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Best clear mascaras for long lashes and fluffy brows, tried and tested
Your surprising MVP for lashes, brows, flyaways, and more.
Yoo hoo! Over here! I’m about to let you in on the biggest beauty hack you may or may not know about: clear mascara. Yup, probably not what you expected to hear.
Before you’re all like, huh? WTF is a clear mascara going to do if it doesn’t have any pigment?! Well, my friends, let’s break it down: a clear mascara can act as a brow gel, mascara primer, hair gel, lash definer, false lash setting gel, and even a DIY colour mascara.
Impressed yet? Cool, because I’ve tapped a few experts – celebrity makeup artist Jenna Nicole and dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara – to let you in on why this product is it. Oh, and I also rounded up the best clear mascaras out there too.
Now, before you get to the goods, I’m gonna give you a little sneak peek of the content to come (we’re friends, right? Right.) because, let’s be real, I’m sure anticipation is hiiiiiigh...
Our top picks for the best clear mascaras in 2025
Since you got a little taste, allow me to introduce you to the main course: The definitive list of the best clear mascaras – from brands like Kosas, e.l.f., and more – and every single question you may have about ’em, below.
Pros
- It's a very affordable option
- The dual-ended brush means it works well on both lashes and eyebrows
- It leaves a natural, non-crunchy finish
Cons
- The hold may fade by mid-day, especially on thicker hairs
Oh, hey! It’s the OG clear eyebrow and eyelash mascara by e.l.f. (!!). This cult-favourite clear mascara is super easy to apply, long-lasting, and gives you that natural look you’re going for. The spoolie does a decent job at lifting my lashes to look a little longer, but I particularly love the side for my brows as it makes them appear fluffy and fuller.
Considering I had this baby in my school makeup bag (er, pencil case), you bet it’s lasted the test of time.
Customer review: “I love it. I’ve tried so many products – even expensive ones – to keep my eyebrows in place, but nothing has worked as well as this! They don’t move at all, and the product lasts all day.”
Pros
- It gives a natural hold without leaving crunchy residue
- It works well to shape and fluff out the brows
Cons
- It doesn't give enough hold to lengthen lashes, although it does a good job at keeping mascara in place
Yup, I thought the same thing “No7 for a Gen Z girlie?!” I never. Well trust me when I say this high-street gem works wonders on both the lashes and brows.
The gel layers without clumping or looking like glue (which many formulas guilty of!). I also love the small, precise wand as it allows me to make small touches to my brows, creating a natural and polished look. I will say, the result on my lashes is *very* delicate, so I reach for this on no-makeup makeup days or as a primer to my mascara.
Customer review: “Love this product, particularly on my lashes. I'm post menopause, and my lashes are sparser and thinner, so popping this on first as a base is a great way to both condition and thicken lashes before putting on lash thickening mascara! It also makes the mascara stay in place, so I don't get 'panda eyes' any more.”
Pros
- The formula is so lightweight, giving natural hold
- The spoolie is small and precise, making it a great choice for eyebrows
Cons
- The spoolie is too fine to work effectively on the lashes
Even though you should only use this product on your eyebrows, that doesn’t make it any less great. If you’re into that whole laminated eyebrow look and not interested in spending the big bucks on getting it professionally done, this is the product for you. Those brows of yours ain’t going anywhere.
Customer review: “This is my favourite eyebrow gel and I’ve tried a few of the viral ones. This one sets fairly quickly but does not leave the brow hair stiff or hard to wash off. My brows stay in place all day.”
Pros
- It can be used for the brows and eyelashes
- It lends a polished look, great for no-makeup makeup days
Cons
- It offers a light hold as opposed to a strong one
- The formula is a little wet – although it doesn't leave a gloopy residue
Hello old friend! We all had a tube of Maybelline's Great Lash mascara at some point. But did you know it also comes in clear form? Yep, revolutionary. This formula is one of the best for creating a natural look, where you want to enhance your brows or lengthen your lashes without anyone knowing you're wearing makeup. It's all thanks to the detailed wand that layers on the gel without clumping.
Customer review: “This clear formula is a fantastic go-to for a natural, polished look. I appreciate how it defines and separates my lashes without adding any extra colour, making it perfect for days when I want a more subtle appearance. The brush is easy to use and helps prevent clumping, ensuring my lashes look beautifully groomed. Overall, it’s an affordable and reliable mascara that enhances my lashes while keeping things light and fresh.”
