Eyes on the prize for mascara magic
When it comes to lash-enhancers, some beauty buffs believe only premium brands will do, while others insist bargain buys are just as effective. We put five new products through their paces to see how they stack up
HANNAH STEPHENSON TRIED:
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara, £3.29, Feelunique “This waterproof mascara has a tendency to clump on application, so you’ll need to be quick or use a lash comb to help separate the hairs to give a cleaner look. The no-frills straight brush makes it easy to apply and one coat was enough for everyday wear – but a second coat gave me a more luscious look. “It’s long-lasting and didn’t run in the rain – although touch your eyes at your peril as it will smudge. I’d buy it again – at less than £4 it’s a real steal.” SCORE: 4 out of 5
CLAIRE SPREADBURY TRIED:
B Waterproof Mascara, £9.99, Superdrug “The wand of the B Waterproof Mascara is rippled, which is supposed to help with lifting the lashes but it makes applying the mascara a little time consuming. I had to triple dip it back into mascara to get enough coverage, which meant it was on the clumpy side by the time I’d finished. “The formula is meant to last all day, and to be fair, it did. I applied it at about 7.30am, and at 5.30pm – a little zhooshing before a night out – and it was still going strong later. I’m impressed.” SCORE: 4 out of 5
KERRI-ANN ROPER TRIED:
SportFX Game Changing Mascara, £9.99
“If you’re not a fan of a thick mascara then this one isn’t for you, but I loved the consistency of this product, as well as the fact that it comes with a remover solution and brush at the other end of the tube.
“The application brush is easy to use and if you like defined lashes that don’t clump together, this works a treat – it adds lots of length and volume.
“The fact that it’s waterproof is a bonus. It doesn’t end up half way down your cheeks, even hours after application.
“The removal brush is useful, too, and works really well so you don’t end up with panda eyes the next morning. It’s also really reasonably priced.” SCORE: 5 out of 5
LAURA HARDING TRIED:
Max Factor Lash Revival Mascara, £12.99, Superdrug “The curved wand of the mascara helped give my lashes a bit of a curl but also thickened and lengthened on application, without clumping. “It immediately made my eyes look more wide-awake and as someone prone to panda eyes, I appreciated the fact the mascara stayed put for a whole day, plus it’s a satisfyingly dark black but not too heavy for blondes or redheads. “It might not be the cheapest mascara but it is more luxurious than some other budget options and offers great value for money.” SCORE: 4 out of 5
GEORGIA HUMPHREYS TRIED:
Florence by Mills Built to Lash Mascara, £14, Boots “The stylish, purple packaging and chunky brush made me really excited to try out this product from the new beauty line by Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown, but I was left feeling a bit disappointed by the length of lashes I could achieve.
“On the plus side, I was really pleased with the colour and felt it stayed put throughout the day, with minimal smudges.
“Ultimately, because my natural lashes are – frustratingly –very straight, I’ve realised that using a comb-style applicator works better for me, as I find it much easier to reach into the corners of the eyes and define each lash.”
SCORE: 3 out of 5