13 Best Non-Clumping Mascaras Of All Time – 2023’s Top Picks

Flawless eye makeup is no longer a dream because these non-clumping mascaras exist.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Hickman, Hair & Makeup Artist
Written by Srijita De, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Edited by Srijani Roy Chowdhury, Certified In Makeup Artistry, Certified Style & Image Consultant
Fact-checked by Asmita De  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

If you are on the hunt for the best non-clumping mascaras that give your lashes a clean finish, then you are at the right place! Mascaras can either make or break your whole look. You do not want a product on your lashes that leaves a goopy mess and makes the lashes sticky so that they end up resembling spider legs! Understanding this situation, we have created a list of the 13 most effective mascaras that do not clump and distribute evenly.

Just like your regular mascaras, these too give your lashes the required volume, curl, and length. But the difference is, they provide you with a clump-free finish too. It does not matter if your lashes are short or long; these products will give you the best results ever. So, scroll down and check out the list to take your pick.

Top Picks
CHECK PRICE
Best Long-Lasting Option: Vivienne Sabó Cabaret Première Artistic Volume Mascara – Black
Price on Amazon
Best Vegan Formula: COVERGIRL Clump Crusher Extensions Mascara By LashBlast - Very Black
Price on Amazon
Best Hypoallergenic Formula: Maybelline New York Full 'N Soft Washable Mascara - Washable Very Black
Price on Amazon
Best Lightweight Formula: L'Oreal Paris Bambi Eye Mascara - Washable Black Noir
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart
Best For Contact Lens Wearers: Mary Kay Lash Love Waterproof Mascara - I Love BlackPrice on Amazon
Best Smudge-Resistant Mascara: Benefit They're Real! Lengthening Mascara – Black
Price on Amazon
Best Waterproof Formula: Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara–Black
Price on Amazon
Best For Volume: Buxom Lash Volumizing Mascara – Black
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart
Best For Lash Growth: Urban Decay Perversion Volumizing Mascara – Black
Price on Amazon
Best For Sensitive Eyes: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Extension Lengthening Mascara – Black
Price on Amazon
Price on Walmart

What Does A Non-Clumping Mascara Do?

A non-clumping mascara is a formula that will give you the desired results, be it length, volume, or both without making your lashes brittle or clumping them together. However, for a clump-free result, it’s not just the formula that matters. The wand and the application technique also has a role to play. For instance, skinny or comb-like brushes work well to keep your lashes separate, which helps to minimize clumps. Likewise, when you apply mascara, always start with a small amount of product. Plus, as you layer, don’t let the mascara dry out in between. Keep layering (work as fast as you can) until you have achieved the look you want.

Ahead, you will find some of our favorite clump-free mascaras.

13 Best Non-Clumping Mascaras Of 2023 For Voluminous Lashes

1. Best Long-Lasting Option: Vivienne Sabó Cabaret Première Artistic Volume Mascara – Black

4.2
Vivienne Sabó Paris - Mascara Cabaret Premiere Image: Vivienne Sabó Paris

There are very few non-clumpy mascaras that can magnify your lashes and also separate them beautifully. This mascara not only does that but also keeps your lashes clump-free. One coat is all it takes to create voluminous and defined lashes that have a natural look. This mascara formula is ultra-lightweight, which means you could also go for the full, fanned-out volume look by applying multiple coats and not worry about clumping. The best part about this clump-free mascara is its petite wand that ensures to coat each and every lash, even the hard-to-reach ones. This product stays put for long without smudging and is a bestseller on Amazon with more than 22,000 reviews. So, go ahead and say au revoir to spidery lashes.

Pros

  • Easy to remove
  • Long-lasting formula
  • Delivers intense color
  • Does not flake or transfer
  • Gives your lashes natural-looking volume
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  •  May take a long time to dry

protip_icon Quick Tip
Blinking your lashes on the mascara wand can help define and volumize the lashes quickly.

