Finding your perfect mascara is a minefield. Everyone's lashes are different, everyone wants something different, and what works for one person is irrelevant to another. But I've tried enough of them to know a gem when I see it—and with thoroughly average lashes, I'd argue I'm a reliable test case.

Merit has a habit of launching things that actually deliver, so when Clean Volume landed on my desk, I was already half-convinced. It's a tubing mascara, which is my preferred formulation, and if you haven't tried one yet, I'm not sure what you're waiting for. They don't smudge, they don't budge, and they slide off with warm water at the end of the day. The only mascaras I'll actually wear in real life are tubing ones—panda eyes simply aren't a risk I'm willing to take.

The Hype

There was a lot of buzz around this launch in beauty circles, and it wasn't hard to see why. The clinical stats were impressive—100% of participants showed increased volume, length and lift, while 96% agreed it volumised without clumping—and the formula sounded genuinely innovative. A Japanese-made tubing mascara that promises precise, buildable volume without any heaviness or smudging is, on paper, a difficult problem to solve. Add in a first-of-its-kind petite precision brush designed to lift and separate each lash individually, a 16-hour wear claim, and easy warm-water removal, and the excitement starts to make a lot of sense.

The application

The fact that this is a tubing mascara doesn't change how you apply it. The difference is that tubing mascaras wrap your lashes in a film-like tube, rather than just coat them in colour that can run and smudge. When it comes to removal, the tubes just glide off without any rubbing required.

So, as normal, you comb the wand through your lashes from root to tip. It’s a buildable mascara, as long as you keep combing it through while they’re still wet. Then all you have to do is wait for the film tubes to form around your lashes as they dry.

The Verdict

Merit is all about minimal, clean-looking, uncomplicated beauty, and this is reflected in the new Clean Volume Mascara. You are not going to get a false lash look with this. It’s for people who want increased length, volume and lift in a natural looking, but still defined, way. This mascara focusses on defining each lash individually with a precision wand, rather than just packing on product. It gives me exactly the look I want – natural lashes that look better all-round, with no clumping in sight.

When you compare one eye with this mascara to one without, you can clearly see how it makes my lashes more impactful, defines each lash, and visibly boosts length, volume, and lift. But the key fact is—they still look like my lashes, i.e., they look light and not like I am wearing much mascara.

I can wear this mascara from breakfast to bed at night, with no signs of flaking or smudging. Even in the sweaty hell of a spin class, I’ll only see a few flecks under my eyes when I leave—the little tubes that can be just swiped away in one motion.

I have very sensitive eyes, and I love how this mascara is effortless and gentle to remove too, without any rubbing to the eye area. It’s a mascara that I can rely on completely, to stay in place and look great all day long, taking seconds to remove at bedtime. You need this mascara in your life. You won’t be disappointed.

When it comes to mascara, few brands rival Maybelline. From the now-iconic Great Lash to the viral success of Sky High, it’s arguably dominated the category for decades. But until now, one thing was missing from its line-up: a tubing formula.

Enter Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Sky Tubes Mascara. Promising 24 hours of smudge-proof, budge-proof wear with lengthening, defining payoff, it also taps into the appeal of tubing technology—one of the most in-demand mascara formats right now.

For the uninitiated, tubing mascaras don’t coat lashes in traditional pigment. Instead, they wrap each lash in flexible, water-resistant “tubes” formed by polymers. The result is glossy, defined length that resists flaking, smudging and transfer—even on oily lids or in humid conditions. And when it comes to removal, those tubes simply slide off with warm water, meaning no rubbing, no panda eyes and no need for heavy-duty removers.

But does Maybelline’s first foray into tubing live up to the hype—and, more importantly, does it rival the category’s established heroes? I put it to the test.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Sky Tubes Mascara Review

First impressions

To say I was excited when I heard Maybelline was finally launching a tubing mascara would be an understatement. Tubing formulas are by far my favourite: they wrap each lash for a more even, clump-resistant finish, stay firmly in place throughout the day and slide off effortlessly with warm water come evening.

The packaging feels like a natural evolution of Sky High—sleek silver punctuated with that signature pink—striking enough to stand out, without being garish. I also like the subtle nod in the name; it positions this as a next-generation take on one of the brand’s most successful mascaras, rather than a departure from it.

The wand

As with most tubing mascaras, the brush features moulded silicone bristles rather than traditional fibres. This allows it to comb through lashes with precision, evenly distributing the polymer formula so each lash is cleanly coated from root to tip.

There’s also just the right amount of flexibility in the wand—it bends enough to reach into corners and catch even the smallest lashes, while still offering sufficient resistance to grip at the root and build definition where it counts.

The formula

Maybelline describes the formula as “very black”, though I’d argue it stops just short of that inky, blue-black intensity you get from some of the most pigmented mascaras. Still, it coats lashes in a convincingly rich veil of colour that enhances definition without looking flat.

It’s also infused with shea butter and strengthening castor oil, which lends the formula a more conditioning feel than most. Crucially, it never sets stiff—my lashes remained soft, flexible and comfortably lifted throughout the day, rather than brittle or overly lacquered.

The application

While it separates lashes beautifully, it does take a couple of extra coats to achieve the lift I get from some other tubing formulas. That said, once built up, it proves impressively reliable—holding definition and staying perfectly in place for the rest of the day.

The verdict

I’m not so blown away that I’ll be swearing off every other mascara in my collection, but I am genuinely impressed—enough that it’s become my daily default. It delivers on the key promises of a tubing formula: clean separation, reliable, all-day wear and effortless removal with warm water. The trade-off is a slightly softer black finish than some rivals, and it takes a couple of extra coats to build the same level of lift. Still, for ease, consistency and affordability, it more than earns its place in my routine.

Whether you’re after sky-high curl, serious length, full-bodied volume or completely waterproof drama, there’s a mascara in the Lancôme line-up to suit. Renowned for its high-performance formulas, the brand's mascara fleet spans from the cult, bestselling Hypnôse Mascara (prized for its customisable volume and length) to up-and-coming icons like Monsieur Big for bold, buildable impact and Lash Idôle, designed to lift and fan lashes into a soft, fluttery finish.

As if we weren't already spoiled for choice, this week, this week Lancôme unveiled its latest addition to the line-up: the Lash Idôle Curl Goddess Mascara. Designed for stubbornly straight lashes, Curl Goddess provides curl, lift and volume that lasts all day without dropping or falling flat.

It certainly sounds impressive. Lancôme claims the formula boosts curl by 150% and delivers up to +800% volume, wrapping lashes in long-lasting lift for up to 30 hours — without flaking or clumping. And with numbers like that, it was calling out for a proper road test. Here, the Marie Claire beauty team puts Lash Idôle Curl Goddess through its paces.

Lancôme Curl Goddess Mascara: How We Tested

The Marie Claire UK beauty team takes product testing seriously, with a commitment to delivering accurate, honest and genuinely helpful reviews for our readers. To test Lancôme Curl Goddess Mascara, each editor applied the formula to natural lashes, without using a lash curler beforehand. We assessed ease of application, immediate impact, how it wore throughout the day, and our overall impressions.

The Brush

Curl Goddess calls upon a flexible, 40° twisted elastomer brush with ultra-fine nylon bristles, designed with dual micro-reservoirs to pick up the formula and distribute it evenly from root to tip.

The soft elastomer core offers just the right balance of bend and control, flexing as you sweep through the lashes, while providing enough resistance to work into the lash line and wrap each lash for a fanned-out, eye-opening finish.

The Formula

The formula is intensely pigmented, instantly coating lashes in a rich, inky black. To prevent any curl drop, it’s fast-setting yet lightweight, locking lift in place before it has the chance to fall.

The results are impressively long-lasting and dependable, with no clumping, smudging or flaking throughout the day. It’s also ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for sensitive eyes.

The Verdict

Lottie Winter, Beauty Director

“While my lashes aren't straight, I do experience a high degree of drop within minutes of applying mascara, so the instant setting and hold of the new formula certainly piqued my interest. And when they said instantly, they weren’t exaggerating. The formula sets within seconds and doesn’t budge—whatsoever. I kept mine on for eight-plus hours and it was locked in the exact same position as my last swipe. If anything, it almost felt a little too locked in (maybe even a little stiff?), but that's a small price to pay for such lasting results.

As for application, the brush is beautifully designed and truly hugs each lash to deliver maximum formula. The pigment payoff is intense—a mesmerising inky black. For me, it might be slightly too dramatic for everyday wear (although I did apply two coats for testing purposes), but it’s certainly my new go-to for evenings and whenever I want a little extra impact.”

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

Thanks to my naturally pale lashes, over the years I’ve built something of a mascara wardrobe to create exactly the effect I’m after. There’s my go-to for a natural, polished day look, my waterproof failsafe—but I’ve never quite found my party formula, the one I reach for when I want real va-va-voom. So when Lancôme promised up to 800% more volume with its newest launch, I was hopeful I’d finally found my match.

And boy, did it deliver. To really put it to the test, I deliberately didn’t curl my lashes beforehand—yet even without the prep, my straight lashes took on a soft, natural-looking curl that set instantly and stayed put all day. The brush coated each individual lash in just the right amount of product—never too much, never too little—while still delivering suitably dramatic results. I’m converted.”

Nessa Humayun, Beauty Editor

“I found Curl Goddess incredibly easy to apply—the kind of formula that delivers real impact in just a few swipes, without needing to layer endlessly or work too hard for the result. The pigment is beautifully intense—a true inky black—and it adds noticeable volume and length in one go, making lashes look fuller, longer and instantly more defined.

What really impressed me, though, was the curl hold. My lashes tend to drop quickly, but this kept them lifted all day without transferring or smudging, which is absolutely essential for me.

All in all, it’s a genuinely reliable, high-performance mascara: easy to use, long-lasting and one that truly does what it promises. A very solid everyday staple in my makeup bag.”

As someone with hooded eyes, I learnt very early on that my lids require a specific type of makeup application to look their very best. So although I firmly believe there are no rules when it comes to makeup, there are several techniques and products that can enhance every eye shape with minimal effort.

With party season now upon us, you might be on the hunt for makeup for hooded eyes or the best mascara to make your lashes stand out for every occasion. But knowing exactly where to start, or the eye looks that will suit you, isn't always easy.

Professional makeup artist and founder of makeup brand Sweed, Gabriella Elio, has broken down the most common eye shapes and exactly how to do your makeup to best suit them. From smokey liner to shimmery highlights, consider your party season makeup sorted with minimal effort.

Makeup for smaller eyes

"I'd recommend applying a brightening liner inside the waterline to make your eyes look bigger and more awake," says Elio. "You can also use a darker, more neutral shade as a classic wing on the top lid after applying mascara to really lift and frame the eye. Or, apply some under the eye on the outer corner to add further framing and make it look bigger.

"For some added sparkle, apply a shimmery tone such as Victoria Beckham Lid Lustre Shimmering Eyeshadow Pot in Tea Rose. Go in on the inner corners and under the eye in the centre to really open up the eyes Lastly, it's important to curl your lashes and coat them in mascara to really open up the eyes."

Makeup for hooded eyes

Hooded eyes can make the eyelid appear smaller or hidden, so it can be difficult to decipher exactly how to apply shadow and liner to make it seen.

"Focus on a lighter taupe eyeshadow or shimmer highlighter all over the eyelid," advises Elio. "Create a fake crease that is a bit higher up than your natural crease with a warmer shade of eyeshadow. Bronzer or blush can also work incredibly well to create this look.

"Apply eyeliner with your eyes open, after mascara, only at the edges of your eyes to really lift and open up the eye. Avoid loading with dark shadows and eyeliner on your eyelids since this tends to look heavy," she says. Applying liner with your eyes open means you can ensure it sits in the right place and doesn't disappear into your lid.

"Focus on the centre of the eye to build length with either mascara or false lashes. Our Sweed signature No Lash Lash is perfect for this look." I regularly turn to false lashes instead of a winged liner for my hooded lids, and it definitely suits my eyes far better.

Makeup for wider eyes

Wider or bigger eyes are arguably some of the easiest to work with, as you probably have a good amount of lid space to play around with. For that reason, Elio recommends having fun with a smoky eye look that will really make your eyes stand out.

"This is your moment to wear a sultry smoky look inside the waterline, both in the lower and upper lid," says Elio. "Add dark brown eyeshadow all over the lid to create a soft smokey look—this looks less harsh than black. Warm up the crease with a blusher or bronzer for a smooth transition into the lighter shade under the eyebrow but also to lift the eyes."

I'll admit it—I hate wearing mascara. I have ridiculously itchy and watery eyes that always leave my makeup smudged and unruly, so I regularly forgo mascara to avoid the faff. But there are a few trusty formulas of the best mascara that I've found I can rely on for serious results and reliable day-long wear, and VIEVE's new Icon Mascara has just earned its place on that list.

The brand's original Modern Mascara was one of the first that convinced me that mascara could work for me, so it's safe to say I was a little excited when news of a new formula dropped. Not only does the Icon Mascara promise to increase lash volume by up to 356%, stay smudge-proof for up to 24h, and increase lash length by up to 28%, but it also claims to catch every single lash, build effortlessly, and remove easily without relentless scrubbing.

After giving the Icon Mascara a thorough test (through sweaty and rainy weather, FYI) here's why it's become my new go-to.

Deciphering different mascara wands is essential if you want to find a product that really works for your lashes and delivers the results you're after, and the wand on the Icon Mascara is one of the most interesting I've used for a long time.

It has a jumbo spiral brush, which simultaneously works to coat every lash and provide bold, dramatic lashes with serious volume. This shape, combined with a formula that is neither too dry nor too wet (no smudging on the eyelids here, even with my hooded lids) makes for a winning design.

When applying, I can actually feel the brush catching each of my lashes—even those tiny ones in the corner. The product also doesn't build up on the wand, so there's no contending with clumpiness or too much pigment being applied to the lashes.

I typically like my mascara to be dramatic and doll-like, separating and lengthening to mimic a lash lift and tint. I used two coats of Icon Mascara to get this look, and the wand delivered exactly that.

Although I prefer my mascaras to be on the drier side to avoid the aforementioned smudging on my lids, I hate when my lashes feel stiff or chalky. The Icon Mascara has been designed with buildability in mind, so you can apply multiple coats without flaking or stiffening. Even hours after putting it on, my lashes still felt soft and weightless.

I'm always slightly sceptical when mascaras claim to be smudge-proof, as my oily lids can make almost anything slip off my face after a long day. However, even after being out and about in wet and humid weather, my lashes stayed perfectly in tact.

But the true test of whether I'll add a mascara to my everyday rotation is how it removes. It's the part of my nighttime routine I dread, and I never want to spend more than a minute rubbing at my eyes to get product off. After using my regular makeup-removing cleansing balm, Icon Mascara slipped right off without any stinging.

After passing my rigorous testing requirements with flying colours, this has easily earned its place as my new everyday mascara.

But it's not just the mascara from VIEVE that's impressed me, it's the brands eye wands too. This little set not only saves money vs buying both products individually, but it offers your whole eye look in two products.

In a bid to finally pack lighter when it comes to my travel makeup kit, I've restricted myself to just these two items—and I'm now questioning why I used to cart a whole eyeshadow palette in my carry on. The Eye Wand in coffee is my personal favourite, as it delivers a brown smokey eye with a few swipes.

I love that I can blend it seamlessly with only my fingers, and the shape of the applicator means it can double as an eyeliner too. The matte finish also works wonders on my oily eyelids, and it layers beautifully with other shadows if you want to use it as your base product.

With party season around the corner and my desire for a simple makeup routine growing by the day, this combination offers everything I need for a standout eye look that doesn't take more than a few minutes. Win win.

Few products are as prolific as mascara; it's the one item that I can bet you will find in absolutely anyone's makeup stash, no matter whether they're a seasoned beauty editor or a makeup novice. But few of us shop for the best mascara with the wand type in mind, despite the fact that it can totally alter the results of mascara application.

I have certainly been guilty of choosing a mascara at random and being frustrated that it didn't provide the results I was after, even considering my zero research into the wand type or what it promised to do. But after making the switch to my carefully selected wand of choice, my lashes look totally different.

Whether you favour natural clear mascaras or mascara for volume, shape really matters. I spoke to an expert to find out exactly which types of mascara wand there are on the market, as well as the specific results you can expect from each shape.

What are the different types of mascara wand?

Tennesha Vanterpool, UK Retail Manager and Trainer for BY TERRY, explains that there are five main types of mascara wand:

• Thick, fluffy wands
• Slim, tapered wands
• Curved wands
• Hourglass / S-shaped wands
• Dual function wands

Each one serves a slightly different purpose when it comes to the outcome of your lashes. If you've always felt like mascara doesn't quite work for you or deliver what you're looking for, the likelihood is you're using the wrong type of wand.

What is each type of mascara wand best for?

Below, you can find our edit of the best mascaras with each type of wand. Vanterpool explains exactly how each different wand type functions and the look you can expect, to help you narrow down which one to invest in. Consider this your foolproof guide to mascara shopping, direct from the expert:

• Thick, fluffy wands: These are perfect for creating bold, dramatic lashes. They have dense bristles that hold more product, so they work to coat the lashes with plenty of product quickly, giving a voluminous finish. If you’re after an impactful look, a fluffy wand will be your go-to.
• Slim, tapered wands: These typically have short, refined silicone which allow for precise application. They’re great for separating and defining each lash for a clean, natural look. These can also be useful for people who already have thick lashes, who just want to add some length.
• Curved wands: These wands follow the natural curve of the eye, making it easier to reach every lash, even the short ones at the inner eye, for a wide-eyed effect. They are designed to lift and curl at the same time.
• Hourglass / S-shaped wands: Ideal for coating every lash, these wands give a blend of volume and lift thanks to their unique shape that hugs your lash line.
• Dual function wands: These offer varied results in one. For example, the one used for BY TERRY’s Lash Expert Twist Brush Mascara, which provides length, separation and volume in one depending on how you hold the wand.

Mascara application tips

"If you find mascara hard to apply without getting onto your eyelids, a good trick is to tip your head back and look down into a mirror before applying mascara," says Vanterpool. "This creates more space between your eyelid and the wand which prevents mistakes.

"I always start at the root of the lash, and take the take to wiggle the bristles of the wand between each lash. This ensures you’re getting enough product at the lashline, which is the perfect way to add volume and definition to the eyes," she explains.

"It can be helpful to hold the mascara wand vertically to reach shorter lashes, like the ones on the lower lash line and the inner corners of the eye. This gives you a really precise way of getting to those tricky-to-reach lashes."

Shop different mascara wand types

I've always found joy in makeup—the creativity, the freedom, the thrill of the transformation. But one thing I have found anything but joy in is removing my mascara. There's something endlessly laborious and messy about the whole process, enough to make me dread it for hours before the time comes. So I'm embracing this summer's latest anti-makeup trend, ghost lashes, with open arms.

Anyone interested in the beauty industry will know that there has been a very distinctive shift towards minimalist makeup in recent years. The growth of brands like Glossier, Refy, and Merit (to name just a few) proved once and for all that consumers had adopted a 'less is more' mindset. And just when it seemed that the pendulum was set to swing back the other way, with dopamine nails and glittering festival beauty on everyone's lips this summer, celebrity-endorsed ghost lashes have landed.

"Think no mascara, healthy conditioned lashes and 'barely there' makeup for a super fresh and natural look," explains Emmy Clayton, Expert Lash & Brow Artist. This is music to my ears given my distaste for removing eye makeup, but it's also good news for those who suffer with hayfever, watery eyes, or just hate the feeling of mascara on the lashes.

Have we really reached a point where we need to be given permission to skip makeup by repackaging it as a must-try trend? I like to think not, instead believing that it signifies another intriguing shift in how we approach our beauty routines and which products are becoming more and less desirable to the consumer.

Either way, it's a trend that doesn't require any new products at all, except maybe an old-school clear mascara, and it offers lash health benefits too. What's not to love?

What are ghost lashes?

As previously discussed, ghost lashes are a barely-there look achieved by a lack of mascara. "This effortless style gives your lashes a much-needed break from heavy products, looks naturally elegant, and saves time, making it a perfect match for the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic," says makeup artist Mira Parmar.

"Think: no visible clumps, no heavy volume just a fine, fluttery lift that frames the eyes with almost supernatural softness. It’s the perfect balance of effortless minimalism and intentional detail.

"But it’s more than just a trend, it marks a shift. With less focus on dramatic volume and more on natural beauty and skin-first makeup, the ghost lash look reflects today’s values of authenticity, minimalism, and self-care," she says.

According to the latest industry stats, skincare has more beauty industry market share than hair care (22%) and make-up (17%) combined, so it's no surprise that trends are favouring minimalist makeup and skincare-focused routines.

"It’s a very city chic trend, and I find most women (particularly in London) haven't been wearing a lot of makeup the last few years since the wellbeing and beauty fusion," agrees Clayton. "Women are stripping back from extreme enhancing by embracing and nurturing what they naturally have. It's a much more low-maintenance and time saving way to achieve a natural look, as well as appearing much healthier to traditional lash looks we may have seen in the past."

Why are ghost lashes trending?

It seems natural that the general trend of spending more of our income on skincare than makeup will result in new approaches to beauty routines. Mascara is probably one of the most noticeable everyday makeup products most of us wear, so removing that element is the easiest way to allow your skin to shine.

Moreover, "it doesn’t make sense to pile on the mascara when you have a subtle natural make up look," says Clayton. "Otherwise, heavy lashes take over your diffused makeup look and become harsh looking, taking away from that fresh faced aesthetic."

Another large part of the current interest in ghost lashes must be due to the weather—and many of us going on holiday. I never wear mascara when I'm away, usually due to the fact I'm in and out of the pool at all hours of the day, but also because I can't really be bothered to apply it for just a couple of hours worth of wear in the evening. Plus, wearing sunglasses all day makes me less inclined to spend a large portion of my time on eye makeup.

And who can forget the celebrity influence? Anything Hailey Bieber does is pretty much guaranteed to catch on overnight, and ghost lashes are no exception.

How to wear ghost lashes

What makes this trend different than simply not wearing makeup is the idea that you pair ghost lashes with a face of other makeup. The likes of Bella Hadid and Zendaya have opted to forgo mascara whilst sporting glowy base makeup, blushed cheeks, and lined lips, enhancing the look of the bare eyes even more.

However, if you can't totally embrace the bare lash look, there are options. "Lash lifts come in perfectly for those who can’t go completely bare to add a flawless tint and natural curl. Finish with a clear conditioner applied directly to the lashes," says Clayton.

If you want to give it a go for yourself without a salon visit, Parmar recommends the following steps for a 'your lashes but better' feel:

• Build the base: Apply a nourishing lash serum daily to encourage strength, softness, and subtle length. Choose one targeted to your needs: deep repair or growth stimulation.
•  Define with light: Curl lashes gently for shape. Optional: apply a clear mascara to hold lift and tame the look without pigment.
•  Skip the volume: No black mascaras, no clusters. The trend thrives on negative space between lashes—airy and soft.

As a beauty editor, my job involves testing dozens of products weekly. That often means that I can't be very loyal to my ride-or-dies— there is so much to try, and brands are seemingly releasing new products daily. But although I may not stick to the same tinted moisturiser, night cream, serum, blush, lipgloss… (the list goes on), there’s one product that I have used every day since I started wearing make-up, and that’s Max Factor’s iconic False Lash Effect mascara.

I test mascaras all the time, but nothing in my experience has ever lived up to this iconic formula, and accordingly, I’m never not wearing it. To unpack what makes it so special, I first have to explain that this gives you the cleanest-looking lashes, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deliver drama—no, you look like you're wearing falsies but without the bulk. Eyelashes are left perfectly separated, and when I'm having a particularly good day, they even touch the tips of my eyelids.

Of course, I have to shout out to my natural lashes; I’m pretty lucky that they are naturally curled and on the thicker side, but I have seen this mascara work wonders for those with straight eyelashes that struggle to hold a curl.

It effortlessly lengthens and volumises, and it’s all down to the brush. Plastic, with lots of teeny tiny spokes, it’s able to grab onto hairs and pull through with ease. In fact, it’s even easy to use on your bottom eyelashes, without creating a mess, which many brushes do.

