The Best Clear Mascaras to Buy in 2023

Often overlooked in favor of its pigmented counterparts, clear mascara offers a subtle, natural lift to your lashes, crafting an unassuming yet elegant look. It’s the perfect cosmetic tool for those who prefer a less conspicuous enhancement, providing the lash definition you need without the stark visibility of traditional mascaras.

Clear mascara embodies the “less is more” ethos, enhancing the beauty of your natural lashes without the risk of clumping or smudging. This versatile product can function in multiple ways, either as a primer for your regular mascara, a brow tamer, or a simple, casual finish for a laid-back day. It’s about adding that touch of charm to your everyday look without going overboard.

Just as clear mascara offers a variety of benefits, it also comes in several formulations. From hydrating to volume-enhancing, each type serves a specific purpose. The secret is to find the one that best aligns with your needs. After conducting in-depth research and testing some of the best clear mascaras on the market, we’ve curated a list that covers a wide range of preferences.

So, whether you’re seeking a product to define your lashes, prime your mascara, or nourish your lashes for a healthier look, a more-natural mascara could be the missing piece in your beauty regimen. Explore our round-up of the best clear mascaras that not only enhance but also protect your lashes.

1. Ere Perez Aloe Gel Lash & Brow Mascara

$28 at Credo beauty

Ere Perez’s Aloe Gel Lash & Brow Mascara is a natural formula that features vitamin-rich aloe vera, so it can help lengthen lashes and highlight your true lash color.

It’s gentle enough for daily use and doubles as a lash gel, making it the perfect product for women who want to add volume, length, and definition to their lashes without sacrificing hydration or color. The sweat-proof and water-resistant formula means that the mascara will last all day long—no matter what you’re up against.

I’ve been using this clear brow gel for well over a year now to help give volume to my eyebrows and it gives them a great boost and volume! I keep one on me for touch-ups,” reviews share.

2. Dr. Hauschka Brow & Lash Gel

$22 at Dr. Hauschka

Dr. Hauschka’s Brow & Lash Gel is another great solution for anyone who wants to shape their eyebrows and eyelashes without the mess of liquid products.

The formula is transparent, so you can use it alone or with other makeup to help you achieve your desired look. It also provides a natural shine, so it works well with any mascara or brow products you use.

The ingredients are full of nourishing botanicals, including melia azadirachta leaf and Irish moss extract, so you know that your skin is getting the care it deserves when you use this product.

According to shoppers, “I love that this does double duty—brows and lashes. It works wonderfully, is easy to use, and doesn’t create buildup.”

3. Jane Iredale PureBrow Brow Gel

$26 at Jane Iredale

Jane Iredale’s PureBrow Brow Gel is the answer to your brow woes.

Whether you’re looking for a flexible hold and fullness, or just want to groom your brows into place, this formula has got you covered. The proprietary blend of sea minerals will visibly thicken your brows without adding any color, so you can achieve the look you want without having to worry about anything getting on your clothes.

Its micro-spoolie brush allows for targeted application, so you can get exactly what you want out of the creamy formula.

4. Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

$8.49 at Ulta

Maybelline’s Great Lash Clear Mascara is the label’s hallmark mascara that conditions as it separates and sets your eyelashes for a long-lasting, flawless finish.

The gel formula contains glycerin and conditioning agents that help protect your lashes against breakage, while the unique brush makes it easy to apply the mascara in just one coat!

It’s even suitable for contact lens wearers thanks to the water-resistant formula that won’t smudge or run.

One reviewer points out, “I use this on my brows and my brows are very hard to tame for a good period of time but this mascara holds my brow hairs in place all day and doesn’t flake off.”

5. Kosas Air Brow in Clear

$24 at Kosas

Boosted by hair care actives like hyaluronic acid and trehalose, Kosas’ Air Brow sets and lifts eyebrows for a lamination effect that lasts all day.

The formula boosts the strength of your brows with hyaluronic acid, which also helps hydrate and condition the hair. Whether you are looking for a product that works on its own or as a base for your favorite tinted mascara, this gel is certain to meet your needs.

As one wearer raved, “Very natural looking but stays in place all day. I have so far used it alone and with the tinted version, so far no complaints. Also, quite a lot of product per vial which is great for their price point.”

6. CoverGirl Professional Natural Lash Mascara

$6.99 at Ulta

Ditch the clumpy mascara and get ready for a second, third, and fourth layer of lashes with CoverGirl’s clear mascara.

This product creates the illusion of a full set of lashes with just one coat—and it’s gentle on your eyes, so you can go about your day without worrying about irritated skin or any other side effects.

The curved brush allows you to separate your lashes and make them look natural, while the formula washes off easily with warm water. Best of all? It’s affordable!

“I have used this product as a brow gel since the 90s. It has been and will forever be a staple in my collection. Holds my brows in place all day, doesn’t flake, and has worked beautifully with every brow pencil I’ve ever used,” shared a long-time enthusiast of the product.

7. Honest Beauty Honestly Healthy Lash Serum

$19.99 at Honest Beauty

Honest Beauty created the Honestly Healthy Lash Serum to help you get the most out of your lashes, and make sure that they’re getting all the love they deserve.

It’s a serum-infused lash tint that enhances the look of lashes by defining and enhancing them from root to tip. It’s infused with castor oil and jojoba esters to strengthen and support lash health, and its lightweight formula has been designed to enhance from root to tip for naturally fuller-looking lashes.

