9 Cruelty-Free Mascaras That Make Your Lashes Look Like Falsies

There’s a reason this mascara is a consistent bestseller for the brand and at Sephora. It does it all—lifts, curls, volumizes, and conditions in just one application. The 360-degree magniLASH wand helps separate each individual lash, making them appear more plentiful. Plus, ingredients such as rice bran and provitamin B5 nourish lash hairs. As a bonus, the formula is PETA-approved vegan, which means it’s not only not tested on animals, but there are no animal by-products in the mascara.  

Yes, even the drugstore has cruelty-free beauty products. Take for instance this mascara made with natural oils and vitamin E for longer, extended lashes. Thicker, fuller, more defined lashes that won’t smudge or flake, plus a vegan and cruelty-free formula, all for a bargain of a price. We’re not sure how NYX Professional Makeup does it, but we’re glad they do.

CoverGirl made big news in 2018 when the brand announced that all of its products are now Leaping Bunny certified (which means they voluntarily agree not to test on animals in any way). That includes this mascara which doubles as a lash treatment. The creamy, highly-pigmented formula defines lashes and allows you to build to your desired volume, while conditioning ingredients such as coconut oil, papaya, and avocado deliver moisture and nourishment to your lashes. 

Take a peek at some of the other best drugstore mascaras you can buy.

Mascara has always been a tricky product for those with sensitive eyes. What seems like it should work in the tube often leaves your eyes burning, itching, red, and irritated. But this super clean beauty mascara really does what it promises, without irritation.

The cruelty-free formula doesn’t contain known irritants including nano-particles, synthetic fragrances, soy, and gluten. It’s also free of potentially harmful ingredients including parabens, formaldehyde, mineral oil, and coal tar (a colorant that can contain heavy metals). Instead, the mascara is made with beeswax and carnauba waxes, shea butter, and keratin to condition and strengthen lashes. Plus, it’s super easy to remove—just rinse with warm water. No rubbing, tugging (and resulting irritation) required. 

You might not expect to see a super-dramatic lash look from a clean beauty company, but that’s exactly what you get with this best-selling mascara. In fact, company research shows a whopping 385% increase in volume after just two coats. Yes, you read that number right. The hourglass-shaped brush hugs the curves of your lashes and lifts, separates, and coats even your littlest lashes with a plumping formula made with natural fibers and waxes, and nourishing Bataua oil.  

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best volumizing mascaras.

This brand claims to sell one mascara every nine seconds. One of their most popular is this formula, which contains liquid fibers that adhere to lashes, elongating them instantly. It works by creating individual tubes around lashes that don’t smear, smudge, or flake off.

The cruelty-free, paraben-free mascara also contains Orchid stem cells to encourage lash growth. Plus, Korean plant extracts and Piperitum fruit extract (Japanese pepper) to hydrate and soothe. Even better: With every purchase, the brand makes a donation to a woman in need. 

See more reviews of our favorite lengthening mascaras available for purchase.

Waterproof mascaras serve their purpose if you want dark lashes that can withstand a dip in the pool or a good cry. But if you want a dramatic, lush-looking fringe, they’re usually not the best formula. Most waterproof formulas make lashes look and feel dry, and they never quite live up to their non-waterproof, volumizing counterparts. Except this one really does.

The waterproof version is just as good as the cult-favorite original formula. It lifts, separates, curls, and adds an insane amount of volume—only now it doesn’t budge thanks to the addition of water-resistant polymers.

We know natural mascaras get a bad rap, but this cruelty-free and naturally derived formula from Juice Beauty is an exception, as it delivers a rich color payoff on lashes, while lengthening and volumizing them at the same time.