Why It’s Worth Buying: It has gained over 22,517 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
Price at the time of publication: $19.95

2. Best Vegan Formula: COVERGIRL Clump Crusher Extensions Mascara By LashBlast – Very Black

Build attractive, clump-free lashes with every single swipe with the help of this Clump Crusher Extensions Mascara. With more than 4,000 reviews, this is an Amazon favorite for good reasons. This no-clump mascara delivers immense volume and rich color and takes your existing lashes to great heights without weighing them down. This product with an intensely pigmented formula includes a unique curved brush that features 2 sides. The straight bristle edge coats your lashes from root-to-tip for massive volume, while the fine-tooth comb evenly coats and separates your lashes for a no-clump result. Check out the honest review and demo of the COVERGIRL Clump Crusher Extensions Mascara By LashBlast in this video.

Pros

  •  100% vegan
  •  Cruelty-free
  •  Adds volume without clumping
  •  Delivers 20 times more volume
  •  Features a double-sided brush

Cons

  •  May not be long-wearing

protip_icon Quick Tip
Never layer your mascara with more than three coats if you want to avoid flakes.

Why It’s Worth Buying: The product has received 4,053 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
Price at the time of publication: $7.99

3. Best Hypoallergenic Formula: Maybelline New York Full ‘N Soft Washable Mascara – Washable Very Black

4.4

Get thicker and healthier lashes of your dreams with this Full ‘N Soft Washable Mascara by Maybelline New York. As the name suggests, this non-clumping mascara gives you fuller-looking lashes in an instant. Infused with vitamin E, this formula nourishes your lashes with every coat. The lash-thickening applicator brush grabs every lash and evenly coats them to help you achieve separated and well-coated lashes. Thanks to its Quick Dissolve System, this non-clumping mascara is easy to remove, which, in turn, minimizes lash loss while offering soft, feathery lashes. With over 11,000 rave Amazon reviews, this is a crowd-favorite that you must give a try.

Pros

  •  Hypoallergenic
  •  Lash-thickening formula
  •  Easy to remove
  •  Suitable for contact lens wearers
  •  Creates fuller and healthy-looking lashes

Cons

  •  May smudge a few hours after application

protip_icon Pro Tip
Use a liner brush or a small fan brush to apply mascara on your bottom lashes for a feathery and mess-free look.

Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 9,056 rave reviews on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $6.98

4. Best Lightweight Formula: L’Oreal Paris Bambi Eye Mascara – Washable Black Noir

4.3

The Bambi Eye Mascara by L’Oreal Paris has over 8,000 reviews on Amazon and is considered one of the best non-clumping drugstore mascaras for small eyes. True to its name, this lash magnifying mascara has the ability to make your eyes look bigger and more awake by giving your lashes colossal volume and a slight curl. Aside from that, this formula is intensely pigmented and contains pearls to give your lashes a bold, glossy appearance. The included wide-eyed brush of this stretch volumizing mascara featuring long and short bristles offers an even application while separating lashes. Rest assured, it glides on smoothly without clumping. Go through this video to check out the detailed review and demo of this amazing separating mascara.

Pros

  •  Washable mascara
  •  Adds volume and definition
  •  Smudge and flake-free
  •  Delivers intense color and shine
  •  Gives you curled and elongated lashes

Cons

  •  May not have good staying power

protip_icon Quick Tip
If you are using fake lashes, apply a thin coat of mascara to your natural lashes before attaching the falsies for a seamless blend between the two.

Price at the time of publication: $9.59

5. Best For Contact Lens Wearers: Mary Kay Lash Love Waterproof Mascara – I Love Black

4.3
Mary Kay Lash Love Waterproof Mascara - I Love Black Image: Mary Kay

If you want exceptional volume and definition, look no further than the Mary Kay Lash Love Waterproof Mascara. This formula comes with a flexible, sculpted brush that captures every lash, even the tiny ones, to separate and evenly coat them. All while the Mary Kay Panthenol-Pro Complex® and vitamin E elements in this conditioning mascara, moisturizes, and strengthens your lashes and prevents breakage. So, after every application, all you will be left with are soft, well-defined, and non-clumpy lashes.

