A beauty reviewer recently compared several drugstore clear mascaras to evaluate their effectiveness for the "ghost lash" trend. The tests focused on curl hold and ingredient quality, identifying The Ordinary and e.l.f. as the top performers.

Why 'ghost lashes' are replacinng professional lifts for active users

The "ghost lash" trend focuses on achieving a lifted, feathered appearance without the use of pigment. According to the report, this approach is gaining traction as a low-cost alternative to professional lash treatments, which can be expensive and potentially damage the natural lash. By using clear formulas, users avoid the common pitfalls of traditional mascara, such as smudging during workouts or causing irritation for those who wear contact lenses.

This shift toward pigment-free enhancement reflects a brooader move toward "clean" beauty and lash health. Many of these clear mascaras are now formulated with conditioning agents to prevent the dryness and fall-out often associated with heavy chemical dyes and waterproof formulas. For the active consumer, the primary appeal is a look that remains stable during high-intensity activity without the risk of dark streaks under the eyes.

The Ordinary's squalane formula vs. e.l.f.'s bugdet-friendly algae extract

In the head-to-head comparison, The Ordinary's clear mascara—which the report says was released at the end of 2025—emerged as a top choice for performance.. The formula utilizes squalane to keep lashes moisturized and soft, avoiding the "crunchy" texture common in many setting gels. The review noted that the curl hold was exceptionally durable, remaining intact through beach outings and sweaty runs without the need for re-application.

Conversely, e.l.f .'s clear brow and lash mascara provides a more economical alternative, costing less than half as much as the offering from The Ordinary. The e.l.f. product features a dual-sided brush for versatility and is enriched with algae extract and vitamins B and E. While the e.l.f. formula dries slightly harder than The Ordinary's squalane-based version, it effectively maintained lash separation and curl from morning until late afternoon.

Why Essence's five-minute dry time failed the test

Not all budget options performed well, with Essence's clear mascara significantly underperforming compared to its peers. The review described the Essence formula as "goopy" and overly wet, requiring more than five minutes to dry completely. This slow drying time made it difficult to achieve a lift, as the curl often collapsed within a few hours, making it unsuitable for all-day wear.

Other mid-tier results included Maybelline's Great Lash clear version and Physicians Formula. Maybelline's lightweight formula dried quickly and held a lift, though it lacked the nourishing ingredients found in other brands and suffered from minor clumping. physicians Formula, despite containing peptides and mineral water, initially weighed down the lashes, forcing the reviewer to re-curl them after the product had dried to achieve a lasting hold.

The undisclosed pricing of Maybelline's Great Lash clear version

While the report provides a relative price comparison between e.l.f. and The Ordinary, several specific data points remain missing. The exact retail prices for Maybelline's Great Lash and the Physicians Formula clear mascara were not disclosed, leaving the reader to guess the actual value proposition of these mid-tier options.

Additionally, the source does not name the specific beauty reviewer or provie the credentials of the testing body, which makes it difficult to verify the objectivity of the results. It remains unclear if these tests were conducted across different lash types—such as short, straight, or naturally curly lashes—which could significantly alter how a "goopy" formula like Essence's or a "heavy" one like Physicians Formula performs in real-world conditions.