Still, all this wouldn’t make it a holy grail for me. As someone who has always struggled to find a mascara that doesn’t transfer, this formula is a godsend—it doesn’t move, and it’s even held up decently after a few tears, and, when on holiday, dips in the sea. Plus, it's not too difficult to remove; it wipes off easily with micellar water, without tugging and damaging hairs. It's also a true back shade, which works well with my dark brown hair, and adds enough drama for those with lighter strands too.

It's worth mentioning, though, that when I really want to dial up the drama, I opt for DIY Lash Extension System by Lashify, which also gives me a "clean" lash look, but with extra oomph for a special event.

For every day though, it's always going to be Max Factor's False Lash Effect Mascara. It's the best all-rounder mascara I’ve ever used, and I know it will remain a staple in my make-up bag for another decade to come; easy.

It's no secret that mascara is the backbone of any well-executed makeup look, particularly when it concerns your wedding day. Should things go wrong, it's the first product to smudge, so the pressure of choosing the right formula couldn't be any higher. After all, your big day will inevitably push it to its limits—tears, sweat and all.

So, apart from offering all the flutter, volume and lift that you'd already be looking for in an everyday mascara, your wedding formula also has to be flake-proof, long-wearing, and, ideally, water-resistant. Even if you're opting for a false lash, many makeup artists will still advise applying mascara as a finishing touch to add more definition and intensity to the overall look.

As a beauty journalist who's tested no less than a hundred mascaras in my lifetime, I can confidently say that not every formula will qualify as a contender. Since we're all blessed with a different kind of lash density, curl, length and eye shape, mascaras don't exactly fall under the "one-size-fits-all" category. From various wand shapes, bristle types, shades and formulations, not every mascara will be the best fit for everyone, let alone for brides.

In a bid to make this decision a tad easier, I've consulted my little black book of experts and interviewed top MUAs for their most coveted insider tips. Enter: your definitive guide to wedding mascaras. From application hacks to advice on how to make the formula last longer, here's everything you need to know ahead of your big day.

How to choose your wedding mascara, according to MUAs

According to pro make-up artist Vincent Ford, "Your wedding day mascara needs to be waterproof, smudge-proof, and able to hold a curl all day. Basically, it should survive happy tears and hugs."

Meanwhile, Rebecca Moore, senior make-up artist at NARS, shares that your choice of mascara will largely depend on your preferences for your bridal look: "Are you leaning into something soft, romantic and natural—or do you want high-impact lashes that are more dramatic? Your mascara should complement your makeup style seamlessly."

"A more natural bride might opt for a soft, fluttery lash that enhances without overpowering. But if you’re after something bolder, you’ll want a formula that delivers full volume and intensity. It’s all about balance—mascara is that final touch that ties everything together," she explains.

Vincent also suggests testing the formula before your wedding day "to make sure you don't have any reactions and test that it does actually last all day." Rebecca agrees: "Your wedding day is not the time to experiment with unfamiliar products. If you’ve been loving a mascara and it’s never let you down—stick with it."

What's the best wedding mascara formula?

According to Rebecca: "Longevity is non-negotiable. You want something that wears beautifully from the moment you walk down the aisle to the very last dance."

Vincent suggests "avoiding anything labelled as 'nourishing' since it can flake or slide on a teary day." He advises to opt for "a waterproof black formula with a curved wand that lifts and defines. Thicker wands will give you more volume, while a longer and thinner wand works great to separate the lashes."

How to apply wedding mascara

"Application-wise, I always recommend applying [mascara] in light layers," Rebecca says. "Wiggle the wand from the root up to open the eyes. Layering allows you to build up volume without clumping."

To ensure that your mascara lasts, Vincent suggests keeping the under-eye area dry and avoiding any rich-textured or overly oily eye creams. "If you are someone with watery eyes or allergies, try a tubing mascara as they are less likely to smudge and they last all day."

Rebecca also advises to "start with an eyeshadow base to help absorb any excess oils and lock your eye look in place. One of my pro tips? After applying your first coat of mascara, lightly dust a bit of translucent powder over the lashes, then apply a second coat. It creates a seal and really boosts staying power. Your lashes will look fresh all day and night."

Best wedding mascaras, tried and tested

1. Dior Diorshow Waterproof Backstage Mascara

When I asked Shannon Lawlor, Beauty Director at Who What Wear, about her wedding day makeup look, she told me that her entire face was from Dior, and with good reason. Having skipped out on foundation, Shannon explained that she opted for the Diorshow Backstage mascara to create a look inspired by an image of Sharon Tate, featuring "a graphic eye, fluttery lashes, slightly drooped doe eyes, and a complexion that looked as though she had spent days wandering the Mojave desert".

"Paired with a statement smokey eye and a nude glossy lip, it was everything I ever dreamed of. I stand by the fact that it’s the best I’ve ever looked,” she added. Not only is this formula water-resistant, but it also effectively thickens, curves and lengthens your natural lashes with ease, delivering lasting wear and an intense black pigment. Hands down, it's one of the best all-rounder formulas out there.

2. Armani Vertigo Lift Mascara

If you're after a weightless formula that can zhuzh up your look in an instant, I'd point you right towards this clever formula from Armani. This lengthening and volumising mascara offers an uber-precise applicator wand that evenly coats and separates each lash without resulting in any clumping. Whether your lashes are naturally short, thin and weakened (or all of the aforementioned), this formula is a solid smudge-proof contender to wear on your wedding day. Just be sure to remember that it's not really water-proof, meaning it's less likely to withstand a teary moment.

"I can always rely on Armani to deliver, particularly when it concerns special occasion makeup. As someone with stubborn Asian lashes, I've always struggled to find a formula that ticks all the boxes. When I first tried this quality mascara, I was taken aback with just how easily it sculpted, lifted and lengthened my lashes, having also lasted me well over 12 hours in total," says Beauty Contributor Denise Primbet.

3. Armani Vertigo Lift Mascara

Rebecca recommends the NARS Climax Mascara for a softer, buildable finish. "It gives the lashes lift and volume without ever feeling heavy. If you’re after maximum impact, Climax Extreme is the one for you. It’s bold, unapologetic, and the jet-black pigment adds that extra definition that translates beautifully in photographs," she shares. Formulated with the brand's signature Lash Moisture Complex, this mascara will also keep your lashes in tip-top condition throughout wear, delivering root-to-tip volume without any clumping or smudging. Thanks to its clever wand, the ribbed bristles pick up the ideal amount of product needed to coat every lash, ensuring a show-stopping look for any bride who prefers a little bit of drama.

4. Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

One of the best tubing mascaras on the market, the Hourglass Unlocked formula is nothing short of impressive. Thanks to its film-forming technology, this mascara is designed to coat every lash individually with weightless fibres that are bound to stay in place for hours on end. The result? High-impact volume and length that won't budge all day—a formula that's very much welcome for a fool-proof bridal look. The best part is that, unlike most mascaras, you won't need to use an obscene amount of cleansing oil to take it off. Simply use a bit of warm water, and it will come right off (no lash-pulling or rubbing required).

5. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara

The Maybelline Sky High is nothing new to a seasoned beauty lover. In fact, it's widely considered as the crème de la crème of mascaras, and deservedly so. This waterproof version is a great option for brides-to-be, offering all the volume, length and lift that you can possibly ask for—plus a long-lasting, budge-proof result that will easily keep your lashes in place throughout the whole day. Infused with bamboo extract and fibres, this formula feels surprisingly lightweight during wear, making it just as functional as it is comfortable. It comes in a standard black shade, which can be evenly distributed throughout your lashes without the need to over-apply.

6. Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Waterproof Mascara

"There aren't many mascaras that I rate just as much as the YSL Lash Clash. Thanks to its budge-resistant formula, I definitely prefer the waterproof version to the original, and would 100% recommend it to any bride-to-be," shares Beauty Contributor Denise Primbet. Delivering up to 48 hours of wear, this formula offers buildable volume, and length with a fanned-out effect, complete with an intense jet-black pigment. It also features a handful of conditioning components such as florentina extract to make sure that your lashes are well looked-after throughout the whole day and night. Plus, the brush is easy enough to manoeuvre for those hard-to-reach corners, and the packaging makes this formula feel all the more luxurious, too.

7. Charlotte Tilbury Exaggereyes Volume Mascara

Having launched just last year, the Exaggereyes mascara from Charlotte Tilbury has already become a firm favourite among beauty editors and makeup enthusiasts alike, and understandably so. Fit for any bride that loves a faux-lash effect, this mascara truly excels at delivering all the lift and volume thanks to its unique formulation. Relying on plumping polymers, this mascara also comes infused with jojoba waxes to deliver that much-needed nourishment during wear. "I've always had thin and short lashes, yet this formula is one of the very few that gives me a genuinely impressive boost. I love the curved wand which perfectly hugs my eye shape, allowing me to coat each lash from root to the tip in one effortless swipe. Plus, its long-lasting yet smudge-proof and humidity-proof formula certainly earns a few extra points in my book," says Beauty Contributor Denise Primbet.

8. Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara

If lift and curl are your top priorities, look no further than the iconic Lash Idôle mascara from Lancôme. This hardworking formula delivers up to 24 hours of waterproof and smudge-resistant wear, making it a great option for brides-to-be. Its unique wand is designed with 125 different bristle sizes and 360 micro-bristles to ensure that it coats every lash fibre, delivering an ultra-lifted look and a fluttery effect. Plus, its gel emulsion formula feels super lightweight on the lashes, all while offering a clump-free curl that doesn't budge all day. From walking down the aisle to dancing the night away, you can rest assured that this mascara will persevere through every challenge without letting you down.

9. Benefit Badgal Bounce Mascara

One of the latest entries from Benefit, the Badgal Bounce Mascara delivers all the volume and definition, all thanks to its custom-engineered wand that packs two functions in one. Combining the benefits of fibre bristles to evenly deposit the formula to every individual lash and the fine-tooth comb that seamlessly defines and separates the lashes while you're at it, this hybrid mascara offers lasting and weightless wear fit for your big day. Featuring rice wax to help define the lashes and make the formula last longer, it's also enriched with provitamin b5 and castor seed oil to simultaneously condition your lashes on-the-go. Perfect for a bride looking for something that will further enhance your natural lashes with a voluminous look.

10. Sculpted By Aimee LashLift Mascara

Available in both brown and black iterations, this bestselling formula from Sculpted By Aimee is deserving of every bride's attention. Above all, this mascara truly shines when it comes to delivering a weightless feel—the kind that makes you forget you have makeup on in the first place. Its multi-level bristle technology aims to apply the formula from the root to the tip of each lash with the help of lightweight polymers and minimal waxes. It glides on seamlessly, eliminating the need for multiple coats, which also prevents any clumping. The brown shade, in particular, is perfect for a bride who gravitates towards a less dramatic look or if you want to let your other features take centre stage (a bold lip, anyone?). It doesn't lean too warm or cool-toned and instead offers a natural boost to your lashes without making them look too 'intense' with exaggerated pigment.

Being a beauty editor, the best part of the job is undoubtedly getting to try the brand-new products. One of my favourite categories to try is the best mascaras. Thanks to my dedicated love of lash growth serums, my eyelashes are now fairly long, and I'm always on the hunt for a natural-looking mascara. I want something that adds a little length and volume without looking over-the-top and doesn't flake or smudge.

Despite having firm favourites, I'm always trying newbies that land on my desk, including the L'Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Black Mascara, which I have to say, impressed me far more than I anticipated—and I've been using it ever since. Though I shouldn't have been so surprised because we're already big lovers of the original L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise.

L'Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Black Mascara Formula

This is one of the lightest formulas I've ever tried and that translates to the finish on the lashes. The wand separates each lash perfectly, meaning there are no clumps, with the top and bottom evenly spaced. This gives a natural-looking fanned-out effect. The brush is slightly tapered (meaning you can get to all the individual lashes in the corner and on the bottom) and is flexible enough to wiggle from root to tip easily.

One of the main things I love about this formula is that you can dial it up when you want a more dramatic look. My before and after photos show one coat for a natural finish, but adding more doesn't cause the lashes to stick together; it just adds more jet black pigment and volume. It's one of the few mascaras that can be used for both looks without needing to buy separate products.

Finally, it's very easy to remove, which is a top priority for me. I don't want to spend ages in the bathroom removing my make-up every night, and I also don't want to risk damaging my natural lashes by pulling leftover make-up off. Just a bit of micellar water on a reusable pad is enough to swipe off quickly.

L'Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal Black Mascara Performance

This mascara lasts well through busy days and wears off nicely with just one coat. By that, I mean if I'm rubbing my eyes (mistakenly forgetting I'm wearing make-up) or sweating it off on the tube, it doesn't look terrible at the end of the day.

Although I didn't have trouble with flaking and smudging, I have seen people note online that they have. Often, this isn't due to the mascara formula but more the make-up you're wearing under your eyes. Prepping the skin for make-up using a primer and then setting with a powder can help avoid this. However, if you're struggling with smudging, you might want to try a tubing mascara formula instead.

Additionally, if you have very short, straight lashes, you might not find that this gives you enough curl. If that's the case, you can use eyelash curlers beforehand and try a lash primer.

All in all, this is such a great multitasker with high-performance value. There's a reason we keep coming back to L'Oréal Paris mascaras.

When it comes to classic and well-loved cosmetics brands, Clarins has to be up there with the best. The iconic French skincare company has been loved by generations and still continues to be an absolute powerhouse in the world of beauty.

I have long been a fan of Clarins, and that’s because the products not only feel like a treat to use, but they genuinely work. I’ve used a lot of its skincare over the years, and whether it’s an everyday hand cream or a sumptuous night oil, I have always been impressed with the difference each one makes to my skin.

Clarins was founded in Paris back in 1954, when Jacques Courtin opened his first beauty spa. It was a huge success and Courtin soon went on to create a range of body oils that were made from 100% pure plant extracts, which were used and sold in the spa. In the decades since, Clarins has become trusted and well loved around the globe, and it is now the most popular premium skincare brand in Europe. The collection has grown massively over the last 70 years, and covers everything from day creams and SPF, to lip oils and serums. As well as skincare, Clarins also offers a wide range of covetable make-up products which includes mascaras, foundation, primers and statement lipsticks.

No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find that the formulas are filled with natural goodies and most often contain nourishing plant extracts. Clarins has always believed in the power of nature to enhance their skincare, as the brand wants its products to truly feel good to use. As well as the innovative ingredients and benefits for skin, Clarins leans heavily into wellness and the overall product experience. On top of all that, the brand still designs and produces all of its range in France today, with a big commitment towards sustainability and fair trade. What's not to love?!

If you’re wanting to get in on the iconic Clarins range, but feeling a little overwhelmed with where to start when it comes to shopping - don’t panic. I have rounded up some of my very favourite beauty buys below, as well as some of the brand’s bestsellers, to take all the faff out of finding the right products for you. Say bonjour to these must-have buys...

1. Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil

I love a rich face oil at night time, and this is one of my favourites. It’s made from 100% plant extracts which includes rosewood, patchouli and blue orchid, which work together to lock in moisture to parched skin. I also find it a winner to occasionally use first thing during the winter months too, as it genuinely does soften and soothe rough areas, and without feeling too heavy or greasy on my face. It has a slightly thicker texture than some other face oils I’ve used, but it absorbs well with a light and silky feel. It works wonders while I'm sleeping, and I find that my cheeks feel all the more soft and bouncy the following morning.

2. Clarins Double Serum

This luxe face serum is infused with 22 plant extracts and turmeric, and it’s designed to target fine lines, to fight early signs of ageing. It has many fans of the youth-boosting benefits but I tend to reach for it whenever my skin is looking a little dull or tired. The handy pump dispenser means I get just the right amount of product without any mess, and I find that the serum swipes over fresh skin easily and absorbs within a minute or two. It leaves my complexion looking much brighter and with a healthy sheen that continues to look glowy once I’ve applied my base.

3. Clarins Skin Illusion Foundation SPF15

Some days I need a heavier base product, and other days I like a lighter foundation. Skin Illusion Foundation is perfect for adding a light and natural-looking looking veil of coverage to my face while letting my natural skin shine through. It’s enough to disguise redness or dull cheeks but its breathable and doesn’t feel heavy to wear. It’s great for making my complexion look refreshed and clear and has the added benefit of SPF15. It's available in an impressive 24 shades too.

4. Clarins Lip Comfort Oil

This iconic lip oil has long been one of my favourites from the Clarins range. It has a gorgeously thick yet non- sticky texture that covers lips in a high shine top coat that also protects and nourishes chapped skin while you wear it. It doesn’t feel claggy and stays put on my mouth for hours after application. The Honey shade is my go-to but you can find nine other pretty tones too, that will all add a wash of wearable colour to a pout in need of a pick-me-up.

5. Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment Cream

Just a little of this rich lotion goes a long way to reverse dryness and damage on my hands to leave them feeling like new again. I love the light botanical scent, and it lingers on skin for a while after applying but without feeling overpowering. I tend to avoid applying hand cream during the day, as they can feel a little slimy or take too long to absorb, but this one is much quicker to use - it nurses dehydrated hands in just a minute or two.

6. Clarins Joli Blush

This little compact of colour is a gorgeous lift for dull cheeks and just a quick dust over with the curved brush, is enough to brighten my complexion with a bright and playful pop of colour. I’m normally a cream blusher fan, but this one is a nice featherweight powder alternative and it stays put all day without the need for touch-ups. As well as adding colour I find that it acts a bit like a finishing powder too, and keeps my skin looking smooth and shine-free. It's available in seven cheerful pink tones.

7. Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion

Ok, full disclosure – I’m not very good at regularly applying body lotion. I love facial skincare, but I'm a bit lazy when it comes to looking after my arms and legs. When I do feel like some top-to-toe hydration though, this moisturiser is the one I will opt for. Its packed full of shea butter that quickly takes my legs from dry and scaly to soft and smooth without too much effort. It has a thick and buttery texture than feels like a treat to use but it absorbs pretty fast, so I can get dressed without any stickiness.

8. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

As a mum of two little people that both love an early start, I can often wake up looking a little worse for wear. I don’t often have time for a full face of make-up, so any product that will fast track me from sleepy to glowy is a winner. The bestselling Flash Balm is perfect for the job and totally switches up how my complexion looks. It's filled with witch hazel and olive oil to soften and moisturise skin, and has a subtle sheen to it that seems to blur and brighten even the dullest of cheeks in seconds. It has quite a strong aroma that might be too much for some, but I like it and it helps towards the early morning boost.

9. Clarins Multi-Active Night Cream

Our skin regenerates and repairs while we sleep so its always worth using high quality night products to get the most out of your complexion rejuvenation. This sumptuous cream really helped to hydrate and soften my skin, and I noticed that my face looked happier after just a couple of uses. The fine and silky texture meant that I only needed a little amount to cover over my face and neck, and the niacinamide and organic sea holly infused formula works really well to help a complexion in need if TLC.

When it comes to eyeshadow, I'm usually pretty boring. I have a matte brown hue I use pretty much every time I do eye make-up, and anything beyond that is a stretch. But lately after seeing some spectacular looks on TikTok, I've taken to grown-up glitter.

Especially suited to the festive season, my look-of-choice recently has been a simple wash of colour across the eyes using a liquid glitter formula.

This saves the faff of glitter fall-out when using a powder product, and offers impressive longevity. If I want more of a pigmented colour pay-off, I'll apply a layer of cream shadow in a similar colour (but with a matte finish) before adding the sparkle.

For nights out with friends or parties, I brave a full-glitter look and use a matching glitter lip gloss. But for something a little less dramatic, I just reach for my Rhode Lip Peptide Treatment for a hi-shine pout, without the shimmer. Finishing off the look, I usually opt for super defined lashes with a great mascara and a touch of highlighter atop the cheekbones.

If there's any time to be brave and give glitter a go (no matter what your age is), it's the festive season. Honestly, I can't wait to wear my pink glitter eyes at parties all Christmas long.

The best eyeshadows to try for grown-up glitter

As I mentioned, I find powder glitter shadows more high-maintenance than a slick of shimmery liquid. That said, there are a couple I use that offer maximum impact with minimum effort.

If you prefer a powder, you really can't go wrong with Hourglass or Charlotte Tilbury's options, both of which come in a range of beautiful shades.

If, like me, you prefer something a little longer-lasting and easier to apply, I'd recommend trying a liquid paint that has glitter in it. Stila and Violette Fr do some brilliant ones (again, in gorgeous hues), but I am a life-long hype girl of the Half Magic Shimmer Eye Paint & Liner, which I am wearing in these pictures.

The shade Baby Bunny is a sheer baby pink with periwinkle reflects. Sometimes I wear it alone, or in this case, I applied a little pink cream eyeshadow first for more of an opaque effect. These paints are super easy to apply with their little doe foot wands, and the colour selection is fab.

The best grown-up glitter looks

Need more of a reason to go for it? Say no more...

1. Modern smokey eye

A classic smokey eye is taken up a notch with a hit of silvery-grey glitter.

2. Golden goddess

Gorgeous gold looks amazing all the way across the lid, or used as a liner.

3. Silver smoke

Another beautiful smokey eye look, this time with a touch more silver.

4. Pretty in pink

The look I am constantly trying to recreate, you can't beat a pink glitter.

5. Drama, drama

Makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes is the queen of glitter, and this look is all about the *drama*.

6. A 'Wicked' look

Get in the Wicked movie spirit and opt for green glitter this season, like Sable Yong.

7. Glitter & gems

Want to elevate your glitter eyeshadow even further? Add some gems.

8. Classic silver

This look is proof you can't go wrong with a simple silver.

Over the years, I've perfected my mascara application process. I know the kind of formulas I like (ultra-black, glossy and non-clumpy), my preferred brush type (hard silicone rather than soft bristle) and the way I like my lashes to look (long and lengthened rather than too curled, and never too thick or clumpy). But one thing I continue to struggle with is lower lash application.

With the lashes on your lower line notoriously tricky to coat with mascara (they are usually quite tiny, for one), I've always found it tough to get this right. I usually end up with a fair amount of smudging and a look that's far too dramatic – that is, until I tried out some different mascaras and discovered the best ones for the job.

As a major fan of Clinique's Bottom Lash Mascara, this is of course my go-to. But it can seem a bit of a faff having to buy a completely different product, so I've rounded up the formulas I find easy to use for both the top and lower lashes.

How should you apply bottom lash mascara?

As mentioned, getting mascara to look right on the lower lashes can be ultra-tricky. This is because, as Makeup Artist and Beauty Editor Madeleine Spencer explains, "bottom lashes tend to be smaller, sparser, and weaker." She explains: "If you apply too much force, they hit your face which means the mascara ends up under your eyes. Equally, you need to wiggle carefully to ensure they’re separated properly."

Challenges aside, Madeleine says that there are definitely certain application tips you can try to make things easier. She advises the following technique: "Apply the mascara wand to the base of the lower lashes and stroke your way down a few times, then take the wand and press it to the roots if you want to add more bulk."

Do you need a specific bottom lash mascara, or can you use your regular one?

Clinique's unique tiny mascara is handy and makes the whole thing seem simple. However, there are certain run-of-the-mill mascaras that make lower lash application a breeze. I've found over time that some of the best ones for the job are tubing mascaras, which are the best for anti-smudging. Here are a few of my favourites that work, either because of their tubing nature or their brush shape and size.

1. Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

I couldn't complete this list without a mention of the icon and the legend that is Clinique Bottom Lash. It boasts a teensy tiny wand, non-smudge formula and soft bristles for easy application and longevity. This really is the best for lower lash application.

2. GLOSSIER Lash Slick Lift and Lengthening Mascara

Glossier's is one of my all-time mascara heroes, thanks to its understated, subtle finish that's ultra-glossy and lengthening, without adding too much volume. For this reason, it makes lower lash application a breeze.

3. Refy Lash Sculpt

The unique shape of Refy's first mascara allows for impressive upper lash mascara, as well as easier lower lash application. You can use the tip of the brush to coat those tiny baby lashes in product, resulting in a natural finish that still makes an impact.

