A layer (or 2) of a good mascara has been a vital part of my makeup routine since the beginning of my never ending makeup collection. Not only does it add volume, it makes me look more awake and sometimes, its the only makeup product I need to use before rushing out the door.
A good mascara is so important! You don't want to keep applying it throughout the day, or have it smudge- that is a pain! I usually stick to Boots/Superdrugs, as their mascaras are just as good as the higher brands and at a fraction of the price.
To find the perfect mascara, you need to ask yourself what kind of mascara you're looking for. Do you need more volumising, lengthening or thickening? Are your lashes straight? Fine? Short? Can't see them?
Here are a few of my favourites that make my fine-haired lashes looking its best. I curl my lashes before applying one of my favourites!
(These are in no particular order- I love em all equally)
LENGTHENING
LOreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara in Extra Black
Boots £10.99
"The Millionizer brush has a multitude of bristles to separate lashes for a fanned-out lash effect. The elastomer applicator is ultra flexible with both long and short bristles to coat each lash evenly from root to tip."
First of all- the packaging! The classy gold and black and 'million lashes' written across has made this drugstore mascara look way past high end, how gorg! With only 2 coats, this mascara works wonders on making my lashes appear longer and fuller. As you take the mascara wand out, excess product is taken off so as you coat your lashes, so you're not left with any clumpy lashes.
VOLUMISING
Bourjois Volume Clubbing Ultra Black Mascara
Boots £7.99
"Bourjois Volume Clubbing Mascara gives you extreme volume, perfect for nights out.Its patented double-sided brush with its high volume of supple bristles ensures even coverage on the lashes. Its extremely resistant formula is enriched with vinyl for a look that won’t budge all night!"
This was one of my first ever mascaras. I loved the thickening and volumising effect it gave after 1 coat and to top it off it left not clumps! It is super easy to take off at the end of the night and is also available in a waterproof formula, which is great for people with an oily eye area.
WATERPROOF
No7 Extreme Length Waterproof Mascara in Black
Boots £12.50
"No7 Extreme Length Waterproof Mascara has a smooth formulation that will give you gorgeous clump-free lashes, plus the uniquely shaped brush grips and extends your lashes giving you maxiumum length. Its easy to build intensity by adding mascara to individual lashes, even those in the corner of your eye."
I'm not really into waterproof mascaras as it is a pain to take off. But I used this for a good 2-3 weeks and it started to grow on me. With only 1 coat, it left my lashes looking thicker and longer. I wore it for a good 13 hours one day and it lasted all day, no smudges and no flake outs- amazing right?
NON-CLUMPY
Maxfactor Clump Defy Volumising Mascara in Black
Boots £10.99
"Max Factor Clump Defy Volumising mascara allows you to saturate your lashes with stroke upon stroke of mascara to achieve more volume while still maintaining beautifully separated and defined lashes without clumping.This is thanks to the revolutionary brush technology. The new Anti Clumps brush is the first Max Factor clump-free lash loading brush. Its tight, evenly spaced bristles stops clumps forming and hugs the lashes to define and separate."
This was voted Best Beauty Buys 2014 and it sure was a 'best beauty buy' of mine. It has a curved shaped wand and is great to coat the lower lashes without smudging and getting messy. It does exactly what it promises- probably even better. Although this isn't a waterproof mascara- it does take a few extra rubs to take off.
ALL-IN-ONE
Lancome Virtuose Mascara - Curves & Length Mascara - Divine Hold
Boots £22.50
"Stunning lash curler effect with the unique KeepCurl™ brush. Extraordinary wear that’s virtually smudge-proof and tear-proof. Easily removable."
When I first received a sample size of this clump-free mascara, I was like a little child, so excited to use it. I used it whilst I was sitting at home doing nothing and even whilst I was sick. When that finished, I obviously had to purchase the full size! On my thin lashes, 1 coat was more than enough. It gave so much volume and length and the lasting power is amazing! The wand is curved, so it is easy to coat the inner and outer lashes as well as the roots.