Face:

When I first made the switch to vegan cosmetics, mascara was my biggest challenge.  Even the “natural” products seemed to all contain beeswax, at the very least.  After a little research, and some good ol’ trial and error, I found three mascaras I felt good about.  Since [...]]]> Special guest post by Keri of I Eat Trees

When I first made the switch to vegan cosmetics, mascara was my biggest challenge.  Even the “natural” products seemed to all contain beeswax, at the very least.  After a little research, and some good ol’ trial and error, I found three mascaras I felt good about.  Since vegan cosmetic brands can be a bit more difficult to find, having a few products in my repertoire lets me be more open to availability and saves me the panic when my favorite beauty stop is out of my usual.  No, mascara probably isn’t vital to my survival, but what can I say?  It makes me happy and it’s right up there with pants as far as things I’d prefer not to leave the house without.  And we all know the search for the perfect mascara doesn’t end when you go vegan.

The first vegan mascara I purchased was Zuzu Luxe The Mascara, which had the aforementioned issue of being dried out and old.  It took me receiving another tube as a gift to appreciate the product.  Zuzu Luxe’s mascara is a thicker formulation than most I have tried, but goes on evenly creating natural looking matte black lashes.  The product doesn’t have a strong scent, but smells clean and slightly herbal.  The brush is stiff and dense with uniform length bristles for smooth application that dries quickly.  This mascara is a good go-to for those who want a more natural and less dramatic lash.  The product doesn’t build to dramatic so well, and can flake if too much is applied.  I found Zuzu Luxe The Mascara for $18 at Whole Foods, but have also seen it available many places online.

Zuzu Luxe Mascara, $18

Next, I came across Lavera Volume Mascara at Target.  I was excited to find such a widely available retailer to have a vegan beauty brand and grabbed up the mascara in black.  This product contains organic jojoba and rose and the formula is very smooth to the point of seeming “soft”.  Lavera’s Volume Mascara creates long glossy lashes that to the touch, almost feel naked.  The brush is small and plush, making it easy to get into corners and completely coat the lash.  This mascara is great for anyone who wants natural beauty with a little extra length.  Despite the name, the smoothness makes the product a little difficult to build, therefore creating a more subtle drama.  This mascara might not be for you if you have oily lids or are on your way to the gym because it tends to smear if provoked.  I picked up Lavera Volume Mascara at Target for $16 and I’ve seen it on sale quite often.

Lavera Volume Mascara, $16

My most recent favorite has to be Beauty Without Cruelty Full Volume in black.  This mascara actually provides on the volume and hasn’t flaked or smeared on me yet.  It is very buildable and works well with layering over or under another product for a big night out.  The finish isn’t as glossy as Lavera or as matte as Zuzu Luxe, but somewhere happily in between.  While the scent of this one is slightly more synthetic, it’s not at all noticeable unless you make a habit of sniffing your mascara for reviews, as I do.  BWC’s Full Volume has a big, plush applicator brush to thicken, lengthen, and coat evenly.  The larger brush can be more difficult to get each little lash in the corners, but if you’re having an especially important lash day, going in with a smaller tool is always an option.  I purchased Beauty Without Cruelty Full Volume Mascara at a local natural market for $13, but this is another one fairly easy to find online.

Beauty Without Cruelty Full Volume, $13

One tip with vegan mascaras, at least in my largely nonvegan community, check dates and if need be, ask questions.  It isn’t worth wasting $15-$20 on a product that has been sitting on the shelf for nearly a year getting dried out and stinky!  I haven’t had a clumping problem with any of my favorites, and since I currently have a tube of all three, switch between them depending on my mood.  If for some strange reason I was forced to pick only one, I would hold on to my Beauty Without Cruelty Full Volume for it’s length, volume, and buildability.  I’m grateful to have come across a few great vegan cosmetics because after all, there’s nothing beautiful about cruelty.

What are some of your favorite vegan mascaras?

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