4. 19/99 Lash Tint Mascara

Not only is the brush on this 19/99 mascara the perfect fine shaped option for lower lashes, the formula is fairly sheer and lightweight too, meaning it's ideal for those smaller hairs. As the name suggests, it's more of a tint, which is great.

5. Trish McEvoy High Volume mascara

The genius size and shape of this wand allows you to reach the root at both upper and lower lashes for precise application. It adds a generous hit of volume, so be careful to use sparingly on the lower set.

6. e.l.f. Lash XTNDR Mascara

e.l.f.'s brush is my ideal structure for lengthened, glossy upper lashes. But what's even handier, is the fact that the tip of this wand makes coating those lower lashes a breeze. It also has tubing technology, meaning far less smudging.

7. L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Mascara

This classic go-to mascara has one of those wands that makes all-over application super easy. It's fine and a little bendy, offering flexibility to reach the root, and the formula doesn't run or smudge.

Despite only spending around 5 minutes on my make-up routine most days, I have to confess that I am a bit of a magpie when it comes to collecting beautiful make-up products. And while designer brands like Dior and Chanel might spring to mind first when you think of covetable beauty products, there’s one brand that holds a special place in my heart, that does luxury beauty incredibly well and that’s Hourglass.

Founded in 2004 by Carisa Janes, Hourglass aimed to totally redefine the luxury cosmetics space—proving that high-end beauty needn’t only be the domain of designer fashion houses or heritage brands, but that there was space for a more innovative approach to beautiful cosmetics. A vegan and cruelty-free brand at its heart, the products are considered with a focus on high-quality formulations and cutting-edge textures, all encased in sleek and beautiful packaging.

And while some brands might dominate when it comes to the best mascaras or have nailed their foundations for every skin type, I can say with confidence that whatever make-up product you’re looking for—be it a glow-boosting blusher or a does-it-all concealer, Hourglass will deliver a formula to impress.

Ahead, I’ve rounded up my best investment buys from Hourglass that I think are more than worth the money.

1. Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

I wasn’t fussed about skin tints for the longest time, assuming them to be exclusively aimed at people with "good" skin. It doesn’t sound very forward-thinking I know, but while I truly believe that we shouldn’t feel a societal pressure to cover up blemishes, pigmentation or other things on our skin that have been traditionally deemed to be an imperfection, as someone that has grown up with acne I also understand that some days your inner confidence might be bolstered by a little skin coverage. This, for me, is the perfect compromise between an almost imperceptible skin tint (like many I’ve tried) and a lightweight foundation. Yes, it won’t offer much in the way of coverage, but it does have an incredible ability to wash over areas of redness and congestion and dial down their intensity while leaving behind a glowy veil. It basically makes my skin look incredibly healthy and fresh, and it’s the perfect base product if you need something that can be slapped on haphazardly with fingers before you run out the door.

2. Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer

At the other end of the coverage spectrum comes this concealer—a full-coverage, waterproof, liquid formulation that I reach for when I want to cover things up. The thing I love most about this product is its versatility. All too often I’ll find a concealer that I adore for dark circles, but it just doesn’t work on breakouts. Or I’ll find a heavy-duty blemish concealer that looks way too heavy when applied under the eyes. This stuff works all over the face, for whatever part of the skin you’re looking to cover. And while it is undoubtedly heavy duty in terms of its opacity, it doesn’t look heavy in the slightest. In fact, it meshes almost imperceptibly with the skin with a smoothing and brightening finish. Dark circles will disappear as if by magic, and even the biggest of blemishes will camouflage into the background.

3. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit

Something of a collector’s item, these Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edits are released each year ahead of the holiday season in a variety of packaging designs and versions to suit different skin tones. I haven’t got my hands on this year’s offering, but you can see from the photo how well loved last year’s palette is. These palettes are pricey but, if you’re looking for something special to treat yourself with then I actually do think they make a brilliant investment. I use mine most days and I’ve barely made a dent in any of the finely-milled powders. Typically, you get a combination of blushers, highlighters, bronzers and setting powders in the mix—all of them infused with a subtle glow that really illuminates and brightens skin. I use these on cheeks, on eyes, wherever I fancy adding a little extra polish and shine. Shout out to the huge mirror inside too, which makes it a non-negotiable in my makeup bag whenever I’m travelling.

4. Hourglass Confession Lipstick

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m hard to please when it comes to lipsticks and really fussy about the formulas that I use. I want something that packs a punch when it comes to pigment yet doesn’t feel high-maintenance, and while I want a formula that is going to last for hours and hours (preferably all day) I can’t stand lipsticks that feel even the slightest bit drying on the lips. It’s no small feat then that this Hourglass lipstick has passed my rather demanding list of requirements and made it into my pick of the brand’s best products. Infused with sunflower seed oil, it has a surprisingly hydrating texture considering just how long it sticks around for—and the satin finish feels modern and easy to wear. Plus, the ultra-sleek bullet makes it so easy to apply precisely to your lips, which is essential when wearing a bold colour. Bonus points go to the sleek gold case which feels so glamorous to pull out and re-apply.

5. Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blush

They might have only launched this year, but the Hourglass Unreal Liquid Blushes have to be one of the best make-up products of 2024. In fact, basically every beauty editor I know is as obsessed with them as me—with fellow Marie Claire contributor Tori Crowther writing a love letter to them a few months back. Liquid blushers don’t tend to be my bag, I find cream formulations so much easier to use, but these ones are true innovations. From the push packaging which helps you to dispense the perfect amount of product to the lightweight serum-like texture which meshes seamlessly with your skin, it’s a fast and easy way to add a flush of natural-looking colour to your cheeks. And once it’s on, it dries down beautifully and doesn’t budge.

6. Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm

I’m not the kind of person that can leave the house without some kind of colour on my lips, so on days that it’s not a full-on lipstick I rely on an army of tinted lip balms to give me my colour fix. This one is certainly more expensive than most in my make-up bag, but it’s undeniably one of the nicest to use too. Not only does it add a juicy pop of colour to lips, it also adds a beautiful shine (not far off a lip gloss, but with none of the stickiness) and it also delivers a subtle volume boost for a fuller-looking pout. It’s nourishing, hydrating, and surprisingly long-lasting for a product like this, but best of all it makes me feel a whole lot more pulled-together with very minimal effort required on my part. Marie Claire editors Katie Thomas and Shannon Lawlor are also huge fans.

7. Hourglass Vanish Airbrushed Pressed Powder

Despite having oily skin, for the last few years I’ve had a bit of a love-hate relationship with powder. I came of age in the early noughties where it was all about matte skin—so I’d go through countless pans of pressed powder to keep any hint of shine at bay. Things have changed though, and our collective obsession with glow meant that I stopped using powder almost entirely and embraced my skin’s shininess. It’s only when I started questioning why my make-up never seems to last very long that I realised powder can be a good thing if you’re using the right one. This one from Hourglass is perfect. It’s utterly weightless on the skin and manages to absorb excess oil and dramatic shine without making skin look flat or one-dimensional. In fact, it kind of gives skin a soft focus, velvety appearance while improving the longevity of anything that you’ve applied underneath. Oh, and like all Hourglass products, the packaging is totally divine.

8. Hourglass Curator Eyeshadow

I’m utterly useless at eye makeup, but these individual pans of powder pigment are so effortless to apply that you can create a fairly impressive eyeshadow look with zero skill required. Available in a mix of finishes, from mattes and metallics to satins and shimmers, there’s a colour and finish to suit every taste, mood and occasion. And while they are highly pigmented, they blend out beautifully so you can wear them as a bold pop of colour or more of a sheer wash. In fact, I tend to apply them using just my fingertips as they’re that creamy and easy to use. The refillable palettes are an utter dream as you can mix-and-match your shades to ensure that every single colour works for you, and as gifting season is nearly upon as I can guarantee that these would go down a treat for a make-up lover in your life.

9. Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

Last but by no means least comes this lash-lengthening mascara from Hourglass, which has to be one of the best tubing mascaras I’ve ever tried for transforming my short, curly lashes into fluttery, feathery delights. I truly don’t expect miracles when it comes to mascara as my lashes are pretty short and sparse, but this really is the ultimate formula when it comes to adding definition, lift and length. And because it's a tubing mascara, despite the high impact results it’s incredibly easy to remove—it rinses entirely clean with warm water. Plus, as someone with oily eyelids, I can attest to the fact that it stays put without smudging or slipping around.

Eyeliner can totally transform a make-up look, but it can also totally ruin one too. We've all been there. What do I mean by that? Well, if applied incorrectly or you choose the wrong formula, eyeliners can smudge, run and smear ruining all of that hard work on the rest of your face. You don't want to be let down by a terrible liner not doing its job. Which is why the best waterproof eyeliner could be your most-trusted make-up product.

We expect a lot from our eyeliners. We want them to be jet black (or pigmented in whatever shade it promises), give ultra-precision, last all day and not be a total nightmare to remove at the end of the night. So it can take some trial and error to find formulas that do all of that well and are water-resistant.

Tips and tricks for waterproof eyeliner

When it comes to choosing a waterproof eyeliner, it really is all in the formula. Make-up artist Andrew Denton explains that the clue is in the name when searching for waterproof liners, look for products that are long-wear as they dry down and set in place. No one is expecting you to swim 100 lengths wearing these formulas (although of course, the very best ones would stay in place for this too), it's more about longevity.

For application, Denton notes that making sure the lid is free from any excess oils otherwise it can "break down the formulation of your eyeliner," he says. "If you’re prone to oily eyelids, try using an eye shadow primer, this will not only stop your shadow from creasing but will also increase the longevity of your liner," Denton says. He notes that you can also use a long-wear eyeshadow too, which helps keep everything in place.

How to remove waterproof eyeliner?

Just like waterproof mascara, removing waterproof eyeliner can sometimes prove challenging. After all, it's designed to last far longer than regular eyeliner.

The best way to remove waterproof liner is either using an oil-based cleanser or micellar water. If you're using an oil-based cleanser, first make sure that it's safe for use on the eye area (it'll sting otherwise). Then close your eyes and gently massage the oil onto your lids using your fingertips. Once you've worked it into the skin, get a muslin cloth and wipe away making sure you aren't scrubbing or being too harsh.

If you're using micellar water, saturate a reusable cotton pad then press and hold the cotton pad over your eye for 10-15 seconds. Then gently wipe away the eyeliner and repeat this process if it's proving stubborn.

Best waterproof eyeliners

1. e.l.f. Intense H20 Proof Eyeliner Pen

Out of all the eyeliners here, this is by far the one that lasted the longest for me. It's a very wet formula but don't be fooled, it dries down super quickly so precision is key. It's jet-black and only needs a light touch to apply unlike others meaning you can create very thin lines. It does have that wet-look effect so if you prefer a more matte looking finish, bear this in mind. It's an absolutely fantastic eyeliner.

2. Chanel Calligraphie Cream Eyeliner

Chanel’s Calligraphie eyeliner in HyperBlack is a firm favourite among beauty editors and make-up artists, including Denton. "The formulation is amazing, it glides on so smoothly, is easy to correct and won’t budge. It’s been a staple in my kit for years," he says. It's a super creamy formula that is easy to work with and apply with an angled or small-tip brush and stays put. It can be a little difficult to remove but that's because it's such a brilliant waterproof formula—and it's nothing our removal tips can't handle.

3. Haus Labs Clear Cut Liquid Eyeliner

Haus Labs Clear Cut Liquid Eyeliner is a brilliant precision liquid eyeliner for achieving sharp cat eye looks. It has an incredibly precise tip that makes it easy to get a super thin liner look. It needs a little more pressure to get its jet-black shade than other liners as the formula isn't as wet as others. It dries down near-instantly so you'll want to be precise with this one; I recommend first outlining your shape with a pencil before using this liquid liner over the top. This dry down means that once you apply it, it's going to stay put all day long.

4. Valentino Colorgraph Eyeliner

Not a fan or sharp liquid liners but still want a pencil liner that's going to last? This Valentino Colorgraph Eyeliner is super smudge-y and easy to work with but once it dries, it's not budging. It's dual-ended but the brush doesn't work particularly well with the liner formulation. It'll work great for getting powder eyeshadow right into the lash line though.

5. Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil

Denton's favourite soft finish and budget-friendly option is Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil, also noting that he likes Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil, too. "The formulation is creamy and you have time to soften the edges for a sultry smoke that will last all day."

6. Yves Saint Laurent Lines Libeterated Eyeliner

I'll be honest, despite being waterproof, I didn't expect this liner to last so long. It has great colour pay-off and comes in seven flattering shades. The dual-ended brush is genuinely great too, it is angled meaning you can get sharp edges while cleaning up. You have enough time to work it onto the eyes and smudge it out before it dries. It's a brilliant, reliable and hardworking liner that does as it promises, what more could you want?

7. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner

Of course, it's not an eyeliner roundup without Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner. This iconic eyeliner is a staple for many thanks to its waterproof abilities. When I say this does not smudge at all throughout the day, I truly mean it. As soon as you apply, this liner will stay put, particularly if you prime oily lids well and set it in place using a tiny bit of loose powder.

8. Benefit Roller Liner

Benefit's Roller Lash is one of the best brown and black liquid eyeliners I've used; it's a product that I find myself consistently coming back to. The felt tip is really precise and doesn't need much pressure to get great colour pay-off. It lives up to its claim of being waterproof as it won't budge or smudge throughout the day or night.

My very first interaction with Maybelline – as is the case with so many millennials – is with its infamous foundation Dream Matte Mousse. I remember slathering it on in the school loos between classes and I wasn't alone. It seemed like every one of my friends was doing the same. It was an icon.

Many years later, and the brand is still one of my go-to make-up choices. It's arguably one of the best drugstore brands for affordable cosmetics. Whether it's the new lightweight skin tints that have replaced its old mousse formula, or a lip tint that made me fall back in love with glosses, you can't beat a bit of Maybelline.

Known these days for selling some brilliant mascaras (I can't argue with that), the brand has so much more to offer. Want to know which items are at the top of this beauty ed's wish list at all times? Read on...

Maybelline's best products

1. Maybelline Build-A-Brow

My first pick may feel a little unexpected, as it's not one of Maybelline's bestsellers or best-known finds. Fairly new to the brand, I first tried this brow product a few months ago and fell in love. I tend to find some eyebrow products (in particular, pencils) hard to create a natural-looking brow, because it is easy to go in heavy handed. However, this felt-tip style pen is fool-proof to form hair-like strokes without it looking obvious or false. What's more, the double-sided product also has a taming gel for keep brows shaped and defined, meaning for £11.99 you get two products in one - quite the steal.

2. Maybelline Lifter Gloss Hydrating Lip Gloss

For as long as I can remember, I've been a satin/natural matte lip girlie. In short: glosses have just never felt like they're for me, mostly because I detest their so-often sticky nature. Maybelline's Lifter Gloss came into my life when I was about to denounce all glosses once and for all, and now, I'm firmly (and unexpectedly) in my glossy lip era. These are just so chic; the colours are beautiful, the formula is pigmented yet natural, and the feel is totally non-sticky. You can't beat them.

3. Maybelline Instant Anti Age Perfector 4-In-1 Glow Primer, Concealer, Highlighter

The day I retired from Dream Matte Mousse use, I vowed never to pick up another Maybelline base. And yet, these days they're my absolute FAVOURITE drugstore ones. I think the brand does skin tints particularly well, and given I prefer a lightweight yet buildable base (rather than a heavyweight foundation), I am definitely their target consumer. This product is ideal if you like a sheer, radiant product that gives you a 'your skin but better' vibe. The large doe-foot applicator (which I try not to think about too much, germ-wise!) means easy, mess-free application, too. My only qualm is the shade range; it definitely needs some work.

4. Maybelline Super Stay up to 24H Skin Tint Foundation + Vitamin C

Speaking of Maybelline bases, this is another banger. It's just soooo good. Lightweight yet buildable, this sits somewhere between a foundation and BB cream in my opinion. Interestingly, it's not as dewy as I first expected, but this makes it a great choice if you want something more natural (yet still with a little radiance) in finish. A little goes a long way, too, meaning one bottle will last you forever.

5. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara 

What would a Maybelline round-up be without a mascara?! Honestly, it was hard to choose just one – you will honestly be in safe hands no matter the choice – but Maybelline's Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara had to be the choice. It's the brand's bestseller and my personal favourite for long, volumised lashes that look natural. It also comes in a waterproof version, as well as some fun colourways, including a poppy burgundy, which has proved incredibly popular on TikTok. .

6. Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer

Another of Maybelline's most revered products, the Eraser Eye Concealer is a great dupe for several very high end under-eye brightening concealers. It works to cover dark under-eye circles, meaning even the shortest night's sleep can be hidden in just a swipe. The shade range is good, and the doe foot applicator – while a little messy at times – makes application a breeze.

7. Maybelline Tattoo Liner Ink Pen Eyeliner

I'm very picky when it comes to liquid liners, particularly when it comes to the applicator tip and the formula. This is one of few drugstore buys I actually will use and can rely on. The fine felt-tip allows smooth, precise application, while the jet black formula ensures perfect wings every time.

If you’re into wearing makeup then chances are you will have spent a considerable amount of time and money in finding the very best mascara for you. Whether it’s length, volume, definition, or curl that’s top of your priority list, there are plenty of brilliant formulations on the market that cater for every lash need. But while I have my personal go-to brands for smudge-free, fluttery lashes (both Benefit and Lancôme have impressively high-performing mascara formulations in my opinion) when it comes to the colour of my mascara I tend to stick to what I know—and that’s black. 

However, when the Maybelline Sky High Lash Sensational mascara went viral (again) recently, thanks to its latest iteration in a chic burgundy colourway, my interest in coloured mascara rocketed. Especially when I heard that this deep purple shade was meant to look incredible on brown or green eyes. And, it turns out, that the very best coloured mascaras can do the same for every single eye colour—making the hue of your iris look more vibrant and your eyes look brighter.

What is the best coloured mascara for my eyes?

With mascaras available in shades of blue, green, purple and even pink, it can be hard to know which one to opt for if, like me, you’ve been in a black mascara comfort zone for your entire life. Luckily, unlike the almost neon shades of blue mascara that I remember from my teenage years (although they do still exist if that floats your boat) the new wave of coloured mascaras are far more subtle—offering a subtle hint of colour, rather than a dramatic pop—and therefore almost any coloured mascara will work for you.

However, bearing the colour wheel in mind is a good shout if you want to really enhance the colour of your eyes. “For brown eyes, if you want to go for something quite extreme then you could do a blue mascara as that’s the opposite on the colour wheel and will therefore give an almost Malteser-rich brown vibe to your natural eyes,” explains Pro Makeup Artist Lisa Caldognetto. “However, a more natural version would be going for a mascara with a burgundy hue.”

For blue eyes, Lisa suggests looking to the opposite side of the colour wheel again which is orange. “Something with caramel or golden-brown undertones would look phenomenal,” she advises. “Equally, though, if you want a more out-there option then a bright pink would also look amazing as a contrast against blue eyes.”

Similarly to brown, green or hazel eyes really suit something with a purple undertone. “Think aubergines, burgundy and hints of purple,” suggests Lisa. “Something like a brown mascara with hints of green or olive running through as an undertone also works well.”

Personally, I was so surprised at the impact that switching my black mascara for a burgundy one made to my eyes. Unlike a bright lipstick, which is instantly noticeable, it felt like a really subtle but still playful way to inject some colour into my everyday makeup look. But if you’re nervous about making the switch there are ways to dial-down a coloured mascara to make it feel more wearable.

“Try going in with your regular mascara first and then pressing the coloured mascara at the roots of the lashes, rather than the tips,” suggests Lisa. “This technique creates a bit of ombre and interest but feels quite wearable. Plus, it will really highlight the colours in the iris of your eye.”

Ahead, 7 of the best coloured mascara to try now—there's one for every eye colour.

Best coloured mascaras

1. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Mascara in Dream Pop

I am already a fan of this mascara formula, but had no idea that it existed in the truly beautiful berry-brown Pillow Talk shade—and I’ve been absolutely converted. Specially created to bring out the colours in your eyes, it truly works for every single eye colour. It will make blue eyes even brighter, hazel eyes more golden, green eyes more intense, and gives brown eyes (like my own) an almost amber quality. If you have dark lashes like me then it might take some getting used to at first as the colour is lighter than my natural hair, so not only did it take a couple of coats for the pigment to show up but it almost minimises the way that the lashes frame your eyes and instead lets your eye colour take centre stage. However, I honestly love the way it looks and can see this becoming a mascara that I reach for daily.

2. Kiko Milano Smart Colour Mascara in Jungle Green

I really had a moment with green eyeshadow as a teenager, so I was a bit dubious about wearing the colour on my lashes now that I’m in my mid-30s. Turns out, though, dark green is so wearable! (Although I have to admit that it was really hard to photograph and looks much deeper on camera than it does in real life.) The beauty of this mascara is that you can wear it alone for a more noticeable pop of colour, or use it as a top coat over a black mascara for just a touch of colour. It really highlights the green tones in hazel eyes, but I think that it's subtle enough that a variety of eye colours would really get on board with this. And, as someone that is very fussy about mascara wands, I have to mention how brilliant this one is for not only distributing the colour evenly through lashes, but for fanning them out for a full, fluttery effect. 

3. Maybelline Sky High Lash Sensational Mascara in Blue Mist

The original Sky High mascara went viral for just how incredibly lengthening it is, and the newer burgundy version is proving just as popular. It’s this electric blue formulation that makes my list of the very best, however, thanks to the sheer vibrancy of the colour. It delivers on all of the same lash-lengthening benefits as the original version, but with a shock of blue pigment which is just so fun. Brown eyes will particularly pop with this mascara, but if you’re looking for a playful and head-turning approach to colourful lashes then I can’t rate this highly enough.

4. Dior Iconic Overcurl Mascara in Brown

If you’re really on the fence about coloured mascara then switching your usual black for brown can actually be quite transformative. Although it won’t dramatically alter the look and feel of your usual makeup, there’s a softness to brown lashes that I love, which is where a beautiful brown mascara comes in. This one from Dior is a rich chocolate shade that I think would look particularly striking on fair lashes, although it will definitely give enough volume and fullness to darker lashes to justify wearing it. It’s glossy, luxurious, and the perfect gateway to more experimental shades. 

5. Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara in Blue

A genuinely wearable shade of purple, this mascara from Eyeko delivers a slick of sumptuous, expensive-looking colour to lashes. Much more navy than electric blue, it’s one of those mascaras that won’t look dramatically different at first swipe. However, if you persist with applying a couple more layers then you’ll be left with thick, fanned-out lashes that look amazing when the light hits. As Lisa mentioned, these kinds of colours look particularly great on brown eyes by really highlighting those deep, chocolatey tones in the iris, but this really would look striking on all eye and lash colours.

6. Yves Saint Laurent Luxurious Volume Effect Faux Cils Mascara in Burgundy

Lisa recommended caramel-brown or pink shades for highlighting blue eyes, and I feel like this burgundy shade from YSL offers a bit of both. The berry colour is an almost grown-up nod to pink, but it also has a beautiful brown undertone that makes it really wearable and flattering. The formula itself is enriched with pro-vitamin B5 and aloe vera to really condition and nourish lashes while the fibre brush boosts volume and thickness. It’s a luxury mascara buy for sure, but I think it will look good on everybody.

7. By Terry Mascara Terrybly in Purple Success

Purple looks so striking on green eyes, but stepping it out in a violet or lilac colour might feel a little bold. Instead, try a deep aubergine or plum shade like this one from By Terry which looks almost black at first glance. Once layered up though, it delivers a subtle peek of purple when the light catches it and really makes the green tones in eyes shine. Not only does this mascara deliver on pigment, it also helps lashes to grow stronger and healthier thanks to an infusion of hyaluronic acid, collagen and plant protein so your lashes will be longer and thicker long-term too. 

I have a little confession to make. Purple mascara was my first ever make-up love. Yep, before the days of foundation and lipstick, mascara was the one beauty indulgence my mum deemed ‘youthful’ enough for me to try out, aged 13. Specifically: a neon purple-hued formula she had picked up from the Superdrug on Camden high street. I was obsessed with this mascara and wore it every day. 

