Clumping, smearing, smudging and irritation.  These are the four biggest complaints about wearing mascara.  Fortunately, there are quite a few brands that do live up to no-clump, no-smear claims.  Before we list some of the best mascara companies, let’s talk about how these companies combat consumer complaints about everything from clumping to irritation or “red eyes”.

First, what could possibly cause eye irritation, clumping and everything else?  Chemicals, of course!  Some of the best mascaras are made without or with very limited amounts of the following chemicals or ingredients:

• Parabens (as in methylparaben etc)
• Phthalates (Dibutyl and Diethyl):
• FD&C and D&C
• Synthetic fragrance
• Diethanolamine, Triethanolamine (TEA, DEA)
• Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea
• Sodium laurel sulfate
• Propylene glycol PEG and PPG
• PVP PVA copolymers
• 1,4-dioxane
• Petrolatum-petroleum jelly
• Stearelkonium chloride

When these chemicals and ingredients are used in mascara, they are oftentimes purchased in bulk and from inferior manufacturers.  This means, the ingredients are usually cheap.  Cheap ingredients cause clumping, smearing, smudging and irritation.  In addition, cheap ingredients also wear off faster, causing the user to reapply.  This can also cause clumping and smearing.  High quality ingredients require one very light coat.  You can also avoid clumping by wiping your brush with a cloth or tissue before application – no matter how great the mascara might be.

Are you ready for some of the best mascara’s of 2010?  Here they are!

• Tarte MultiplEYE ($22-$65)
• DiorShow Blackout Waterproof Mascara ($24)
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Lifting Mascara ($22)
• Maybelline TurboBoost ($17)
• ZuZu Luxe Vegan Mascara ($15.25-$17.99)
• Beauty Without Cruelty Black Full Volume Mascara ($14.95)
• Ecco Bella Cruelty-free, Vegan Mascara ($14.50)
• Clinique HighLengths ($14)
• M.A.C. Opulash $14
• CoverGirl Lash Blast ($8)
• Maybelline Great Lash ($5)

If you are interested in all natural mascaras that are safe for all vegans or are vegetarian friendly (besides ZuZu, BWC and Ecco Bella), the following cruelty free mascaras may be purchased online:

• InterNatural, including Suncoat and Lagona
• Gabriel Cosmetics
• Dr. Hauschka
• Real Purity
• Earth’s Beauty

A simple Google search will direct you to online sellers or the official cosmetics website.  If at all possible, stick to the official cosmetics website.  This is the only way to make sure you are ordering authentic vegan and vegetarian mascaras.  Good luck!