As far as exciting makeup products go, clear mascara is...not at the top of the list. But what it lacks in intrigue, it makes up in innovation; there's a reason many people's first makeup purchase (did you also have a "you can't wear makeup besides clear or brown mascara" phase?) has become their later-in-life favorite.
"Most people underestimate clear mascaras, but they're such a multiuse product," shares celebrity makeup artist Chynara Kojoeva. The best clear mascaras can be used as a primer or on their own, tackling your lashes, brows, and even flyaways with zero smudging or drama. Void of pigment yet full of other nourishing ingredients, clear mascaras exist to separate and lengthen your lashes, adding a layer of gloss that makes them look fuller and darker. They're also virtually foolproof to use, so you can tackle the no-makeup makeup trend like a pro.
"I love a clear mascara for brows over traditional brow gels too, as brow gels can sometimes feel sticky or get flaky over time," adds celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay Braha. "A clear mascara typically isn’t as strong, making it a good choice for a wear that doesn't feel shellacked onto skin."
Ahead, I've talked to some of the makeup industry's brightest about the best clear mascaras. Keep scrolling to discover what to look for in a clear mascara, as well as the experts' application tips.
Makeup artist Raisa Flowers utilized clear mascara for Bella Hadid's 2022 Met Gala glam look.
What to Look For in a Clear Mascara
- Texture: Like any makeup product, your ease of use and happiness will come down to a clear mascara's formulation. "I’m partial to a formula that’s not heavy and doesn’t leave flakes," shares celebrity makeup artist Renée Loiz. "I want the formula to allow the lashes or brows to have some movement."
- Finish: Some clear mascaras are shinier than others, so make sure to test how yours dries before heading out on the town. "Clear mascaras give a 'wet' appearance to the lashes, along with a gloss-like finish," says celebrity makeup artist Elaina Badro.
- Ingredients: Some clear mascaras are formulated with hair-loving ingredients to help your lashes grow long and luscious over time. If that's something you're looking for, keep an eye out for additions like castor oil and peptides.
- Purpose: What are you looking for in a clear mascara? Glossy lashes, brow taming, a solid base for another product, a conditioner, or all of the above? "Clear mascara is great as a primer for colored mascaras to help boost volume and length," adds Badro. But while every clear mascara can be a primer, not every primer can be a clear mascara—make sure the product you pick up dries transparent, not white.
The Best Clear Mascaras
- The Best Clear Mascara With Serum Benefits: Dior Diorshow Maximizer 3D Triple Volume Plumping Lash Primer
- The Best Drugstore Clear Mascara: Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara
- The Best Clear Mascara Overall: Ere Perez Aloe Gel Lash & Brow Mascara
While Dior's beloved Diorshow Maximizer 3D is technically a lash primer, it works just as well as a solo concept—both Kojoeva and Badro count it among their favorites. "This one is great used as a primer. It helps to boost lash volume, curl, and wear while improving lash appearance with daily use," says Badro.
Pros: Effective; Can be worn with or without pigmented mascara
Cons: More expensive than other options
Customer Review: "This is amazing! I’m not sure how I’ve gone this long without this primer. Not clumpy so smooth and strong holding! I have thin short lashes and this is a game changer." — Sephora
When I think clear mascara, my mind automatically goes to Maybelline's signature pink and green tube, which Braha calls "an oldie but a goodie." "It can visually double the thickness of lashes and conditions hairs as well," shares the makeup professional. "At around $7 dollars a pop, you can’t go wrong."
Loiz is also partial to the product. "I’ve used the original black formula for years and equally love the clear formula. I love how it keeps the brows (and lashes) soft and manageable," she adds.
Pros: A true classic; Affordable
Cons: Can take some time to set
Customer Review: "I hate regular mascara and can't stand the heavy feel of it. This gives a wet look that dries soft and not crispy. I barely feel it, which is what I wanted. Also nice for brow control." — Amazon
If you're looking for a natural clear mascara (that was also formulated with your brows in mind!) look no further than Australia-based Ere Perez's offering, which features aloe to condition both your lashes and brows. "This is a natural gel mascara made with vitamin-rich aloe for a hydrating and gentle formula. The formula is not only safe for contact wearers, but a top choice for a bump-up on lash extensions," says Braha. Bonus: the simple packaging is ultra-chic.
