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Why It's Good:
Finally, clump-free mascara that actually makes lashes look more defined. The eye-opening formula—which comes in six shades, including basic black and brown, but plum and grey as well—is enriched with super fine, plant-derived cellulose fibers that build body and even add a bit of length to lashes, without making them look or feel sticky. The new mascara also contains algae extracts to help condition lashes and prevent their breaking.
Why It's Green:
All Jane Iredale cosmetics are made free of chemical dyes; they're made with minerals, which give products like the Longest Lash Mascara their naturally beautiful hues. You won't find synthetic preservatives in Longest Lash either, as the brand uses botanicals like tea tree oil and pomegranate extract to preserve their products.
Where To Get It:
Jane Iredale products are sold in salons and spas nationwide. To find a retailer that sells Longest Lash Mascara ($32), visit the brand's web site here.
The Natural Way to Get Long, Lush Lashes
Earlier this year, I read about how Minnesota became the first state to ban mercury from use in beauty products like mascara. Mercury? In products we put so close to our eyes? Surely they were kidding—except they weren't. Though many cosmetics manufacturers have phased this toxic element out of their products, some still legally use it as a preservative. To find out if your mascara brand of choice contains this toxin, which even in small quantities can cause cancer, neurological conditions and developmental problems, check the ingredients list for words like thimerosal or mercuric, or call the product's manufacturer and ask. Another idea: Just trade in your favorite for mine, Jane Iredale's Longest Lash Mascara, which is mercury-free. This new eye-opening product doesn't coat lashes with synthetic colors or other chemicals; instead, it features pigments made purely from minerals, and algae extract—an ingredient often used in skincare products to moisturize and soothe skin—to condition and actually promote the growth of your lashes. Well, my lashes certainly look longer. With each pass of the brush, tiny, hair-like cellulose fibers (which are the structural components of plant cells) become attached to my lashes, adding length and thickness in the process. My lashes are always left looking clump-free—and most importantly, they're completely mercury-free too.—Megan O'Neill
