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These 6 best natural-looking mascaras offer just the right amount of lift, length and curl

For a 'your-lashes-but-better' effect, these are the best natural-looking mascaras on the market - tried and tested by us

A collage of four of the best natural-looking mascaras featured in this guide, from Perricone MD, 19/99, Glossier and e.l.f. all featured on a grey and white template with two stock images of mascara brush swatches.
(Image credit: Perricone MD/ 19/99 / Glossier/ e.l.f.)

On days when you want to look 'done' but not too done, these best natural-looking mascaras deliver a your-lashes-but-better effect, by subtly tinting and enhancing them, without a tell-tale clump in sight.

While we often look to the best mascaras for exaggerated length and almost gravity-defying volume, sometimes you just want definition without all that drama. A formula that can give the appearance that you have naturally long and full lashes with minimal effort involved, and without overpowering the rest of your makeup. A natural-looking mascara is what we call upon in these moments, be it for an office day or a dinner out with friends. Makeup artist James Butterfield notes that it's possible to use one you already own for a lower-impact effect. "Removing excess mascara from the wand prior to application will achieve a fresher look," he explains, adding that those with lighter lashes may prefer the best brown mascara over black.

The 6 best natural-looking mascaras, tested and loved our beauty team

While there's always an occasion for the best volumising mascaras, day-to-day, you might prefer to keep things simple and understated, which is where these subtle but effective mascaras excel...

How we tested the best natural-looking mascaras

On the left is a picture of the 19/99 Lash Tint and Perricone MD No Makeup Mascara, on a pink bedding background. And on the right is a lineup of Beauty Editor Rhiannon's favourite natural-looking mascaras, including options by Estee Lauder, Glossier, Max Factor, Clinique, Jones Road and e.l.f., most of which are featured in this guide - all photographed on a marble backdrop

Some of the natural looking mascaras that were tested for this guide

(Image credit: Future/ Naomi Jamieson/ Rhiannon Derbyshire)

To write a guide on the very best buys, our team members all individually tested each of the natural-looking mascaras featured here (as well as some other options that didn’t make the cut). We tested each one over a few days to ensure they had a rigorous but fair trial, as well as giving the best possible natural lash look. A few of the formulas on this list are also long-lasting favourites in our makeup bags, that we've used on and off for years.

Our beauty team also tested mascaras from different brands, price points and styles to ensure there was a wide range of formulas to suit a range of budgets and lash preferences. To refine our list of the very best, we assessed whether they went above and beyond in terms of the following factors.

  • Price
  • Packaging
  • Ease of application
  • Comfortability of wear
  • Brush size, shape and materials
  • Inclusion of any beneficial ingredients
  • Colours available

How to choose the best natural-looking mascara

Choosing one of the best natural-looking mascaras really comes down to personal preference. If you want a formula that will withstand a good cry or rainy weather without smudging, opt for a waterproof mascara. If your focus is to darken your lashes, rather than exaggerate their length or thickness, a tint - like 19/99's - is a good option.

The wand is also something to consider when shopping around, as a thinner brush (like the one Estée Lauder's Sumptuous Rebel mascara has) can offer more precision and subtlety.

We've intentionally reviewed and included an array of different options, from lengthening mascaras to very affordable brands, to ensure there's something to suit a wide range of preferences.

Rhiannon Derbyshire
Senior Beauty Editor

Rhiannon Derbyshire is the Senior Beauty Editor for Woman & Home.

She started interning for glossy magazines in 2011 while working alongside her Fashion Journalism degree. There, she was lured to the beauty desk, seduced by red lipsticks, posh shampoos, and every skincare product imaginable. 15+ years into her career, she now writes about skincare, haircare and makeup for six national titles and interviews celebrities, experts and brand founders. She oversees and judges products for the Woman & Home skin, hair and beauty awards, testing hundreds of products yearly.

With 3A curls, Rhiannon specialises in writing about curly hair routines and has a penchant for red lipsticks and minimalist skincare routines - with a bit of LED therapy thrown in.

With contributions from