When it comes to mascara, these are the best in the biz
Without a doubt the one item we’d hail as a ‘can’t-live-without’ in a beauty version of Desert Island Discs, the best mascara is a wonderful, wonderful thing. There’s just something about giving your lashes a bit of oomph that no other cosmetic rivals (not even your best liquid eyeliner).
Whether you’ve got stubborn straight lashes, frustratingly short ones, or you just want to add a bit of volume, we’ve tried and tested a job lot of mascara formulas and narrowed it down to the choice buys every woman should have at her disposal.
‘I love mascara! The By Terry Lash Expert Twist Mascara is a new-found favourite of mine and I’m completely obsessed with its unique dual-action twist brush feature,’ says pro make-up artist Cher Webb. ‘It’s a versatile must-have for every occasion, defining and lengthening the lashes whilst adding volume for a more dramatic look when needed. It also contains conditioning lash growth ingredients and keeps the lashes curled up all day.’
‘Another hero product in my make-up kit is Shiseido’s Imperiallash Mascara. I love the wand for ultimate precision, definition and major length. The lashes look defined and perfected as you apply and the crown tip enables you to grab every single lash on the inner and outer corners, making the eyes look bigger and lashes more full. This weightless formula has everything you need for every look and it’s smudge proof and great for sensitive eyes.’
‘Lastly, I love NARS Climax; go from zero to hero with this innovative mascara and it’s explosive volume! The ribbed bristled brush is the perfect size and works with every eye shape and delivers buildable volume fast for jet black feathery lashes.’
Walk this way for a tour through the best on the market, old and new, for just about every lash type. Ready?
Best waterproof mascara
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara, £20, Lookfantastic
Clinique’s waterproof mascara accompanies many to weddings, funerals and other important occasions during which crying might occur – because it just will not budge until you take to it with a good eye make-up remover. It has staying power we can only liken to that of a determined customer who camps outside department stores ahead of the Boxing Day sales. Adding just the right amount of length and volume, sensitive-eyed girls will also love it for smudge-free days. One of the best waterproof mascaras you’ll ever try.
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Best drugstore mascara
Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara, £8.99, Lookfantastic
A mascara that costs less than a tenner and just so happens to be one of Meghan Markle’s favourite beauty products? Sign us up. ‘[It] really helps to amplify your lashes and polish off the entire look,’ her former make-up artist told HELLO! ‘It’s great for full volume and lengthening, the formula is super hydrating. I love how it builds and that price point is accessible for all budgets.’ If it’s good enough for a duchess…
Buy now
Best mascara for length
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara, £25, Lookfantastic
This is it. This is the mascara. It lengthens spectacularly, but also volumes without clumping all of your lashes together, which is VERY important. Plus the ultra dark pigment gives you seriously black lashes that stand out. It’s the finishing touch to any good smokey eye, but a great everyday mascara when you apply a single coat. It’s honestly just brilliant.
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Best mascara for volume
Fenty Full Frontal Mascara, £21, Harvey Nichols
Go big or go home is the expression that comes to mind when using Rihanna’s first mascara, Full Frontal Volume. Ticking all the boxes that a good mascara should, it’s the all-in-one formula for standout, thick and dark lashes. Great for nights out, paired with the contents of your best eyeshadow palettes.
Buy now
Best mascara for sensitive eyes
La Roche-Posay Toleraine Mascara, £16.50, Lookfantastic
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Creative with sensitive eyes in mind, the Toleraine mascara is great for both length and volume with a finish that’s easy on the eyes (and the lashes). Great for contact lense-wearers or those who struggle with oft-watering or easily irritated eyes.
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Check out a few more of our fave lash-enhancers, from budget to bank-breaking – but worth it – below. Your eyes will never have looked better.
Glossier Lash Slick, £14, glossier.com
You could say that Glossier stopped at one mascara because they'd reached perfection. We wouldn't argue. This tubing formula lengthens your lashes and absolutely does not smudge for a great natural-looking, daytime mascara.
Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara, £9.99, Boots
A classic for a reason. It boosts both lash length and volume and costs under £10. Oh, and make-up artists absolutely love it. What more do you want?
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara, £21, Lookfantastic
Although it's been around for a little while now, Urban Decay's Perversion mascara is without a doubt one of the brand's biggest and best sellers. Pick this if you're looking for big impact, high drama lashes.
Benefit BADgal Mascara, £20, Lookfantastic
Everyone has their favourite Benefit mascara. We aren't here to fight anyone, but in our Senior Beauty Editor's opinion their original BADgal mascara deserves the crown. It's the perfect going out mascara; big, bold and super sexy.
Chanel Le Volume Révolution de Chanel, £28, Feelunique
So many beauty editors claim this to be their favourite mascara, ever. Last year it was given one heck of an update; this is the first ever 3D-printed brush. It's designed so that the mascara is evenly deposited onto lashes in the first sweep. Genius.
Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara, £29, Space NK
As well as being a mega mascara, Hourglass's offering has the added benefit of being vegan. According to one megafan, this mascara 'makes my lashes look CRAZY long. One of the best we've used in years.' If that doesn't convince you...
Eyeko Sport Waterproof Mascara, £19, eyeko.co.uk
If you're keen on wearing mascara to the gym, on the beach or in the pool, Eyeko have just the mascara for you, with a fibre-infused formula that conditions your lashes while you wear it. Great stuff.
