Mascara is that one make-up essential that a) we cannot live without and b) we are constantly searching for the best one. When you look at the cosmetic brands available to us today, there are hundreds of mascaras to choose from which can be extremely overwhelming and very expensive, so trial and error is the only way to discover what works for us all individually. That and someone else recommending a good mascara to us.
I have selected a few of my all time favorite mascaras that are worth investing in. Mascaras don't necessarily have to be pricey to be good, just as long as the wand and formulation work perfectly together to give us the best possible lash results, but in my experience I have found higher end brands to work better due to better formulations.
There are many types of mascara like voluminising, lengthening, separating, waterproof, lash fibres, primers and of course an array of colours. So just decide what look you want for your lashes or what they lack to target the best one for you. Maybe try out one of these?
1. MAKE-UP FOREVER Aqua Smoky Lash
Make-up Foever Aqua Smoky Lash Mascara
Available from Sephora priced around €19.90/£16.00
The reason I adore this mascara so much is because it holds a curl perfectly. I have naturally straight eyelashes and some mascaras once applied then weigh down my lashes but with this one they point up to the sky. Waterproof formulations are known for holding a curl as opposed to regular formulations and in this case I much prefer the aqua version. It also gives so much length volume, separation and 'oomphe' to the lashes with no risk of panda eyes occurring. Just remember you need to use a waterproof remover or cleanser with this as it can be stubborn to take off if not. I just love this mascara and repurchase time and time again.
2. *New* BENEFIT They're Real! Beyond Mascara
Benefit They're Real! Beyond Mascara, included free mini size!
Available from Feel Unique priced €24.05/£18.50
An amazing recent discovery of mine that was actually recommended to me by many people, Benefit they're real! mascara lengthens, curls, volumises, lifts & separates. The jet black, long-wearing formula promises to not smudge or dry out. It has a specially designed unusual plastic brush that reveals lashes you really never knew you had giving you a false lash appearance when they are actually yours! To use the wand for maximum impact, position the wand horizontally & wiggle brush from side to side, base to tip, to achieve maximum volume, length & lift and hold the wand vertically & stroke upward to curl & separate. Layer the mascara depending on your desired look. This totally lives up to the hype around it and is currently the No.1 best selling mascara! It has won numerous beauty awards of late and rightly so as I can honestly say it exceeded all my expectations as their previous Bad Gal mascara never impressed me but this is superb. Great for bottom lashes as it really separates and emphasises the lashes without smudging. I purchased this in a special pack shown above which included a mini version for free! I feel the more you use this mascara the better it gets so if at first your unsure about it, persevere and then you shall just love it. 3. LANCÔMEDéfinicilsHigh Definition
Available fromFeel Uniquepriced €27.30/£21.00
For lavishly long, perfectly defined lashes, this best selling mascara provides the ultimate in shaping and separation. Patented brush coats each lash, from base to tip, for superb definition. Suitable for contact lens wearers.Lancôme has been the champion of mascaras for many years now with over 17 different types in their collection. Their formulations and brush innovations have won many a beauty award and are still a market leader today in fact fugure wise one is sold every 3 minutes! I have used their mascaras since I was a teenager which was a real luxury using such a 'grown up' mascara and for me this is the one that is still my 'go to' from all the Lancôme mascaras. It separates and defines your lashes (hence the name) to perfection giving you the choice of a really natural look or layer it up for a more dramatic intense doll eyed look.4. CLINIQUE Bottom Lash Mascara
Available from Sephora& other cosmetic stores priced at €15.00/£12.00
Now for all of you who suffer with mascara smudging and imprinting underneath the eye, then this is the solution you have been looking for. This is genius although it may seem to be a gimic and a tad unnecessary, believe me once you try this you shall see why this is the best invention ever. With its micro-tiny wand this mascara is perfectly sized to coat your lower lashes and get into really small spaces, like the inner and outer corners, for a wide-eye effect. It makes your lower lashes look incredible, making them look fuller, longer, defined and just as important as the top lashes. Bottom Lash Mascara is formulated to be removed with warm water so no rubbing at the eye to remove it. Even though it is easily removed I found it did not smudge under the eye at all and has superb staying power so its perfect if you always suffer from smudging, which is very annoying. I just love this and I have converted many of my friends to this now and although its small it lasts just as long as a regular mascara as you don't need to use as much on your bottom lashes. Good things can come in small packages.
... and for all you eyelash extension wearers
5. LASH PERFECT The Ultimate Black Mascara
Available fromLash Perfectonline priced at £10.20/€12.63
I often get asked by my lash clients whether or not they can use mascara with their eyelash extensions. Obviously there is no need for mascara with eyelash extensions as they are designed to give that look of wearing mascara already. But for those who still like to use mascara or find that towards the end of their lash extensions cycle, there are gaps that need filling in or want to add some extra volume, then this one is especially designed for you. Needs only be applied to the tips of the lash extensions and of course can be used on natural lashes and on the lower lashes too. Its water-washable so will not compromise your extensions in any way.
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