Smudge-proof, vegan, and surprisingly affordable, the Heimish Dailism Smudge Stop Mascara has built a following among K-beauty fans and after testing it myself, I can see why. I chose the ‘curling’ mascara, which isn’t particularly thickening or volumizing, however Heimish has a ‘volume’ mascara as well.
It applies smoothly, defines lashes naturally without clumps, and wears impressively throughout the day. The formula removes relatively easily with eye-makeup remover or a gentle cleansing balm.
Editorial Note
All reviews published on The Ingredient-Led Brief are based on products independently selected and purchased. Ingredient observations are based on available information and direct brand correspondence where possible. This post contains an affiliate link to the brand’s official Amazon storefront. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
Behind the Label
While the formula skips polyethylene, carbon black, and parabens, it does rely on synthetic film-formers common in most long-wear mascaras:
- Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer
- VP/Eicosene Copolymer
- PVP
These ingredients are not currently regulated in Korea or the U.S., but the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed banning similar non-biodegradable, water-insoluble polymers under new microplastics legislation. In other words: this mascara is cleaner than most, but not completely microplastic-free.
Quick Facts:
- Vegan? Yes ✅ (no beeswax or animal derivatives)
- Cruelty-Free? Yes ✅
- PEGs? None found ✅
- Microplastics? Contains likely microplastics (synthetic copolymers)
- Made in Korea 🇰🇷
- $12.99
Verdict: An affordable, sensitive eye-friendly tubing mascara with great wear, but not free from environmentally persistent synthetic ingredients.
Mascaras Without Microplastics
I purchased and tested the Heimish Dailism Smudge Stop ‘curling’ mascara myself. The below listed mascaras have not yet been reviewed firsthand. However, if you’re looking for mascara formulas that skip synthetic copolymers entirely — including acrylates, VP copolymers, PVP, and polyethylene — here are a few options:
1. ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara $29
- No acrylates, PVP, or polyethylene
- Uses shea butter, beeswax, and natural resins
- Note: Contains beeswax (not vegan)
Ilia website | Ilia Amazon storefront (note: Carbon Beauty is the authorized seller – affiliate link)
2. 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Ultra Lengthening Mascara $28
- Free from all synthetic polymers
- Pigmented with black tea, berries, and cocoa
- No acrylates, no petrochemicals
- Vegan + cruelty-free ✅
100% Pure website | 100% Pure Amazon storefront (affiliate link)
3. Ere Perez Avocado Waterproof Mascara $29
- Uses natural waxes + avocado oil for hold
- No PVP or acrylates
- Offers decent waterproofing without synthetics
- Vegan + cruelty-free ✅
Ere Perez website
4. River Organics Zero-Waste Mascara $25.99
- Compostable tube, no microplastics or petrochemicals
- Minimalist formula: candelilla wax, charcoal, castor oil
- Not a dramatic mascara — more of a clean, lash-darkening balm
- Vegan, plastic-free, zero-waste ✅ ♻️
River Organics website
Final Thoughts:
If you’re avoiding synthetic microplastics, acrylates, and PVPs in your beauty routine, truly clean mascaras do exist, but perhaps be ready to sacrifice some waterproof wear or intense volume. Heimish Dailism is budget-friendly and sits in the middle: better than most, but not fully clean by the most strict environmental standards.