Understandably, I became known as Purple Mascara Girl at school—and I wasn’t too mad about it. There’s something about the fun, friendly hue that I still gravitate towards today (and the fact that the colour is trending for Spring/Summer 24 fashion definitely helps). So when Executive Beauty Editor, Shannon Lawlor, asked me to try out the new Maybelline Sky High Lash Sensational mascara in Burgundy Haze, I was embarrassingly fast in my response: a resounding yes.

This mascara has gone viral on TikTok recently, and the term ‘Maybelline Sky High burgundy’ currently has 89.3 million views on the app—and counting. In fact, Boots has sold one of them every 3 minutes since Maybelline launched the colourful shades of the mascara in January—so it's clearly a winner. I’m also a huge fan of the original Sky High mascara, (and trying out mascara formulas in general—from lengthening mascaras to volumising formulas) so I was excited to try this new colourful iteration out for myself. I only saw good things from this trial—at the very least, a nostalgic foray into the make-up of my youth, and at best a new experimental look to spice up my make-up repertoire.

So what did I actually think of this new purple mascara? Read on for my honest review (and where to find the best purple mascaras currently on the market)...

My review of the Maybelline Sky High burgundy mascara

Let me first start by saying that this mascara definitely isn’t as intense as the neon-hued formula of my youth. As the name suggests, it looks like a straight up burgundy in the tube, but when applied to the lashes, it's more of a delicious deep brown with a tinge of reddish purple. Surprisingly natural-looking.

The red and purple tones aren’t really obvious in pictures, in fact, it looks like a softer black, but in real life they really enhance the blue tones in my grey eyes. And according to TikTok, it really enhances the colour of brown and green eyes too!

I would wear this mascara in a similar way to how I’d wear a brown mascara—when I’m after a softer eye look. Similar to my favourite brown formula (Eyeko’s Limitless Lengthening mascara, in case you were wondering) it would offset a warm-toned eye make-up look beautifully, making it the perfect everyday alternative to a more intense black.

When it comes to the formula and brush, it feels exactly the same as the original Maybelline Sky High mascara, which is one of my favourites, so of course, I’m a fan. It’s lengthening and volumising in equal measure. The cleverly designed brush allows you to pack on the product and lift and separate the lashes in one easy swipe.

Overall: I’m a huge fan. This is a purple mascara for even those who aren’t a fan of purple mascaras (or brightly-coloured make-up in general) in fact, it actually compliments a neutral-toned eye look perfectly.

The best purple mascaras to shop:

Aside from my new favourite, there are plenty of other beautiful purple mascara formulas to shop online - from neon purple to almost-black hues, and no matter what your budget, here are the best we found…

As New Zealand joins the ranks of countries banning 'forever chemicals', and the European Chemicals Agency considers similar EU-wide restrictions, Tropic Skincare is leading the charge in questioning their continued use in beauty products, which remain legal in the UK, despite proposals for an EU ban and US legislative efforts. 

The brand advocates for skincare that mirrors the quality and care we give our diets. "Just as fresh, balanced meals are vital for our bodies, our skin deserves nothing less," says Susie Ma, CEO of Tropic, who goes on to emphasise, "True beauty doesn't sacrifice health or the planet. Our commitment to excluding forever chemicals underlines our dedication to natural ingredients, despite the extra effort required for their stabilisation." The brand commends New Zealand's stance and urges a global revaluation of chemical use in cosmetics.

Understanding Forever Chemicals or PFAS

Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are widely used in the beauty industry for their durable properties that smooth skin, enhance makeup longevity, water resistance, and overall performance. These chemicals, however, can pose significant health risks, including cancer and thyroid issues, due to their persistence in the environment and the human body. PFAS do not break down naturally and can take over 1,000 years to degrade, leading to widespread environmental contamination and even accumulation in human blood as they can be absorbed through the skin or ingested when using makeup and personal care products. Given that the average lipstick user might ingest 7lbs of lipstick over their lifetime, the potential for exposure to these 'forever chemicals' is concerning.

Studies have found high levels of PFAS in a variety of skincare and makeup products, including waterproof mascaras, foundations, and liquid lipsticks (because they are resistant to water and oil). With evidence mounting against their safety, many beauty brands are phasing them out. 

 How to avoid Forever Chemicals?

Tropic is dedicated to demystifying skincare choices, aiming to equip us with the knowledge to select products that resonate with our values. Navigating ingredient lists and the barrage of beauty trends and advice can be overwhelming. To simplify this process, Tropic collaborates with Provenance, an organisation that works with brands to make sustainability information available online, protecting us from greenwashing. This partnership adds a layer of trust, using Proof Points to transparently verify the ethical claims of their products. When browsing the website, it's easy to see the credentials of each item - be it cruelty-free and vegan certifications, sustainable ingredient sourcing, or charity work. 

Moreover, their commitment to transparency is further solidified by their facial skincare range achieving COSMOS organic certification. This verification ensures their products not only meet but exceed the stringent standards for natural and organic products set by COSMOS. This rigorous testing and clear communication are key steps in Tropic Skincare's journey towards a transparent and trustworthy future in beauty.

What is the alternative to PFAS? 

The norm in the beauty industry has been to rely on synthetic preservatives like parabens for prolonged shelf life. While these preservatives prevent contamination, rising concerns about the cumulative effects of paraben exposure are leading beauty brands to natural alternatives.

“At Tropic, we opt for natural plant preservatives, giving our products a fresher lifespan of 12-18 months. This ensures they don't linger in storage but arrive fresh to your home, preserving the natural vibrancy and benefits of our sustainably sourced ingredients,” says Ma. 

Every day, their Surrey Beauty Kitchen buzzes with activity, crafting formulas rich in nutrients to nourish your skin. By making their products fresh in small batches, they capture the full antioxidant power of tropical plant botanicals, renowned for their nutrient density due to their equatorial origins. These ingredients, ethically sourced from the most fertile regions, ensure their products are as potent as they are pure.

“Our commitment to natural preservation not only optimises the antioxidant potency of our botanicals but also celebrates the true colours and textures of nature's bounty,” says Ma.

The brands commitment to efficacy is demonstrated through rigorous independent clinical trials, validating the impressive results of their facial skincare range. With Tropic, you're not just choosing an alternative to PFAS—you're embracing the wholesome goodness of nature, meticulously crafted for your skin's vitality.

 Tropic’s commitment to sustainability 

Tropic’s commitment to sustainability and wellness is rooted deeply in how they source, create, and give back. From tropical climates, they carefully select the most nutritious ingredients for their formulas, which are not only clinically tested but also certified organic, ensuring there are no toxic chemicals or artificial preservatives. These botanicals thrive in the abundant sunshine, moisture, and rich environment of the equator, resulting in skincare that is as potent as it is luxurious. Their entire range is certified vegan, cruelty-free, and carbon negative, with all packaging designed to be circular and avoid landfill. 

The brand's environmental initiatives include cultivating a forest of 7,000 climate-resilient trees in the South Downs and nurturing a coral nursery in the Great Barrier Reef,  as well as planting over 500,000 trees worldwide. They are committed to social responsibility, donating 10% of profits to charitable causes, funding education for children in partnership with UWS, building schools in Africa and Asia, supporting UK food banks, and backing The Prince’s Trust Women Supporting Women initiative. Their unique approach also extends to empowering over 20,000 Ambassadors in the UK to build their own beauty businesses while helping others find confidence in their own skin. 

Here are some of my favourite Tropic products: 

I have a confession to make: I’m terrified of eyelash curlers. After a rather misguided attempt to curl my own as a pre-teen resulted in some of my actual lashes being pulled out (I’m wincing as I type this) I have given lash curlers a pretty wide berth for fear of further damage being done, preferring to experiment with mascaras instead to create longer lashes. However, as I get older my lashes, which always had a pretty good natural curl, have become finer, sparser and straighter in texture. Combined with the fact that they’re on the short side (yes, I haven’t been blessed in the natural lash department) and I thought it was about time that I learned how to curl lashes properly to improve my chances of full, fluttery-looking lashes.

“Curling lashes can be stressful, time consuming when you are not confident with it, and if you are not using them correctly can come with a risk of lash damage,” explains celebrity make-up artist, Brooke Simons. However, eyelash curlers are an essential in every make-up artist’s kit and its because they have the ability to impart more lift and curl than even the best lengthening mascara alone can manage. And once you’ve honed your technique you won’t look back.

How to curl lashes

1. Inspect your eyelash curler

More important than the brand or style of eyelash curler that you’re going to be using is making sure that your tool is in full working order. “My best advice when curling your lashes using an eyelash curler is to first and foremost make sure that the rubber sponge is in place to ensure a safe process,” says Brooke. If that sponge or pad is missing then you run the risk of pinching your lashes too tightly and causing damage. However, if you are interested in an expert recommendation then Brooke swears by the Tweezerman Lash Curler and the Grande Cosmetics Heated Lash Curler.

2. Make sure your lashes are clean

Before you get started on curling your lashes you should make sure that they are clean and totally free of make-up. “Do not ever curl your lashes after applying mascara,” says Brooke. “This can actually cause the curler to stick to your lashes and pull them away from the root, causing damage or loss.” Even if you’ve taken your make-up off the night before, it’s a good idea to wipe your eye area clean with a micellar water just to remove any traces of make-up.

3. Take your time

If you’re in a massive rush then it’s probably best to skip the eyelash curlers entirely, and if you’re learning how to curl your lashes then be sure to allow plenty of time to get to grips with it. “Really take your time to position your open lash curlers in place, getting as close to your lash line as you can,” explains Brooke. Be careful not to get too close, however, as you don’t want to end up pinching your skin. Once you’ve got the curler in place, you should squeeze the curler to create a bend in the lash. “Hold it for five to ten seconds, followed by a few gentle squeezes, then repeat if needed,” explains Brooke.

4. Reposition the lash curler

Those who have really straight or short lashes might require a little extra work to curl their lashes effectively. Once you’ve followed the previous step, Brooke suggests repositioning the curler further away from your eye. “Squeeze down again and repeat this step, working your way to the middle of your lash,” says Brooke. This technique should really help to curl straight lashes and lift shorter lashes upwards to open up your eyes.

5. Add heat

If your lashes really have trouble holding a curl then Brooke suggests that you can gently warm up your lash curler “to help it make its mark”. However, she stresses the importance of not making the curler too hot. A good way to do this is to simply hold the eyelash curler between your hands for a minute or two to warm it, or run it under a hot tap for a few seconds—but be sure to test it on the back of your hand to check its warm, and not scalding, to the touch. 

Similarly, if you’re keen to curl your lashes but find the idea of using an eyelash curler a bit much then Brooke swears by heated lash curlers. “These can actually be used after mascara application and are so easy to use,” she says. “You simply bend the lashes upward with the curler and hold it for around 10 seconds to achieve a lifted look.

6. Layer on a waterproof mascara

While learning how to curl lashes with an eyelash curler does help to impart a longer-lasting lift and curl, setting your hard work with a waterproof mascara is expert-recommended. “Sealing it with a waterproof formula helps to make that curl more long-lasting,” explains Brooke. Look for a formula that’s specifically formulated to curl lashes so you’re not counteracting your handiwork.

7. Clean your eyelash curler

Now that you’re an expert on how to curl your lashes, it’s important to look after your eyelash curlers to ensure their longevity and prevent the spread of bacteria next time you use them. Brooke swears by Isoclean Makeup Brush Cleaner for making sure that her tools are completely clean and bacteria free. “At home, I’d suggest cleaning them with an antibacterial wash to keep them germ-free and wiping them with a micellar water between uses to remove any oil,” suggests Brooke.

Shop more eyelash curlers

I am a huge mascara fan. It's one of my favourite products to test because we truly expect a lot from the humble mascara. The best mascaras aim to lift, curl, add volume, lengthen, define and enhance our lashes—all without clumping, flaking, smudging, dropping and causing irritation. It actually takes a lot of innovation for a high-performing mascara, despite it being one of the most used make-up products out there. And most of them don't come cheap so I understand wanting to know all the ins and outs before taking the plunge. That's where I come in. Today, I'm reviewing one of the beauty industry's most iconic brands' selection: Estée Lauder mascaras. 

There are four core mascaras in the line-up, each with very different formulas, wands and promised outcomes. But do they live up to our expectations? Let's take a closer look. 

1. Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara 

Starting with my favourite our of the bunch. The Double Wear formula is easy to apply, doesn't look clumpy and gives eyelashes an incredible fluffy finish. It's a sort of "your lashes but better" effect, but is easily buildable if you want a more dramatic look. 

One coat was enough for me to get a decent lift and a lot of length; it separated my lashes well without clumping them together. I also really like the ribbed tube as it's easy to grip and apply without the risk of slipping out of your hand. The tube was mess-free and dispensed just the right amount of mascara meaning you don't need to faff with wiping some of the formula back onto the rim. 

An ideal, everyday mascara if you like added length without looking like you're wearing much mascara. 

2. Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara

The aim of this mascara is to give extreme volume and it while it does give a decent amount of volume, it's not the best mascara for volume I've tried. But I don't think that's a bad thing. 

Most volume mascara do too much in one coat and aren't buildable, which I think is a real downside. This, however, coats lashes straight away but doesn't clump as lots of others have a habit of doing. It can be layered up to give as little or as much volume as you want. I only did one coat here but could definitely have gone for another one or two layers, which would have really amped up the look. 

It's definitely a wet formula so the tube can get a little messy, which is something to wear in mind. The brush is also very large, which will either be a pro or con depending on your preferences. I personally like a big brush (especially since this is tapered, it means you can still get those inner corner lashes) but if you tend to be a little messy, you might want to try another in the list. 

Despite being ophthalmologist-tested (which means it's been given the all-clear by an ophthalmologist as a good option for those with sensitive eyes, but doesn't make it OK for everyone), it can cause irritation for people prone to dry or watery eyes. 

3. Estée Lauder Turbo Lash High Powered Volume + Length Mascara

I actually found this mascara the most disappointing. It's so unbelievably thick in the formula and the dispensing mechanism doesn't work very well meaning you get so much product on the wand and tube that it's a bit of a mess from the outset. 

I'm honestly surprised how natural it looks in the photo, because I had to wipe off a lot of excess on the wand onto a tissue before applying. It does deliver on drama and volume though, which is what it promises. I wouldn't say this one is particularly buildable as it would clump rather than continue to add evenly distributed formula onto the lashes. It does hold its volume and I haven't found that its flaked or smudged off, which is great. 

The handle is difficult to grip due to the shape of it, which is something to bear in mind if you struggle with this (or are clumsy!) Since it can be a bit of a love or hate mascara, I'd recommend trying this in a cheaper, travel-size first before buying a full tube. But this will be the last time I use this, as there are better volumising mascaras out there that are easier to use. 

4. Estée Lauder Sumptuous Rebel Length + Lift Mascara

Straight off the bat, I'll say this isn't for you if you like that really obvious, dramatic lash look from a mascara. If you prefer a natural-looking lash then you'll really get on with it. I'm in the latter camp, preferring a more natural-looking mascara day-to-day so really enjoyed this wand and formula. 

I really like how small the wand is because it means more control and less clumps, which lends itself to that natural, barely-there look. 

The formula contains little fibres, which I typically hate in mascaras (I find they make them heavy and uncomfortable) but I didn't notice them at all in this one, which is no mean feat. It's definitely a buildable formula if you wanted more of a fanned-out effect, however it is quite wet so you do need to wait for the first coat to dry before layering another on. 

Jt didn't flake at any point during the day, but I did notice that the lift dropped a little after a while, but overall I was impressed with the curl. 

When one of your favourite products is discontinued, it feels personal, and beauty editors are not immune from the sting of discontinued beauty products. But because they test products for a living, they are better placed to find the next best thing—which gave me an idea.

Once you’ve come to terms with the initial heartbreak of losing say your go-to mascara or favourite facial sunscreen, your next question is: what on earth am I going to use instead? That’s where this guide comes in. I asked some of my fellow beauty editors to share their most-missed buy and what they use in its place, in the hopes that anyone in the same boat discovers a worthy enough replacement. From the best foundations to the best highlighters, here are their recommendations…

Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor, Marie Claire 

"I'm cheating a bit here, but bear with me. The fact that Bourjois ever went away in the UK should be investigated as a crime. The high-street beauty brand was responsible for bringing out some of the best drugstore beauty products ever made. I consider Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Liquid Lipstick to be the best liquid lipstick ever—and I hate liquid lipsticks. I have dry, flaky lips and liquid lipstick only tends to make this situation worse. However, the shade Hot Pepper will go down in history as the best bright-red lipstick shade ever, in my opinion. Whenever I wore it, someone would say how great it looked—and they weren't wrong, I knew I looked great whenever I wore that lipstick. And the formula wasn't drying in the slightest.

"I was forced to go years without it after Bourjois exited the UK market. I kept ahold of one disgustingly grim, basically empty tube that I aggressively swiped over my lips in a bid to get the last bit of pigment out of it. And then, in a surprising twist, in 2022 Bourjois announced its return. Suddenly, my beloved Hot Pepper was back in Superdrugs far and wide. Since then, I have collected 12 tubes (I just counted), and I think that should be enough to last me until my body expires." — Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

Laura Capon, freelance beauty editor 

"I will never understand or forgive L’Oréal for discontinuing my favourite Pro Glow foundation. A formula that was so good, I converted my entire friendship group. Who are now mourning their final tubes. It was the ultimate fresh, dew-giving, glow-enhancing base and arguably better than icons like Armani’s Luminous Silk. Honestly, it really was incredible and talking about it makes me realise I’m still in the grieving process.

"It’s not the same, but my replacement for it would be Maybelline Super Stay Skin Tint + Vitamin C. Now, this is slightly different in terms of coverage and feel. It’s a tint, so lighter on the skin, but the glow it gives is actually better than Pro Glow. If you’re looking for affordable lightweight radiance, add this to your basket." — Laura Capon, freelance beauty editor 

Tori Crowther, freelance beauty & health journalist 

"I miss The Body Shop's Fuji Green Tea range; the scalp scrub in particular. I'm not quite a tea tree girl (in fact, as someone with sensitive skin, it scares me a little) but I do like the zingy, fresh feeling it can give when used in scalp products. In my opinion, Fuji Green Tea was the perfect in-between. If my memory serves me right, it contained green tea, mint and large sea salt particles that worked as an excellent exfoliator, but didn't feel too harsh or stripping on the scalp. It lathered surprisingly well making it easy to use and the scent was divine.

"Since it was discontinued, I've tried a bunch of great scalp scrubs that come close like the classic Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt and  Briogeo Scalp Revival—which, although not similar in texture, does an equally great job. I've not yet found one with a fragrance I like quite as much as The Body Shop's, though." — Tori Crowther, freelance beauty & health journalist

Mica Ricketts, freelance beauty editor & copywriter

"When I was asked to contribute to this piece there was one discontinued beauty product that immediately sprung to mind for me—Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter in the shade Opal. Make-up fanatics will remember the buzz surrounding their pressed powder highlighters (Champagne Pop was the viral make-up product a decade ago) but it was the brand’s liquid formula that I fell in love with and made highlighter a mainstay in my daily routine. Opal was a slightly golden shade that blended beautifully and illuminated tired skin without any of the chunky glitter that was dominant in most highlighters on the market at the time. I wore it for years, layering it under foundation for a dewy glow or over cheekbones for a more intense shine. When the brand announced they were closing back in 2021 I was truly gutted as it was such a make-up bag staple for me.

"Happily though, it has taken a while but I’ve now found a worthy replacement—Ilia Liquid Serum Highlighter in Nova. It’s slightly thinner in texture than my beloved Becca highlighter but it delivers the same sheeny luminosity and subtle golden glow that I love. And, it also contains marine actives to improve skin texture while you wear it—an added bonus." — Mica Ricketts, freelance beauty editor & copywriter

Vanese Maddix, freelance beauty journalist and podcast host 

"My favourite discontinued beauty product is the Dior Diorshow 24H Stylo Eyeliner, but in a very particular colour that's no longer available. Dior used to have a different eyeliner under the same name, but they changed it. With the old one, they had the most beautiful green —I always talked about it—that had this very specific slanted tip, which made applying it so easy. I remember they got rid of it two or three years ago, then brought it back, but now the tip is kind of circular like every other crayon eyeliner and the shades are so different. The shade that I loved was a really nice green, it was very vibrant and light, and the ones they have now just don't compare. 

"In terms of a replacement I now use the Barry M Hi Vis Eyeliner in Strobe Light. It doesn't have that slant to it, but it's really easy to apply despite having a round tip—it's easy to turn the liner to the side and get precision and create a wing, as well. Whereas with other eyeliners I've tried with similar tips I've found it's really difficult to get the precision. Also, I think the colour is really nice because it's a neon green and that's really unique. It is definitely the best alternative to the Dior one that I've been able to find, plus it's actually a cheaper alternative." — Vanese Maddix, freelance beauty journalist and podcast host

Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor, Marie Claire

"The discontinued product that I am still mourning is the IT Cosmetics Illuminating CC Cream—how DARE they discontinue it?! It was my GO TO. The reason I loved it so much was that, when I wore it, my skin looked the best it's ever looked. Even toned, glowy, lit from within—everything you want your skin to look. It gave just the right amount of coverage and made me look really healthy.

"I haven't found anything that compares to it. If you know of one, please get in touch. I am now using the brand's Nude Glow CC Cream, which is gorgeous, but it isn't like for like. To get that proper, illuminated skin look that the old one gave, I would have to use an illuminating primer underneath the Nude Glow version." — Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor, Marie Claire

Lucy Abbersteen, freelance beauty journalist

“I consider myself quite fussy with mascara but, back in the day, before Bourjois was withdrawn from the UK, Volume Glamour Ultra Curl was the mascara I bought on repeat—the curl edition specifically, none of the others would do. As Shannon mentioned, Bourjois has since come back to the UK, but Volume Glamour Ultra Curl has not made an official return (though, technically, what I assume is old stock is still available via sites like Amazon). While the brand was gone, though, I did find a good bargain alternative. 

“Until the invention of Maybelline Sky High Mascara, I had never found a cheaper mascara that I liked. If separated, long lashes with a hint of volume are what you like, it’s genuinely one of the best. It doesn’t claim to curl the lashes and the brush doesn’t feature that curved shape that Ultra Curl had (go for Sculpted by Aimees if you are wedded to this), but it does offer great hold if you use an eyelash curler before applying and lengthens lashes so well. I go through tubes of it so on that basis, it’s the best affordable replacement.” — Lucy Abbersteen, freelance beauty editor

I’ve spent my entire life searching for the products and techniques to make my eyelashes look longer (including road testing the best lengthening mascaras), and I’ve finally found the best lash-lengthening hacks to do just that.

Here’s the thing - my natural lashes are neither too short nor extremely long, they’re pretty light in colour and have only the slightest curl. So while they might not look like much when left untouched, with the right products and techniques, they can look pretty darn great - and I’m convinced the same is true for just about everybody. 

In short: these hacks aren’t for people who already have amazing lashes, it’s for those of us that just want to make our average lashes look exceptional.

When it comes to maximising the impact of your lashes, the quality of the products used really matters. According to the experts, the great-lash formula is simple. It comes down to using a brilliant lash serum, eyelash curlers and a really decent mascara - and after 29 years of searching, I think I’ve found my perfect trio.

As a shopping editor who's more than a little obsessed with make-up, I try new beauty products on an almost daily basis, so I’ve come across some brilliant lash formulas to share with you. From waterproof mascaras to lash serums that actually work. Below are my top lash-related product picks, alongside expert-approved lash lengthening tips to get the most out of them. 

The best lash lengthening hacks: A shopping editor’s top product picks

1. Glow For It Lash Serum 

Introducing a high-quality serum into my lash routine was a complete game changer. While I’ve tried a number of lash serums in my time, the Glow For It serum has provided hands down the best results. 

Lash serums have had a bit of a bad rap recently, and that’s down to an ingredient called prostaglandin analogues (PGAs), which can cause eye sensitivity or the skin on the eyelids to darken. Glow For It’s serum contains no PGAs, instead using natural ingredients, which provide vitamins and nutrients to stimulate the hair follicle and promote growth.

