Some days just call for a natural-looking mascara, whether it’s for those low-key working-from-home mornings, or when you’re meeting friends for a casual lunch. It's ideal for those relaxed days when you want to look ‘done’ but not too done.
Usually, the best mascaras promise huge, exaggerated results. MEGA lashes. XXXL Volume. MILES of length. Some days you don’t necessarily want or need that full-blown lash look, and that’s when it’s handy to have a natural-looking mascara or two at your disposal. Although, according to makeup artist James Butterfield, you can use buys you already own to get the low-key look. 'Removing excess mascara from the wand prior to application will achieve a fresher look,' he says. 'If your natural lashes are fair, then you may prefer to use brown mascara rather than black’.
I have to admit, my preference has historically been the best volumising mascaras - I like products that are low-effort, high-impact. However, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed using these natural-looking mascaras. They looked chicer, understated, and felt comfier to wear. Consider me converted.
I’ve narrowed down the very best buys for this list. Whether you’re looking for a bit of extra definition, or are looking to try the best brown mascara, there’s an option here for every budget, preference, and style.
The best natural looking mascaras, picked by our beauty editor
RRP: £20 | Features: long-wearing, lengthening | Waterproof version: No
This is so subtle that you'd have to use one of the best clear mascaras if you wanted something more natural-looking. Ranked as one of the best tubing mascaras, it's made for that undone-done look and the cone-shaped wand pushed my lashes up whilst also adding volume without too much bulk. It's just launched in brown too.
Buy it if: you want to avoid clumps at all costs.
Don't buy it if: you want to spend less than £20.
RRP: £12.99 | Features: Lightweight, whipped formula | Waterproof version: Yes
The wide, spaced-out bristle brush with this Max Factor pick means you can be as minimal (or maximal) as you like when applying. This slotted nicely into my comfort zone of mascaras - low effort, high impact, but I was most impressed with how natural it could look when applied with a lighter hand.
Buy it if: you want a black-brown mascara in your collection.
Don't buy it if: you want a maximally natural option.
RRP: £18.70 | Features: Ultra-thin wand, includes biotin | Waterproof version: Yes
This mascara features a borderline-microscopic brush - which means you can get really precise with application. It works incredibly well to get that tightline look, giving a defined, but still subtle lash look and it's ideal as a mascara on bottom lashes. It's a little slow at building volume, purely because of the size of the brush - but it's a dream for a natural look.
Buy it if: you want to apply mascara extremely precisely.
Don't buy it if: you prefer a larger brush.
RRP: £32.00 | Features: Hypoallergenic, long-wearing | Waterproof version: No
The first thing I noticed about this one was the weight of the tube - it's quite heavy, almost like a paperweight, which adds to the luxe feel. So far, so VB. This mascara has a slim curved wand (about the size of a Q tip) - so that you can curve the lashes up while grabbing every lash. It's easy to remove too, and the perfect accompaniment to a swish of kohl. Expensive, yes - but worth it if your budget is a bit roomier.
Buy it if: you want to lift your short lashes.
Don't buy it if: you want a range of colours available to you.
RRP: £18.00 | Features: Conditioning, with easy removal| Waterproof version: No
Trinny London's Lash2Lash is a lot smaller than most mascaras. The formula is the same as the brand's Lash2Brow, which features mascara and a brow gel in one easy tub. Perfect for travel. It still packs a punch in long-wearing, lightweight performance that you can build up for a more dramatic look, if you choose.
Buy it if: you have naturally dark lashes already.
Don't buy it if: you don't want a jet black shade.
RRP: £28.00| Features: Nourishing castor oil, water-resistant| Waterproof version: No
This Rare Beauty mascara is specially formulated to prevent irritation, which is perfect for those with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. One swipe gives a nice natural look, and the formula is buildable. My eyes err on the sensitive side, and I can vouch that my eyes remained content and weep-free after trying this one.
Buy it if: you need a travel mascara - there's a mini version.
Don't buy it if: you want a brown shade, it's only available in black.
RRP: £5.99 | Features: Vegan, double-sided wand | Waterproof version: No
The wand with this mascara has different textures 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 means you can personalise the exact look you want, and actually for this price maybe you could buy all three, for a bit of a mascara wardrobe.
Buy it if: you want a buildable option.
Avoid if: you want a more luxury formula.
RRP: £22.75 | Features: Sweat and humidity-resistant | Waterproof version: No
This petite option makes a great natural-looking mascara, working especially well to lengthen short lashes. I tend to prefer a bristle brush and this slim shape made light work of lengthening my stumpy lashes, pushing them up coating each one with nice, non-clumpy volume with just one sweep. The size also means it's great for coating bottom lashes smudge-free.
Buy it if: you want a natural lifting mascara.~
Avoid it if: you want a wide colour range (there's just 1 available)
RRP: £37.00 | Features: B5 to protect and fortify lashes | Waterproof version: No
This luxe Chanel pick has a black pigment with just a touch of red, for a more vibrant tone, to flatter the eyes. It's something I've never seen before in a mascara, and I have to say it's noticeable when applied. The brush is pretty clever too - slim but flexible, you can build up as little or as much volume as you want, making it a great multitasker.
Buy it if: you want something a little different to bring out your eyes.
Don't buy it if: it's a budget choice you're looking for.
How we tested each natural-looking mascara
I individually tested all of these natural-looking mascara options, as well as a range of others that didn’t make the cut to narrow down the very best buys. I tested them all over the course of a few days to make sure the testing was rigorous, but fair and gave the best possible natural lash look.
I tried formulas and mascara brush types from different brands, price points, and styles, and came down to narrow down the very best, that I believe went above and beyond in terms of :
- Ease of application
- Comfortability of wear
- Brush size
- Inclusion of any beneficial ingredients
- Colours available
-
Gabby Logan wears stunning green peplum jacket from Kate Middleton's favourite designer - it's topped our spring wardrobe wish listGabby Logan looked super chic wearing a military-style Alexander McQueen jacket while presenting at the 2024 London Marathon
-
Weekly horoscope: 2 astrologers' predictions for 22nd April - 28th April 2024Read your weekly horoscope from Sally Trotman and Penny Thornton who reveal what this week holds for every star sign on love, family, career, and more