In addition to being infused with these natural ingredients, we’ve also added a proprietary blend of mung bean and red clover extract to give your lashes some extra oomph!

According to one user, “I’ve already noticed the health and thickness of my lashes improving. This serum is not clumping whatsoever and elongates my lashes more than some mascara brands I have used in the past!”

8. Kaja Wink Lash Trio Mascara

$30 at Sephora

We’re all about customization, so Kaja is bringing you a mascara trio that lets you layer together your faves.

The trio includes volumizing, lengthening, and clear mascaras to layer together for a customized lash effect or for use individually. Ingredient-wise, panthenol helps protect and condition lashes while biotin and avocado peptides also nourish your lashes.

Buildable and easy to layer, this product is the perfect way to get creative with your makeup routine! The containers are held together by a magnet that lets you unlatch your favorite formula—just the way we like it!

9. Wet n Wild Mega Clear Brow & Lash Mascara

$2.99 at Wet n Wild

The only mascara you’ll ever need.

Wet n Wild’s clear brow and lash mascara is the flawless finishing touch to your look. Formulated to help condition your lashes and brows, this gel formula is also blended with soy protein and provitamin B5 for added strength and nourishment.

It provides a comfortable hold for easy styling, so you can use it to intensify color or as a top coat to help your mascara last longer.

“I have also used this product to give a boost to eyelashes if you want a natural look. Overall, I think this is more affordable and even better than other ones I have tried,” raved one reviewer.

10. Petite ‘n Pretty Featherlight Clear Mascara & Brow Gel

$18 at Petite ‘n Pretty

It’s not just for your lashes anymore: clear mascara for your brows!

Whether you’re looking for a weightless texture or a barely-there finish, this dual-purpose product is here to help. It’s the perfect solution for anyone who wants a clear finish on their brows and lashes.

With panthenol to strengthen and thicken hair and cross-polymer to help it glide on easily and thicken without a tacky finish or residue, this product is sure to be your new go-to. And it contains breakage-resistant peptides to keep your brows looking as good as new.

How to Choose the Perfect Mascara

Performance

The effectiveness of mascara largely depends on what you need from the product. Some people require lengthening properties, others seek volume, and there are those who simply wish for a product that can provide a natural-looking enhancement to their lashes. As such, it’s important to identify what you want your mascara to do for you. Even when it comes to clear mascara, performance is key. The product should offer a subtle yet noticeable difference in the appearance of your lashes, providing them with a healthy sheen and well-groomed look.

Brush Design

The design of the mascara wand significantly impacts the application and end result. Brushes come in various shapes and sizes, with different types of bristles. Some have densely packed bristles for a volumizing effect, while others have more spaced-out bristles for a clump-free, defined finish. For clear mascara, a brush that can evenly distribute the product and separate the lashes is ideal, enhancing the natural beauty of your lashes without the addition of color.

Formula

The formula of the mascara is an important aspect to consider. It should be smooth, easy to apply, and most importantly, gentle on your eyes. Clear mascaras often come with additional benefits, such as conditioning or strengthening properties. These can be particularly beneficial as they not only enhance your lashes visually, but also contribute to their overall health. While shopping, look for mascaras that contain nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, panthenol, or natural oils.

Longevity

Lastly, consider the staying power of the mascara. It should be capable of lasting throughout the day without smudging or flaking, keeping your lashes looking their best for longer. This point is particularly crucial for clear mascara, which often doubles as a lash primer or brow gel. Look for products that promise long-wear or all-day hold to ensure your lashes and brows remain well-groomed and polished from morning till evening. Armed with these insights, you’re ready to find your ideal clear mascara.

FAQ

What does clear mascara do?

Clear mascara is an unsung hero in the world of cosmetics. It serves multiple functions, all while maintaining a natural, subtle look. On the lashes, clear mascara works to define, separate, and give a slight lift, providing a groomed yet understated appearance. It’s perfect for those no-makeup days or when you want your eye makeup to look minimal and fresh. Additionally, clear mascara can also be used as a brow gel. When applied to the eyebrows, it tames unruly hairs and keeps them in place, adding a polished finish to your look.

How do you clean a mascara wand?

Cleaning a mascara wand isn’t just about maintaining hygiene, it’s also crucial for optimal application. First, wipe off excess mascara from the wand using a tissue. Next, fill a small cup or bowl with warm water and a couple of drops of gentle, unscented soap. Place the wand in the solution and let it sit for a few minutes.

After soaking, gently rub the wand bristles with your fingers or a clean toothbrush to remove any remaining mascara residue. Rinse thoroughly under running water, ensuring all the soap is washed away. Dry the wand using a clean towel before reinserting it into the mascara tube. Remember to clean your mascara wand regularly to prevent product buildup and potential eye irritation.

How do you apply mascara?

Applying mascara is an art in itself. Start by curling your lashes with an eyelash curler for added lift. When applying the mascara, place the wand at the base of your lashes and wiggle it back and forth a bit to ensure the roots are well-coated. Then, sweep the wand upward towards the tip of your lashes. This motion helps separate the lashes, preventing them from clumping together. For an extra boost of volume or length, you can add a second or third coat.

Just ensure you apply additional coats while the previous one is still wet to avoid clumping. For the lower lashes, use the tip of the wand for better control. And there you have it, beautifully enhanced lashes with a few strokes of mascara!

Ere Perez, Kaja, Kosas, Maybelline

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