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Wearing masks when we’re out and about means there’s a bigger focus on our eyes – and mascara has become our No.1 beauty staple. But are the latest formulations up to scratch? Beauty Editor Michelle Nightingale puts new mascaras to the test…
Clinique High Impact Mascara, £21
Michelle says: “The packaging of this mascara looks high end, but the brush itself is unremarkable. Even so, it has become one of my favourites – one coat lengthens and defines, giving fluttery, yet natural results. Two coats amplify my lashes further, but again the finish is soft and natural.
“It lasts well, although smudges slightly, so if you’re prone to watery eyes, or wear a face mask for hours on end, you’ll need the waterproof version. Available in black and black/ brown. I found the standard formula easy to remove.“
VERDICT: While this might be the most expensive mascara tested, it’s dependable and delivers naturally lusciouslooking lashes.
No7 The Full 360 Ultra Mascara, £15
Michelle says: “I love a fluffy mascara wand and find they give better results for my thin lashes. This one has a very bulky brush and the formula is quite wet, so it takes a careful hand and practice to get the right results.
“Because the brush is big, it can be tricky to reach the smaller lashes. It also picks up a lot of product, which can lead to clumps. However, it gives great volume and curl with just one coat and can be carefully built up to give amazing volume in two coats. It stays put all day, but is easy to remove. It’s also enriched with shea butter and Vitamin E for healthy lashes.”
VERDICT: Not for the fainthearted. If you like a big brush and are willing to practice, this one gives great volume.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, £9.99
Michelle says: “This recently launched mascara took social media by storm. I’m not usually a fan of skinny mascara wands, but this one is flexible so it’s harder to poke yourself in the eye!
“The mascara goes on smoothly, is very black and the brush is great at lengthening the lashes. It contains tiny fibres and one coat separates the lashes without clumping. Two coats added extra length and definition. It’s also infused with bamboo extract to help strengthen the lashes over time.”
VERDICT: Great for lengthening short lashes, it wasn’t as good at adding volume. But if you like a bold, long lash look for under a tenner, it’s brilliant.
L’Oréal Paris Air Mega Volume Mascara Waterproof, £10.99
Michelle says: “Waterproof mascaras are a make-up bag essential, but can be a pain to remove. This one is a ‘tubing’ formula, so unlike normal mascaras which pigment your lashes, it wraps around your lashes like a tube. Tubing mascaras come off easily with just warm water. This one gives good volume and length that’s easy to build with a few coats.
“The look is great for daywear. There was no flaking or smudging, but I couldn’t try it swimming – so the jury is still out on whether it would survive a dip in the pool.”
VERDICT: A great mascara for anyone who suffers with runny eyes, or finds flaky mascara irritating.
Essence False Lash Effect Lash Princess Mascara, £3.30
Michelle says: “This mascara is the cheapest I tested and is impressive for the price. The brush grips the lashes well and the formula is mess free to apply. It lengthened and volumised my lashes in one coat and layered nicely without clumping for the second.
“It has really good staying power. I’ve seen reviews saying it works brilliantly for holding straight lashes in a curl all day. It didn’t flake, but
I found it smudged slightly on some days. There is also a waterproof version.”
VERDICT: Delivers both volume and length for an amazing price.
Avon x Lisa Armstrong Miraculous Volume Mascara, £12
Michelle says: “Of all the mascaras, this is the only one that could be applied with multiple layers without clumping. The first coat was a little disappointing, but if you keep going the results are impressive. It’s easy to use, defining and building volume with each coat. But it didn’t curl my lashes as much as the others and was the hardest to remove.”
VERDICT: Great if you like a natural look in the day, but want to be able to add more drama for special occasions.
Wiggle the mascara wand at the base of your lashes before brushing through the lengths. This will help define your eye shape and reduce clumping