The best mascaras

Ladies, I think we can all agree that mascara is a staple when it comes to our daily routines. Where some beauty trends may come and go, mascara is a trusty product that will never go out of style.  Whether it’s applying the daily essentials or getting ready for a night out, mascara will always be a must-have for our makeup bags. 

No matter what you look for in mascara, there are millions of products out there that claim to do different things; making the decision process almost impossible. Rather than just opting for the prettiest bottle or the cheapest price, finding out what product can achieve your desired results will help you skip the trial and error process as well as save you money in the long run. 

So how do you pick the best mascaras for you? In the boardroom, on the dance floor or on the pitch; aside from making your lashes longer, a mascara that is durable goes a long way (literally!). With such busy schedules, us ladies need a hard-wearing product that can take us from work to the club without the need to reapply several times a day.  If you’re a gym bunny or play sports, waterproof mascara is a god-send when it comes to avoiding panda eyes or looking like a member of KISS, and choosing a more subtle colour such as brown for day-time use will give you a more natural look. 

Something that many of us probably overlook is brush shape. The brush shape will dictate how the mascara is applied and what style of lashes you will achieve. If it’s length you’re after, then straight brushes that look like a comb will give you lashes for days, whereas if you find your natural lashes are sparse, a thicker brush with more bristles will provide you the volume you need for a fuller effect. Additionally, if you tend to use an eyelash curler as part of your routine, you can skip this step with a curved mascara brush, which will curl your lashes while giving them definition. 

We’ve rounded up the best mascaras for different looks, as well as ones that promise to eliminate any bugbears you have with your current mascara such as clumping, flaking and smudging. Whether you’re looking for a budget option with fast, achievable results or finally want to invest in a high-end product for your make-up kit, our top picks should help you decide!

Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara

Striking lashes for sensitive eyes

Specifications

Best for: Sensitive eyes
Waterproof: No
Brush: Straight Comb
Colour: Black/brown
RRP: £9.99

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to remove
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Dries out quickly 

Max Factor is a trusted high street cosmetic brand and we love their Masterpiece Mascara that is not only affordable, but tailored to sensitive skin. If you find you get sore or itchy eyes after wearing mascara all day, then this is one of the best mascaras for sensitive eyes. This product promises to be kind and gentle to your skin for beautiful, hassle-free lashes all day every day. Its straight brush makes it perfect for lengthening and can boost volume; making them five times longer than natural lashes.  

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

Feel the benefit of longer looking lashes with this day-to-night mascara

Specifications

Best for: Day to night
Waterproof: No
Brush: Curved
Colour: Black/brown
RRP: £19.95

Reasons to buy

+
Long-lasting
+
Easy to apply

Reasons to avoid

-
A little clumpy  

We love Benefit for making our lives easier with the Roller Lash Mascara’s Hook ‘n’ Roll brush that defines, lifts and curls lashes all in one fell swoop. It boasts curve-setting powers that provide excellent hold for 12-hours without becoming dry or flaky, and it’s extremely easy to remove at the end of the night. For those with a jam-packed schedule, the Roller Lash Mascara is your new best friend for fluttering your eyelashes all the way from the office to date night.  

Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara

A low maintenance mascara for all eventualities

Specifications

Best for: No smudges
Waterproof: Yes
Brush: Tapered
Colour: Black/brown
RRP: £22.00

Reasons to buy

+
Safe from smudges
+
Lengthening

Reasons to avoid

-
A little pricey 

If you’re always on the go, then this hard-wearing mascara will stand the test of time throughout your busy day. This Bobbi Brown product is without a doubt one of the best mascaras for no smudging, AKA, a raincoat for your lashes. If you also have a habit of rubbing your eyes, you can rest assured this formula will stay put - perfect for girls who don’t have time to sit in front of the mirror 24 hours a day. If you already have a mascara you love, then the Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara can be applied over the top for extra boost and instant waterproof results.  

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

For the deepest, darkest lashes

Specifications

Best for: Going out out
Waterproof: No
Brush: Oversized
Colour: Black
RRP: £19.00

Reasons to buy

+
Deepest black colour
+
Smooth application

Reasons to avoid

-
A bit heavy for some 

If you’re hitting the town, then you will want Urban Decay Perversion Mascara in your handbag. This is absolutely the best mascara for smokey eyes and promises to get you “sexed up in one stroke”. It has a creamy formula that helps you achieve a truly irresistible look that won’t smudge or clump throughout the night, and is fast drying for when you’re in a rush. This is the ultimate party girl product but is also perfect for those who want sharp definition every day of the week. 

Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara

Unbelievable results without lashings of product

Specifications

Best for: Long lashes
Waterproof: No
Brush: Straight comb
Colour: Black/brown/blue
RRP: £20.50

Reasons to buy

+
Quick and easy 
+
Choice of colours

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive for some 

Forget caking your eyes in ten coats of mascara every day, because the Benefit They’re Real Lengthening Mascara is about to reveal lashes you never knew you had. If you often wear fake lashes as well as lengthening mascara, then you can save time and money fiddling about by using this fantastic formula. This mascara promises to provide all-round results that are sure to see people complimenting your super-long, luscious lashes.