascara is my magic wand as it not only makes my eyes look flattering but also dramatic within a matter of seconds. After researching, trying out a plethora of mascaras, and drawing through my experiences, I would like to put it out straight that purchasing one of the best cruelty-free mascaras is the wisest decision one can ever make. These mascaras are PETA-certified and the go-to product to define, volumize, lengthen, thicken, straighten, and curl your lashes without actually weighing them down. 

Whether you prefer a dramatic, subtle, glam, or natural look, a few sweeps of mascara is all that you need to get ready in seconds. Additionally, cruelty-free mascaras tend to be hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive eyes. The most impressive part — some of them are enriched with natural ingredients like coconut and jojoba oils to nourish and condition your lashes. 

To ease your hunt to locate the best cruelty-free mascara brands, I have rounded up some swoon-worthy beauties that you should think of investing in. Believe me, these beauties are all that you need to make everyone stop and stare straight into your eyes!

• 1
  Best Overall

  jane iredale Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara

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Nothing beats the fine formulation that Jane Iredale's thickening mascara has to offer. Most suited for fine hair, the wand of this mascara lifts the lashes from root to tip. It is non-clumping and long-lasting. This mascara is made with triple-length cellulose fibers and algae extract that lengthens the lashes and adds thickness to them. Enjoy not just well-defined lashes but well-defined eyes with this mascara. It comes with a buildable formula that gives you a somber lift as well as a dramatic effect. 

2

Best Applicator

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

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My favorite and very first recommendation is Essence’s Lash Princess mascara that looks as if you have worn faux lashes once applied. If you are someone who is looking to add some extra length and volume to your natural lashes, let me tell you, this budget-friendly mascara can be an excellent choice. It will effortlessly separate and define your lashes and help you achieve the most dramatic look ever. Personally, what got me attracted is its conically-shaped fiber brush mindfully sculpted to prevent clumps and globs. So, do give it a try!

3

Most Clump-free

Cabaret Lash-Lengthening Black Mascara

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My next top pick is Cabaret’s lash-lengthening black mascara that is buildable, extremely light on the lashes, and primarily, clump-free. While carrying out intensive research, I found out that this mascara is a must-have for three reasons. Firstly, it is smudge-proof and skillfully built to help one achieve fanned lashes. Secondly, it is easy to apply and remove. Last but not least, this cruelty-free mascara is an expert when it comes to lengthening, volumizing, and thickening your natural lashes for a prolonged period of time. What I liked the most was its petite wand that coats every lash from root to tip!

4

Most Versatile

Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Clean Mascara + Lash Primer

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While researching for some top cruelty-free mascaras, I came across this award-winning mascara from Honest Beauty. What got me to stop and stare is its 2-in-1 construction i.e., on one end, there is mascara, while on the other, there is a primer. Furthermore, the mascara is enriched with the goodness of jojoba esters that lend your lashes the sky-high lift of your dreams. While analyzing the impressive features of the built-in primer, I came to know that it's the unsung hero that boosts the performance of the mascara and makes it last longer. Hence, for someone with sensitive eyes and contact wearers, this one should definitely be your pick.

5

Most Hypoallergenic

Poppy Austin Mascara

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Poppy Austin mascara is the ultimate choice for those seeking fuller, thicker, and well-defined eyelashes. To start off, its magnificent formulation is something that will leave you stoked. It is crafted from organic and natural ingredients like argan oil and claims to keep your lashes nourished. In addition, this cruelty-free vegan mascara is flake-resistant and smudge-proof. All in all, it is an apt mascara to attain fluffy lashes and to ace more subtle or dramatic looks like a pro. 

6

Most Long-lasting

Burt's Bees Nourishing Mascara

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While on my hunt for a good cruelty-free mascara, I got magnetized to this one from Burt’s Bees. Before I delve deeper into its features, I would like to confess to you that this one is a sheer winner when it comes to nourishing your eyelashes. What will make you drool is its fantastic formulation and lush ingredients like jojoba oil and naturally moisturizing glycerin. Having said that, this cruelty-free makeup essential is also gentle yet highly effective and wonderfully lends your lashes desirable depth and dimension.

7

Most Volumizing

Gaya Vegan Black Mascara

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I always wanted a lightweight yet buildable mascara to spruce up my eye makeup looks by several notches. After trying a few of the mascaras available on the market, Gaya’s best cruelty-free lengthening mascara managed to make its space in my heart (and of course, my vanity). Trust me, you will be left awestruck looking at its flawless building, volumizing, and lash-lengthening powers that look as if you have been wearing extensions. What’s more is its curved wand and smudge-proof silicone brush that pave the way for mess-free application.

8

Most Non-toxic

Pacifica Beauty Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Brown Mascara

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I glanced through the features of this cruelty-free brown mascara introduced by Pacifica and was surprised by looking at its positive reviews. It has managed to garner more than 4 thousand ratings on Amazon for its exceptional hydrating properties. The majority of makeup junkies like me also agree that this brown mascara is the real game-changer when it comes to volumizing your lashes. Plus, it is made of vitamin B and coconut oil, which makes it apt for sensitive skin peeps and contact lens wearers.

