Once upon a time, eyelashes were barely adorned. Of course, you may have curled them and inevitably mascara has dressed them up. Maybe big events, weddings and the like would require an extra layer or two or even a waterproof formula.
Everything changed about ten years ago when lashes became a thing, and I guess you, like me, are used to seeing lashes this full, this lifted, so polished, so glued that the humble bare lash looks so impressive.
Those days are dead. The recent wave of people openly and proudly cutting back on their mascara shows that an increasing number of people have excessive lashes. Two very different but influential places are proof of this: TikTok, where #nomascara is a movement, and catwalks, where, for example, makeup artist Charlie Riddle fills models’ eyes with metallic polishes paired with zero mascara.
Don’t be afraid: You don’t have to give up your mascara to look modern; is still relevant, but has greatly diversified its offerings to appeal to an audience with different needs. First, colored mascara entered the mainstream, with more brands than ever introducing brown shades as an option. Proponents claim that they add makeup without looking so done, so fussy, which is so necessary for makeup right now.
Secondly, formulas have increased and now you can buy not just a great black paste for lashes, but something that will help lift them or coat them flawlessly, giving your lashes a better look. You can even buy one specifically for the lower lashes, complete with a teeny wand to make sure you can target each individual hair.
Let me introduce you to the best at every price point.
Classical
This is your all-round good egg mascara that does everything traditional mascaras are supposed to do, which is to coat your lashes, allowing a single layer for subtlety or adding more to allow for more intensity.
To spend: Lisa Eldridge Kitten Lash Mascara, £29, lisaeldridge.com
Save: Aimee sculpted by MyMascara, £18, sculptedbyaimee.co.uk
Pipe
Tube mascara uses polymers to cleverly envelop each lash, then doesn’t move until removed with warm water, making it a great everyday option if you usually find your mascara running down your face at the slightest provocation.
To spend: Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara, £27, spacenk.com
Save: elf Lash XTNDR Mascara, £7, elfcosmetics.co.uk
Bending
Think of them as a scaffold for your lashes, so the mascara will support the base of each hair, supporting them in their quest to stand up and be seen. You may notice some crunchiness in the texture, which is part of what needs to be done to keep the lashes hard and in place.
To spend: Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara, £35, selfridges.com
Save: TAvon WonderCurl Volume, Curl and Lift Mascara, £9.50, avon.uk.com
Brown
Do not cast brown mascara as the less effective sibling of black mascara. It’s just a different beast, looking more in tune with the rest of the face, never taking center stage, just bringing it all together without drawing too much attention to itself.
To spend: Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Mascara Brun, £36, chanel.com
Save: Catrice Pure Volume Magic Brown Mascara, £3.95, catrice.eu
Volumizer
There are times when nothing but lots of lashes will do, and I suspect anyone who’s a fan of smoky or kohl-rimmed eyes will be keen on lots of mascara to go with it. The best ones add glamor without chipping or sticking to lashes; but remember that if you really want to create separation you can always use an eyelash comb.
Spend: Victoria Beckham Wide Lash Mascara, £32, victoriabeckhambeauty.com
Save: Max Factor 2000 Calorie Dramatic Volume Mascara, £9.99, boots.com
Precision
There will be those among you who think that a single group, another united by a single lash, is untenable. Avoiding this fate is mostly about the brush, and opting for one that will comb through for ultimate control will help you get perfectly smooth, perfectly organized lashes every time.
Spend: Ruby Hammer Mascara and Brow Duo, £28, rubyhammer.com
Save: Glossier Lash Slide Lift and Lengthen Mascara, £20, spacenk.com
Lower Lashes
Coating the lower lashes is a laborious task; They tend to be a little skinnier, a little less regular in their placement. Likewise, your regular mascara can overload them. For this reason, you may want to use a mascara specifically designed to grip them but not weigh them down.
Spend: Clinique Lower Lash Mascara, £21.50, clinique.co.uk
Save: Pixi Lower Lash Mascara, £11, pixibeauty.co.uk
Waterproof
These create a barrier around the lashes, making them resistant to water. How resilient they are depends on the formula, but you should be able to swim and generally get on with life without them moving. The only downside? You will need to use an oil-based makeup remover to remove it without scrubbing your lashes.
Spend: Lancôme Hypnôse Waterproof Mascara, £29, johnlewis.com
Save: Maybelline Lashsensational Waterproof Mascara, £9.99, boots.com