As a beauty team, we know a lot about the best mascaras because we’ve tried hundreds of them, from waterproof and volumizing formulas to trendy burgundy ones. That said, we all have different types and lengths of lashes, so what one coworker likes may not work for another. We all agree on the finish we want, but our exact formula needs may be different. We want our lashes to look natural (no clumps) and last, with a longer, fanned, and lifted look. So, when one team member suggested Merit’s Clean Lash for doing all of the above and not smudging or transferring, we couldn’t pass up the chance to try it out as a group.
The honest review of Merit’s Clean Lash mascara by our whole beauty team
Merit is all about keeping things simple. Their products are meant to be versatile and everyday favorites that make things better and more beautiful, not very dramatic or high-coverage. We would call the line the “capsule wardrobe of beauty” because each item promises to fill an important role (and sometimes more than one). Their mascara is the same. It’s a tubing formula that is very popular and is meant to lift and lengthen without smudging or transferring. A great purchase for people who like mascara that looks natural.
This tubing mascara wraps around your lashes, defining each one and adding length and lift. It has conditioning fatty acids and olive oil, as well as vitamin B5, which makes your lashes shine. It can be built up and doesn’t smudge or flake. It’s also easy to get rid of; all you need is warm water.
Fiona McKim, our Digital Beauty Editor, was already a fan of the formula. After reading her glowing review, we decided to see if we all had a good experience with it. So far, we’ve all been drawn to different choices. Aleesha Badkar and Sennen Prickett, two members of our Beauty Shopping & eCommerce team who have long lashes, love Glossier’s Lash Slick. Naomi Jamieson, another beauty writer, likes Dior’s Diorshow Pump N Volume Mascara better for giving her short, straight lashes more volume.
So, if you’ve been thinking about trying Merit’s mascara but aren’t sure if it will work for you, here’s what each of our coworkers thought of it. Of course, there are pictures of the before and after.
Aleesha Badkar, Editor of Beauty Shopping and eCommerce
“I wouldn’t say I’m a mascara snob, but I know what I like,” says Aleesha Badkar, our Beauty Shopping & eCommerce Editor. I really liked the sleek, elegant design of this tube, but when I pulled out the bristled mascara wand that looked like it was wet, I didn’t have high hopes. Thank goodness my favorite makeup brand proved me wrong.
On the left is a picture of Aleesha Badkar, the Digital Beauty Ecom Editor, with no mascara on. On the right is a close-up of her eye to show the mascara and her lashes in more detail.
The strong bristles were shaped like cones, which is what my favorite comb-like wands do. They slid through my lashes, lifting and curling them, and made a shape that literally bounced into place. And that wet formula that I thought would make them fall off right away? It somehow dried into place almost right away, keeping the lashes in place all day. No dropping. No peeling. No smudging or moving. “I’m completely sold.”
Naomi Jamieson, a writer for Digital Beauty
“I like makeup that is more subtle and natural, so I want my mascara to make my lashes look longer and fuller without looking clumpy and obvious,” says Naomi Jamieson, a digital beauty writer. “I have short, straight lashes, so I think that sometimes mascaras that are very volumizing and pigmented can look too heavy and dramatic on me. You can probably tell that I’m not a fan of clumpy lashes because I’ve already said the word twice. So, more than anything else, I just want my everyday mascara to color and lift, which is something that Merit’s mascara does very well.”
There is a picture of Naomi Jamieson, a Digital Beauty Writer, without mascara on the left. Next to it is a picture of her with Merit Mascara on, and on the right is a close-up of her eye to show the mascara on her eyelashes in detail.
Even though it looks very wet on the brush, the formula is actually very buildable. The conical, bristly brush catches and fans out each lash, giving you a very flattering, splayed look that lasts. It dries quickly, so you can add more layers if you want to without worrying about your lashes drooping or smudging. But after curling my lashes, I find that one coat is enough for a subtle but elevated look.
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A close-up of a woman taking off her eye makeup with a cotton pad. Her hair is pushed back with a hairband. The template is white and gray marbled, and there are stock images of mascara streaks and a mascara wand. Do you hate how long it takes to take off mascara? Instead, makeup artists want you to try a tubing formula. Another good thing about it is that it doesn’t move around during the day, which is something I’ve had trouble with in the past because I like creamy makeup products, which don’t help with smudged mascara. Because it comes in a tube, it’s also easy to take off. It’s safe to say that it’s my new go-to every day.
“Fiona McKim, Digital Beauty Editor “I wear tubing mascara most days,” says Digital Beauty Editor Fiona McKim. “I’ve always had deep-set eyes and now my eyelids are getting more and more hooded, so smudging is a big problem for me. This means I know my onions when it comes to smear-proof formulas, and I’m happy to say this one absolutely nails the brief and lasts all day without any mess.”
There is a picture of Fiona McKim, the Digital Beauty Editor, with no mascara on the left. There is a picture of her with the Merit Mascara on the right, and a close-up of her eye to show the mascara on her eyelashes in detail.
Future” It’s important to note that no tubing formula will ever be very volumizing or dramatic because that’s not how they’re made. Instead, this gives the best zhush for everyday life. My lashes are a little darker, longer, and lifted, which makes my eyes look more awake and fresh. I just don’t like lashes that are too dramatic most of the time. Clean Lash makes your lashes look better while still looking pretty natural, which fits with this brand’s philosophy.
Sennen Prickett, a writer for Digital Beauty
Digital Beauty Writer Sennen Prickett says, “I’m very picky about my go-to mascaras, so it’s a big deal that the Merit formula impressed me.” First, I love how thin and delicate the wand is. It glides easily through the lashes, making sure to coat each one. The formula wasn’t too wet either, which made it easy to apply without making the lashes heavy.
The first picture shows Digital Beauty Writer Sennen Prickett without mascara on. The second picture shows her with Merit Mascara on. The third picture is a close-up of her eye to show the mascara on her eyelashes in detail.
Future” Even though its eyelashes were very straight (they almost pointed down), it could still make them longer and add a little curl for a natural fluttery look. That being said, I’d say it’s especially great for people who like lashes that look soft and natural.
What our team thinks of Merit’s mascara
Overall, it’s a great choice for people who like a natural lash look that doesn’t droop, especially if you’re looking for a good, everyday mascara. Everyone on the team was impressed by how well it held and lengthened, but even more so by how it didn’t transfer, flake, or smudge after a full day’s wear.
Also, as I said before, it’s a tubing formula, so it’s easy to take off at the end of the day. If you don’t like this about your current mascara, we strongly suggest that you try this tubing buy.
