Naomi Jamieson
Ideal for relaxed days when you want to look 'done' but not too done, the best natural-looking mascaras will afford a subtle but enhanced effect to your lashes, with not a clump in sight.
While we often look to the best mascaras for exaggerated length, bold tint and almost gravity-defying volume, sometimes you just want definition without all that drama. A your-eyelashes-but-better effect, if you will, that won't overpower the rest of your makeup and will work for any occasion - be it an office day or an evening in, with friends. This is where a natural-looking mascara comes in handy. 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 natural lashes may prefer the best brown mascara over black.
That said, there are some formulas out there that have been specifically designed to give just a hint of elongated oomph to your lashes. And after rigorous testing, we've found these six mascaras to be the best for an au naturel look - with before-and-after snaps to prove it.
Best natural-looking mascara deals
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The 6 best natural-looking mascaras, reviewed by 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 subtle, which is where these understated but effective mascaras excel...
RRP: £20 | Waterproof version: No
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire, Sennen Prickett and Aleesha Badkar
Rhiannon: "Arguably needing no introduction given its fan-favourite reputation, the results of Glossier's famous mascara are so subtle that you'd probably have to use one of the best clear mascaras if you wanted something even more natural-looking.
Widely-regarded as one of the best tubing mascaras, it's made for that undone-done look; the cone-shaped wand pushed my lashes up while adding volume without too much bulk. It's available in brown, too, for an even softer finish."
Buy it if: You want to avoid clumps at all costs
Avoid if: Your budget is under £20
RRP: £12.99 | Waterproof version: Yes
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire and Aleesha Badkar
Rhiannon: "A brilliant affordable buy, the wide, spaced-out bristle brush of this Max Factor mascara allows you to be as minimal (or maximal) as you like when applying it.
This slotted nicely into my comfort zone of mascaras – low effort, high impact – but I was most impressed by how natural the results looked when I applied the whipped formula with a lighter hand."
Buy it if: You want a black-brown mascara
Avoid if: You want a maximally natural option
RRP: £6 | Waterproof version: No
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire and Sennen Prickett
Rhiannon: "This vegan mascara's wand features a different brush design on each side, so you can twist it to get the effect you want – one for volume, one for length, one for curling.
The three shades available mean you can personalise the exact look you want; actually, for this price, you could possibly even stretch to all three for a kind of mascara wardrobe!"
Buy it if: You want something buildable
Avoid if: You're after something luxe
RRP: £31 | Waterproof version: No
Reviewed by: Rhiannon Derbyshire and Fiona McKim
Rhiannon: "This petite option makes a great natural-looking mascara, working especially well to lengthen short lashes with a sweat and humidity-resistant formula.
Generally speaking, I prefer a bristle brush, and this slim shape made light work of lengthening my stumpy lashes, pushing them up and coating each one with nice, non-clumpy volume in one sweep. The size also makes it great for coating bottom lashes smudge-free."
Buy it if: You want natural-looking lift
Avoid if: You want a wide colour range
RRP: £30 | Waterproof version: No
Reviewed by: Naomi Jameson
For instant lift and length, whilst also treating your lashes with a blend of restorative Neuropeptides and Biotin, Perricone MD's No Makeup mascara is a must-try. As a lover of more subtle makeup myself, I was very eager to give this formula a whirl, and I'm pleased to say that it very much lives up to its name.
Its straight wand and short, spaced-out bristles easily coat your lashes from root to tip, instantly fanning and lifting them upwards. I also really loved that the wand isn't too covered in product when you pull it from the tube, meaning you can slowly build up length, or just call it a day at one, understated coat.
Buy it if: You want natural-looking lift and thicker lashes
Avoid if: You want a waterproof formula
RRP: £14 | Waterproof version: No, but described as 'water resistant'
Reviewed by: Naomi Jameson
Available in a range of natural shades, this lash tint is truly one of the most natural-looking mascaras I've tried, as it subtly lengthens and darkens your lashes, affording that 'just tinted' look, with no clumps to be seen.
It's lightweight and doesn't flake or smudge. Instead, it delicately fans out your eyelashes, with its thin, bristle brush catching and seperating every individual lash and coating it with a thin layer of colour. The formula is also vegan and cruelty-free, and although not technically waterproof, it is described as water-resistant.
Buy it if: You want a subtly darker, 'tinted' look
Avoid if: You want a thicker, very lengthened effect
How we tested the best natural-looking mascaras
Some of the natural looking mascaras that were tested for this guide
To write a guide on the very best buys, we individually tested each one 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 subtly lengthening mascaras to very affordable brands, to ensure there's something to suit a wide range of preferences.