Pros: Natural ingredients; Nourishing
Cons: More expensive than other options
Customer Review: "I love this eyelash/brow gel! It is the perfect product for my sensitive eyes!! It looks so beautiful on my lashes, and I love that it is so nourishing!! I prefer to have the no-makeup look, and this product has become my #1 for keeping my brows in place and to lengthen my lashes!" — Ulta
Also Recommended
No flaking, no smudging, no problem. Veteran beauty brand Zuzu Luxe's Clear Mascara is a favorite among online reviewers, who call out the product's lifting benefits. Plus, it's water resistant.
Pros: Water resistant; Lifting
Cons: Some sensitive users report irritation
Customer Review: "I've worn mascara for years and have fought with the very best brands for 'shadowing' under my eyes. Since I'm now in my seventies, I've decided to stop using black mascara and just use the clear stuff. I have also started using Latisse so my lashes have grown a bit longer. I put this clear mascara on and then use the eyelash curler and my lashes look great. I'm very happy with my decision." — Amazon
While it's technically a lash primer, Rabanne's Famous Primer Mascara doesn't have the white sheen that so many others do—making it just fine to wear on its own. Its soft-fiber brush is made to coat all your lashes for a transparent, glossy finish, and you don't need to worry about taking it off at night—it doubles (triples?) as a sleeping mask.
Pros: Sweat-proof; Smudge-proof; Easy to remove
Cons: Some customers wish the formula was thicker
Customer Review: "I love that it doesn't have a color. Some days, I want a no-makeup look but my lashes disappear. Mascara is just too much for days like that, but this is perfect. As a primer, it's wonderful. It lifts and doesnt fall by the end of the day. Definitely helps to build the mascara without ever clumping." — Ulta
CoverGirl's Professional Natural Lash Mascara is a classic for many reasons: it's hypoallergenic, the price is right, the curved brush is well-designed, and—most importantly—it does exactly what it's supposed to do (and then some, if we want to get into brow and hairstyling benefits). The product washes off easily with warm water so you don't have to worry about smudging or forever-sticky lashes.
Pros: Great brush; Hypoallergenic
Cons: Some customers say the texture is too sticky
Customer Review: "I would recommend for people who have allergies and who don't. I have sensitive eyes and skin this mascara did not give me an allergic reaction or anything! Very happy with this product!" — Ulta
I feel like I should say that Kosas doesn't technically recommend Air Brow for lashes. But its users do! Alcohol-free (it won't dry out your hair!), this product glides on smoothly with biotinoyl tripeptide-1 to support healthier, fuller hair and hyaluronic acid and trehalose to strengthen and condition.
Pros: Hair-loving ingredients; Adds shine
Cons: Some customers report flaking
Customer Review: "I actually use this as a mascara on my no-makeup days and I swear my eyelashes are healthier for using it like that. Now I use it as a night treatment for my eyelashes as so far it’s great." — Sephora
Sensitive eye havers, take note: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Diamond Mascara is dermatologist-tested and opthalmologist approved. And are you ready for this? It's formulated with *lustrous diamond dust* for a little something extra in its clear finish.
Pros: Lengthening; Good for sensitive eyes
Cons: Some customers wish the formula was thicker
Customer Review: "I love this mascara for days when I don't feel like wearing makeup, but want to do more than going plain-faced. My only complaint is that the product is a lot thinner than normal mascara and because of the style of brush, you have to take some time to get the excess product off before applying or you'll have an eyeful of product." — Amazon
Yes, you read that price right. E.l.f.'s Clear Brow & Lash Mascara offers double the brushes at more than half the cost of its fellow products. With one brush made for your lashes and the other made for your brows, you won't find a cheaper (and more beloved) option.