Physicians Formula Diamond Mascara
Pros
- It's enriched with peptides, vitamin E, and mineral water so it's a great option for those with sensitive eyes
- It lengthens and lifts to give a natural result
Cons
- The formula can flake off if you apply to much product
Okay, so not only will this little mascara look totally adorbs on your vanity (hi, chic packaging), but it’ll also add hella length and volume to those lashes of yours. Bonus: It’s safe for both your eyebrows and lashes!
Customer review:“This product has cute packaging, works well, and seems to extend the length and add bulk to my lashes.”
Ere Perez Aloe Gel Lash & Brow Mascara
Pros
- The formula is sweat‑ and water‑resistant, so it's a great one for the summer or sports
- It can be used on both eyelashes and eyebrows – and it's ophthalmologist-approved
Cons
- May require frequent application for all-day hold
You’ve probably heard it from your mum, your grandma, and all over the internet: Aloe vera is the sh*t, and considering this lash and brow mascara is made with it, you bet this product is too. One swipe of this bb, and you’ll condition and nourish those eyelashes and eyebrows of yours.
Customer review: “Amazing – it makes your eyebrows feel soft, not crunchy, and perfectly fluffy without the darkness. Opt for this if you’re looking for a natural look.”
How we test:
Clear mascara may seem like a pointless purchase, but it’s actually a versatile product that will always come in handy. It can be used as a brow gel, lash primer or natural mascara, although not all are created equal.
This edit features the best clear mascaras to shop for your eyebrows or lashes – or both. Each was given a well-rounded review over a few weeks to test their effect and longevity.
What is the point of clear mascara?
Clear mascara can do many things, including acting as a brow and lash gel, mascara primer, hair gel, false lash setting gel, and even a DIY colour mascara. Let’s break it down:
- Brow and lash gel: This one may be pretty self-explanatory, but a clear mascara can be used to comb unruly brows and lashes into place or emphasise the hairs to define, add volume, and lengthen them.
- Mascara primer: If you’re looking to have some holy-wow lashes, use clear mascara to bulk up the eyelashes before applying mascara – just don’t forget to let it dry first. Fun fact: Just like a face primer, mascara primer ensures that your mascara lasts all day long sans flaking.
- Hair gel: Flyaways happen, we’re all human. If you’ve got a few pesky hairs after sleeking your hair into a tight ponytail or bun, consider using clear mascara to lightly secure them into place.
- Set fake lashes: Sometimes a regular mascara may be too heavy to combine the faux lashes with your real ones. After applying your fake lashes and allowing the lash glue to set, gently comb the clear mascara through your lashes.
- DIY colour mascara: For the coolest hack yet, simply grab your favourite loose pigment and either mix it all completely into the tube of clear mascara or grab a clean, new spoolie and mix both products into the wand.
How to find the best clear mascara:
Determine what you need it for
The skin around the eyes is a particularly sensitive area, Dr. Gohara has explained to Cosmo, which is why it’s important to ensure that if the product is marketed as an eyebrow gel, it’s also safe for use on your eyelashes.
If not, using products meant for other areas can lead to irritation, bumps, redness, or even allergic reactions, she explained. To avoid this problem, determine beforehand what you need it for.
Think about the brush size and shape
As Nicole has explained to Cosmo, the main factor contributing to the results of your lashes is the wand. “A fat and fluffy applicator will give you voluminous, fat, and fluffy lashes,” Nicole said, adding that “a long, skinny, more-precise wand will give you long, skinny, clump-free lashes.” Although clear mascara won’t add pigment, this still rings true.
Meet the experts
- Jenna Nicole is a Los Angeles–based celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Selena Gomez and Cassie Randolph.
- Dr Mona Gohara is a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians in Hamden, Connecticut. Her areas of expertise include medical and surgical dermatology and skin of colour.
Why trust ‘Cosmo’?
Siena Gagliano is a contributing beauty editor at Cosmopolitan and has two years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing beauty stories and feels especially knowledgable on clear mascaras thanks to years of trying to find the best one for her unruly brows and short lashes. She regularly tests and analyses clear mascaras on herself for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top makeup artists to assess new brands and products.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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