All-Time Favourite Mascaras

Like most boys and girls, mascara was the first cosmetic product I ever bought. It was through this gateway piece that I segued into the wonderful world of make-up and to this day, I depend on it. It's a definite must in my make-up bag, and even if I don't have one on hand, I would always carry a little travel size tube in whichever bag I would use. For me, not only does it help frame my eyes, it also helps elongate it by opening up the outer corner of my lashes- getting a more feline, more lifted effect than just plain ol' big eyes. Whenever I'm tired or in need of a pick me up, a coat or two of my favourite mascara instantly lifts my mood and makes me feel like I can conquer the world (to scale of course, so really- just Peterborough...) one smizing flutter at a time. Over the years I have done extensive testing, tube after tube after tube, and I have finally collated my list of wundertubes that have come through with flying colours (all in black ofc.) From left to right, take a look at my elite list of lash heroes!

Maybelline Great Lash, £4.99- is perhaps the oldest (ahem, most classic!) of the group, but it's iconic status is not at all undeserved. Not only is it affordable and a perfect first for any beginner (pink!), this mascara is also non-BS and tough as nails. It would survive nights of underage bacchanalias without clumping or turning your lashes into crispy spider legs. Of course, as with all mascaras- use with a light touch to get the maximum effect. This has been my go to if I'm really tight for cash but still needs to smize to earn some more. Also, this comes off pretty well with a decent eye-makeup remover. 

Clinique High Impact Mascara, £16.50- actually, this was THE first ever product I had ever purchased from Clinique at 16. After sampling it via a friend, I decided to save my pennies and get a piece of this lash-tastic product. It's super nice, keeps the lashes soft as well as defined and separated. It never got gloopy or clumpy and this washes off nicely with warm water. The brush, though nice and thickish, does not actually overload your lashes with product.

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme, £22- this mascara is my current choice for a bold, full-on lash look. Easily the one with the biggest, fattest brush (BTW, I normally hate fat brushes)- it's a pro type of mascara. By that I mean, no tweeny bopper who looks like they hang out outside Primark way too much should be handling this precious item. The big brush does carry a lot of mascara, but only an experienced wielder can use this potent wand to volumise, separate and define each lash to a T. A Taylor Swift-listening-Twihard-teen could easily just zoom this on and end up looking like a Big Fat Gypsy Wedding reject. 

MaxFactor Masterpiece Max Mascara, £9.99- like most people, you probably remember this mascara from back in 2005 during the promotional adverts for Memoirs of a Geisha. I know I do, and when it came to my attention- thanks to my obsessive fangirling over Ziyi Zhang, I decided it was THE product that was going to take me to the next level. I was going to be Pumpkin's replacement. I even practiced pouring tea, Geisha-style during this period. Anyway, I bought this mascara and for a couple of years, I discriminated against other ones because I loved this so much. I still do. The brush is medium sized but effective and efficient. The formulation leaves a nice coat and curl without vulgar separation and thickness. Of all the high street self-service beauty brands, THIS among all of MaxFactor's mascara's get 10/10. 

Diorshow Mascara, £23- it's black. AS IN, VERY BLACK. Perfect with smoky eyes, and a late night out actually. I would say however that after a while, there is a probability of drop down. However, if paired with the right look (i.e. a petrol-slick smoky eye) it really does lend itself well. I go for this mostly in the winter when I choose to rock my inner Taylor Momsen. 

Chanel Inimitable Mascara, £24- We can't go on listing mascara holy grails without this Chanel masterpiece. It does just about everything! Volumises, thickens, separates and defines without major clumping, crisping and flaking! At one point I had worn this for twelve hours whilst writing and researching for my thesis and it did not budge one bit. The only time it moved was when my eyes got dry and tired after wearing my contact lenses for twelve hours and I had to put on some eye drops. I've tried Inimitable Intense as well, but I prefer this original formulation by a mile. 

Yves Saint Laurent Effet Faux Cils Babydoll, £24.50- Ahh! My newest and current favourite! This mascara I bought on an impulse to get a free gift. So automatically, I had next to no hope for it. Beyond Touche Eclat, I had never ventured deep into YSL's cosmetic repertoire, and so when I used this for the very first time- well, I had to eat crow. IT WAS FANTASTIC! The brush is classic and medium sized, the formulation was creamy but not dense, and I only have to put on a coat or two. It defined my lashes amazingly well and gave me, *duh*- baby doll lashes. I tend to wear this during the day and partnered with a feline flick if I feel extra kittenish. Gorgeous. Also, looking at the consistency, it doesn't appear to be inky black (in fact in some lights, it looks a little slate-ish and gray) but don't be frightened. I've got dark lashes but this mascara really does amp the volume of ebony. Will need to repurchase soon!

MaxFactor Lash Extension Mascara, £10.99- finally, rounding off the list is this wonderful 2nd addition from MaxFactor. This mascara really lends itself and it's purpose to a no-make-up day. It gives the most natural, yet still defined, finish out of all the others. If I feel like giving my lashes a light polish, this is the tube I grab. It gives soft fluttery lashes that can be subtle enough if you aren't used to wearing lots, but it is also buildable, which means one can really go from day to night with Lash Extension. Does it really extend? Don't expect Eyelure inserts, but it extends enough for me. Particularly on the outer corner lashes which are prone to flick out.

 

Hope you enjoyed the post! I've never actually tried any of the American drugstore brands before so I guess you can say this is a UK only post. I'm curious to try CoverGirl though, especially after years and years of Tyra Banks forcing it down my throat by way of ANTM. 

Have you tried any of these mascaras before? Sound off below!