Pros: Easy to apply; Affordable
Cons: Some customers report flaking
Customer Review: "The Elf Lash and Brow is so nice! I love how it's two sided so you get two products for the price of 1! It is also so affordable and in the right price range! It is so helpful and it isn't noticeable because it's clear! It's such a good product! 10/10!" — Ulta
A model applies Ere Perez's clear mascara.
How to Use Clear Mascara
While you'll usually apply your clear mascara just like regular black or brown mascara, there are a few things to take note of before grabbing the wand. One: the formula might be a little different than what you're used to. Don't throw on too much product at once and make sure you leave ample drying time.
"To apply, remove any large beads of product from the tip of the wand and jiggle from the base of the lash upwards, separating and lifting the lash," says Braha. She and Badro both add that using an eyelash curler before your clear mascara can help hold the curl.
You can also use your clear mascara as a primer before applying a colored version. "It will help to give length, thickness, and hold curls," shares Kojoeva. "It's also handy as a flyaway hair controller when you want that snatched ponytail."
And of course, there's always the brow option. Many prefer the lighter formulations of clear mascaras to the thick brow gels on the market.
"I don’t necessarily use clear mascaras on the lashes but instead use them to groom eyebrows," says Loiz. "I like the hold they give brows and the glossy finish."
Who Should Use Clear Mascara
A clear mascara is best for someone who wants a simple, pristine lash look. "Someone might prefer a clear mascara over a black or brown for a super clean lash or brow aesthetic (that as a bonus won’t transfer or leak!)" notes Braha. "Letting your mascara dry between applications can give a thicker, shinier finish that enhances your natural tone of lash. Traditional black and brown mascaras are great for length, added drama and thickness, but *can* flake off during the day, leaving mascara crumbs or panda eye. Clear mascaras can be more user friendly."
Meet the Experts
Judi Gabbay Braha started her journey as a makeup artist at the young age of 13 years old. Working summers at a beauty store, she swept floors and did simple inventory all to be a part of the magic of makeup. Finding her passion at a young age enabled her to hone her talents through dedication and the desire to learn. Not so shortly after, Judi was being flown around the world for her talents. She has shot for brands such as BEBE, Catherine Malandrino, Buxom Cosmetics, and English Laundry. She's worked with networks such as Bravo, TLC, ABC, and more. Judi continues to create polished and flawless looks for all of her clientele.
Renée Loiz is a top celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert with over 20 years in the industry. Renée is best known for her work with celebrities including Quinta Brunson, Cynthia Erivo, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Sherry Cola, Adele, Chelsea Peretti, Uzo Aduba, Danai Gurira, Thuso Mbedu, and Jaylon Barron.
When she’s not creating press-worthy red carpet and editorial looks for famous faces, Renee can be found working with renowned international brands such as NARS, Beauty Blender, Charlotte Tilbury, Chanel, Sephora, J.Crew, Disney, Target, BuzzFeed, Adidas, and Warner Brothers.
Her industry expertise and artistry are regularly tapped by the top fashion publications including InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Essence, EBONY, People, L’Officiel, Who What Wear, Vanity Fair, The Zoe Report, Allure, and featured on Saturday Night Live.
She is also known as the founder of Color May Vary—the ultimate guide to the best black-owned brands for beauty enthusiasts. After launching, Color May Vary was recognized by Ulta Beauty in an initiative to celebrate inspirational Black voices, and won a Refinery29 Beauty Innovator Award. She continues to spread positive change in the beauty industry by representing the underrepresented.
With more than 15 years of working as a professional makeup artist with M-A-C and Gucci, Elaina Badro has extensive experience working with all skin tones and skin types. She has gained international recognition through her work as a celebrity/high fashion makeup artist who has worked with hundreds of A-list talent including Carrie Underwood, Olivia Wilde, and Kris Jenner. Elaina is also the creative force behind the prestigious Elaina Badro Luxury Brush Line, which is available on ElainaBadro.com and at The Wynn Las Vegas.
Chynara Kojoeva is a celebrity makeup artist based in Paris and London. Her work has been seen on Ashley Graham, Nicole Scherzinger, and Nicole Richie—among many others.