So how quickly did I see a difference in my lashes? I will say this of eyelash serums - you have to use them consistently for at least a few weeks before you start seeing results. I’ve been using Glow For It for the last 8 weeks and noticed a real difference around week five. My lashes are now thicker, more densely populated and of course much, much longer.

More lash serums tried and loved by our Beauty Editors:

2. Shiseido eyelash curler

Although they can look a little intimidating if you’ve never used them before, eyelash curlers can massively enhance the appearance of your lashes. I’d even go as far as saying that no matter how great my mascara is, my lashes just won’t look lengthened and lifted without a good curl first.

While it may be tempting to curl your lashes after you’ve already applied mascara, there’s a crucial order to the lash-curling process. Beautician and make-up artist at Blush + Blow, Christina Trandafir names curling your lashes after applying mascara as one of the most common lash mistakes people can make. This is because it can tug at your lashes, causing breakage, which will definitely not help with your lash-lengthening goals.

I’ve used and loved the Shiseido eyelash curlers for years - they’re the crucial first step in my lash routine, and I always notice a difference when I haven’t used them. 

What makes them so effective? The curved shape allows me to get super close to my lash line, so I can get a really great lift from the base. Aside from the all-important shape, the ergonomic handles make it easy to hold and use, and the insert isn’t too spongy - it’s firm enough to properly crimp my lashes, resulting in a long-lasting hold. I curl my lashes as close to the lash line as is comfortable and follow up immediately with my mascara to lock in the lifted shape.

As the Shiseido eyelash curlers are pretty much the only ones I’ve ever gotten on with, they’ll be the only product I’m recommending in this category. Yep - they’re that good.

3. ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara

Now, onto the final step in the great-lash trifecta: mascara. Blush + Blow’s Trandafir recommends using a waterproof mascara for optimum hold and definition, she states: “waterproof mascaras tend to hold curls better than regular formulas and significantly reduce the likelihood of smudging, giving a cleaner and more polished appearance”. But while they work wonders at holding a curl, waterproof formulas aren’t for everybody.

For me, mascara has to be both volumising and lengthening to really make my lashes pop. Weightless formulas work best as they won’t weigh down your recently-curled lashes, keeping them lifted and lengthened for longer. Beyond this, my biggest mascara pet peeve is a watery formula that takes a few weeks of use to thicken into the perfect consistency. I want my mascara to work immediately, thank you very much. 

One mascara that ticks all the boxes for me is ILIA’s Limitless Lash mascara. The clue is in the name here really, but this mascara beautifully lengthens, volumises and separates lashes, and enhances the effects of my lash serum and curlers. The natural ingredient-rich formula nourishes my lashes and comes off easily with minimal scrubbing, so less damage is caused and my lashes can stay looking healthy, full and long. 

I think the pictures above speak for themselves - thanks to these lash lengthening hacks and products, my lashes have never looked better.

More mascaras tried and loved by our Beauty Editors:

So there you have it - my go-to products and expert-approved top tips for the best lashes of your life. You’re very welcome. 

Finding your perfect mascara can be a big game of trial and error; needing it to be both lengthening and volumising without smudging or flaking. And if you have sensitive eyes, your search is made all the more difficult, because even the best mascaras aren't always gentle enough. 

There are certain things to look out for—and avoid—when on your quest to finding the best mascara for sensitive eyes, so we've called in expert help from an oculoplastic surgeon and rounded up the very best products. 

Signs your mascara is causing sensitivity 

Before diving into mascara recommendations, let's define exactly what sensitivity caused by make-up looks like. "Signs of sensitivity caused by mascara and eye make-up include redness, watery eyes, itching, as well as puffy eyes or even blurry vision," explains Dr Elizabeth Hawkes, a consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon.

"Our eyelashes aren’t just there for aesthetic purposes, they do a vital job protecting our eyes, helping to deflect anything that is coming towards the eye that could harm it," Dr Hawkes adds. It's not uncommon to have sensitive eyes when it comes to mascara and eye make-up since the skin near the eyes is so thin and delicate, she explains. 

What causes sensitive eyes? 

Firstly, you should check the expiration date. We know, we know, it's a little boring but it's important not to be using the same old mascara for months on end as it can definitely be the root of your sensitivity. "If you’ve had your mascara for more than three months, I’d suggest throwing it away as that can definitely cause sensitivity," says Dr Hawkes. Three months is the general rule of thumb when it comes to mascara. By that point you've either used it up or it has started to dry out. That can be expensive, so here are our recommendations for the best drugstore mascaras out there that won't break the bank. 

Dr Hawkes explains that any eye make-up, regardless of whether it's expired or not, can cause eye sensitivity if not removed properly. This can "cause acute blepharitis as it can block the eyelid's meibomian glands and reduce the secretion of oils needed on the surface of the eye, causing tears to evaporate too quickly," she explains. For this reason, regardless of the make-up you're wearing, be sure to remove it before bed. 

What to look out for and avoid with mascara sensitive eyes?

Dr Hawkes recommends mascaras that have been ophthalmologist-tested, often written on the label or description of a product. This means it's been given the approval of an ophthalmologist. 

When it comes to formulas, Dr Hawkes also suggests mascaras avoiding "wax, parabens, fragrance as well as phthalates,  which are used in cosmetics to control viscosity, emulsify and bind fragrances." She also noted avoiding waterproof mascaras "as these are notoriously hard to take off properly and you'll end up pulling on the delicate skin around the eyelid," she explains. 

Look out for the inclusion of vitamin E, which "can help make lashes look fuller and provide nutrients." 

Another tip for those with sensitive eyes is to avoid getting the brush too close to the lashline. "I would suggest wiggling the brush in the middle of the lashes and then gently moving out to the tips," Dr Hawkes says. Oh, and we hope it goes without saying but avoid sharing mascara with others, "as this can spread infections as well as causing sensitivity." 

Best mascara for sensitive eyes, reviewed by a beauty editor

1. Beauty Pie Wrap Star Tubing Mascara 

Beauty Pie's Wrap Star is such a brilliant mascara, giving length and volume without a clump in sight. Since it's a tubing mascara, this means that tube-like polymers that wrap around each individual lash, which give a fluttery, flake-free results. The best part about tubing mascaras is that they're incredibly easy to use, most of the time needing just warm water and a cloth to remove, which is ideal for sensitive eyes. This formula in particular is fragrance-free and tested on sensitive eyes and given the all clear. 

2. Victoria Beckham Future Lash 

Leave it to Victoria Beckham to create the ultimate no make-up, make-up mascara. This formula is dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested and the brand notes it to be safe to wear with contacts, and one of my the brand's best products. The formula is incredibly lightweight and doesn't clump or flake whatsoever, meaning it doesn't feel heavy or uncomfortable on the eyes. Just like Beauty Pie, it's a tubing formula too so is easy to remove, never causing irritation. 

3. Rimmel London Kind & Free Clean Volume Mascara

In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated mascaras out there. As a beauty editor, I don't completely buy the "clean" language, because the brand's other mascaras aren't "dirty". However, it performs really well, giving lashes a natural lift without being overly dramatic. For sensitive eye folk, it's a great formula as it's lightweight, as well as being free from fragrance and animal-derived ingredients. 

4. Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara 

If, for some reason, you don't love a tubing mascara, reach for this gooden. Because although it has a different type of formula, it feels similar and is super easy to remove. For those who love a natural-looking length without needing a ton of curl, this is the one. It stays in place all day and won't flake or smudge and feels completely weightless on the lashes. 

5. UKLash Lengthening Mascara

If you've got both sensitive and sparse lashes, you need the UKLash Lengthening mascara paired with the lash growth serum at night; the combo is fantastic. Giving eyelashes a beautiful, separated and lengthened appearance with causing any irritation due to the paraben-free formula. The formula is also water-resistant so doesn't flake or smudge, but comes off easily with a bit of micellar water. 

6. Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara 

One of my all-time favourite mascaras, this gives impressive length and volume whilst still feeling lightweight. This is a tubing mascara so is incredibly easy to remove, it's buildable and doesn't have a clumpy finish. I find that it stays put all day, without smudging or flaking too. It's ophthalmologist tested, as well as being vegan and cruelty-free. 

In a sea of what seems like endless mascara, it's our job as beauty editors to sift through them to find you the best mascara —no matter your preference. Because it's part of my job to test make-up on a daily basis, it's not very often that I'm blown away by a product's performance. In a mascara, I'm looking for lift and volume whilst still being natural-looking enough to almost pass off as my own lashes. 

Whilst many mascaras tick a few of those boxes, every once in a while I'll find one that truly ticks them all. Enter: Chanel's Noir Allure Mascara. Now, I'm a little late to the party given that it launched in 2022, but I'm incredibly impressed. Claiming to be the latest all-in-one mascara, but does it live up to its bold promises? In short: yes. It turns out that this mascara is brilliant at lengthening and volumising. 

Here's exactly why it's going to stay a firm staple in my everyday make-up bag. 

The formula 

Promised by the brand as an all-in-one mascara, I can honestly say that Noir Allure delivers on volume, length, curl and definition.

Immediately, I noticed that the formula is drier than many others out there, but this is by no means a bad thing. When a mascara formula is incredibly wet, it can make it difficult to keep that natural, fluffy-looking finish. This gives just enough to coat each lash, holding and lifting whilst keeping eyelashes natural. 

The pigment is jet black, with an undetectable amount of red pigment too, which gives impressive definition without needing layers and layers of formula. It's not particularly buildable but it doesn't really need to be. Since it's natural-looking, it's not the kind of mascara you want to layer up.

The wand and bristles are shorter than others meaning I could grab the lashes I wanted to without clumping up the others. The slight tapered end meant I could get into the outer corners easily giving its promised fanned-out effect.  

The formula contains three types of naturally-derived waxes: carnauba, rice and beeswax, which is what allows both that curl and volume. Plus, your lashes also benefit from the inclusion of provitamin B5, which helps to protect and strengthen. 

The packaging 

Aside from the beautifully embossed lid being as chic as you'd expect, there's a reason for the clever click mechanism. This patented design of the lid means the formula stays airtight, which in turn means that it won't dry out as fast. Because if you're spending £38 on mascara, you want to get every last drop out before it dries out. 

Aside from being a bit of a novelty to use, the click mechanism and squared tube actually makes the mascara packaging far more accessibly than cylinder screw cap ones that are difficult to grip. 

The results 

The result? Fluffy, lengthened and lifted lashes. They look natural but enhanced—all without a clump on sight. 

The wear is equally impressive, it's flake- and smudge-free. I was a little worried that the jet black pigment might smudge under my eyes a little, but even wearing an ultra creamy concealer didn't cause that to happen. 

The main thing I was impressed with by this mascara was its ability to give the perfect balance between natural-looking whilst still delivering on the drama. It's not no make-up, make-up but it's also not false lash effect levels of drama. For me, it gives that jet-black definition, gravity defying length and lash lift curl.

Has Chanel nailed it on being an all-in-one formula? There's no doubt about it.  

Other Chanel mascaras

When it comes to choosing the best mascara for you, people generally fall into one of two camps—they want epic length or they want dramatic volume. And luckily, after dedicating a lot of time recently to testing some of the best mascara brands on the market, I have become something of an expert at determining what makes the best mascara for volume.

While volume isn’t necessarily top of my list when I’m personally choosing a mascara, there are definitely some occasions that call for a more dramatic eye look and it’s then that I’ll reach for a formulation that promises to thicken, plump and generally bolster the appearance of my fairly sparse lashes. Everyone’s individual mascara preferences are incredibly personal, but working as a beauty editor means that I’ve tried countless mascara over the years. I’m confident that each of the formulas on my list are truly the best of the bunch—delivering bold, fuller-looking lashes in just a couple of coats.

Ahead, the 9 best volumising mascaras if you’re in the mood for a new one.

1. YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara

If you’re seeking a seriously dramatic lash look then this mascara from YSL truly delivers. In fact, it’s so good that it almost makes it look like you’re wearing a decent set of false lashes and a slick of eyeliner. The formula is really thick and creamy and, thanks to the enormous brush, it delivers volume from the roots of your lashes to the very tips. It’s a brilliant night out option as it creates such a bold, smokey eye look. 

2. Milk Makeup Kush Mascara

This is one of the brand’s cult products and it’s definitely worth the hype. One thing I really dislike about some volumising mascaras is the way that they can build up and feel heavy and clumpy on the lashes—this one is infused with hemp-derived cannabis seed oil for a nourishing, glossy formulation that feels so lightweight on the lashes. Yet it doesn’t compromise on building volume and thickness.

3. L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara

Good news if you are prone to irritation, this best-selling mascara has been recently upgraded with an ophthalmologist-tested formula so it’s now suitable for sensitive eyes. Enriched with castor oil, cornflower water and rose oil, it has a nourishing formula that glides over lashes to provide a boost of volume and a slick of ultra-black pigment. It layers up wonderfully, but I do find that it needs a few coats to get a really dramatic finish—but it means you’re really in control of how full you want your lashes to look.

4. Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara

In my opinion, Lancôme is one of the best premium brands to shop mascaras from as it offers formulations for every lash need. This one is all about the volume and has a brilliant fibre brush that really helps to layer on the product and thicken the appearance of your lashes. The result is dramatically volumised, thick, full lashes—almost like you’re wearing falsies—and it takes moments to apply. The only issue is that the more you layer, the more clumpy it gets so stick with just one or two coats. 

5. Benefit BADgal BANG! Waterproof Mascara

I’ve often found that waterproof formulations of iconic mascara tend to be dial down the product benefits in favour of longevity. This one from Benefit, however, offers up the very same level of volume as the brand’s original version but in a formula that genuinely doesn’t budge all day. Just one or two coats provides full, thick lashes that stay looking voluminous even in contact with water or tears. The only downside is that it’s so hard to remove—you’ll definitely need a dedicated eye make-up remover to shift it.

6. Rimmel Volume Thrill Seeker Mascara

Achieving volumised lashes doesn’t have to cost the earth and this affordable option from Rimmel really delivers. It has an intensely black pigment that coats each lash to boost thickness and create the appearance of full, lush eyelashes. The curved hourglass wand does a great job at picking up all lashes and fanning them out for an almost cat-eye effect. It does need around three coats for the best results, but it’s worth the effort.

7. Victoria Beckham Vast Lash Mascara

If you’re looking for a great everyday mascara that delivers on volume but doesn’t make it look like you’re wearing false lashes then Victoria Beckham’s volumising formula comes highly-recommended by me. It’s been designed with sensitive eyes in mind so the formula itself is packed with nourishing ingredients that won’t flake away. It lifts, thickens and extends for natural fullness and, best of all, it rinses away with water at the end of the day. 

8. Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes

Renowned for her supermodel make-up looks, it’s no surprise that Charlotte Tilbury’s volumising mascara creates the perfect doe-eyed effect. The formula itself is insanely slick and glossy—meaning lashes look like they’ve just had a professional lash lift, but it can smudge slightly if you have oily skin like me. (I’d recommend powdering your eyelids to boost longevity.) Just a couple of coats creates really voluminous, lifted, fluttery lashes that are perfect for a special occasion make-up look. 

9. Dior Diorshow Pump 'n' Volume Mascara

Although this mascara claims to boost lash volume by up to 200%, I wouldn’t say this is the most volumising mascara in my pick. However, the reason it makes the shortlist is because it’s an amazing choice if your lashes are naturally thin or sparse like mine. Infuse with nourishing cornflower extract, it actually cares for your lashes while creating the appearance of a fuller lash line. All too often I find that volumising mascaras can clump and make me look like I have even less lashes, but this is the perfect solution. 

As is the case with any major luxury fashion house, Dior make-up has a reputation for luxury. The foundations are well-loved, the lip oil is all over TikTok, and Dior mascara is iconic (not to mention beautifully packaged). 

I think that the best mascara is one of the most—if not the most—subjective of make-up categories. Your natural lashes play a big role in how a mascara looks, as well as your own personal preference around how much length and volume you like to add. There are mascaras that I absolutely love and would happily use every day that some colleagues and friends just can’t get on board with, and vice versa.

Much like Lancôme mascara or Maybelline mascara, each Dior mascara has a different USP. I’ve tried them all and I do have a favourite of the trio—here’s a bit more about why I like it, as well as who I think the other two would suit best.

Having tested each one, I’ve found that my best Dior mascara match is Iconic Overcurl. It lifts, lengthens and builds a little natural-looking volume without clumping, yielding a fluttery and lifted look.

The brush is curved, which I always like to see on a mascara because it fits the shape of the eye to really comb through them from root to tip. I like to curl my eyelashes before (an eyelash curler is one of the most useful beauty products you can invest in), but I find that this gives them that extra bit of hold to keep them in place.

What’s particularly interesting about Iconic Overcurl is that the brand recently gave this mascara a makeover to make it the first refillable Dior mascara. Once you’ve run out, you pop the inner cartridge out, keeping the outer silver packaging, and replace it with the new cartridge and wand. 

Though it’s refillable, is still important to consider the price, particularly if you’re somebody who goes through mascaras at lightning speed: Diorshow Iconic Overcurl costs £35 initially, then £28 for the refill. 

As for the other two Diorshow mascaras. I’m not typically drawn to volumising mascaras as my natural lashes are quite sparse, so I prefer something that separates and lengthens. In my opinion, though, Plump ‘N’ Volume is great for people who want to build up mascara for a dramatic look, because it has a plastic wand that can really layer up the formula. Meanwhile, the original Diorshow has a large brush, so creates fluffy volume. It’s nice and buildable, but I reckon it's best for people with a few more lashes than I have to work with. 

So, to sum up how to choose a Dior mascara: if you're like me and don't have lots of thick eyelashes but you want to lengthen and lift, go for Iconic Overcurl. If you want buildable volume, Plump 'N' Volume is the best choice for you. And, if your natural lashes are of a fairly good length but you want to enhance them a bit, I think the original Diorshow would suit.

I’ve made no secret of my love-hate relationship with mascara. My natural eyelashes are pretty short and sparse and I find that even many of the best mascaras tend to smudge on my hooded eyelids. Suffice to say I've been known to skip mascara entirely on most days. When I do opt for a mascara there’s been one brand that I’ve been loyal to for many years. However, it’s my job to test out products, so when I was recently encouraged to branch out of my mascara comfort zone and give the Lancôme mascara offering a run for its money I tentatively agreed. And I have to be honest—I’ve been blown away by the formulations.

Whether you want longer-looking, separated lashes like me, you’re after volume or drama, or you want lift and curl, Lancôme has a mascara that suits. Ahead, my full review of every single Lancôme mascara and my honest review of each.

1. Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara

As someone with quite fragile, sparse lashes I loved how comfortable this formula felt to wear. It’s enriched with ProVitamin B5 and my lashes never felt crispy or brittle when wearing this—no matter how much I layered it up. Although it’s described as a volumising formula, the thing that impresses me most about Hypnôse is the customisable finish. Just one coat gives a fluttery, defined appearance or you can layer it up for a thicker more dramatic lash look. 

2. Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara

I’ve never seen a brush like the Hypnôse Drama one—it’s almost like an ‘s’ shape and it has been designed to coat every lash as you wriggle it from root to tip. It definitely took a few tries to get used to it, but once you have there is no denying how good this mascara makes your lashes look. My eyelashes are few and far between but this makes all of them look thicker, fuller, and glossy—perfect for a night out. 

3. Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara

If you love really feathery, fluttery, pretty lashes then you’ll love the Lancôme Lash Idôle mascara which provides just that. I really like the shape of the curved brush which glides through lashes to evenly distribute the formula without any clumping. However, I think my super-short lashes would benefit from some shorter bristles just to make sure every single one was covered. Despite this, the result gives a really wide-eyed, curled lash finish which works for basically every occasion.  

4. Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara

For me personally, this is a night out mascara as it’s so incredibly volumising that I almost feel a bit self-conscious when I’m wearing it. If you love the look of falsies, then this is a great alternative. The soft fibre brush packs on the formulation to boost volume and thickness. My only gripe is that if you apply more than a couple of coats it can start to look a little bit spidery—but that might be because I don’t have an abundance of lashes to coat. 

5. Lancôme Defencils Mascara

This is a truly brilliant everyday mascara. I love that the wand isn’t too big—great if you have hooded eyelids like me and are prone to getting in a bit of a mess with application—but it’s perfectly shaped to extend and lengthen each lash. It never looks clumpy, even when I’ve applied multiple coats, it just gives a naturally extended finish with wonderfully separated lashes. I adore it.

6. Lancôme Hypnôse Le 8 Mascara

There have been so many mascaras that I’ve tried in the past that have made my eyes water and by the end of the day they're incredibly sore. This one, however, is wax-free (meaning it’s so easy to remove) and infused with an amino acid-based serum that actually looks after your lashes when it’s on. Not only does it care for them, but it provides an impressive amount of volume and fullness so your lashes look good and feel soft too. Genius. 

7. Lancôme Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara

The newest launch from the masters of mascara comes in the form of the this lash-lengthening creation—the Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara. Like the original Lash Idôle mascara formula it has a similar ability to define and separate every single lash, but rather than a feathery finish this really supercharges the overall length to give the effect that you're wearing lash extensions. As someone with quite short lashes, I love the ultra-narrow mascara wand which makes it really easy to get in at the root and really brush through the entire length of your lashes, but the overall effect is quite dramatic so best saved for a special occasion for me personally.

When discussing the best mascaras recently with friends, some of them were shocked by my admission that I have started dabbling with clear mascara again. You remember clear mascara, the product you used in school when you weren’t allowed to wear make-up. But would you believe me if I said it’s become a staple in my everyday routine as a 20-something beauty editor? Well you better, because it’s true.

Thanks to the best eyelash serums, I have fairly long lashes naturally. Because of this, I don’t always like a super intense mascara day-to-day as it can give them a bit of a spidery look. If I’m going out then of course I reach for one of my favourite jet black formulas - Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara is a current favourite - but when I’m hitting up my local coffee shop for a work sesh, I want to keep it very minimal.

Enter: the best clear mascaras. They give me just enough lift and volume whilst still looking incredibly natural. In fact, since making the switch more regularly, I’ve had lots of people ask me if I’ve had a lash lift because it gives that same effect.

If you’re also considering opting for a more natural-looking lash from time to time, these are the very best clear mascaras out there. Oh, and the best news? They’re way cheaper. (For the most part, anyway.) As with all clear mascaras, they're far more natural than regular mascara, though. So, if you want a volumising mascara or one that brings the drama then you might be better off looking elsewhere as that's not why I love these clear formulations. For me, the beauty lies in their low-maintenance appeal.

The best clear mascaras at a glance:

• Best overall clear mascara: e.l.f Clear Brow & Lash Mascara | £3, Boots
• Best clear mascara for lengthening: Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara | £11, Amazon
• Best clear mascara for strengthening: Barry M Strengthening & Conditioning Clear Mascara | £5.99, Barry M
• Best clear mascara as a primer: Collection Colour Lash All Day Wear Colour Mascara Clear | £2.49, Boots
• Best clear mascara for a natural look: No7 Lash and Brow Perfector | £9.95, Boots
• Best clear mascara for sensitive eyes: Ere Perez Aloe Gel Lash & Brow Mascara | £27, Cult Beauty

Everything you need to know about clear mascara

What is clear mascara?

Clear mascara is a transparent, gel-like formula that is applied using a mascara wand to softly enhance, lengthen and define eyelashes. The results are far more subtle than traditional black or brown mascaras, making it a perfect choice for no-makeup makeup, minimalist looks.

Thanks to its transparency, it also makes a great brow gel or baby hair styler, adding control and definition without coating hairs in pigment.

Is clear mascara good for sensitive eyes?

Clear mascara can be used on sensitive eyes, however, it's always important to check the label for any ingredients that could be potential irritants and look out for formulas that are hypoallergenic.

How to apply clear mascara

For best results, prep with an eyelash curler on clean, dry lashes to lift and help encourage the natural curl. Then, wriggle the clear mascara wand into the base of your lashes, and gently sweep up towards the ends.

