Burt's Bees 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara
✅ PROS
- Conditioning formula with jojoba oil and keratin that visibly improves lash softness over time
- No flaking or smudging through 10+ hour wear, even for oily eyelids
- Easy, gentle removal with warm water — no harsh rubbing or dedicated eye makeup remover needed
❌ CONS
- Wand is too large for precise lower-lash application and tends to deposit excess product
- Volume build requires 3+ coats; not ideal for those wanting dramatic, one-swipe results
The Verdict
Let’s be direct: finding a natural mascara that actually performs is like hunting for a unicorn. Most “clean” formulas smudge by lunch, flake by 3 PM, or cling to your lashes like cement. Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara claims to break that cycle. With a 4.1-star average across 204 ratings, it’s clearly doing something right — but it’s not perfect. Here’s the unvarnished breakdown.
What’s Actually in the Tube
You get a standard 0.21-ounce mascara tube, but the formula is where the story gets interesting. Burt’s Bees packs this with jojoba oil, keratin, and provitamin B5 — ingredients traditionally found in hair conditioners, not mascaras. The idea is that you’re not just coloring lashes; you’re treating them. The wand itself uses a standard spiral-bristle design, though as we’ll get to, that’s one of the product’s weaker links.
Real-World Performance
I tested this mascara through a typical 10-hour workday, including a commute and lunch. The formula goes on smoothly without clumping on the first pass — that’s genuinely rare in natural mascaras. The color is a true, deep black rather than the grayish tint that plagues many clean formulas.
The conditioning claim isn’t marketing fluff. After a week of daily use, my lashes felt noticeably softer, and I saw less fallout during removal than with my usual drugstore mascara. The jojoba oil does real work here.
The formula’s smudge resistance surprised me. Even on a humid day, I saw zero transfer to my upper eyelid — a problem I’ve had with more expensive “clean” mascaras. One Amazon buyer noted, “I have oily lids and this is the first natural mascara that doesn’t give me raccoon eyes.” That tracks with my experience.
Where It Falls Short
The wand is the weakest link. It’s bulky for precise work — applying to lower lashes without smudging requires a steady hand and a lot of patience. The bristles also pick up too much product, so you’ll want to wipe the wand on the tube’s rim before applying. Skip that step and you’ll get spidery lashes.
Volume is another compromise. If you’re used to dramatic, falsie-style lashes, this isn’t your product. One reviewer summed it up: “It’s more of an everyday natural look than a night-out mascara.” You can build volume with three or more coats, but that introduces clumping risk and defeats the quick-application appeal.
The formula also takes about 60 seconds to fully set. If you blink too aggressively right after applying, you’ll transfer product to your brow bone. Give it a minute before you’re active.
Who Should Buy This
Buy it if: You want a natural mascara that conditions your lashes while giving a clean, defined everyday look. You have sensitive eyes or wear contacts and want something gentle. You prefer easy removal — warm water takes this off without rubbing, which is a huge plus for lash health.
Skip it if: You need serious volume or dramatic length in one swipe. You’re meticulous about lower-lash application and need a precision wand. You’re on a tight budget — this sits at a premium price point for a natural mascara, though it consistently outperforms cheaper “clean” alternatives.
Three Questions Shoppers Ask
Does this mascara actually wash off with just water? Yes, but with caveats. Warm water removes it fairly easily, leaving minimal residue. The tradeoff is that it’s not completely waterproof, so heavy rain or intense workouts will cause some smudging.
Is it safe for sensitive eyes? Generally, yes. The formula is fragrance-free and ophthalmologist-tested. Several reviewers with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers reported no irritation. That said, everyone’s chemistry is different — patch test if you’re prone to reactions.
How does it compare to drugstore mascaras like Maybelline? It’s different territory. Maybelline gives you more volume per dollar, but Burt’s Bees offers cleaner ingredients and conditioning benefits. If you’re prioritizing lash health over dramatic volume, the price premium is justified.
The Verdict
Rating: 4.2/5
Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara is a solid choice for anyone who wants clean, conditioned lashes without sacrificing everyday wearability. It’s not a miracle worker — the wand needs work and volume comes with effort — but for a natural formula, it delivers remarkably consistent, smudge-free results.
Buy it if: You want a daily mascara that treats your lashes well and washes off easily. You don’t need dramatic volume. You’re willing to pay a premium for cleaner ingredients.
Skip it if: You want one-swipe drama, need precision lower-lash application, or expect waterproof performance. This is a slow-and-steady product, not a quick fix.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.