Pros

  •  Fragrance-free
  •  Waterproof formula
  •  Flake and smudge-free
  •  Ophthalmologist-tested
  •  Deeply pigmented formula
  •  Suitable for contact lens wearers

Cons

  • May not be suitable for sensitive eyes
Price at the time of publication: $19.4

6. Best Smudge-Resistant Mascara: Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara – Black

4.5
Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara – Black Image: Benefitcosmetics.

Achieve dramatically lengthened and volumized lashes no matter where you go with the travel-sized version of this drugstore lengthening and non-smudging mascara by Benefit! This non-clumping formula also curls, lifts, and separates your lashes, thanks to its custom-designed applicator brush. Use this brush horizontally for the staggered bristles to coat your lashes evenly from base to tip. Meanwhile, when used vertically, the domed tip can grab even the tiniest of lashes and the hard-to-reach ones in the inner and outer corners of your eyes. This is a long-wearing mascara that doesn’t clump into flakes or smudge to give you raccoon-like eyes. This is one of the best mascaras with a lash comb applicator in the market.

Pros

  •  Smudge-resistant
  •  Jet black, glossy finish
  •  Features a domed-tip brush
  •  Gives you bigger and bolder lashes

Cons

  •  Its consistency might be too thin.
Price at the time of publication: $13.99

7. Best Waterproof Formula: Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara–Black

4.4
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara Image: Clinique

The Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara is designed to deliver instant length and volume to your lashes. It helps you achieve lusher and bolder eyelashes that look like you are wearing falsies. The mascara features a twisted wire brush that combs the lashes as it deposits even pigment on them. The product is resistant to heat and humidity and is long-wearing. It comes off easily with a makeup remover without tugging and pulling the lashes.

Pros

  • Suitable for sensitive eyes
  • Suitable for contact lens wearers
  • Ophthalmologist-tested
  • Clump-free formula
  • Smudge-proof
  • Humidity-resistant
  • Long-wearing

Cons

  • Dries out quickly
Price at the time of publication: $20.98

8. Best For Volume: Buxom Lash Volumizing Mascara – Black

4.4
Buxom Lash Volumizing Mascara – Black Image: Buxomcosmetics

The Buxom Lash Volumizing Mascara defines your eyes and lengthens your eyelashes to impart a fanned-out look. Get thrice the volume and no clumps with one simple stroke. The highly dense lash brush that is shaped like an hourglass coats every lash and makes your eyes open up and look beautiful. Formulated with rose water and enriched with vitamin E and antioxidants, the lashes get naturally conditioned and lifted. Nourish your lashes and get a glossy and leathery black look every single day.

Pros

  • No clump formula
  • Fanned-look
  •  3x volume
  •  Natural nourishment
  •  Zero mascara clumps
  •  Easy to apply and remove

Cons

  •  The mascara is not waterproof.
Price at the time of publication: $23

9. Best For Lash Growth: Urban Decay Perversion Volumizing Mascara – Black

4.5
Urban Decay Perversion Volumizing Mascara Image: Urban Decay

Do you believe that black and bold eyelashes are only possible when you wear false lashes? Skip the time and effort you otherwise spend on falsies as there is nothing that gets blacker and bolder than this mascara. Formulated with a creamy texture and hyper-pigmented with intense black color, this is one mascara that doesn’t clump yet builds on thicker. You can get the ultimate feathery lashes for that fanned look — thanks to the tapered criss-cross brush that lengthens and lifts even the smallest lash. The mascara is enriched with honey to deeply condition your lashes and is formulated with amino acids and sea hydrolyzed elastin to promote lash growth.

Pros

  •  Feathery, fanned-out look
  •  Promotes lash growth
  •  Nourishes and conditions
  •  Vegan mascara
  •  Cruelty-free

Cons

  •  Some may find the hard to remove
Price at the time of publication: $26

10. Best For Sensitive Eyes: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Extension Lengthening Mascara – Black

4.1
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Extension Lengthening Mascara – Black Image: Laroche-posay

Craving for dramatic eyes but eyes and skin too sensitive? Define your lashes and give it a smooth and long effect with this amazing non-flaking mascara.The mascara is free from parabens and allergens and also fragrance-free and ophthalmologist-tested. You can achieve intense volume by applying several layers and using the 2-sided brush and there will not be any extra clumps of mascara left on the lashes. Get this non-irritating mascara to have lashes that are separated and well-coated to make your eyes look better.

