The Best Non-Clumping Mascaras
We all want different things out of our mascara whether it be lengthening, volumising or curling – the list is endless. But, there’s one thing that we’re all trying to avoid and that’s the dreaded clump.
There’s nothing worse than creating a perfectly blended eyeshadow look, only for it to be destroyed in just a few seconds by clumpy mascara; we’ve all been there! Keen to get to the bottom of why mascara can clump in the first place, I’ve put together some tips to avoid your mascara from clumping as well as my top three mascaras for creating perfectly separated lashes – with not a clump in sight!
Why is my mascara clumping?
All is going well, then all of a sudden, you’re presented with a huge clump of mascara on your lower lashes plus another right in the middle of your upper lashes that’s got ‘I’m going to ruin your eye makeup’ written all over it – does this sound familiar? If it does, it could be for a number of reasons; here are the most common:
You have too much mascara on your wand – although the tube is supposed to avoid this from happening sometimes a little too much product ends up on the brush. If your brush looks a little overloaded, simply wipe it on the rim of the tube to rid it of any excess mascara.
You’ve applied too many coats – there’s no harm in applying more than one coat of mascara, especially if you’re trying to add volume. However, you know that saying ‘too much of a good thing’? – that applies to mascara, especially those that contain fibres. My advice? Don’t overdo it – two to three coats, maximum.
You’re applying it wrong – for upper lashes, start from the base and brush out to the tips. For lower lashes (which tend to be shorter on most people) it can be more difficult to brush them out so instead, use a side-to-side zig-zag motion to ensure each lash is coated.
You didn’t wash all your mascara off from the day before – mascara can be one of the most difficult makeup products to remove, and as a result, can often be left undetected on the lashes even after you’ve cleansed. This can cause clumps the next time you apply your mascara. The solution? Create a super-clean base by taking a cotton pad soaked with eye makeup remover and swiping it over your eyes before applying your makeup, just to make sure every last trace has gone.
Your mascara has expired – is your mascara no longer delivering? It’s time to throw it away. A mascara lasts around three months – discover more about the shelf life of your makeup here.
1. Best For Clump-Free Volume…
Product: Benefit they’re Real! Lengthening Mascara
Why it’s clump-free: the combination of its silky smooth formula and grippy bristles that separate lashes with ease as you apply.
Wand: its custom-designed applicator brush means you can use it either horizontally or vertically to evenly coat lashes.
Longevity: it didn’t budge throughout the day.
Special features in addition to being non-clumping:
• Long-wearing formula
• Buildable, so you can create a natural or more dramatic effect.
• Dome-tipped brush
Consistently rated one of the best non-clumping mascaras out there, Benefit they’re Real! Lengthening Mascara is an icon because it ticks so many boxes when it comes to what it can do for your lashes. Although it markets itself as a lengthening mascara, it does so much more than this. The unique bristles ‘grab’ each lash as you comb through the formula to ensure it’s evenly distributed for a perfect, clump-free, finish. One coat provides a natural lengthened effect, coat two is where you can amp up the density of your lashes and if you’re really going to town, try a third coat – you’ll be amazed at the clump-free volume it adds!
3. Best For No-Clump Definition…
Product: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Extension Mascara
Why it’s clump-free: polymer-rich formula glides onto lashes.
Wand: lightweight slender wand with a long thin brush that makes it easy to reach each lash, even for those with smaller eyes.
Longevity: it flaked only a little bit for me after 10 hours of wear on a hot humid day, overall very good longevity.
Special features in addition to being non-clumping:
• Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
• Improves the health of lashes thanks to SRP – a fortifying polymer that will smooth lashes over time and make them stronger and more structured.
• Fragrance-free.
Many people rave about this mascara for its clump-free capabilities and I can see why. With a hypoallergenic formula suitable for even the most sensitive eyes, this mascara is for everyone. In just one coat, it makes my lashes look denser, longer and perfectly separated and so easy to apply without clumps thanks to its long, slender brush that picks up just the right amount of product and evenly distributes it through the lashes.