The best natural-looking mascaras to shop in 2024 to create an understated-yet-chic look

RRP: £20 | Waterproof version: No

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

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: £25 | Waterproof version: Yes

This mascara features a narrow brush that borders on tiny – very welcome here as it means you can be really precise with your application. It works incredibly at creating that "tightlined" effect, giving you a defined-yet-subtle lash look.

It's also an ideal design for applying mascara on bottom lashes. Though it's a little slow to build volume, purely because of the size of the brush, it's a dream formula for creating a more natural look.

Buy it if: You want extreme precision

Avoid if: You prefer a larger brush

RRP: £32 | Waterproof version: No

The first thing I noticed about this mascara was the weight of the tube; it's quite heavy, almost like a paperweight, which adds to its overall luxurious feel. So far, so VB. It also features a slim, curved wand, about the size of a cotton bud, which allows you to curve the lashes up while grabbing each one.

It's also easy to remove and the perfect accompaniment to a swish of kohl. Expensive, yes, but worth it if your budget is a bit roomier and you're after something particularly luxe.

Buy it if: You want to lift short lashes

Avoid if: You're after a range of colours

RRP: £21 | Waterproof version: No

This Rare Beauty number 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, but the formula is buildable and can create a more voluminous appearance, too.

My eyes are on the sensitive side but I can vouch that they remained content and weep-free after applying this mascara. Bonus: there's also a mini version available.

Buy it if: You want separated lashes with added volume

Avoid if: You prefer brown mascara

RRP: £6 | Waterproof version: No

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

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: £38 | Waterproof version: No

This luxe Chanel pick has a black pigment with just a touch of red, yielding 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, which makes it a great multitasker.

Buy it if: You want something slightly different to a classic black shade

Avoid if: You want something very affordable