Pros

  •  Formulated for sensitive eyes and skin
  •  Paraben free
  •  Smooth texture
  •  Ophthalmologist-tested

Cons

  •  The brush dries up quickly
Price at the time of publication: $25

11. Best Buildable Formula: Revlon Volumazing Mascara–Blackest Black (901)

4.3
Revlon Volumazing Mascara–Blackest Black (901) Image: Revlon

If you want to achieve beautifully fluffy, fanned-out lashes, try out the Revlon Volumazing Mascara. Its turn-it-up brush features wavy bristles that offer a curling effect to your lashes. The rich, inky-colored mascara adds a rich color to your lashes and makes them appear longer and thicker. This ultra-creamy mascara contains olive oil and carnauba wax that nourish your lashes. The volumizing effect of the product is long-lasting and remains unaffected by humidity and perspiration.

Pros

  • Highly pigmented
  • Waterproof
  • Humidity-resistant
  • Creamy formula
  • Smudge-proof
  • Flake-proof

Cons

  • Dries out quickly
Price at the time of publication: $5

12. Best Ophthalmologist-Tested: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara–Black

The Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara contains film-forming polymers that help keep your lashes in place. The formula is infused with Acai Senegal tree extracts that volumize your lashes and peptides that infuse your lashes with plumping benefits. This non-toxic and non-irritating mascara comes with an hourglass-shaped brush, featuring extra stiff bristles that help create an effortless fake lash effect.

Pros

  • Suitable for contact lens wearers
  • Suitable for sensitive eyes
  • Easy to apply
  • Paraben-free
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Not smudge-proof
Why It’s Worth Buying: The product has more than 10,595 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Price at the time of publication: $19.65

13. Best Sweat-Resistant Formula: D-UP Volume Extension Mascara – Black

Unlike a few other volumizing mascaras that tend to flake, this D-UP Volume Extension Mascara creates voluminous eyelashes sans clumping. This is a clump-free waterproof mascara that separates lashes and doesn’t smudge, come sweat, rain, or tears. Plus, it is formulated to last for 24 hours straight. That said, this clump-free waterproof mascara is also easy to remove with warm water. This all-day wear mascara features a 3-D structure brush that provides a smooth and uniform application. What we love the most about this smooth formula is that it contains 10 types of beauty serums that promote healthier and stronger lashes.

Pros

  •  Lasts all day long
  •  Clump-free volume
  •  Smudge-proof
  •  Sweat-resistant
  •  Lends thick and voluminous lashes

Cons

  •  May not curl lashes
Price at the time of publication: $22

Now that you have taken a look at some of the best non-clumpy mascaras, here are a few tips that will help you buy the right mascara and apply it without creating clumps.

How To Choose A Non-Clumping Mascara

If you want eyes that are dramatic and dazzling, picking the right lash-effect mascara matters a lot. Here are a few things that you need to look into while choosing one.

1. Texture

There is a wide range of mascaras, right from the glossy and creamy textured ones to matte finished ones. Feathery eyelashes are achieved when you use an excellent creamy mascara that does not clump and comes with a good lashes-coating brush. Mascaras formulated with natural ingredients and vitamins are a good choice to enhance the natural texture of the lashes.

2. Composition

Naturally composed products are the safest. Avoid picking up a mascara that has chemicals infused in it. There are a lot of mascaras formulated with vitamin E, amino acids, rose water, and other such products. The products are gentle on the eyes and are considered to be hypoallergenic. Amino acids and vitamin E boost the growth of your lashes and keep them healthy. Get one such natural anti-clump mascara to keep your eyes safe from chemical reactions and allergies.

