Clump-free lashes await with these top 5 mascaras

If you've spent any time online lately, you'll know that the clean girl aesthetic is still going strong, with people ditching clumpy, overdone mascara application and instead opting for a minimalistic 'your lashes but better' look.

As someone with thick but straight lashes, I have always found mascara application particularly challenging, because the line between 'clean girl' and over the top is very fine.

If I apply too much, my lashes stick together and quite frankly, look ridiculous... but if I don't apply enough, then I might as well not have anything on, because you won't even be able to tell.

I can't tell you the number of times I have had to remove my eye makeup and start over from mascara application gone wrong, and it led me to wonder how these clean girls are achieving such an effortless look with their mascara?!

But then it hit me, the key to perfect mascara application lies in the wand... more specifically, a small and precise wand.

Before this, I thought that a small wand equalled less volume and lift, but after years of trial and error, I realised this wasn't actually the case.

So if you want to achieve the clean-girl look but keep encountering clumpy mascara, you're not alone. I have been on a mission to find some of the best clump-free mascaras on the market, and here are five of my favourites.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.

Merit Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara

Here for $44

This tubing mascara from Merit is perfect for those who want length and volume without the bulk. The precision brush helps to create a feathery look by separating each lash, and the tubing formula means you won't get any clumping or smudging.

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

Here for $58

In my opinion, Hourglass can do no wrong, consistently formulating great products that actually work!

This Unlocked Instant Extension Mascara features a series of smaller bristles that work to coat each lash in the lengthening and lifting formula.

Lancome Lash Idole Mascara

Here for $66

This right here is easily one of my favourite mascaras, thanks to the uniquely curved wand that is perfectly contoured to the eye shape. This means that each swipe coats every lash and gently separates them with shorter bristles on the inner corner, and larger ones in the centre.

Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula

Here for $50

If you have sensitive eyes, then let me introduce you to this Clinique Lash Power Mascara, which has a 24-hour staying power, is flake-resistant, and has been formulated to be smudge-proof.

The unique detailing brush makes sure to separate and lengthen even the tiniest of lashes, plus it has been ophthalmologist-tested, so it is safe for sensitive eyes.

Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumising Mascara

Here for $43

The Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Mascara probably has the biggest wand out of all of these options; however, it has a large number of bristles, which are able to reach every single lash and keep them looking voluminous and separated.

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