For brows, simply sweep upwards from the inner base of the lash, angling outwards as you move out towards the tail.

Best clear mascaras, reviewed by a beauty editor

1. e.l.f Clear Brow & Lash Mascara

2. Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

3. Barry M Strengthening & Conditioning Clear Mascara

4. Collection Colour Lash All Day Wear Colour Mascara Clear

5. No7 Lash and Brow Perfector

6. Ere Perez Aloe Gel Mascara Serum

I'll be honest: despite being a beauty editor for over eight years, there are still some things I can't do well. I can't apply tan without it looking streaky (despite being given all of the fake tan tips) and I'm still learning the art of how to shape your brows.

However, my biggest make-up mountain I'm yet to climb, is discovering how to apply false eyelashes. Despite the fact that I have found the very best mascara on the market (MAC's MACStack in case you were curious), sometimes a look calls for a bit more drama. 

I've definitely made attempts to apply them in the past, but I just don't think I'll be winning any medals any time soon. So I called in an expert to lend me a helping hand...

How to apply false eyelashes in 8 steps 

Makeup artist Adeola Gboyega is a lash pro, so naturally, I wanted to speak with her about her tried and tested application process. 

Here are her 8 steps for the best false lash application:

1. Prep the false lash

Adeola begins by prepping the chosen lash, so it is right for you. "I always trim and adjust the lashes to suit the eyes," she says. "I measure the false lashes against my lash line and look to see if they fit. If they are overhanging then I trim any excess from the outer edge if they're too long. This way the lashes always look perfectly measured."

2. Apply the glue to the false lash

The next step is apply the glue to the false lash. "Always apply a thin, even layer along the lash band," she advises. "Wait for about 30 seconds for the glue to become tacky before applying."

3. Grab your applicator

Adeola then reaches for a lash applicator. She says that these are essential for the easiest and quickest results. "I prefer using a curved lash applicator as opposed to my fingers," she says.

4. Look down into a mirror

"When applying, I suggest looking down into a compact mirror to seamlessly position the lashes onto your natural lashes," she recommends. "Start by placing them in the centre and then gently tuck in the inner and outer corners for a flawless finish, before pressing them down as close to your lash line as possible."

5. Wait for the glue to dry

This is essential. You need the lashes to be properly attached to your lash line before you can start with the next steps. The glue typically takes between 30 seconds and a minute to dry. 

6. Apply eyeliner

This is going to make the lashes look as natural as possible. "Use a liquid eyeliner to cover any visible gaps between your natural and false lashes for a seamless look," she suggests. Adeola likes the Lancôme Lash Idôle Eye Liner, so have a look at our roundup of best liquid eyeliners to find your own. She does say that you can use any liner your like once the glue is dry, but a liquid liner gets into the gaps and hides them a lot easier. 

7. Apply mascara

Apply a coat of mascara to blend your natural lashes with the false ones. This will help to set them in place.

8. Practice

And finally, Adeola recommends being patient with yourself: "Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it just right."

Tools to help with applying false lashes

The best false eyelashes to try

If there’s one question beauty editors get asked often (and I mean very often) when it comes to make-up, it’s about the best mascara. In particular, which mascara can add impressive length to lashes giving the appearance of falsies without the faff. So today, we’ve diving into exactly that: the best lengthening mascaras. 

Out of all the make-up products out there, mascara is arguably the most widely used, meaning people have a lot of opinions about them. Just like most beauty products, mascara is a very personal thing so what works for one person doesn't work for someone else. That said, as a beauty editor, I’ve tried hundreds of mascaras across years of product testing so I know what makes a good product—even if it’s not a personal favourite of mine. 

Out of the dozens and dozens of lengthening mascaras out there, there are a bunch that stand out above the rest. So, if you’re looking for a new lengthening mascara to give your lashes new height, try these 11 first. 

Best lengthening mascara 2023

1. Hourglass Extensions Unlocked Mascara

This one is my favourite mascara of all because it really does exactly as it promises: gives you lashes that look just like extensions. It’s a tubing formula meaning it coats each individual lash, stretching it to lengths you probably didn’t know was possible. This means it doesn’t smudge or budge but unlike waterproof formulas, it takes just warm water and a reusable cotton pad to remove. It’s definitely on the pricey side so might be one you want to wear on occasions rather than daily wear, but it’s well worth it. 

2. Victoria Beckham Future Lash Mascara

For those who like a really natural-looking lash, an almost barely-there look, this is the one. It delivers zero clumps like nothing I’ve never seen before, making lashes look lifted and lengthened. The brush is small and curved so you can catch every hair in a single swipe, coating each evenly. It also won’t smudge or flake off so that’s another bonus. If you like both length and lots of volume then you’ll like the brand’s newer Vast Lash formula a little better, which gives dramatic results. I'm a huge fan of both mascaras, which is why they're firmly on the list of the best Victoria Beckham Beauty products. 

3. UKLash Lengthening Mascara

This UKLash mascara has it all, it does what it promises in lengthening and defining lashes and is a great price. It also contains conditioning ingredients to help increase natural length and the health of lashes. It emphasises and gives lashes a real oomph whilst still looking natural. Honestly? I really can’t fault it. Want a hard-working lash combo? Pair this daily mascara with the UKLash Serum.  

4. Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High

A beauty editor favourite—and for good reason. Living up to its name, the wand grabs the lashes from root to tip stretching and lengthening. You’ll either love or hate the flexi wand (some find it hard to control) but to achieve length, it’s a great feature. The lightweight formula makes it ideal for sensitive eyes and it also doesn’t flake or smudge after a long day. 

5. Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara

Hands down this is the best, most affordable mascara out there. It’ll give you a little more than just length, so if you want a subtle finish, this one won’t be for you. But if you love the lash drama, you won’t be able to get enough of it. The big tapered brush generously coats lashes in a single swipe. It won’t give you much curl, but it’ll add impressive length and definition. Oh and it's waterproof. Ideal.

6. Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara 

The clue is in the name with this one, other people will think you’re wearing falsies when in fact: “They're real!” That’s because it gives defined lashes with its ultra black pigment and lots of added length without a ton of dramatic volume. This means they look naturally long with just a sprinkling of help. The domed-tip means that you can get right into those outer lashes to really give a fanned out effect. 

7. Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Sculpt Mascara

I’m always surprised how much I like this mascara as the wand isn't one that I typically go for. The bristles aren’t too densely packed, which I like to separate lashes easily and evenly. The packaging feels luxe and the stopper top works well so that you only get as much formula as you need. It’s a little spenny but one coat is plenty, so you don’t need to pack on the layers, meaning it lasts a little longer than other formulas. 

8. L'Oreal Paris Pro XXL Lift Mascara

Two mascaras for the price of one in this L'Oreal number. It'll add impressive volume and length for lashes. It's quite a wet formula so this is something to bear in mind when packing it on. Not one for those who want a natural, barely-there lash. It really lives up to the name giving you XXL lashes. 

9. e.l.f. Lash 'N Roll Mascara

Leave it to e.l.f to create a mascara that matches up to its pricier counterparts. It adds length, looks natural, doesn't clump and doesn't smudge. It doesn't hold up as long as some other mascaras in the list but for the price, I think it does a really great job. It's a firm staple in my make-up bag as a reliable lengthening mascara. 

10. Sensai Lash Lengthener 38 Mascara

As promised, this mascara adds length, in addition to a bit of curl and volume. The small tapered brush of this mascara makes it easy to grab each and every lash without over-loading it in product. The real magic of this mascara is how long-lasting it is. If you hate flaking and smudging but don't want a waterproof, difficult to remove formula, you'll love this. It really does last all day long but isn't a total pain to remove at the end of the day. 

11. MAC Magic Extension Mascara

This formula is great for adding length with a little bit of volume too. It's buildable but make sure you wipe off a little excess before going in to avoid clumps. It's super pigmented which is great if you're after an ultra black finish. I do find this one a little more difficult to remove, so I make sure to press and hold with micellar water to avoid harsh scrubbing. 

I’ll admit that testing even the best of mascaras has to be up there with one of my most loathed tasks as a beauty editor. Why? Well, because my natural eyelashes are rubbish. They’re incredibly short, fairly sparse (thanks postpartum hair loss), and pretty fragile. The only thing that I’m grateful for is that they’re dark in colour, so I don’t feel the need to apply mascara on a daily basis—and, in fact, I tend to skip mascara most of the time. (Oh, did I mention that my excessively oily eyelids mean that most mascaras tend to end up smudged around my eyes by lunchtime anyway? I’m truly blessed.) 

However, when I do opt for a mascara there are a few key things that I personally seek out in a formula: length, separation for flutter, and a smudge-proof formulation. Not much to ask for, right? Thankfully, when it comes to delivering the lashes of my dreams there is a brand that always delivers: Benefit. 

One of the best-selling mascara brands in the UK, chances are you’ve tried or own one of the brand’s six mascara formulations already. Whether you’re after long, fluttery lashes like me, a voluminous finish, or a waterproof formulation that won’t budge, they have a mascara that will work for you. If you’re not sure which one is best then I’ve put them all through their paces.

Ahead, I test every single Benefit mascara and bring you my honest review of each. 

1. Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara 

If, like me, you have naturally short lashes then you really can’t go wrong with this lengthening mascara. It’s a global bestseller for a reason—it really works. The brush has a slim, plastic wand with a domed tip packed with small bristles that are made for catching even the tiniest of lashes. And it really works—it grabs every lash to lengthen and separate them, while also imparting a decent amount of volume. I wouldn’t describe it as a dramatic lash look, but it’s a great all-rounder and I think would appeal to most people.

2. Benefit Roller Lash Curling Mascara

Despite length being top of my mascara wishlist, I adore Roller Lash mascara. Sure, it won’t make you look like you’ve had lash extensions but if you love fluttery, perfectly-curled, eye-opening lashes then this is amongst the best mascaras I’ve tried. As someone with small eyes, I really like the narrow, plastic bristle wand which makes it really easy to get in at the root of your lashes and coat them all with mascara. If you’re the kind of person that always curls your lashes before applying your mascara then this should tick all of your boxes. 

3. Benefit BADgal BANG! Waterproof Mascara

Having already mentioned my excessively oily eyelids (apologies) I was pleased to discover that Benefit offers a waterproof mascara that truly doesn’t budge. It’s a water-resistant version of their iconic BADgal BANG! Mascara—a volumising formulation for thicker-looking lashes—and this one provides a similar level of drama without any risk of it transferring or running when it comes into contact with water, sweat or tears. It truly is one of the best waterproof mascaras I've ever used. While I don’t tend to seek out volumising formulations, I really rate how full and thick this leaves my lashes looking and the fact that there wasn’t even a scrap of mascara to be seen on my eyelids or beneath my lash line. The only downside? It’s so hard to remove! I found that it needed a bi-phase eye makeup remover followed by an oily cleansing balm to really shift it at the end of the day. 

4. Benefit They’re Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara

A twist on Benefit’s classic They’re Real! Mascara—this version uses magnetic technology to draw out lashes to an even longer length. (Benefit claims up to 40% longer than your bare lashes.) I didn’t get a ruler out, but I can certainly attest to the long, fluttery lashes that this mascara creates. I really love this for the fact that it feels lightweight and looks non-clumpy on the lashes, but it’s definitely more natural-looking than the original version. This might be down, in part, to the fact that the brush itself is slightly different and is missing the bristle-spiked tip that I rate for catching the teeny lashes at the corners of your eye. However, this is a brilliant everyday mascara if length is your main mascara aim.

5. Benefit Fan Fest Fanning Volumising Mascara

This is Benefit’s newest mascara launch and, in my opinion, is far superior than their original volumising mascara BADgal BANG! While I personally tend to get on better with plastic bristle brushes, this flexible fibre brush has a nicely curved shape that I find fits the lash line effortlessly to catch every lash in its grip—even the inner and outer corners. As the name suggests, it really does fan out lashes and boosts their volume to create thicker-looking eyelashes with a dramatic lift. Even better, it is a water-resistant, humidity-proof formulation and it stuck around impressively without being too much of a pain to remove at the end of the day.

6. Benefit BADgal BANG! Volumizing Mascara

This is the best-selling prestige mascara in the UK and if you’re after thicker-looking, volumised lashes then I can totally see why. It has a tapered comb brush that can be built up and layered to reach your desired drama, and the shape of it means that no lash is left untouched. This is definitely a dramatic mascara so if you like really bold, coated lashes then you’ll get on well with it. For me, it’s a little too full-on and I felt like it clumped slightly on my sparse lashes for a more spidery look than I’m after. But if you want lashes that will really make an impact then you can’t go wrong with this.

I don't know if you've noticed, but brown is everywhere this year - and the best brown mascaras are no exception. From latte make-up to espresso nails, there’s a been clear theme with several beauty trends in this decadent colour palette. So it’s not hugely surprising if you've found yourself drawn to the best brown mascaras recently.

Not only is this a particularly on-trend colour right now, but this colour of mascara can give your lashes a softer look, with more of a natural feel. Some make-up looks simply don't call for a drama-laden, pitch black formula, thank you very much - not to mention it enhances pretty much any eye colour beautifully. I've definitely noticed that more and more of my fellow beauty editors are talking about their newfound love for brown mascaras.

Now, I won’t lie to you, I personally am a black mascara person most of the time. But that's not to say I don't think brown formulas aren't great–some of my top five best mascaras also come in this particular shade, so I can get a softer look with a formula I know I already love. So I enlisted the help of the Marie Claire UK beauty team, and together we've rounded up the best brown mascaras that we deem worthy of your spends - with options from both affordable and luxury brands. Happy browsing!

The best brown mascaras of 2024: tried and tested

1. Maybelline Sky High Mascara 

"Maybelline Sky High Mascara is hands down my favourite drugstore formula in existence and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve repurchased it. I like mascaras to build more length than volume. The plastic brush is also tapered, making it much easier to reach the inner lashes and catch and lift all of the outer ones—and it comes in a flattering brown shade." - Lucy Abbersteen, Beauty Contributor

2. Eyeko Limitless Lengthening Mascara

"As someone who wears predominantly warm-toned eyeshadow, I’m a huge fan of brown mascaras for a more natural daytime look, and this Eyeko mascara is one of my absolute go-tos for creating super long and full lashes. The brown mascara comes in the perfect deep chocolate shade which adds depth and volume to my lashes without being as intense as a full-on black (although I’ve tried the black version, and it’s also brilliant). Oh and the flexible design allows me to get every. Single. Drop of mascara out of the tube, meaning it lasts the longest out of all the mascaras I own." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

3. Sculpted by Aimee My Mascara

"I’m yet to meet a creation of MUA Aimee Connolly’s that I don’t like, and her mascara is also up there with my all-time favourites. It’s got a curved plastic comb that fits nicely into the roots of the lashes to give them a little lift and combs the formula through with no clumping whatsoever, which is a must in my book. It’s both lengthening and volumising too, so a great all-rounder." - Lucy Abbersteen, Beauty Contributor

4. Clinique High Impact Mascara - Black Honey

"I’m a huge fan of Clinique’s original Black Honey Almost lipstick, so when I heard there was a mascara version, I was super excited to try it out. This mascara gives me full, volumised lashes and holds a curl really well throughout the day. The colour is more of an auburn/ red-toned brown than others I’ve tried, so it really makes my blue eye colour pop. Just like the rest of the Black Honey range, I’m obsessed with it. This shade is limited edition though, so I’d be quick to try it out if I were you." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

5. Glossier Lash Slick Mascara

"Lash Slick probably needs no introduction to Glossier fans, but for the uninitiated, this is the one you want if your goal is to enhance your lashes a little but with very natural finish. You won’t get “in your face” dramatic volume here; instead, it adds a good amount of length while keeping the overall look subtle. That subtlety is further enhanced with the newer, understated brown hue." - Lucy Abbersteen, Beauty Contributor

6. WestMan Atelier Eye Want You mascara - Clean le Brun

“I am a recent convert to brown mascara, and I love it! It feels like being in a secret club where you are thrilled to meet others who are also wearing it. The Westman Atelier mascara is a perfect consistency, the colour is a chestnut brown, super subtle but also really pops if you layer it up. I love the shape of the brush as it really curls your eyelashes. You can wear it all day without it smudging and it's easy to remove, too.” - Sophie Cookson, eCommerce Analyst

7. L'Oréal Lash Paradise Mascara 

"A lash-conditioning hero that’s widely considered to be one of the best drugstore mascaras, L'Oréal Lash Paradise’s USP is that it packs castor oily for softer and gentler wear—you won’t ever feel like your lashes are drying out with this one. I find that it results in ultra-fluttery and fluffy-looking lashes." - Lucy Abbersteen, Beauty Contributor

8. ICONIC London Triple Threat Mascara

"This mascara has quickly become my newest go-to. Evenly coating my lashes without creating visible clumps or smudges throughout my eyelids. It truly creates a your lashes but better effect that blends seamlessly with my dark eyelashes with its brown formula without looking too heavy. The packaging is also super sleek and easy to carry for any end of day top ups." - Sofia Piza, Fashion Writer

9. e.l.f. Lash 'N Roll Mascara

"I don’t think I know of a single make-up fan who doesn’t like affordable hero e.l.f. Cosmetics. Lash ‘N Roll, which was recently made available in brown, lengthens nicely, doesn’t flake or smudge and, because of its curved wand, also has a good lifting effect. The colour is also quite a deep shade of brown, so it’s great for definition." - Lucy Abbersteen, Beauty Contributor

I am very particular about mascara because I am very particular about how my lashes should look. I'm not interested in the false lash effect and I don't need extra drama. What I want is the natural look, but oh-so-much more. I have extremely fair hair on my eyes, so without mascara, I look like a mole above ground. Which has meant my years as a beauty editor have largely been spent in search of the very best mascara to help me achieve this. And a couple of years ago, I found it. Since then I haven't looked back. Maybelline's Lash Sensational Sky High is my ride-or-die mascara.

Don't get me wrong there is absolutely a time and a place for a mascara that creates that va-va-voom look. One that I get out during the party season, for evening events, that sort of thing. A mascara that will perfectly compliment my go-to shimmery eyeshadow. (Incidentally, have you seen the Rabanne Highly Pigmented Mini Eyeshadow Palettes? Spectacular.)

But for my everyday make-up, it's the elevated natural look for me. And nothing does that better than Maybelline Sky High.

And I'm not alone, it has amassed a whopping 367.7M views on TikTok. It was on here, where the mascara first found devoted fans. It was already trending on the social media platform ahead of its UK launch.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara reviewed by a beauty editor

So why is it so great? Well, first of all, it doesn't cost a lot. It's £12.99 (it's actually only £5.98 on Amazon right now - bargain), which I think is a perfectly reasonable amount to pay for a mascara. In fact, whenever people ask me for beauty recommendations I always tell them to save their money for other products and go for an affordable mascara. The beauty of Sky High is it's so often reduced, so you can almost always find it cheaper. Happy days.

Next up is the wand. It's a plastic and pointed comb head, which perfectly coats each individual hair in just the right amount of product - never too much, never too little. I
genuinely think it would be impossible for this mascara to clump. It's also tapered and flexible so you can get right into the inner corners, meaning no lash is left untouched. It lengthens beautifully - I'm always shocked to discover how long my lashes actually are - which is also down to the lengthening fibres in the formula. This is where the "my lashes, but better" effect comes into play. With one slick I am genuinely so happy, but if I feel like I need a bit extra it layers very well, with no risk of weighing down with extra product.

Another brilliant thing about Sky High is how easy it is to remove. I've read elsewhere that it's tricky to remove, but I've never had any problems. You don't need an oil cleanser, mine typically comes off with micellar water and a cream cleanser. I never wake up the next morning with any trace of the previous day's mascara under my eyes.

Shop the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara collection

Such is the success of Sky High (arguably the best Maybelline mascara?!) it now comes in many other iterations - each one remaining true to its original powers. There's Cosmic Black - if you're after a really deep colour - Waterproof, Brownish Black, Burgundy, Bright Blue and Pink. There's also a tinted Primer - formulated with ceramides and vitamin B5 to care for your lashes.

If you want to know one thing about my beauty habits, know that I am a sucker for luxury products. I want all of my beauty products to ooze expense and opulence with every use. There is, however, one anomaly product—mascara. More specifically, L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara.

As a beauty editor, I understand that while you get what you pay for with some products, others don't require major expense for major results. In fact, some of the best make-up products I have ever tried are drugstore mascaras.

And while there are hundreds of fancy new mascara formulas that land on my desk every year (everything from waterproof mascaras to tubing mascaras ), I find myself going back to L'Oréal Lash Paradise every single time.

What's so great about it? Well, for starters it doesn't sting or irritate my very sensitive eyes. My eyes are chronically dry and itchy, and certain mascaras exacerbate the issue, meaning I'm typically left with black smudges and loose lashes under both of my eyes by the end of the day. Lash Paradise, however, is formulated with both castor and sunflower oils which don't just condition lashes, but also help prevent that dreaded irritation.

Beyond that, the results are unrivalled. It adds the sort of natural-looking length and volume that is exactly to my tastes. It doesn't clump or overload lashes with jet-black product or leave lashes looking spidery. What it does do is super-size the length of my lashes while leaving each individual strand separated from the rest. The colouring isn't too brown nor too black, the lengthening effect isn't too muted nor too extreme and the volume isn't negligible nor clumpy—it's all just right. Lash Paradise is, in my opinion, a Goldilocks mascara. 

And as for the price? Well, it's a bargain. Its RRP is £13, but it's almost always available for cheaper somewhere—right now it's on Amazon for less than £7. And truthfully, I've tried mascaras ten times that price that don't live up to the results of Lash Paradise. In fact, Lash Paradise sets the bar for every mascara that comes my way.

If you want high-impact, super-sized lashes on a daily basis, then Lash Paradise isn't for you. It isn't a mascara that will give you a false-lash effect. However, if you want an affordable mascara that makes your natural lashes look longer and fuller (while still being buildable enough to wear it on a night out with a smokier eye), then I urge you to give this one a go. I promise you won't regret it.

Most of the time when people are asked what their desert-island beauty product would be, the classic mascara or trusty brow product comes to mind. 

Me? Well, I’d take one of the best lash serums. I mean, aside from sunscreen—but I’d hope that’s just included in the desert island survival package. Lash serum is one of my few non-negotiables when it comes to beauty, and I’m a pretty low-key beauty journalist. It’s the one product that I've seen such a dramatic difference with, that now if I can help it, I won’t be without it. 

Recently though, people have become a bit wary of their lash serums, and that’s all down to an ingredient called prostaglandin analogues (PGAs). They work by prolonging the active (anagen) growth phase of your hair, which has 4 cycles: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transition phase), telogen (resting phase), and exogen (shedding phase). The reason they’ve got a bit of a reputation is due to sensitivity to the eye area and it's been reported that it can alter your eye colour (though this is not a common occurrence so don't panic). If either of these occur, however, stop using your serum immediately and seek medical attention if you need to.  

Now, as a Beauty Editor, I’ve been using a lash serum for about 7 years and never experienced sensitivity and have light blue eyes with no issues regarding colour changes. But everyone is different and it’s best to use what you feel comfortable with.

Luckily, not all lash serums contain PGAs, so there are plenty of options to suit more sensitive eyes. Other ingredients include peptides (a smart lash-strengthener), castor oil (a traditional ingredient commonly used to address hair growth), vitamin E (aids moisture), and keratin (to help strengthen the hair structure). 

No one formula is better than the other, it's all down to preference. PGAs give more dramatic results and are proven for hair growth, but they might not be the right choice for you. In that case peptides and other ingredients are still incredibly effective. 

Here are the lash growth serums we’ve used during our time as beauty editors and really rate. 

How we tested the best lash serums:

Over the course of my last seven years being a beauty editor, I've tried and tested almost every lash serum out there. Since lash serums can take weeks (and even months to see results) this is a category that can be tricky to control test. My process always begins with lashes that haven't had any serum treatment for at least 2 months. Then I start using my serum just at nighttime for at least 8 weeks, sometimes more if the brand recommends a longer results time. I don't use any other products on my eyelashes, but I try not to tug and pull as much as I can and avoid waterproof mascara where I can (as removal can be harsh on precious lashes). 

