Our beauty recommendations offer a detailed and honest account of our first-hand experience with the products in question. This time all the spotlight is on mascara: from lengthening and volumising options to curling, lash separating and colour enhancing products.
We test all five picks using the following criteria: brush shape and function, texture, active components and overall result.
Vapour Mesmerize Mascara
The name speaks for itself. Its ability to mesmerise is exactly what this mascara delivers on. Packaged in a matt muted mustard container (which happens to have a pleasant texture!), this mascara can do it all: it provides extra length and volume as well as creates that sought-after panoramic effect, which really opens the gaze. The jojoba oil and acacia flower wax also nourish the lashes.
This mascara’s texture is rather rich. These kinds of mascaras do tend to dry out quicker so we wouldn’t be surprised if the consistency of the bottle changes in 2-4 weeks’ time (never attempt to mix a thickened mascara with water as this can be harmful for your eyes).
ILIA Limitless Mascara
This mascara, containing organic shea butter and Arginine amino acid, makes your lashes look natural only better. How does it do that?
The applicator consists of two parts: the brush itself and the tiny comb with longer spikes which are slightly further apart. As a result, the brush thoroughly covers each lash, while the comb ensures that they do not stick together and points them at an angle by lifting them at their root and creating a visually bigger eye. The only disadvantage of this type of application is that its wide brush can make it difficult to reach those tiny lashes in the inner corners of your eyes.
Lily Lolo Natural Vegan Mascara
A great option for those who prefer a natural look. This mascara seemingly does not do much and certainly does not make them look fake. The effect is very subtle: a slightly darker tint and more density but nothing revolutionary. Even if you try to apply it layer upon layer, there will be no clumps or spider lashes, neither will they look heavier or like a newly hatched butterfly. The lashes will remain fine and natural and surprisingly straight.
The applicator lifts each lash by the root and makes it stay that way literally until you rinse it off. Makeup artists refer to it as a fanning effect, which can be created by moving the brush from the roots to the ends in zigzag strokes. Thanks to its narrow tip, the applicator can reach even the tiniest lashes in the corners of your eyes.
RMS Beauty Straight Up Volumizing Peptide Mascara
The brand’s founder and makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift develops her products with multi-functionality in mind, ensuring that they are both decorative and nourishing. This mascara is no exception. The formula contains peptides and an antioxidative green tea extract, which makes the lashes healthier, stronger and lasting all the way to the end of their 30-day life cycle.
Its sizeable applicator barely fits into the container and scoops up enough product to double the fluffiness of your lashes with just 2-3 strokes. Get a bit carried away and you might end up with that 60s Twiggy look. Although prominent lashes are back in style, so take note.
Absolution Le Mascara
In a nutshell, this is one of the best mascaras that we have ever come across. The texture is not too dense, which means that you do not have to worry about it drying out. At the same time, it is rich enough to cover your lashes with just a few strokes.
The hourglass-shaped applicator separates the lashes and spreads them out adding visible length. It is great at targeting those hard-to-reach corners of your eyes and does a good job of accentuating your lower lashes with minimal effort. A great option for anyone with finer lashes. If yours are on the bushier side, it might look a little bit fake, unless of course that is the look you are going for.
