The biggest makeup trends of 2026 look set to have one thing in common—they’re natural yet incredibly polished. Unlike the “clean girl” aesthetic, which has dominated in previous years, with the aim being to look like you’re not wearing a single scrap of makeup on your face, this year we are seeing a shift towards carefully-applied products (think cloud blushes and blurred lip liners) designed to softly sculpt and highlight. And, in keeping with this pared-back elevation, we’re waving goodbye to totally bare lashes and welcoming back mascara—only this time it’s clear.
“Beauty right now feels more relaxed, more confident and more considered and clear mascara fits perfectly into that mindset,” explains award-winning brow, lash and PMU artist Annemarie Enright, founder of The Brow Specialist. “Clients are more educated now and care about lash health, not just how lashes look for one night. Lash serums, lifts and products like clear mascara that often support lash condition are a huge part of that shift.”
From Limerick to London, Enright recognises that this shift towards enhancing natural features rather than totally transforming them is widespread. “It’s not just a niche trend, but a broader change in how people approach beauty,” she explains. And the best thing is that switching to a clear mascara doesn’t mean compromising entirely on results. “Clear mascaras can be used to achieve healthy, glossy lashes or a more defined and editorial wet look,” says Enright.
Ready to make the switch? Here’s everything you need to know about the best clear mascaras.
The Best Clear Mascaras
1. E.l.f. Clear Brow & Lash Mascara
E.l.f. Cosmetics
Clear Brow & Lash Mascara
If you’re looking for a clear mascara that makes your lashes look untouched in the best way, then this is it. An absolute bargain at just £4, this mascara is simple, lightweight and entirely fuss-free—a dream for someone like me who skips mascara most days because I end up with it smudged all over my face, but misses the lift and polish that mascara gives. This one separates lashes, subtly lifts and leaves lashes with an undeniably glossy polish. It makes me feel more groomed and put together, and I love how quickly I can throw it on. Bonus points for the fact that there’s a decent, clear brow gel on the other end too.
Pros
- Affordable
- Dries fast
Cons
- Might need to reapply if wearing all day
(Image credit: Mica Ricketts)
2. MCoBeauty Xtendlash Clear Mascara
MCoBeauty
Xtendlash Clear Mascara
A great middle ground between makeup and lash care, this clear mascara not only instantly lengthens and separates lashes, but it defines them beautifully too. I don’t curl my lashes or have lash lifts, but industry pals have told me that this works especially well on locking in the shape you’ve created without adding extra weight. Plus, it’s also infused with extracts to help brittle lashes retain moisture and promote lash growth and density. So, in theory, the more you wear it, the better your lashes will be.
Pros
- Extends and lengthens
- Glossy finish
Cons
- Not great for volume
3. The Ordinary Lash Curl Finisher
The Ordinary
Lash Curl Finisher
Like The Ordinary’s skincare products, this clear mascara is all about performance, and it really does deliver on lifting lashes and holding a curl. It works particularly well to lock in the shape after using a lash curler, but genuinely makes a difference to lashes when worn alone, too. It uses film-forming technology for that flexible longevity and squalane to condition and moisturise, yet the finish is invisible on the lashes and layers well under or over other mascaras too. If you love the effect of a curled lash but often find that they fall flat fast, then this would make a great addition to your routine.
Pros
- Locks in curl
- Lifts and holds
Cons
- Very minimal look
4. Collection Colour Lash All Day Wear Mascara Clear
Collection
Colour Lash All Day Wear Mascara Clear
Clear mascaras are brilliant for a natural makeup look, but often don’t deliver on longevity. This one from Collection, however, will last from the moment you apply it in the morning until the second you remove it at night. It’s not particularly glossy or rich in conditioning ingredients, but this means that it really works if it’s structure, lift and definition that you’re after. Once applied, your lashes will be set neatly in place and will stay there all day. A brilliantly dependable option for days when you need makeup that works.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Can feel slightly drying
5. Clarins Lash & Brow Double Fix Mascara
Clarins
Lash & Brow Double Fix Mascara
This is the clear mascara I reach for when I want lashes to look groomed, glossy and perfectly in place. It has a flexible hold that sets lashes without stiffness, making them look naturally fuller and more defined. I love it worn alone for a clean yet polished finish or layered over mascara to add shine and longevity. It won’t bring the drama, but this is a really considered formula that quietly elevates your entire makeup look—no reapplication required.
Pros
- Flexible hold
- Shiny, polished lashes
Cons
- Subtle impact on length and curl
6. 17 Brow + Lash Lamination Clear Mascara
17
Brow + Lash Lamination Clear Mascara
As the name suggests, this is a clear mascara with a purpose—it aims to recreate that sculpted, slick look of a brow lamination rather than give a barely-there effect. The result is a formula that provides a noticeable lift and hold and keeps lashes upright and separated with an almost wet-look effect. The only downside to this is that the formula is quite sticky and thick, so you might need to wipe the brush off the first few times you use it, or it can be a bit messy.
Pros
- Slick, glossy finish
- Separates and holds
Cons
- Quite a wet formula
7. Barry M Eyes Wide Strengthening & Conditioning Clear Mascara
Barry M
Eyes Wide Strengthening & Conditioning Clear Mascara
Arguably more of a lash treatment than a traditional makeup product, this conditioning clear mascara coats lashes with moisture to improve their overall health and strength. Perfect for when your lashes need a bit of a break, but you still want them to look sheeny and well cared for, the glycerin and green tea formula will add a soft gloss while keeping them hydrated. Alone, it doesn’t deliver hugely on impact, but layered up and left on lashes overnight will mean you wake to them looking fuller and feeling beautifully conditioned.
Pros
- Conditioning
- Soft on the lashes
Cons
- Not very strong hold
What is Clear Mascara?
When asking people what their desert island beauty product is, nine times out of 10, they say mascara. And the best clear mascaras have all of the same characteristics of our favourite coloured formulas—they lift, curl and thicken—but far more naturally and, crucially, without any of the pigment.
“Clear mascara is really about enhancing what’s already there rather than transforming the lashes completely. It gives definition, separation and a healthy sheen without the heaviness of black mascara,” explains Enright. “Especially on lifted lashes, a clear mascara lets the curl do the work, which is exactly what you want after a good lash lift. The clients that I work with in both London and Ireland love the overall effect of a more natural, polished, but effortless look which feels very current.”
How to Use Clear Mascara
In terms of application, it’s unsurprisingly very similar to your usual mascara, although Enright points to the importance of being “a bit more intentional” and slowing down. “Work from the root with a gentle wiggle of the wand, then comb through to separate. You can also coat the top of the lashes without the risk of getting black mascara all over the lid, which is great when you want something quick and low-maintenance,” Enright explains.
Unlike coloured mascaras, one coat will usually do the trick and, if you do decide you want more length or lift, Enright says that it’s easy to reapply as you don’t get the same flaking or clumping that you do with traditional mascaras. “A lot of clear mascaras now sit somewhere between makeup and lash care. Because they’re not focused on colour or heavy volume, many formulas include conditioning ingredients like pro-vitamin B5, glycerin or light oils to help keep lashes hydrated and healthy, so they tend to feel lighter,” she says.
How We Tested
(Image credit: Mica Ricketts)
As well as testing these clear mascaras myself (for reference, I have quite short, naturally curly lashes and tend to skip wearing coloured mascaras most days as I’m a serial face toucher), I called on beauty editor pals, the wider Who What Wear UK team and industry experts like Enright to share their picks. We tested a range and considered how well they curled, lengthened and separated lashes, as well as how well they cared for our lash health. Consider these your staples for glossy, nourished lashes.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts, including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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