I’m a beauty expert – the 8 mascaras that’ll solve your makeup woes – from a waterproof winner to a lengthening legend
WITH so many formulations, brush shapes, and wand lengths, finding the perfect mascara can be tricky.
And as if picking the perfect formula wasn't hard enough, there have been over 20 new mascara launches in the past few months alone.
My desert island beauty product would be mascara. After all, a sweep of a mascara wand can take you from looking half-asleep to wide awake in seconds.
So, to find this season's hottest mascara, I've tested all the new offerings. Here are the mascaras that are worthy of your lashes.
Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara
£27 from Clinique -
In my eyes, this volumising mascara takes the top spot.
Its jet-black formula is infused with micro-fibres, which add volume and length to your lashes - which is a win for those looking for extra height.
The soft, tapered brush captures each lash for even, fuss-free application.
And whether you're sitting at your dressing or on the train, this mascara's short wand makes precision application a breeze,
Benefit Fan Fest Fanning Volumising Mascara
£25.50 from Benefit -
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'Fan' by name and by nature, this mascara swoops lashes into shape.
Its curved brush gently curls lashes, meaning they appear longer, while also offering a soft, natural-looking effect.
This mascara fanned out my lashes, giving them a gorgeous, fluttering appearance.
I'd recommend this mascara to anyone with long lashes who's looking for a bit of shape.
Vieve Modern Mascara
£23 from Vieve -
Easily the most aesthetic tube on the list, this mascara wins points for looking great on my dressing table.
That aside, it's an excellent formula for sculpting lashes - just as long as you're prepared to put in the legwork.
Its hourglass-shaped brush is great at reaching the lashes on the outside and inner corners of your eyes, instantly widening their appearance.
You'll need to spend a few minutes coating each lash and sweeping it into place, but the voluminous, eye-opening results are well worth it.
Uklash Lengthening Mascara
£12 from Uklash -
If your lashes are shorter and you're looking for height, pick up this lengthening formula.
For the uninitiated, Uklash first impressed with its cult lash serums but has recently stepped into mascaras.
As per the brand's values, this mascara is vegan-friendly and paraben-free.
It's also simply a brilliant mascara, and its comb-like brush added (what felt like) inches to my lashes.
Milk Makeup Rise Waterproof Mascara
£25 from Space NK -
If you're prone to panda eyes, crying, or getting caught in the rain, opt for this waterproof formula.
Often, waterproof mascaras can be harsh and drying, but this mascara is a safe bet.
Its lightweight formula goes on like a dream, and its curved brush will help curl and lengthen your lashes.
Just ensure you've got some micellar water ready for cleansing, as this mascara can't be removed with warm water alone.
ZOEVA Cosmetics Ooh la Lash Length & Lift Tubing Mascara
£21 from ZOEVA Cosmetics -
Tubing formulas are rising in popularity - and so is the confusion around what they actually are.
So, think of a tubing formula as the middle-ground between a waterproof and a standard mascara formula.
A tubing mascara coats each lash in a water-resistant tube, keeping your look in place all day.
This Zoeva mascara adds height to your lashes, is water resistant, and won't budge for hours.
H&M Never Ending Lash Lengthening Mascara
£8.99 from H&M -
Don't be worried about trying budget mascaras, because some of the best formulas I've ever used have cost me less than a tenner.
This mascara is no exception.
While its straight brush makes shaping your lashes a little tricky, the formula is lightweight and clump-free, so you can take your time with application.
Coming in at the same price as a couple of coffees, I know where I'm putting my money.
Catrice Cosmetics Pure Volume Magic Mascara in Burgundy Brown
£3.95 from Just My Look -
If you've never been fond of jet-black mascara formulas - don't worry, they're not for everyone.
Black mascaras can often appear harsh and unnatural, especially if your lashes are fair, but brown mascara can be a good alternative.
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This wallet-friendly mascara has a tapered brush and a flattering chocolate-brown formula
The wand won't curl or lift your lashes, but does offer even, clump-free distribution.