The Big Clean Kosas Mascara Review: It Gave Me The Longest Lashes

Kosas Mascara ‘The Big Clean’ does it all.

Mascaras are one of my favorite products to test out. And, so many brands are coming out with cleaner formulas, which I love. I’m not sure about you, but I’m sensitive to fragrance and and am so glad brands are getting on board with eliminating nasty ingredients. The Big Clean Kosas Mascara is that: a formula free of ingredients such as parabens, talc, mineral oil, formaldehyde, phthalates, and more, while also promising a volumized, nourished lashes. I do think this is a great formula, especially for a clean mascara, but there are a few setbacks I personally experienced.

Disclaimer: I tested the first version of this mascara. As of Fall 2021, Kosas has reformulated to make The Big Clean a long wearing formula, as well as adding lengthening to the claims. Let’s fully review The Big Clean Kosas Mascara.

Promises vs. Performance: I’m impressed by this clean Kosas mascara.

The Big Clean Mascara promises volume, curl, and nourished lashes with a formula powered by hair care serum to support stronger, healthier lashes. The formula contains ingredients such as: castor oil, which helps lashes reach full growth potential; provitamin B5 that helps revive lashes; biotinoyl tripeptide-1 supports healthier, fuller hair; and plant base sugars that provide long wear without microplastics. Big, fluffy lashes are said to be the result of wearing this Kosas mascara. And, Kosas says it can be layered for an even more dramatic effect (just wait 30 seconds in between layers!).

My Review Thoughts: The Big Clean Kosas Mascara

When testing The Big Clean Mascara, I applied two coats to ensure I got the full effect. I love the curved, boar bristle wand that features different length bristles. I felt that the wand really helped me grab and coat each and every lash. It was as if it molded to my lashes, which I loved. My lashes were instantly separated, dark, and lengthened especially (the first formulation of The Big Clean didn’t claim length or long wear). I applied a second coat, which gave me even more intense, dramatic lashes and even more volume. The formula itself is more waxy and on the wetter side, which isn’t my favorite. Typically, I find these formulas smudge and transfer the most.

The wear.

While wearing this mascara, I did find it flaked, transferred, and smudged. Though, I do think this can be dependent on what you’re wearing under your eyes in terms of setting powder and concealer. I do think this mascara flakes more than other formulas and transfer less, which I think is unique because typically wetter formulas smudge more! Personally, I’m not mad about how this Kosas mascara wore. I had intense, black lashes that wore pretty well all day. It lengthened my lashes, gave me volume, and held my curl all day long.

How It Compares: This isn’t my holy grail, but it is a solid, clean mascara.

I’m gonna be honest for a second: it’s hard to beat out my holy grail Lancome Lash Idole. I love how Lash Idole gives me volume, length, curl, and definition while lasting all day long sans smudging, transfer, and flaking. But, I’ve got to say, this Kosas Mascara isn’t bad, especially for a cleaner formula. It has the intense black pigment that I love, and it held my curl all day long. In addition, it gave me the longest lashes while still giving me volume (love!). I will say, the formula does flake, smudge, and transfer (though, the smudging and transfer isn’t as bad as most cleaner formulas).

However, if you’re looking for a clean mascara, I do prefer ILIA’S formulas more. Both Limitless Lash and Fullest Volumizing have a longer smudge, transfer and flake free wear.

Milabu Beauty Method: This is my way to long, curled lashes.

1. First, curl lashes. I love Kevyn Aucoin’s lash curler ($21).
2. Next, prime lashes. If you’re searching for a cleaner formulated lash primer that works, Milk KUSH Lash Primer ($26) is one worth looking into.
3. It’s mascara time! Depending on what kind of look you wand will determine how many coats to apply. For a natural look, apply one coat. For more drama, wait 30 seconds between coats and layer as desired. To apply, start at the base of you lashes and wiggle the brush (turning as you go) from roots to tips.