Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when shopping for a no-clump mascara?
“When shopping for a nonclumping mascara, take a good look at the type of wand it has, but also the viscosity of the formula,” says Williamson. Formulas that are infused with hydrating ingredients like castor oil or lash serums tend to coat lashes more thinly, which leads to less clumping as you build layers, she says.
What is the best type of mascara wand for no clumps?
Curved and hourglass wands are the best to look for when shopping. Spickard recommends opting for one of these that will comb through lashes easily. “Bonus if it has a comblike component to it as well! This allows you to coat the lashes with mascara on one side and comb through on the other,” he says. If the mascara has a molded brush (with really thin spikes), this can also help to separate lashes and avoid clumps better than traditional bristles, Williamson says.
Do tubing mascaras not clump?
For the most part, tubing mascaras don’t clump, but the makeup artists we spoke with recommend proceeding with caution. “If you apply too many layers of a tubing mascara, it can get clumpy, so remember that less is more,” says Williamson.
How can you avoid clumpy mascara, besides choosing the right product?
Spickard says the best way to avoid clumpy mascara is by knowing how to apply it. “After completing your eye makeup, use an eyelash curler to lift and prep your lashes. Then, start from the root of the lash using a fine brushing or rocking motion back and forth from root to tip. If you see any clumps, brush through with a clean spoolie or lash comb to separate the lashes,” he says. Next, and this step is very important, make sure that the first coat is completely dry before adding any other coats. “You’re building the foundation for subsequent layers,” he says. Repeat the process until you’re at your desired thickness for a natural look.
How to fix clumpy mascara
If you’re unfortunately dealing with already clumpy mascara, there are a few ways to fix it, according to the artists we spoke with. “My biggest tip is not to immediately add more mascara. If you’ve already created a clump, adding another layer usually just gives you more product that you then have to work through,” says Lauren D’Amelio, a New-Jersey based makeup artist.
While the mascara is still workable, use a spoolie to separate and comb through the lashes to redistribute excess product. “I recently switched to one with flexible, rubber-style teeth rather than the traditional sharp metal lash combs, and I absolutely love it. I find it much more comfortable and user-friendly, especially when you’re working so close to the eye,” she says.
Timing is of the essence here, as you’ll want to comb through your lashes while the mascara is still wet. “Pay attention to excess mascara accumulating at the tips of the lashes as well. Sometimes simply combing through and removing that excess gives you a cleaner, more elongated-looking lash without adding another drop of mascara,” D’Amelio says.
How we evaluated the best no-clump mascaras
We tested the best mascaras by evaluating ingredients, pigmentation, and brush shape, as well as longevity without flaking or clumping.
| Ingredients | Pigmentation and brush shape | Longevity |
|---|---|---|
| Most of the mascaras that made the cut included ingredients such as castor oil for hydration and peptides for a lash-plumping effect. Some formulas featured tubing technology—polymers that wrap around the lash like a tube to elongate without clumping. | We also evaluated how pigmented the formulas were, plus how easy the brushes were to manipulate and coat our lashes. Those that made the cut had pigmented but smooth formulas, as well as contour-style or thin brushes that made it easy to saturate each lash. | Finally, we looked at the longevity of each mascara and how well it lasted throughout the day without clumping or flaking off. All of these mascaras did a great job of holding up against sweat, hot subways, windy walks to work, and nights out. They avoided clumps both during reapplication and after hours of wear. |