I've also enlisted the help of Valeza Bakolli, MCUK's Junior Shopping editor (and a fellow lash serum lover) to give her honest thoughts and recommendations. As a Shopping Editor, Valeza tests a LOT of new beauty products on a regular basis, so she's trialled a fair few lash serums in her time. She also has pretty sensitive skin, so tends to avoid potentially irritating ingredients (like PGAs) - preferring a more natural formula that still strengthens, lengthens and thickens her lashes.

1. Revitalash Advanced Sensitive Eyelash Conditioner

"This is my ride or die and the most expensive beauty product I’ll regularly buy. It contains PGAs and this formula is a special sensitive one to avoid any irritation that might occur. I find that this is the quickest, most effective way of getting length from my lashes. Like most hair growth treatments though, be warned that the effects will wear off as soon as you stop using it." - Tori Crowther, Beauty Editor 

2. Glow For It Lash Growth Serum

"I’ve been using Glow For It for around 8 weeks now and have noticed a genuine difference in the length and density of my lashes. It contains no PGAs (a dream for my sensitive eyes), instead using natural ingredients, which provide vitamins and nutrients to stimulate the hair follicle and promote growth." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

3. Hairburst Lash and Brow Serum

"One of the more affordable on the list but one that still yields impressive results is this. The applicator for this is a little different and is great if a teeny-tiny brush applied to the lash line (as you would an eyeliner) is a bit intimidating and you’d rather a wand. This is ideal if you don’t want a PGA-based serum." - Tori Crowther, Beauty Editor

4. RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum

"Much more affordable than Revitalash but still utilising PGAs for rapid lash growth (get it). I don’t think this one works as fast but definitely does what it promises in promoting longer, fuller-looking lashes. It has the same thin brush wand as Revitalash to get precise application." - Tori Crowther, Beauty Editor

5. UKlash Eyelash Serum

"This formula truly can turn the shortest of lashes into lengthened beauties. Containing PGAs and peptides, it works to both grow sparse lashes and strengthen and care for existing ones. Give it at least two months to see some difference and around four months to see significant change. The formula (plus price tag) is the reason I recommend this product a lot." - Tori Crowther, Beauty Editor

6. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum

"One of the newest of the bunch—and also the cheapest—it uses peptide technology to make lashes and brows appear fuller after a few weeks of use. This serum definitely doesn’t give as dramatic results as the rest, and needs regular use for a good few months to see those fluttery lashes. But it still works a treat." - Tori Crowther, Beauty Editor

In every make-up bag up and down the country, you will find mascara. It is arguably the most used make-up product in our collective beauty kit. In fact, as a beauty editor, there is not a day that goes by that I leave the house without it. But what actually makes the best mascara the best? Find out below...

What makes the best mascara? Things to consider...

When it comes to mascara, everyone has their own preference in what they are searching for. Personally, I love a full, fluttery and voluminous lash look, combined with a formula that doesn't flake throughout the day and won't transfer onto my eyelid. A lot to ask for, I know. Long, lengthy lashes are usually a favourite. My go-to is Maybelline's Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara (which I will debate anyone who disagrees that it's the best Maybelline mascara), but I am always testing new releases to find the very best out there, because who doesn't want to find the best mascara?

If you're shopping for a new formula, there's plenty of things to consider. For starters, the look you're after: defined, natural-looking lashes, or big volume to add drama to your look? Once you've decided on your top lash-enhancing priority, this will help you choose the right wand and mascara for you. Plastic combs and brushes are better at defining and elongating lashes as they're often thinner and less chunky in size. Traditional bristles are key to adding volume and fullness, as they're plumper and apply more product to the lashes.

Colour is also important. Black has long been the most popular, but it can wash paler skin tones out, so it might be worth considering a really good brown mascara or a navy shade for your beauty arsenal if you fall into that category.

Brown and blue mascaras are certainly having a moment. If you really want your eye colour to stand out? Pick a colour that will accentuate it. Purple and blues make blue and green eyes pop, while browns highlight hazel.

And then of course, the next decision is do you need a long-wearing, hardy waterproof formula? If you have watery eyes or are prone to smudginess, you may want to opt to shop a waterproof (or at the very least water-resistant) buy.

Thom Walker, make-up artist and Creative Director of Givenchy make-up, gave me the best mascara tip I've ever heard. He admitted that finding the right mascara can be tricky and that it does involve a bit of trial and error, but once you find a mascara wand that you really like that does the job you want it to do, don't throw it away. "I clean it, wash it thoroughly and then use it almost like a spoolie with other mascara formulas."

The best mascaras: Quick links

• Best affordable mascara: L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara, £8.99 (save 31%) | Amazon
• Best mascara for volume: Vieve Icon Mascara, £27 | Vieve
• Best lengthening mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, £8.29 (save 36%) | Amazon
• Best for everyday lashes: Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara, £22.40 (save 20%) | Lookfantastic
• Best for a dramatic finish: Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara, £28.00 | Sephora
• Best tubing mascara: Beauty Pie Wrap Star Tubing Mascara, £20 | Beauty Pie
• Best waterproof mascara: MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara, £20 | Lookfantastic
• Best mascara for a no-make-up-make-up look: Glossier Lash Slick, £20 | Glossier
• Best for sensitive eyes: Milk Makeup Kush Mascara, £26 | Cult Beauty
• Best for oily eyelids: Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara, £29.50 | Lookfantastic

How we test the best mascara formulas

I've trialed and tested so many mascaras over the years that we've genuinely lost count. From Charlotte Tilbury's latest launch - her first ever volume mascara - to Ilia's bestseller that legthens in the most beautiful way (which is a bit of beauty insider's secret) I, as well as the extended Marie Claire team, have done our fieldwork. And what we can definitively say is that the best mascaras really do have transformative effects.

So how do we test? There are certain things that we look out for when testing any new mascara that lands in our laps. We're interested in things like the wand - bristle type and shape; the effect on lashes - whether it adds volume or length (or both?!); the formula - can you feel it on your lashes or does it nourish those tiny hairs? and finally the price. (Read more about how we test products.)

Keep on scrolling for the best mascaras the industry has to offer. You're sure to find your new favourite...

Best mascaras 2026

1. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

"I've loved this mascara since the first day I tried it. I dabble with others, because that's the nature of the job, but I come back to this mascara time and time again. It gives the perfect amount of length, the perfect amount of lift and the perfect amount of volume. It's like LVL lashes in a tube. It's also the only mascara that I bought on my maternity leave when I didn't have access to the Marie Claire beauty cupboard. All hail Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara. If you're playful with your make-up too, its also has one of the best shade ranges around. The burgundy one was trending on TikTok." Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

2. Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara

"Goodness, I am slightly obsessed with this mascara. The plastic bristles manage to separate my lashes to create the perfect fanned look, whilst the curved wand lifts and coats them in the darkest black formula. It is my favourite everyday mascara. And what I've realised recently, which is something of note, is that you can actually top up your mascara later in the day without any clumping. It has to be the plastic wands that allows for this." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

3. L'Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara

"There is no mascara on this planet that I love more than this. For just £12 this mascara delivers everything I could ever want. It fans out my lashes, delivers a volume that still looks natural and leaves lashes looking unbelievably long. It's also beautifully layer-able." - Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor

4. Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara

"I recently recommended this to a friend who was struggling to find a formula that wouldn't transfer onto her oily under eyes. She has now become a convert just like me. I don't have oily lids, I just consider this to be one heck of a cracking mascara. It knows what its role is in the make-up routine and it commands respect. It knows that you want every lash to stand to attention, so it does just that. It knows that you want to add a touch of drama to the eye (but not too much), so it does just that. It knows that you don't want to look at yourself in the mirror halfway through the day to see dark smudges on the tops of your cheeks, so it most certainly does not do that. It's serious about its responsibilities." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

5. Vieve Icon Mascara

"The brand's original Modern Mascara was one of the first that convinced me that mascara could work for me, so it's safe to say I was a little excited when news of a new formula dropped. Not only does the Icon Mascara promise to increase lash volume by up to 356%, stay smudge-proof for up to 24h, and increase lash length by up to 28%, but it also claims to catch every single lash, build effortlessly, and remove easily without relentless scrubbing.

It has a jumbo spiral brush, which simultaneously works to coat every lash and provide bold, dramatic lashes with serious volume. This shape, combined with a formula that is neither too dry nor too wet (no smudging on the eyelids here, even with my hooded lids) makes for a winning design.

When applying, I can actually feel the brush catching each of my lashes—even those tiny ones in the corner. The product also doesn't build up on the wand, so there's no contending with clumpiness or too much pigment being applied to the lashes." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor

6. Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Mascara

"Let me introduce you to the best plus one you will ever take to a party. This is va-va-voom voluminous lashes in a tube. With, and I'm being honest here, two swipes maximum you have dramatic, fanned out lashes. They perfectly compliment a smokey eye or a wash of metallic swiped across the lid. Does that mean you can't wear it during the day? Absolutely not." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

7. Beauty Pie Wrap Star Tubing Mascara

Price shown is members' price.

If you're yet to try a tubing mascara, let me explain them to you. Essentially, the formula coats each lash with a tube-like formula, meaning it doesn't smudge or run. In fact, it can just be removed with some warm water, and each of the tubes will slide off the lashes. This one, from Beauty Pie, is one of the best out there, particularly if you want natural-looking lashes with some extra length.

8. Maybelline Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara

"This is such a clever mascara and does exactly what it promises. It has a curved brush and memory curl technology that holds for up to 24 hours, which means that it lifts and separates with a volumising formula. Colossal Curl Bounce is so powerful the brand claims you won't need to use a lash curler. And guess what? As someone who doesn't leave the house without curling my eyelashes I was so impressed that I was able to skip that step with this. If you have stubbornly straight lashes, this is the buy for you." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

9. Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Volumizing Mascara

"This isn't typically my sort of mascara - give me a plastic comb any day. But this seems to do the same job as a plastic wand. Not only does it lengthen and volumise, it also nourishes your lashes with castor oil for a soft, velvety finish. It's great for people who like volume, but not *too* much volume. You have full control over how you want your lashes to look with this mascara - during the day, you only need one coat for that fluttery lash effect, however, I tend to layer it up at night for added volume." - Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor

10. MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara

MAC's Extended Play Lash Mascara is a waterproof, long-wearing formula that can last up to 16 hours thanks to its thermal-sensitive technology. It defines, lengthens and curls your lashes, with a rich black finish. "The wand of this is really interesting as it acts like a plastic comb would - coating every single lash, but adds just a subtle hint of volume as your traditional bristles would," says Katie.

11. Glossier Lash Slick

"I was really surprised at how much I love this mascara from Glossier. The comb seperates the lashes in a really nice way and gives a subtle lift, which is buildable if you want a more defined look. It feels super lightweight to wear, you almost forget you've got it on and its got great staying power. It works really well as an everyday mascara, but if you like a dramatic eye look, you'll want something like the Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-eyes Mascara. It's a really subtle mascara formula, which is why I like it, but it might be too much for some people." - Sophie Cookson, E-Commerce Analyst

12. Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Bottom lashes are incredibly tricky to do, but this mini brush makes even the teeniest tiniest hair on the lower lash come to life. It's nimble, so easy to use and small enough that you won't make any mistakes. "Not to be dramatic, but this mascara changed my whole make-up routine for the better," exclaims Grace. "I used to avoid putting mascara on my bottom lashes as I could never find a product that wouldn't leave me with that panda eye effect. However, after trying this out I was fully converted."

13. Milk Makeup Kush Mascara 

"After trialling plenty of mascaras throughout the years, I always come back to Milk’s Kush Mascara. It has the perfect creamy formula that evenly coats all lashes for extreme volume that lasts all day and doesn’t smudge. As a contact lens wearer, I have found this mascara to be a safe option for my sensitive eyes as it has a non-irritating formula. The wand includes Milk’s Puff Puff brush, which features crisscrossed firm bristles that aim to avoid clumps. However, as I have unruly lashes, it’s easy for me to get clumps here and there, so on the rare occasion I do, I simply glide on a clean brush, and I’m good to go." - Sofia Piza, Fashion Writer

14. By Terry Terrybly Mascara

"I bought this mascara as a result of a very long search for something to help my sparse lashes. I have incredibly sensitive eyes and lashes, and have found some formulas cause my lashes to fall out. After reading about this one, I decided to give it a go. It's a bit like an eyelash serum and mascara hybrid - it has a growth-boosting formula, enriched with moisturising hyaluronic acid. After using it for about six months, I have definitely noticed a difference to the length and strength of my lashes - they look healthier and fuller." - Ana Ospina, Designer

15. Kosas Soulgazer Lengthening + Lifting Peptide Mascara

This mascara transforms lashes with just one swipe. Primarily a lengthening formula, it also gives individual lashes definition. The best part, though, is that if you feel like you need to add another layer later in the day, you can easily without fear of clumping.

16. NARS Climax Extreme Mascara

The high-shine latex finish is especially pleasing for those who have stick straight or very stubby lashes. Said XXL finish is also highly pigmented, so with just a single swipe lashes appear longer, fuller and jet black. Divine.

17. Benefit They're Real Lengthening Mascara 

We couldn't have a line-up of the best on the market and not include one from benefit. For years and years the brand has featured at the very top of the UK's bestselling mascara list, so it's not surprise they invest so much in coming up with the best wands. The Roller Lash brush features a 'hook and roll' effect that grabs and separates each lash, then curls them upwards for a lifted look.

18. Sculpted By Aimee MyMascara 

"As soon as I used MyMascara for the first time, I was converted. Instantly lifting, you only need two or three coats for ultra-defined and lengthened lashes. Usually, when a mascara is this lengthening, I find it takes away any volume, but this only adds to it. I now recommend the MyMascara to all my friends, and from now on, it is the one I compare all other mascaras to." - Dionne Brighton, Social Media Editor

19. Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara 

"I’m very picky when it comes to mascara - the formula has to be lengthening, volumising and separate my lashes. One mascara that ticks all three boxes is ILIA’s Limitless Lash. The lightweight formula doesn’t weigh my lashes down, ensuring they hold an impressive curl all day. It also has a double-sided brush which I use to pack on the product with one side and separate and curl with the other. In short: this mascara gives me the long, lifted and volumised lashes of my dreams." - Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor

20. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes in Dream Pop

"When most of us think of coloured mascara it tends to be '80s-inspired electric blue shades or more out-there colours like green and pink that spring to mind. However, this one from Charlotte Tilbury has convinced me of the joys of ditching black mascara and embracing a more subtle hue for daily wear as this berry-brown colour is just so beautiful. Not only is burgundy mascara set to be a big trend this winter, the colour has been specially created to enhance your eye colour—whether it's green, blue or brown. And while it will look more dramatic on lighter lashes, on dark ones like my own I love the way that it provides a more natural-looking lash look without compromising on definition and fullness." - Mica Ricketts, Beauty Contributor

21. L'Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes

"Finding “the one” when it comes to mascara can be a long and arduous journey. For the past 10 years, I've committed my lashes to L'Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes, and in its capable hands, my lashes have been transformed. For me, the plastic comb lengthens from the root of your lash giving the illusion of a lash lift while providing just the right amount of volume. If you’re looking for something a little more dramatic, add a few more coats for a bolder look." - Lollie King, Freelance Beauty Writer

The best tips for applying mascara

No matter which formula you eventually choose, here’s a tip from legendary make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury on the best application technique: "As you drag the brush up from the base of your lashes, zig-zag the wand from side to side. This creates more volume as you are depositing more product onto your eyelashes."

As for your bottom lashes, turn the brush vertically. "The thinner end will help you control your application with more precision," Charlotte adds.

And of course, to magnify the results, always go in with a second coat. But resist the urge to pump the wand up and down in the tube. "Your mascara will dry out quicker as you're pushing too much air inside. Slowly twist the brush around the tube instead," Tilbury explains.

What is the best mascara for sensitive eyes?

If your eyes are sensitive but you simply cannot imagine forgoing your beloved mascara, give It Cosmetics Hello Lashes+. It is so gentle on your eyes causing no irritation and unlike many mascaras for sensitive skin, this has a deep pigment and doesn’t fade throughout the day. With lash-loving ingredients like biotin, argan oil and jojoba, this cares for your lashes while lengthening and volumizing.

What is the best mascara for short lashes?

If you suffer with short lashes, look no further than UK Lash’s Lengthening Mascara. It lengthens and curls your lashes, but also gives it a wash of glycerin to hydrate your lashes and encourage growth.

Make-up artist Adeola Gboyega says "One of the best tips I always share—and something I use on all my clients—is to start with a good eyelash curler. This lifts the lashes from the root, opening up the eyes and giving your mascara the perfect base to work its magic."

Pro Tip: Curl one set of lashes, then immediately apply mascara to lock in the curl before moving to the next eye. This technique ensures a longer-lasting lift and prevents the curl from dropping.

She also says that the way you apply mascara can make all the difference:

•Tightline Your Lashes: Use a black or dark brown eyeliner to line your upper waterline, creating the illusion of thicker lashes at the base.

•Wiggle From the Roots: Apply mascara by wiggling the wand at the base of your lashes and sweeping upward. Avoid just coating the tips—this can weigh lashes down and diminish the effect.

•Build in Layers: Focus on applying light, even layers of mascara rather than one heavy coat, which can clump and drag lashes down.

Here at team MC, we're suckers for beauty treatments. While there's no doubt we love a great product, something has to be said for the long-lasting benefits of an in-salon treatment. From smoothing Olaplex treatments to a brightening face peel, these professional pamper sessions might cost a little more than an at-home product, but they sure do deliver. And look, we get it, beauty treatments can be spenny but there is one we're happy to spend on time after time. Enter: LVL lashes—a treatment which rivals even the very best mascara.

LVL lashes stands for length, volume and lift. You'll recognise at least one of these beauty buzzwords from pretty much every one of the best mascaras on the market, but it's rare that all three would appear together because, let's be honest, that'd have to be quite the multi-tasking mascara. Usually, you'd have to combine a few of the best lash-lengthening hacks to get the most dramatic results.

Lucky for us, though, LVL lashes manage to do all of the above in one sitting. That's lengthening, volumising, and seriously lifting all in one easy treatment. But what exactly is it, how much does it cost, and where should you be booking your LVL lash lift appointment?

Here's everything you need to know about this brilliant – and we mean brilliant – lash-lift treatment.

What are LVL lashes?

The LVL lash lift, created by Nouveau Lashes, is a treatment that combines both an eyelash perm and an eyelash tint treatment. The best thing about it is that it enhances the lashes that you already have.

How does the LVL lash lift work?

Your lashes are covered in a special serum that straightens them from the root – which (rather than actually straightening) lifts them, giving them that super-curled look. Your lashes are then tinted and, if you're a little sparse, you might be offered some individual lash extensions as well.

What do you look like during an LVL Lash Lift?

This is what you look like during the treatment. Okay, it looks pretty scary, but the treatment is virtually painless... so don't be put off.

How long does the LVL lash lift take?

Typically, LVL lash treatments last between 45 minutes to an hour. Most of that time is spent waiting for things to develop – the serum, the dye, etc. Your eyes are shut the entire time, so you might actually find yourself falling asleep. This is not uncommon.

Do LVL lashes hurt?

They don't hurt one bit. If at any point, you feel any irritation or itchiness, make sure to tell you therapist straight away.

How long do LVL lashes last?

If you take care of them properly, then LVL lashes can last up to 6-8 weeks.

LVL lashes aftercare

For 48 hours after the treatment you're not allowed to get the area wet. This is worth knowing, as washing your hair can be tricky.

You're also not allowed to apply mascara for the first two days—but honestly, you won't want or need to, because your lashes will have never looked better.

Following those initial days, you shouldn't pull at your lashes. This might be obvious to most of you, but what they mean is not to tug on them when you're removing eye make-up. Rather than dragging a cotton pad along your lashes, press it onto your eye and hold for 10 seconds. Doing so will keep your lashes looking better for longer.

Will an LVL lash lift damage my natural lashes?

No, Nouveau Lashes products have been developed to be kind to your lashes. But it's always a good idea to practice good lash care. After the initial 48 hours, you can use a nourishing lash serum to help protect your lashes. The lifting treatment is permanent, BUT your lashes have a natural life cycle, which causes them to fall out to make room for new growth. Prolonging the life of your lash cycle (as lash serums aim to do) will mean you can potentially reap the benefits of the lash lift for even longer than 6-8 weeks. We’ve added some of our favourite nourishing lash serums for you to shop below: 

How much do LVL lashes cost?

The cost varies between salons, but as a rule of thumb, LVL lashes can cost anywhere from £45–£70.

If you're sat there thinking that you actually prefer the natural lash look, well that's the beauty of the treatment - it accentuates what you've already got. 

While we thoroughly encourage embracing your natural lashes by keeping them bare while they’re beautifully lifted, it goes without saying that your favourite mascara and a slick of the best eyeliner will look even better post-LVL. Here are some of our top mascara picks for added volume, length and general drama: 

Do LVL lashes require a patch test?

Yes. It's always best to err on the side of caution when undergoing a lash lift, so make sure to pop into your salon for a quick patch test before undergoing the treatment.

Can you do LVL lashes at home?

Never – always leave it to the professionals. What makes LVL lashes such a treat is that you'll never be able to replicate them at home, so it's best to boycott at-home lash lifts and instead, head down to your local salon. Not only that, but DIY lash kits can cause severe danger to your eyes if used without the correct training. So put down the ammonia, and instead pick up your go-to appointments booking app.

Where to book in for LVL lashes right now

So now that you're all clued up on the treatment's virtues, it's time to get a booking.

If you pop onto the Nouveau Lashes website it'll tell you where your nearest salon is.

Trust us when we say, the results really are amazing. So amazing, that you'll wonder how on earth you ever lived without this treatment.

So what are you waiting for? Get down to your salon ASAP.

These alternatives will help mend your broken heart.

There's nothing worse than when a brand stops producing your favourite product. No matter whether it's your best primer, best foundation or best mascara, it always hurts. Some may say that it feels similar to a breakup, and getting over it definitely takes time.

Luckily, one of our favourite online beauty retailers, Lookfantastic, has scoured the market to reveal the best beauty dupes for some of the nation’s favourite discontinued products.

From one of the best brow kits to an iconic lip gloss, these alternative beauty buys will help fill a hole and make the perfect replacement in your makeup bag. Keep on scrolling and get ready to shop...

1. NYX Dark Circle Concealer

When it comes to covering dark circles, the NYX Dark Circle Concealer used to be a real fan favourite. Believe it or not, despite it being discontinued, 1,900 people still search for the product every single month. The cult classic’s peach-toned correctors worked to disguise the look of dark or purple rings, leaving under-eyes looking bright and fresh.

Luckily, Bobbi Brown's Creamy Corrector in 'Peach' delivers a similar swipe of neutralising colour to your under-eyes, so you can say goodbye to those bags for good.

2. benefit Zings Eyebrow Kit

Leaders of the brow game, benefit is no stranger to a quality eyebrow palette. The Zings Eyebrow Kit featured two pans – one powder and one waxy formula to shape, define and set your brows in place. The palette even came with two brow brushes and a pair of portable tweezers – what more could you want?

Luckily, Sleek MakeUP offers an alternative that’s pretty similar. The Brow Kit features both wax and powder formulas, plus a handy mirror, allowing you to perfect your arches on the go.

3. Lancôme Juicy Tubes

It's safe to say that the Lancôme Juicy Tubes used to be the handbag staple. They were so iconic that after discontinuing them, the brand later decided to bring them back, but if you're looking for a cheaper alternative, Lookfantastic have got you covered.

Brand new from NYX, the 'This Is Juice Gloss' utilises five electrolytes and smoothing oils to nourish and hydrate the lips. The gloss is available in a range of fruity shades, delivering a juicy pop of pigment for an instant 00s throwback.

4. Benefit Tinted Moisturiser You Rebel

Benefit’s silky-smooth tinted moisturiser flew off the shelves. It gave just the right amount of coverage, without feeling heavy on the skin. It was a staple in many people's makeup routines and fans continue to mourn it today.

