Glossier’s Lash Slick is the poster child for ‘clean’ makeup. But that word is basically meaningless.
The real issue? A brand can call itself clean while still using film-forming polymers derived from fossil fuels. It’s a marketing loophole you could drive a truck through.
It’s a $18 tubing mascara from Glossier. They claim it’s clean, buildable, and washes off with just water. I call BS on the last part.
Tubing Formula
Forms little tubes around each lash—comes off in clumps with warm water.
Clean at Sephora
Has Sephora’s ‘Clean’ seal, which bans 50+ ingredients but ignores synthetic polymers.
Fibre Brush
The tiny bristles are great for lower lashes—I’ll give them that.
Photo: Marek Studzinski / Unsplash
The ‘hero’ is a polymer called Acrylates Copolymer. It’s the plastic that makes the tubes. Not exactly a green juice ingredient.
They use beeswax and carnauba wax for texture—the only vaguely ‘natural’ things in here.
- Acrylates Copolymer: The synthetic film-former (petroleum-derived)
- Beeswax: Gives it a bit of grip
- Carnauba Wax: Adds shine and structure
- Panthenol: A vitamin that conditions lashes
Photo: Content Pixie / Unsplash
Applies wet—like painting with thin ink. Zero clumps on the first coat. Dries down fast.
By week two, the tube started drying out. It became flaky if I tried to build a second layer. Classic Glossier—subtle to a fault.
Photo: Arteida MjESHTRI / Unsplash
My lashes looked defined, not dramatic. Length? A solid +30%. Volume? Maybe +5%. It survived a sweaty walk but not a sad movie.
Photo: Anna Evans / Unsplash
It’s a good, subtle mascara. But ‘clean’? That’s greenwashing. Don’t buy it for the eco-credentials—buy it for the look.