How to choose the right mascara for your lashes

The right mascara can make all the difference. Sarah Young tells you how to pick the right product for lashes that pop

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The quest for super-long, thick and full lashes is a complicated one and the ability to find a mascara wand in just about any shape imaginable can make navigating the beauty aisle’s a challenge.

But, get it right and it could make all the difference.

Just like finding the right moisturiser for your skin, the wand of your mascara can make or break its application. Different shapes and sizes all pick up different amounts of product, have bristles that are more or less densely packed and come in varying degrees of flex but, what one should you be using?

Thick wands

If it’s volume you’re after then bigger really is better. The best brush for building up fullness is to look for a wand that’s packed with lots of bristles as large wands pick up lots of product and can be easily built up to create bulk.

For this, our favourite is Charlotte Tilbury’s Full Fat Lashes which manages to catch every lash no matter how short or fine. As well as the 5-grooved brush, the formula is also buildable to create voluptuous lashes that don’t dry up.

Thin wands

Brushes that are super-thin are perfect if you’re looking to focus solely on extending the length of your lashes as they give a seamless coating from root to tip.

Something like Mac’s Pro Lash Beyond Twisted Mascara is a perfect example of this. Not only does the small mascara brush let you reach top, bottom, inner and outer lashes but it can also bend up to a 90-degree angle.

Curved wands

Fed up with your mascara only catching some of your lashes? Then you might be better off opting for a brush with a slight bend as this will ensure even coverage all-over.

We suggest investing in Eyeko's Lash Alert that helps to add drama and curl to your lashes by mimicking the shape of your lash line. Even better, it also comes in a no-waste squeezy tube.

Tapered wands

For fullness and separation a wand that has lots of volume at the base and thins out towards the tip is the best option. The small end is perfect for getting right into the lash line and applying product to your lower lashes while the wider part of the wand allows for added drama.

For this, our favourite mascara is Lancome’s Hypnose Doll Eyes which promises to give you an instant wide-eye look.

Spherical wands

One of the more unusual types of brush, spherical wands like the one on Givenchy’s Phenomen’Eyes Renewal are ideal for giving your lashes a defined finish.

The ball-shaped tip helps to build the lash from root to tip and allows you to focus on individual areas resulting in more precise application.

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Hourglass wands

One of the most popular shapes of mascara wand, hourglass brushes allow you to lay on the product evenly for a more uniform finish. They tend to layer on a lot smoother than traditional wands and are great for those who like to apply multiple coats.

Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara is perfect for this. Inspired by the bust-waist-hip ratio of an iconic silver screen blonde bombshell, the brush leaves you with intense, oversized and defined lashes.