9

Most Non-flaky

ILIA - Limitless Lash Mascara

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What makes ILIA’s Limitless lash mascara a must-have is its phenomenal dual-sided wand that separates and lengthens your natural lashes. Secondly, it is a vegan and cruelty-free mascara that is not only long-lasting but also clump-free and non-flaky. Personally, I love the fact that it is enriched with clean and naturally derived ingredients, such as arginine, shea butter, and beeswax. What is worth noting is that it is also water-resistant, oil-free, weightless and glides on your lashes smoothly. 

10

Most Cost-effective

Almay Thickening Mascara

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To attain those voluminous, thickened, and well-defined lashes within seconds, snatch a glimpse of Almay Thickening mascara right away. What makes it one of the best cruelty-free mascaras is its ability to condition your eyelashes from roots to tips. All credit goes to its enchanting non-irritating formula and potent ingredients like aloe and vitamin B5 that don’t weigh your lashes down. Topping it all off, its specially designed brush wraps each lash and prevents clumping.

11

Wander Beauty Mile High Club Length + Define Black Mascara

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Were you dreaming of those fanned-out and sky-high eyelashes like me? If yes, then get your hands on this best vegan and cruelty-free mascara from Wander Beauty. When I asked one of my makeup artists about this mascara, she stated that this lash-lengthening mascara is loved for its blackest black pigmentation. In addition, it is made from peach leaf extract, castor oil, and trehalose that work together to condition, moisturize, and nourish your lashes. Last but not least, I noticed that a lot of makeup enthusiasts also love its smudge-proof and water-resistant formula.

12

Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Long Lash Mineral Mascara

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My next recommendation is Pacifica Aquarian’s Gaze mascara that offers full coverage. What’s so special about this one is its lengthening brush that makes your lashes look gorgeous and insanely long. With coconut oil, kelp extract, and vitamin B, this cruelty-free waterproof mascara also nourishes your lashes and leaves no place for complaints. Moreover, it coats each of your eyelashes and never makes them look clumpy or gloppy. So, do invest in this beauty to elevate your looks in minutes.

13

Fifth & Skin NATURLASH Natural Mascara

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While I was pondering for the best cruelty-free mascara, I got attracted to this one from Fifth & Skin. What makes it stand apart from the rest is its silky smooth application and lash-lengthening powers. It seamlessly coats your eyelashes and doesn’t flake or clump. Addedly, it comes off very easily with water, soap, or makeup remover. Let me also tell you that this mascara is yet another hypoallergenic eye makeup essential that will last throughout the day.

14

MILK Makeup KUSH Volumizing Mascara

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Lastly, Milk Makeup Kush volumizing mascara is what you should think of investing in without any second thoughts. It is a fail-proof, pigmented mascara that will lift your lashes and amplify the glory of your eye makeup seamlessly. Furthermore, its distinctive criss-crossing bristles wrap each lash right from root to tip. What left me impressed is the fact that its conditioning formula never makes your eyelashes feel stiff or clumped. Hence, this can be a great choice for everyday use.

That was my comprehensive list of the best cruelty-free mascaras. Now, let me run you through a detailed buying guide.

Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best cruelty-free mascara - 

Skin Type: Make sure you analyze your skin type before snagging up any of the mascaras. For those who possess sensitive skin, I advise you to get your hands on the best cruelty-free mascara. 

Ingredients: Ensure that you pay heed to the list of ingredients that the mascara is formulated with. I recommend you vouch for those that are infused with natural, pure, organic, and clean ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, jojoba oil, papaya oil, etc. Do not invest in mascaras that are made from animal ingredients, harmful or synthetic chemicals, and fragrances. 

Formula: The next important aspect is to check the formula of the mascara that you are planning to buy. It is wiser to bring home a mascara that is hypoallergenic, ophthalmologically-tested, and free from parabens, silicones, mineral oils, gluten, and other harmful substances. Pick one that has a buildable formula promising to add dramatic volume, and is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Texture: The texture of the mascara is yet another vital aspect to consider. The smoother the texture, the easier the mascara glides. Avoid purchasing mascaras that possess a thick texture as it might make your lashes look clumpy. Pick a fiber mascara that will help you attain the wispiest lashes effortlessly.

Applicator/Wand: One of the most important aspects to consider is the applicator or wand. I have noticed that a comb-like applicator works well on sparse and shorter lashes, whereas to attain a curl-like effect, one should pick waterproof mascaras with curved brushes, hourglass-shaped brushes, or a dual-sided brush with nylon fibers. 

Other Features: Ensure that the mascara promises to add buildable volume and helps in thickening, defining, lengthening, and nourishing your lashes from roots to tips. Secondly, it is advisable to invest in a high-end or drugstore cruelty-free mascara that is non-clumpy, non-flaky, smudge-proof, water-resistant, and long-lasting with long-term benefits promising intense volume. 

That was all about the best cruelty-free mascaras that you should think of snagging right away. Trust me, these mascaras will elevate the natural beauty of your eyes and make them look more beautiful than ever before. Personally, I own plenty of cruelty-free mascaras as they claim to be safe for long-term use. That curled-up effect or fanned look spikes my happiness and makes my eyes look more flattering. If you too want to collect a plethora of compliments, then do populate your vanity with the best of the best mascaras straight away. Happy shopping!