Back in my Catholic school days, I had no choice but to relish in the best clear mascaras. The nuns wouldn’t dare let me sport black and brown pigments on my lashes (who else had a no eye makeup rule?), so I found the transparent formulas a happy medium—apt to define and flutter my lashes without a trace. It was subtle, sure, but it got the job done. But as makeup continues to skew more minimalist and I investigate more ways to make the eyes look bigger, it seems that in 2025 clear mascara is more en vogue than I’d anticipated. Pro makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre assures me, though, that the category is far more versatile than I initially anticipated.
Vogue’s Favorite Clear Mascaras
“[Clear mascaras] perfect for clients who want a very natural, minimal makeup look, for teens or first-time makeup wearers, or for editorial shoots where I want the lashes to look glossy and wet,” D’Amelio Ventre tells Vogue—especially useful for lower lashes for definition without pigment transfer. “It’s also beautiful for men’s grooming, red carpet looks that need to appear effortless, and anyone with sensitive eyes who can’t tolerate pigment.”
Ahead, more to know about the many benefits of clear mascaras for natural definition no matter the occasion; plus, our favorite formulas to shop.
In This Story
- Clear Mascara Vs. Regular Mascara
- Can clear mascaras lift and lengthen lashes?
- How To Apply and Remove Clear Mascara
- Are clear mascaras and brow gels the same thing?
- How We Tested
- Meet The Experts
Best Overall: Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara
- Why We Love It: This is the most classic clear mascara: nN, really—I was using it back in high school almost 15 years ago. Pro makeup artist Brielle Pollara agrees, adding how easy to use it is. “It keeps lashes separated and defined while looking completely natural, making it perfect for minimal makeup days,” Pollara tells. “This formula is forgiving, easy to apply, and easy to remove, making it a great minimalist essential.”
- Key Ingredients: Water, alcohol denat., propylene glycol, glycerin, panthenol
- More To Know: Hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested
- Waterproof: No
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Affordable price point | As with most clear mascaras, the formula can get cloudy overtime |
| Washable formula | Subtle hold |
Best Clean Beauty: Ere Perez Natural Aloe Gel Lash + Brow Mascara
- Why We Love It: It doesn’t get much more natural than Ere Perez’s clean beauty formula, barring slicing open an aloe leaf and brushing it directly on your lashes. “This is my favorite when I’m working with sensitive eyes or when I want a very natural, clean-girl aesthetic,” says D’amelo Ventre. “The aloe-based formula conditions both lashes and brows, giving them a soft sheen without stiffness.” Best of all, lashes remain soft, hydrated, and never crunchy.
- Key Ingredients: Water, aloe vera gel, glycerine, cellulose gum, panthenol
- More To Know: Safe for sensitive eyes, lash extensions and contact lenses
- Waterproof: Water-resistant
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Dual purpose: works as a brow gel and mascara | Only provides a light hold |
| Clean, gentle formula | Overdoing application can lead to stickiness |
| Water-resistant and long-wearing |
Best K-Beauty: Etude Oh My Lash Mascara
- Why We Love It: As with all Korean makeup products, Etude’s pick is crafted with an element of innovation. The formula is packed with botanic extracts, and a healthy mix of non-irritating synthetic ingredients for extra hold—that’s because it can be used as a top coat (think of it just like your nails: the top coat locks in color and adds a lustrous shine) for your regular mascara, to keep smudging and flaking completely at bay. If you prefer a more natural look, you can swipe the clear mascara straight on for subtle definition.
- Key Ingredients: Water, alcohol, VP copolymer, witch hazel leaf water, lavender flower water, orange fruit extract, raspberry fruit extract, kiwi fruit extract, apricot kernel extract, grapefruit fruit extract
- More To Know: Use it as a top coat to keep regular mascara in place, or on it’s own
- Waterproof: Water-resistant
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Creates a glossy and water-resistant finish over a regular mascara | Can become sticking when layering |
| Smudge-proof and long-lasting | |
| Adds subtle definition and lift on its own |
Best Conditioning: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Diamond Mascara
- Why We Love It: D’Amelio Ventre considers this Physicians Formula’s clear mascara a great choice for anyone with very sensitive or reactive—that’s thanks to the super conditioning formula. Here, a concoction of genuine diamond dust, peptides, mineral water, and vitamin E, blend together to add hydration and shine. “The gel texture offers subtle lift and separation without clumping,” says D’Amelio Ventre. “I love this for no-makeup makeup looks and men’s grooming because it enhances without ever looking like makeup.”
