Ideal for relaxed days when you want to look a little “done” but not too done, the best natural-looking mascaras will impart an understated yet enhanced effect on your eyelashes. Whether it’s a low-key working-from-home morning or a casual lunch with friends, they add just the right amount of volume and length without going full-blown glam.
Many of the best mascaras promise huge, exaggerated results. MEGA lashes. XXL Volume. Miles of length. But sometimes you don’t necessarily want or need full-blown lashes – which is why it’s handy to have a natural-looking mascara at your disposal. Makeup artist James Butterfield notes that it’s possible to use one you already own for a lower-impact effect. “Removing excess mascara from the wand prior to application will achieve a fresher look,” he explains, adding that those with lighter natural lashes may prefer the best brown mascara over black.
I’ll admit that my preference has historically been for the best volumising mascaras; I like low-effort, high-impact products. However, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed using these natural-looking mascaras; they looked chic and felt comfier to wear. Consider me converted. After much testing, I’ve narrowed down the very best buys for this list. Whether you’re looking for more definition or length, there’s an option here to suit every budget and preference.
The best natural looking mascaras, reviewed by our beauty editor
1. Glossier Lash Slick Mascara
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
2. Max Factor Divine Lashes Mascara
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
3. IT Cosmetics Tightline Mascara
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
4. Victoria Beckham Beauty Future Lash Mascara
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
5. Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Volumising Mascara
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
6. e.l.f Lash ‘N Roll Curling 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
7. Estée Lauder Sumptuous Rebel Mascara
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
8. Chanel Noir Allure Mascara
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
How we tested the best natural-looking mascaras
Some of the natural looking mascaras that were tested for this guide
(Image credit: Rhiannon Derbyshire)
In order to write a guide to the very best buys, I individually tested each one of the natural-looking mascaras featured here (as well as some other options that didn’t make the cut). I tested each one over a few days to ensure they had a rigorous but fair trial, as well as giving the best possible natural lash look.
I also tested mascaras from different brands, price points and styles to ensure I’d tested a wide range of formulas. To refine my list of the very best, I assessed whether they went above and beyond in terms of the following factors.
- Price
- Packaging
- Ease of application
- Comfortability of wear
- Brush size, shape and materials
- Inclusion of any beneficial ingredients
- Colours available
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