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Whether you prefer the falsies effect or a more natural finish, it’s time to put your best flutter forward
The best mascara really is a make-up bag must-have. Whether you’re a minimalist or someone who doesn’t leave the house without a full face on, mascara is by and large the one product many of us cannot live without. It’s simply the most transformative beauty product – darkening and defining our lashes, making our eyes look bigger and brighter.
Due to mascara’s perennial popularity, there always seems to be a steady stream of new launches, with each promising to be better than the next, offering new, innovative formulas and game-changing brushes. With so much choice comes confusion, however, meaning it can be difficult to know where to start when looking for a new wand.
It’s no wonder “What’s the best mascara?” is one of the most common questions we beauty editors get asked, time and time again. The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. Whether you love or hate your lashes, we are all blessed with a different set. Thick or thin, curly or straight, short or long – our lash lines come in all shapes, sizes and colours.
The key to finding the best mascara that’s going to work for your unique flutter is figuring out what your needs are. Generally, big, fluffy brushes are great for thickening and volume building, while, at the other end of the scale, skinny brushes can add definition, but there are a lot of uniquely shaped wands in between.
You might also need to think about the formula. Typically, regular mascaras use waxes, oils and dyes to define the lashes, so, if you usually find your mascara in places other than your actual eyelashes, a tubing formula may be better suited to your needs. They work by wrapping tube-like polymers around each lash, so they can’t smudge or flake throughout the day. However, these also have their drawbacks and are typically better for lengthening than creating volume.
Once you’ve worked out what your priorities are, we’ve got your lashes covered, with our list of the best mascaras for every budget.
We pick our way through the latest mascaras as they drop, so, this round-up always stays up to date. Our winning wands may provide a variety of looks and finishes but they all have one thing in common: they’re flake-free and stay in place.
When buying a mascara, you want it to be long-lasting and easily buildable, so you can customise your flutter. Avoid flaky or drying formulas and look for nourishing and conditioning mascaras that won’t transfer or irritate the eye area.
If you’re a maximalist, opt for a colourful formula that injects some dopamine into your make-up look. Minimalists or those who prefer a more natural and subtle look should look to classic black or brown mascaras.
Those with sparse or fine lashes should go for a rounder brush and a formula with lash-thickening fibres to lengthen and plump. Likewise, buy a mascara with a rounded brush if you have lashes that are hard to curl.
The shelf life of an average mascara is two to four months, so, to get the most out of it, follow these tips:
Our best buy goes to the Lancôme lash idôle mascara because it’s as close to a suit-all-lashes mascara as you’re going to get. It effortlessly creates natural volume and lift for daytime wear, while being easily buildable for when you want a more intense look. If you’re looking to spend less, the Maybelline lash sensational sky high mascara is still the best on the high street and creates a similar effect. For those prone to smudging, the Beauty Pie wrap star tubing mascara will be a better fit.
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