Mascara would be my desert-island beauty buy for giving my makeup a polished, wide-eyed finish. Or on those days when you look tired but want to go makeup-free. Here are the best mascaras to groom your most minor assets - and what better day to share than National Lash Day? By editor Trudi Brewer.
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It’s all about the brush
Give or take a few essential oils; most mascara formulas are similar. However, the brushes are not. So, to choose the right wand to suit your lashes, start with the brush. For fine lashes, invest in a comb fan-like wand; for long lashes that need thickening, opt for a full fluffy brush.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $53.
My all-time fave for boosting length, volume and separation in one coat. as you apply. The formula is the blackest black and is buildable to give you a glossy coverage of a faux-lash effect. The formula contains peptides (protein) to strengthen lashes, while the Acacia Senegal tree extract adds a thickening film to every lash.
Tilt your head
Next comes the top application tips. First, tilt your head slightly when applying mascara; this helps you get the brush at the root of the lashes, wiggle the wand at the base of the lashes and then sweep upward, curling the lashes simultaneously. If you wear glasses, look down into a magnifying mirror, apply mascara from the roots with the same wiggle technique, and then lift and sweep up as you brush the mascara through your lashes.
Gucci Mascara L’Obscur Buildable Mascara, in Black, $80.
What can I say…other than I love the pretty pink tube to the ultra-rich, creamy formula? The cleverly crafted brush is ideal for coating each lash top and bottom with a formula that will not smudge, flake, feather or migrate. It’s a long-wearing work of art.
Never pump the tube
Your mascara dries out quickly because you're pumping air into the tube before you apply. Gently twist the wand, pulling it slowly out from the tube to stop air from getting into the formula and drying it out.
Shiseido ControlledChaos MascaraInk, $62.
If you fancy a touch of colour, this buildable, volume-boosting mascara with a curved brush hugs every lash. It’s also smudge-proof and flake-proof too. There are four shades; pictured here is our fave, Flashing Violet.
The most expensive is not always the best.
Some of the best mascara on offer is under $30. But, of course, a hefty price tag doesn't always equate to high performance. Try what's on offer from beauty giants such as Revlon, Maybelline, Max Factor, Mecca Max and Covergirl; they're the lash experts.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, $32.
This is one of my best cheeky beauty finds this year. First, the flexible wand is uber-flexible and bends to coat every lash. Meanwhile, the washable formula uses bamboo extract and fibres to boost length and fullness. I usually need two coats, but this mascara delivers an instant dramatic result with one. Finally, there’s no clumping, and you can buy this mascara at the supermarket with your weekly shop.
There are two shades, Very Black and Blackest Black.
What makes mascara so good or bad?
The good ingredients include iron oxide pigments that tint lashes and natural and synthetic polymers that coat and separate each lash. Thickening waxes or oils include lanolin, castor oil, carnauba wax, and candelilla wax. However, the not-so-good ingredients often found in waterproof mascaras include Isododecane (synthetic hydrocarbon), solvents and isoparaffins (derived from refined crude mineral oils). If you have sensitive eyes, avoid these.
Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara, $61.
The first thing you notice about this mascara is how only one coat makes your lashes look epic. That’s down to the tiny dimensional fibres in the formula, delivered by a ‘high-def wave brush’. These wavy bristles help comb and coat every last lash, while the precision tip is ideal for tiny corner and bottom lashes. It promises to create lusher, plusher, bolder lashes - and it’s 100 per cent fragrance-free, ophthalmologist-tested, and safe for sensitive eyes and anyone who wears contact lenses. Hand on heart, it delivers - we love it!
Curl your lashes
There is merit in giving lashes a quick curl before applying mascara. A heated wand is epic for giving your lashes a lift. Then, apply mascara in layers. Instead of rushing your mascara application in the morning, apply a light coat first and add another light coat before walking out the door.
NARS Climax Extreme Mascara, $45.
This mascara is famous for being clump, flake and smudge-resistant. So, if you wear glasses, look no further. The brush on this beauty is brilliant. Tribbed bristles help to get a full load of the whipped, blackened pigments in this mascara, and the result - is amazing lift and extra volume with that natural-looking fluttery feel.
To covet, gift, or just to treat yourself.