The cosmetics market is being constantly flooded with new mascaras. If you were so minded you could choose a different one for every day of the year.
My preferences are for jet black, non-clumping, non-flaking, and easy-to-apply lash enhancers.
Every day for six days, I try a different mascara to see how the different claims and price points stack up. Here’s what I find.
DAY ONE
Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes (€29)
It takes a few coats before I feel my lashes are approaching anything close to fat. Even then they are more semi-skimmed than full-on chocolate milkshake, which makes this a perfect mascara for those who do not like heavy-looking lashes. The definition and lash separation are excellent, as is the wearability. I wear it from 6am until 11pm, and it only flakes a little.
Verdict: Good definition and lengthening.
DAY TWO
Benefit Rollerlash (€26)
This mascara makes a lot of promises in typically excited BeneFit style. And guess what? It delivers. Lashes are lifted, separated and thickened. Applying more than one coat can give a spiky appearance, however, so do not load the wand too much.
Verdict: Easy to use.
DAY THREE
Lancôme Grandiose (€30)
This is the one with the famous swan-shaped wand that has been designed to make getting at every eyelash easier. It is a very "wet" mascara, the formula is thick, and if you are not very careful you will end up with what look like three fat eyelashes all clumped together. Do not even consider a second coat.
Verdict: Top marks for blackness but it can easily clump.
DAY FOUR
Catrice Jet Lash Speed Volume (€4.99)
I like Catrice as a brand; it usually bats well above its weight. But I find this mascara disappointing. Watch out for flakes, too.
Verdict: Just okay. There are better mascaras out there.
DAY FIVE
Rimmel ScandalEyes Xxtreme (€8.99)
This is a story I am ashamed of, but I will tell it anyway, because I am quite sure many of you have found yourselves in the same situation. After a very tiring day, I break all the rules and hit the pillow without as much as a face wipe. In the morning, the mascara is still there, with no panda eyes. I don't like the weirdly bumpy plastic wand of this mascara at all, but it does deliver volume.
Verdict: A nasty wand but it does deliver. Plus, it is definitely long-lasting.
DAY SIX
Mac Mineralize Multi-Effect Lash (€26)
The slim wand delivers the perfect amount of mascara, which produces lash definition but not huge volume. It does, however, make lashes appear more plentiful, soft and lush.
Verdict: My favourite in this trial and one I will wear every day.
Have you used any of these mascaras? Tell us what you would recommend in the comments.
Twitter @aismcdermott
beauty@irishtimes.com
AISLING’S PICKS OF THE WEEK
Matrix Oil Wonders
(€12.50, Matrix salons nationwide) I always feel a giddy joy when trying out a new hair range, so move over Moroccan oil: there’s a new hair oil in town. These hair oils are more like serums in consistency and treat concerns such as frizzy, dull or weak hair. Apply as a pre-shampoo treatment or a finishing product.
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Flexball
(€10.99) The species formerly known as the clean-shaven Irish man is getting rarer, but if you have spotted one around your house, he will like this. If not, men’s razors are so much better than women’s for leg shaving, so invest in it for yourself.
Boots Time Delay Wrinkle Reduce Double Action
(€17.99) Two products firm the saggy bits such as jowls and moisturise crepey neck. Antioxidants and ingredients to draw moisture in mean your skin feels firmer even from first use.
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer
(€32) Fans of full-coverage foundation, including all of you Estée Lauder Doublewear fans, should definitely try this. It feels and looks light, and the applicator makes it easy to apply as much as you need plus extra coverage to problem areas. Available in 21 shades.
AISLING LOVES . . .
Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge
(€26) Formulated especially for International Women’s Day; all profits go to Dress for Success, an initiative that empowers women to get back into the workplace. So the pretty pink of this blush has more than just a flattering hue to recommend it.
