The first step was finding a clean mascara. I strive to keep up a clean beauty routine, but mascara was one area where I hadn’t made the transition. My previous experience with cleaner formulas had left me unimpressed. But once all your lashes fall out, you’re a bit more resistant to swiping those delicate hairs with harsh chemicals every day. Or at least, they didn’t. The clean mascara selection has come a long way since I first swiped that aforementioned dull formula on my lashes a few years ago. Brands like Saie have now developed long-lasting formulas that glide on easily and make your lashes longer and more voluminous. Where other blends left my lashes clumpy or lackluster, Saie’s Mascara 101 went on smoothly, instantly adding length. Below, you’ll see what it looks like applied to one eye versus no makeup on the other. I’ll often have issues with applicators leaving mascara residue on my lids or under-eye, but I don’t experience this at all with Saie. The clean formula has a good hold and doesn’t flake off throughout the day—plus, it’s buildable. For a more natural-yet-lengthened look, the brand recommends one coat. If you want extra thickening, I’d personally suggest that you go for two or three. The mascara also acts as an eyelash growth serum thanks to the addition of arginine, an amino acid that stimulates blood flow to promote hair growth, and agropyron repens root extract (also known as “quack grass”), which strengthens your lashes. As someone who has spent years bringing my lashes back to life, this is music to my ears. Another perk? The brand is serious about sustainability, with efforts that go far beyond just what’s inside the tube; Saie offsets its entire carbon footprint and donates 1% of sales to environmental organizations. Although the Mascara 101 vial is made of virgin plastic, the brand is working toward a tube with a recyclable applicator and more biodegradable packaging. To do your part, follow the detailed instructions on the company’s website for how best to dispose of your mascara once it’s empty.