- Key Ingredients: Water, copolymer, mineral water, glycerin, tocopheryl acetate, diamond powder
- More To Know: Talc-free, cruelty-free
- Waterproof: Water-resistant
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Talc-free formula is safe for sensitive eyes | Not for those who prefer a washable formula—it requires makeup remover |
| Adds subtle lift and lustrous shine |
Best Curved Wand: Covergirl Professional Natural Lash Mascara
- Why We Love It: Another classic clear mascara pick, this Covergirl option is known for it’s non-crunchy finish, and curved mascara wand for added lift. “It defines and separates lashes without adding pigment or weight, giving a soft, polished finish. It’s also great for taming brows or layering under a colored mascara for extra definition,” says Pollara. “While it won’t create dramatic volume or length, it’s ideal for enhancing your natural lashes in a subtle, everyday way.” Plus, the formula also works well as an eyebrow gel, and boasts up to 12 hours of hold.
- Key Ingredients: Water, polyvinyl alcohol, methylparaben, glycerin
- More To Know: Hypoallergenic, dual-purpose
- Waterproof: No
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Affordable price point | Some report inconsistent hold |
| Easy to wash off | |
| Smooth, clump-free application |
Best for Lashes Brows: e.l.f. Clear Lash Brow Mascara
- Why We Love It: e.l.f.’s clear mascara is a staple in D’Amelio Ventre’s kit due to its versatility and beginner-friendly format. “It gives enough hold for brows while still being gentle enough for lashes,” she says. “I love this for bridal parties, teens, or clients who want polish but no pigment. It’s also great as a ‘first mascara’ for younger clients.” Thanks to the dual-sided format, you don’t have to double dip the product wand for lashes and brows—you can pick a designated side for each.
- Key Ingredients: Water, pvm, pvp, propylene glycol, triethanolamine, benzyl alcohol
- More To Know: Dual-sided, cruelty-free, vegan
- Waterproof: No
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly | Some experience minor flaking |
| Lightweight and soft to the touch |
Everything You Need To Know
Clear Mascara Vs. Regular Mascara: What’s The Difference?
According to the pros, the different between clear versus regular mascara goes beyond pigment alone. “Brown and black mascaras rely on waxes, carbon black or iron oxide pigments, volumizing fibers, and thicker emulsions to build intensity, drama, and bold color payoff,” says D’Amelio Ventre. “Meanwhile, clear gel mascaras use lightweight humectants, aloe-based conditioners, and flexible film-formers that define and separate the lashes without adding weight.”
In addition, clear mascaras aren’t meant to be buildable—too many layers could make the product sticky or clumpy. That said, you won’t get much lift or volume as you would from a traditional mascara Instead, D’Amelio Ventre says you’ll get a “your lashes but groomed” effect—glossy, hydrated, and defined with subtlety.
Can clear mascaras lift and lengthen lashes?
“Clear mascara can provide gentle lift and separate lashes, but it won’t add the same dramatic length or volume as pigmented mascara,” says Pollara, noting it’s best for natural-looking enhancement. D’Amelio Ventre agrees, adding that if you use an eyelash curler first, a clear mascara can help to hold the shape, though it won’t “create the same dramatic bend or structure as a pigmented formula with waxes and thickening agents.”
Though it’s worth noting, as someone with pin straight, long eyelashes, in my experience, clear mascaras don’t hold a curl much at all. Instead naturally-curled or short lashes might see more noticeable results.
How To Apply and Remove Clear Mascara
According to the experts, there’s no difference in a applying clear mascara—apply from root to tip and wiggle for separation. Though, these formulas remove much easier (whether you wash it off, or use a designated makeup remover) because there’s no pigment or waxes to break down.
Are clear mascaras and brow gels the same thing?
Long story short, not necessarily—with the exception of products that are intended to be dual-purpose. “A clear brow gel and a clear mascara are not necessarily the same thing. Brow gels usually include stronger hold polymers designed to lock heavier brow hairs in place, whereas clear mascaras are often gentler and more flexible,” says D’Amelio Ventre.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—professional makeup artists, many of whom have celebrity clientele—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to clear mascaras, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, finish, and finish. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet The Experts
- Lauren D’Amelio Ventre is a celebrity makeup artist, beauty educator, and founder of The Art of Enhancement, D’Amelio Cosmetics, and La Ve Da Beauty.
- Brielle Pollara is a professional makeup artist and licensed esthetician based between New York and New Jersey.