3. How long it lasts

How would it be if you beautifully adorned your eyes with a good non-clumping mascara in the day and ended up looking like a raccoon at night? Yes, if the mascara is not a long-lasting one, it would smudge and make your eyes look extremely bad. Get a long lasting and mascara that won’t flake to keep your eyes looking beautiful all day long.

4. Type of wand/brush

Not all mascaras and wands are built alike and you need to first figure out which specific purpose you want the wand for. The classic mascara wand is a great choice to make your lashes look thick and voluminous but may not reach the smaller lashes as well as you would want it to. A curved comb wand has thinner bristles than a classic wand and is a stellar choice if you want to curl your lashes upwards but may not offer intense volume. On the other hand, a tapered wand is best used to reach the smaller lashes in the corner of your eyes while a ball-tipped wand is useful in coating the lower lashes.

How To Apply Mascara Without Clumping

  •  Always apply a small amount of product when you are starting off. After you take out the wand from the tube, wipe off the excess  product at the edge of the tube.
  •  Start with a single coat of your favorite mascara that doesn’t flake and will surely not make your lashes clumpy.
  •  Place the wand at the base of your upper lashes and wiggle it back and forth till you reach the tip. Don’t use too much pressure while applying. Do this on the lower lashes too.
  •  If you prefer to apply multiple coats, wait for the mascara to set (not dry out) between each layer.
  •  Use the mascara brush vertically to coat your tiny lashes at the inner and outer corners of your eyes.
  • Most non-clumping and non-flaking mascaras feature bristles that ensure to separate your lashes and remove any buildup. Alternatively, you could use an eyelash comb or brush to comb your lashes.

Although clumpy mascara seems to be the trend, not everyone likes to have spider-leg lashes. You know what you need and what suits you. Choose a good non-clumping mascara for your eyes based on the texture, composition, and application and never stop looking beautiful.

Infographic: 6 Mascara Mistakes to Avoid

A little swipe of mascara can transform your eye makeup game. Unfortunately, many of us end up committing a few mistakes that make our lashes look dull. Worry not! Check out the infographic below to find out about the common mistakes and make sure to avoid them.

6 Mascara Mistakes To Avoid (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

As the name suggests, non-clumping mascaras provide a clean, smooth, and clump-free finish! The Vivienne Sabó Cabaret Première Artistic Volume Mascara delivers an intense color payoff and adds definition to the lashes, while the COVERGIRL Clump Crusher Extensions Mascara By LashBlast offers perfect lash separation and coats them evenly for a bold look. The Maybelline New York Full ‘N Soft Washable Mascara thickens and nourishes lashes for a fuller and healthy-looking appearance. Once you try these mascaras, your lashes will not look messy. Non-clumping mascaras are best suited for beginners as they offer mess-free application but do not compromise on volume, curl, and length. For best results, use products that are made of ultra-lightweight formula but provide defined lashes upon usage. For convenience, steer clear of the mascaras that take a long time to dry!

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Srijita De, is a makeup enthusiast. She knows what it’s like to have mascara clumped up, leaving your eyes sticky and messy. She has conducted thorough research by reading through product formulations on websites to give you the finest non-clumping mascaras to buy. What sets these mascaras apart from your regular ones is that they magnify your lashes and give you a gorgeous and lump-free look.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop my mascara from clumping?

• Use a mascara that keeps lashes soft.
• Use a wand that coats your lashes evenly and separates them.
• Don’t apply too much product initially.
• Wiggle the brush back and forth during application.

Why does my mascara clump on my lashes?

There are various reasons why your mascara could clump on your lashes. Some of the most common mistakes are overdoing it, using an expired product, not following the right technique, or not separating your lashes with a comb.

What is the best natural-looking mascara?

The Vivienne Sabó Cabaret Première Artistic Volume Mascara is an ideal choice for its clump-free finish and lightweight formula..

How do you remove non-clumping mascaras?

Dab makeup remover on a cotton pad to gently wipe away your non-clumping mascara. If your mascara is waterproof, you have to use an oil-based cleanser.

Do non-clumping mascaras expire?

Yes, the shelf life of any mascara is around three months after opening the bottle.

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