Laura Mercier’s newest Tinted Moisturiser will help to fill the void. The brand is known for their base products, and this one claims to give that same gorgeous glow as the Benefit classic, with lots of skin-loving ingredients. Win win.

5. Urban Decay Original Naked Eyeshadow Palette

The Urban Decay Original Naked Eyeshadow Palette was an absolute classic, and the beauty community was up in arms when it was announced that it had been discontinued.

Luckily, many brands have had a go at replicating it and the NYX Shadow Palette in Warm Neutrals has hit the nail on the head. With 16 warm, buttery shades and satin, metallic and shimmer options all available, you can create a range of looks.

6. Fresh Supernova Mascara

Fresh got rid of their cosmetics line a while ago, and with it went the Supernova Mascara. Its big fluffy brush that combed through every lash had people hooked.

If your lashes are crying out for something similar, Dr Hauschka’s Volume Mascara is here to save the day. It holds a curled lash in place and has a soft formula that won't flake off.

So, there you have it. The best beauty dupes available to shop now.

Summer is here and opting for one pop of colour on the face is the speediest - and most fun - way to go with make-up. Here, our models from Zebedee Management, an agency committed to representing models with disabilities and alternative appearances, inspire us with some of the season’s hottest shades…

RED HOT 

Lipstick is back, a symbol of life as we knew it returning? But red can be a challenging hue to get right. Our absolute favourite? A statement classic red in a high-shine finish, as seen on transgender performer and model Jordan Revell, who specialises in contortion and the aerial hoop. She is hopeful, she explains, for a future in which diversity and inclusivity continue to be prioritised and understood. “I hope that more people from different walks of life are given the chance to tell their own stories so that we can all create a better understanding of each other.” 

“My ideal form of beauty is a combination of my own features with a slight feminisation in order to bring out the internal image that I have of myself.” 

GET THE LOOK:

“I added the base using It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturiser, £43, and the It Cosmetics Your Skin but Better CC+ cream, £32.50”, says our make-up artist Aimee Twist. “Then I prepped Jordan's eye with the MAC Eye Pencil in Coffee, £16, by running along the lash line and then blended it out with a brush to add just a little bit of definition without making it too heavy. Next, I curled her eyelashes and added the Victoria Beckham Beauty Future Lash Mascara, £26, to make them super long, not fluffy. Then I lined the lips with MAC Ruby Woo Lip Pencil, £15.50, and sketched in the lip all over. 

Finally, for a rich, head-turning red I used the Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored, £16, to fill in all around the lip to give it a super precise lip line. The shade truly suits all and especially flatters pale or dark skin tones. The formula is highly pigmented - just shake before use to achieve a statement, uniform finish. I then added MAC Lip Glass in Ruby Woo, £16.50, to make the lips super glossy and almost patent.”

BACK TO THE FUCHSIA 

This summer, pink lips are a brilliantly uplifting beauty winner. The way to wear the look is to go as bright and bold as you think your face will take, with clean-looking skin and very little other make-up, adding just a little definition on the eyes - like our model and dancer Bailie McGloin. Bailie was born with vitiligo and firmly believes that the more diversity we have in the beauty industry, the better. “It’s unfair to only portray one type of look, it’s not OK, it’s not reality. How do you expect people to live their lives if the beauty industry says they look ‘wrong’? People shouldn’t shy away from life because of the way they look.” 

“Don’t wait for someone else to accept you, everything is accepted eventually. So just be how you are – you are perfect.”

GET THE LOOK:

“I prepped Bailie’s face with Weleda Skinfood, £8.25 to add a healthy glow to the skin,” says Aimee. “Then I brushed up her brows using West Barn Co Soap Brows, £15, to give a fluffy brow look. I then added a little wash of colour using shade Joker in the Natasha Denona Circo Loco Palette, £111, just blended over the eye but ditched mascara altogether. For her lips I used the Urban Decay Comfort Matte Vice lipstick in Checkmate, £18, all over and smudged out over the lip line to create a bit more of a diffused effect. And then on top of that I added the shade Joker from the Natasha Denona Circo Loco Palette, £111, patted over to give it a really powdery look.”

PRETTY IN PINK 

For an unexpected twist on colour, lacquer lashes in a vibrant colour instead of the typical black or brown. Our model Gemma Adby sported a bright pink gel painted on her top and bottom lashes with several coats. Born with a missing left forearm, Gemma explains that a mindset shift has positively affected her modelling career: “Recently since I've started to show my arm, I've been using a natural approach to make up which has been really liberating. When I was younger I used to cake my makeup on so people would look at that and think I was normal, instead of looking down at my arm. When they’d realise I’ve got half an arm then they would start acting differently.” 

“I love being able to be myself in front of the camera. I’ve hidden my arm for my whole life, but now I love being able to celebrate my disability.” 

GET THE LOOK:

“I added the Glossier Stretch Concealer in G12, £15, to any areas where she needed a little bit of coverage” says Aimee, “Then I curled her lashes and coated them with the Ciate London Smiley Mascara in Be Brave, £16. I then combed through a little Espressoh Hey Broh Eyebrow Gel, £20 and to finish off Chanel Les Beiges Lip Balm in Light, £32, that has a slight pinky tone.”

FEELING BLUE 

The colour blue instils calm, connection and confidence, and if you feel like wearing it, eyelids are a great place to start. Forget those naff 80s flashbacks, blue shadow in 2021 is actually surprisingly flattering if you pick the right shade and an easy texture to work with. Our model Niamh Wood wore a single hue of blue circling the whole of her eye area for an opaque effect. Niamh has Ecto-Dermal Skin Dysplasia which affects all aspects of skin but the most noticeable aspect is the complete hair loss on her head. But she uses this to her advantage, since it allows her to have fun with her style - and blue really stands out on her skin. “I've gained so much confidence, I look back on myself last year and I feel like a completely different person. I don’t recognise who I was,” she says. “I didn’t allow myself to have that self-love and feel confident in myself, but over the last year I've had to come to terms with who I am, and I’ve started to just love with myself.”

“I’ve found myself struggling with all these perfect standards that you see on social media. I've had stages where it has really gotten to me and I’ve had to delete Instagram for a month just so I can get to a stage where I can realise that some of these pictures aren’t even real.”

GET THE LOOK:

“I used the KVD Beauty Lock-It Concealer Crème in 1 Light Neutral, £18.90, on any areas that she needed coverage,” say Aimee, “then I applied it over her browbone to create a blank canvas. Next, I used the shade Beaches in the Danessa Myricks Waterproof Cream Vivid Palette, £36, and I blended that all over her eye and then up into the brow bone and across into the hairline. On top of that I used the light blue shade in the Viseart 08 Editorial Brights Matte Eyeshadow Palette, £68, to powder over the cream product. And then the NARS Liquid Blush in Orgasm, £26, just below the eyeshadow and blended that into the eyeshadow to create a two-tone effect. Over the top of that was the Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush in 001 Pink, £29.50, to set that in. I finished off Niamh’s look with the Chanel Les Beiges Lip Balm in Warm, £32.” 

GOING GREEN

Apple green isn't typically the first colour we’d gravitate towards when wanting to create ‘everyday’ eyeshadow looks, yet this hue in all of its magical variations should totally be given a chance to shine. It really brightens up the face - as evidenced here on British model Ellie Goldstein. Ellie caught the world’s attention after starring in a campaign for Gucci Beauty and regularly speaks out about the need for better representation in the media. Despite being diagnosed with Down’s syndrome at birth, Goldstein has never let her condition get in the way of living her life. “I love being in front of the camera because I can express myself using facial expressions to the camera. I also like to show people my face because I’m famous now apparently, and I’m a model,” she says, laughing. 

“When it comes to confidence, never give up no matter who you are, just be brave and go out and let it go with the flow in the spotlight.”

GET THE LOOK:

“I started by prepping Ellie’s skin with the Glossier Stretch Concealer in G12, £15, and a little bit of the It Cosmetics Your Skin but Better CC+ cream, £32.50,” says Aimee. “Then I used the MAC 'What's the Wifi?' eyeshadow, £16, which is green and blended right up into her eyebrow to create a really smoky but bright eye. For lips, I used the Indeed Labs hydraluron + tinted lip treatment in a pink, £14.99, and finished off with a really glowy blush with Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso, £11.50.”

ORANGE POP 

Orange lipstick might sound impossible to pull off, but if you keep it warm, it's a bright colour that can suit any skin tone. On our model Sian Lord, application was more haphazard than immaculate. Sian uses her social media for positive body image and confidence. “It’s all about being in love with yourself and if there's one thing I strive for on a day-to-day basis, it’s educating people.” Sian was 24 years old when she became an amputee. “It took me years and years to fall back in love with myself and I just love that I was able to come out the other side and really embrace who I am today. I love to educate young people on all things disability and self-acceptance. My main hope is for my daughter to grow up loving herself. I feel like if I can do that for myself and she can see that her mum was able to come back from having a disability she wasn’t born with, then I’ll know I’ve done the best job I could."

“My personal mantra is never to dwell on the things you can’t change. I have definitely been through times in my life where I’ve had to really adopt that and it always stays true in my mind.” 

GET THE LOOK:

“I used a dab of the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser, £33, on Sian’s face and then the Nudestix Nudies Blush in Salty Siren, £28, blended through the cheekbone,” says Aimee. “I then popped Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Cheeks in Scintillate, £62, (the highlighter side of that palette) on the high points of her cheekbones to create a glow and used the Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara in 002 Brun Hypnotic, £27.50, to enhance her lashes. And then to finish, I applied Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick in Tiger Tini, £12.80, which is this amazing orange shade.”

SUNSHINE SHADE 

Believe it or not, yellow eyeshadow is universally flattering. Our favourite way to apply it? By packing it on the lids and adding a bold rusty lip, while keeping the rest of the face natural. Our model Renee Bryant-Mulcare uses makeup to promote self-empowerment. Renee has paraplegia and is a full-time wheelchair user. She says she’s focused on making herself her greatest project. “I want to be able to see myself as beautiful. Just because I’m disabled doesn’t mean I can’t be beautiful, sexy or confident. As a woman you should be able to feel those things. There was a stage in my life where I didn’t even like to take pictures in my chair, so now I love that I get to celebrate and embrace my disability and my chair. Having a disability shouldn’t define you and shouldn’t take those labels away from you, or make you ‘less than’.” 

"When I was little, I used to see my chair as my princess throne and then along the way my image of myself became distorted by social media and society, so I doubted myself and my beauty. But now being able to showcase my disability in such a beautiful way has really helped me to own and accept myself, and see the beauty in so-called ‘flaws’. Social media has a big part to play in it because of lack of representation for disabilities – I didn’t see myself represented and it really affected me.” 

GET THE LOOK:

"I prepped Renee’s skin with NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, £24.50," says Aimee. "I then used the Depixym Cosmetic Emulsion #0982, £18, which is a cosmetic paint I mix in any colour to create a yellow eyeshadow base. Then on top, I used the Illamasqua Powder Eyeshadow in Hype, £17, a yellow shade that sets into place and enhances the colour. I finished with the Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara in 002 Brun Hypnotic, £27.50, then used the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Matte Lip Colour in 58 Rouge Vie, £32, and set it with the MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, £27, to create a matte look."

Team credits:

Photographer @alicewebbphoto

Beauty & Style Director @lisaoxenham

Producer @toreycassidy

Makeup Artist @aimeetwistartistry at @creativesmuandh

Hairstylist @laurenbellhair using Babyliss Pro, Sam McKnight, Olaplex and Palomino

Stylist @sofialazzaristylist

Stylist Assistants @riannam_x & @lenaborwanska

Hair & Makeup Assistant @erikafreedman

Models @bambailie @niamhhhwoods @sianlord_ @ree_valentine_ @gemmaadby @elliejg16_zebedeemodel @jordana_rev at @zebedeetalent

With so many recent lash primer launches, all we want to know is if the best lash primers are necessary? There's lots to think about, is it worth another step in your makeup routine? Is it worth the ££'s? Well, the experts say that the best lash primers are definitely worth the extra step. 

You know how the best foundation doesn't work as well or stay as long without a slick of the best primer underneath? Well, you'll find that the same applies to your best mascara.

Cocktailed with your mascara, eyelash primers also boost the volume of spindly hairs and extend their length for a false-lash effect. Not to mention, some formulas are tinted. Keep scrolling to find out what you need to know about using a lash primer. 

Who needs a lash primer?

"A lash primer is ideal for people who have really straight lash profiles where nothing seems to hold the curl, or those who have turned to lash services like a lash lift or extensions because they feel like they can never get a dramatic look with their natural lashes," says Elyse Reneau, Executive Director at Global Beauty Too Faced.

What to look for in a lash primer?

Do you want tinted or non tinted? One more thing to consider when picking an eyelash primer: the shape of the wand.

"A curved wand with thick bristles is great for creating major volume and drama in one swipe," says Vo from Marc Jacobs Beauty. "A tiny precision tip wand is what I use for mess-free application on the lower lashes. Tapered wands are great for those hard-to-reach places, like the inner and outer lashes."

Best lash primers as tested by team Marie Claire UK 

The Marie Claire team has been busy testing. Scroll down to see the ones we really rate...

Mascara—an absolute essential in any make-up bag. The best mascara frames the face and accentuates your eyes— it's a desert island beauty product. While make-up trends come and go, mascara is one of those products that stands the test of time. But if you're alone on a desert island (or perhaps more commonly, just on your summer holidays), a normal mascara is just not going to cut it – this is when you need the best waterproof mascara. It's going to be hot, so you'll sweat a lot. It's going to be lonely, so you might shed a few tears. And you'll be on the beach, so you'll probably kill some time swimming.

These days, the best waterproof mascara is just as good (if not better) than your run-of-the-mill smudgable one. While waterproof formulas of days gone by didn’t always make your lashes look anything exceptional, in 2024 they can lengthen, curl and volumise just as well as a normal mascara. Adding to that, they're ultra long-wearing, non-clumping and best of all, easy to remove with cleanser—because no one wants to be tugging their lashes at the end of the day. 

Luckily, we've tried and tested the best out there—they'll give you zero flaking, smudging or smearing. In short, they're a dream for long nights, busy days and hot weather. So much so, you might never use the regular stuff again. 

And if you're worried these waterproof mascaras will be a nightmare to remove, we've included our top tips (and make-up remover product recommendations) for removing even the most stubborn formulas below. 

We defy you not to find a waterproof mascara you'll fall in love with in our picks; keep reading for more of the best waterproof mascara buys out there.

What's different about waterproof mascaras?

Besides stating the obvious (that the formulas can be worn in water), there is a distinct difference in the make-up between 'regular' mascaras and waterproof ones, says makeup artist and beauty editor Madeleine Spencer: 

"Generally speaking, a silicone or wax in the formula repels water so the mascara sticks to lashes without budging." This is something your day-to-day mascara likely will not have. 

This means there are ample benefits to a waterproof option.

"Aside from being able to cry/exercise/sweat without worrying about mascara running, some people always end up with mascara under their eyes whatever they do, so it can be really handy," says Madeleine. "It’s worth mentioning that for some people using waterproof on just the lower lashes is enough to stop accumulating colour under the eyes over the course of the day."

She also offers this top tip: "If you like your normal mascara but want to make it waterproof, you can just apply a coat of waterproof last, which is usually enough to do the job."

How should you remove a waterproof mascara?

"Use an oil-based cleanser or a bi-phase one and remember to imagine massaging the lashes gently versus smooshing them into your face," advises Madeleine.

Our two top buys are Lancôme Bi-Facil Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover or La Roche-Posay Respectissime for Sensitive Eyes. No waterproof mascara is a match for these potent potions. If you're looking for something with a smaller price tag though, try out Simple's Kind to Skin Eye Make-up Remover.

1. Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara

As the name suggests, this formula from Bobbi Brown truly doesn't budge (or smudge!). Whether it's tears, sweat or swimming, this mascara lasts through it all. And smudge-proof ability aside, the mascara does an excellent job at lengthening and separating lashes, making it a great all-rounder. 

2. MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara

Who better to ask for a formula that's good enough for make-up artists than Make-up Art Cosmetics themselves? Think In Extreme Dimension mascara, but waterproof: expert definition that withstands the smudging effects of day-to-day life in an ultra-black, eye-enhancing formula. And that clever non-bristle brush which manages to coat every lash? A game-changer. Cheers, MAC.

3. Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara

We love Max Factor False Lash Effect, you love Max Factor False Lash Effect, we all love Max Factor False Lash Effect. Guess what: you're gonna adore the waterproof version too. It does what a lot of other formulas struggle with: holding a curl. Oh, and it doesn't weigh lashes down but is totally budge-proof and always reliable. 

4. Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara

Clinique is renowned for excellent – and innovative – mascaras (Bottom Lash, anyone?) and its waterproof one also has a brilliant reputation; it's the go-to in my family for funerals, which says it all really! It won't flake down your face and it's available in brown if you prefer a softer colour than black.

5. Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara

If you've tried Lancôme's Monsieur Big mascara and loved it—offering fat, voluminous lashes that pack a punch—then we've got some good news for you: It's also available in an equally punchy waterproof version. Hurrah! This will create lashes that really make the eyes pop.

6. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara

You just can't go wrong with a Maybelline mascara and the same can be said for the Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof version. It's a great all-rounder for everyone thanks to its flexible brush and thin formula, and it is buildable so you can go from fluttery natural lashes to dramatic falsies. It's a slightly 'wetter' formula than some so be patient and give it time to try down before getting on with your day; and whatever you do, just don't sneeze before it's dried!

7. Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara

A couple of coats of Diorshow mascara gives bold, glossy and dramatic lashes. The waterproof version is just as amazing and lasts all day if you're hitting up the beach, spending the day in the pool or your own wedding. Naturally, there's a jet black shade, but there's also very wearable rich brown that looks super natural, and bright azure blue for something a bit different. It's hard to find a good brown waterproof formula, so this is the ultimate investment. 

8. NYX Professional Makeup Worth the Hype Waterproof Mascara

When a product is called "Worth The Hype" it really does have to live up to that. Leave it to NYX to create a mascara that does just that. If you're looking for a long-lasting waterproof formula that gives dramatic lashes then this ticks all of the boxes. Since it's on the more affordable end, you might find this one is slightly more clumpy in formula than the others, but this is fixed by slightly more thoughtful application, wiping off some of the excess or using a separate, clean spoolie to fan lashes out. Its durability is worth the extra attention needed for application for us. 

9. Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Waterproof 

Chanel's Le Volume De Chanel is an absolutely game-changing mascara; it offers dramatic, full lashes with just one coat, has a unique brush which makes application foolproof, and er, it comes in a waterproof version. What more could you want? Beauty Contributor Rebecca Fearn is a huge fan of this product, and every year adds it to her holiday beauty bag for smudge-free lashes even while surfing. 

Although mascara is a staple in many of our make-up bags, it’s difficult to know which to choose. There are hundreds of formulas, wands and even shades to choose from, making it hard to know what the best mascara is to choose. This is especially true when battling oily eyelids, hot climates and teary situations. And sure, waterproof mascara is a match against those elements, but it's not for everyone. Most of all, because of the removal. Even with the best makeup remover, waterproof mascara can require scrubbing and pulling to get the formula off the lashes. That’s where best tubing mascaras come in.

Praised for their ability to make lashes look fluttery with a long-lasting, flake-free finish—all without the faff of laborious removal, risking precious lash strands. If you’re unfamiliar, unlike traditional waxy mascara formulas which coat lashes in a pigment, tubing mascaras are tube-like polymers (hence the name) that wrap themselves around each lash. The way these polymers wrap around each eyelash means they just slip off with water without much pressure needed.

It’s not just the removal that makes people tubing mascara fans, it’s the way they look. Dubbed as the alternative to eyelash extensions or LVL lashes for their ability to stretch and add impressive length without bulking out the lashes too much. To find a tubing mascara, generally you want to look for polymers in the ingredients.

This natural finish might be a downside for some because it’s not as buildable as a formula, which comes down to personal preference. If dramatic, can-see-from-a-mile-away eyelashes are your jam, you won’t love this type of mascara. Tubing mascara formulas are also slightly wetter in consistency which means they take a lot longer to try, so whatever you do, don’t sneeze in between coats.

Intrigued? Welcome! Here are our Marie Claire UK favourites...

Best tubing mascaras

1. UK Lash Tubing Mascara

This is the most "tubing" of all the tubing mascaras I've used, and by that I mean it comes off ridiculously easily, but doesn't compromise on length and volume. In fact, I'd say that if you're after the "clean-girl" lash look, you won't go wrong with UK Lash's offering. This high-performance formula is smudge-proof, long-lasting and gentle on lashes. It uses lash-wrapping polymers and is enriched with Arginine and Shea Butter to nourish them too. I particularly like the precision pine cone wand, which grabs onto each teeny tiny hair.

2. Blink Brow Bar Iconic Tubing Mascara

If you're looking for curl and lift, this is the mascara for you. Blink Brow Bar's famous weightless formula really delivers on all fronts—plus it impressively lasted me through the working day, as well as dinner and drinks. As with all tubing mascaras, you can wipe it away easy and gently with hot water and it's buildable by design, so if you want a more OTT look, go in for a third or fourth swipe.

3. Victoria Beckham Future Lash Mascara

Victoria Beckham has mastered many beauty products with her eponymous brand but the Future Lash mascara is by far a standout. At first, it might seem underwhelming (because we’ve become so used to dramatic lashes in a single coat) but its magic happens in its subtlety. It gives the most enhanced natural-looking eyelashes I’ve come across in a mascara. Basically, it’ll give you a lash lift in a bottle. All it takes is a little swipe of warm water to remove it completely.

4. Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara

The length and volume this mascara gives without any clumps has given me more compliments than any other mascara, which as a beauty editor, is saying something. Unlike a lot of tubing formulas, I find that this one is buildable but one coat is enough for me to give a tiny bit of volume and a whole lot of length. Although it comes off with a bit of warm water, I prefer a little micellar water to swipe away.

5. Milk Makeup Rise Mascara

Now, this mascara won’t give volume but it sure will give you length. This won’t give you dramatic lashes, but more of a fluffy, naturally-lengthened look. If you aren’t a fan of the really wet formulas, you’ll probably like this one as it’s more on the dry side. Plus, I really love that the tube has a texture, which makes it easy to grip.

6. Beauty Pie Wrap Star Tubing Mascara 

Price shown is members' price.

For the price, I'd say this is one of the most impressive formulas of the bunch. Although it doesn't give as much volume as traditional formulas, it gives more than lots in this list. It has a good balance between volume, curling and lengthening to enhance your natural lashes. It's also buildable so you can pack the layers on without a clump in sight, which is no easy feat for a mascara. Our only downside is that we wish it came in brown, too. But for a tenner, you really can't go wrong with this.

7. Chanel Inimitable Intense 

If you like to reach every single lash easily, the small tapered brush on this is ideal. It’s great for sprucing up sparse lashes and coating those hard-to-reach bottom ones. It’s also incredibly easy to remove, which is a bonus—especially if your lashes are on the thin side.

8. MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara 

The brush is what makes this formula unique, as it is tapered to reach each and every eyelash. It’s a great lengthening mascara and lives up to its promise of feeling lightweight. However, if you're a dramatic lash lover, or have shorter lashes, this might not give you the results you’re after. It’s definitely a more natural-looking finish. This really does just need a bit of water to fully remove it, which is ideal if you have sensitive eyes or are a little lazy on the night time cleaning.

9. Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara

The curved brush helps to get more volume in there, the downfall of a lot of other tubing formulas. It also comes in a bunch of different shades, which are really pigmented making it a great choice for colourful makeup enthusiasts. Although I’ve found this mascara can be hit or miss on its longevity, it can flake off a little on longer days, which is something to bear in mind.

10. Kevyn Aucoin The Curling Mascara

This is the holy grail of tubing mascaras, favoured by make-up aficionados and beauty editors everywhere. As well as proving to have excellent lengthening power, it forces even the straightest lashes into an upward curl, making your eyes appear bigger. Think separated, long lashes with an anti-gravity lift without the need to faff around with lash curlers.