by Once, eyelashes were barely decorated. Sure, you may have curled them, and without a doubt mascara adorned them. Big occasions might require an extra layer or two or even a waterproof formula for, you know, weddings and the like.
That all changed about ten years ago when eyelashes became a thing, and I suspect that you, like me, had gotten used to seeing people with such enhanced, lifted eyelashes , so lacquered, so glued that the bare eyelashes looked very large.
Those days are dead. A recent wave of people calling down their mascara clearly and proudly suggests that a growing number are little more than superfluous eyelashes. This is a reflection of two different but influential places: TikTok where #nomascara is a movement, and on the catwalks, where, for example, make-up artist Charlie Riddle put models’ eyes up with metallic glasses paired with zero any mascara.
Fear not: you don’t need to ditch your mascara to look modern; it’s still very much on the agenda, but it has diversified its offering to meet audiences with different needs. For starters, colored mascara is entering the mainstream, with more brands than ever releasing brown shades as an option. Advocates claim that they add more without looking well done, that they are so cultivated, which is very de rigueur in make-up at the moment.
Secondly, the formulas have increased, and now you can buy something that is not a big black paste for eyelashes but will help to lift them, or coat them seamlessly, which proves that your lashes look better but better. You can even buy one specifically for lower lashes, complete with a tiny wand for teenagers to make sure you can target every single hair.
Let me introduce you to the best at every price point.
Classic
This is your good all-round egg mascara, doing all the things that traditional mascaras should do ie coat your lashes, allow one layer for subtlety or for more intensity when applied more.
Wear: Lisa Eldridge Kitten Lash Mascara, £29, lisaeldridge.com
Save: Sculpted by Aimee MyMascara, £18, sculptedbyaimee.co.uk
tubing
Tubular mascara uses polymers to intelligently curl each individual lash, then doesn’t budge until removed with warm water, making it a great everyday option if you generally find your mascara runs down your face with the slightest provocation.
Wear: Kevin Aucoin The Volume Mascara, £27, spacenk.com
Save: Elf Lash Mascara XTNDR, £7, elfcosmetics.co.uk
curl
Think of these as scaffolding for your lashes, where the mascara will lift the base of each hair, supporting them as they try to stand up and be seen. You may notice some texture crunchiness, which is very much part of what is meant to keep it stiff and in place.
Wear: Iconic Dior Diorshow Overcurl Mascara, £35, selfridges.com
Save: TAvon WonderCurl Volume, Curl & Lift Mascara, £9.50, avon.uk.com
Brown
Don’t wear brown mascara in the role of the less strong sister of black mascara. It’s just a different beast, looking more in line with the rest of the face, not taking center stage but pulling things together without drawing much attention to itself.
Wear: Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Mascara in Brun, £36, chanel.com
Save: Catrice Pure Volume Magic Brown Mascara, £3.95, catrice.eu
bulked up
There are times when nothing but a lot of concealer will do the job, and I doubt anyone with smoky or kohl-rimmed eyes will want multiple coats of mascara. to add. The best ones add oomph without clumping or clumping lashes together – but remember you can always use a lash comb if you want to create separation.
Spend: Victoria Beckham Vast Lash Mascara, £32, victoriabeckhambeauty.com
Save: Max Factor 2000 Calorie Dramatic Volume Mascara, £9.99, boots.com
Accuracy
There will be those of you who have one knot, one lock that binds another indefensible. Avoiding that fate is the most common brush, and choosing one that combs for ultimate control will help you achieve perfectly neat and tidy lashes every time.
Wear: Ruby Hammer Mascara & Brow Duo, £28, rubyhammer.com
Save: Slick Gloss Lash Lift and Lengthening Mascara, £20, spacenk.com
Lower Flame
It is fiddly work, shield lower lashes; they tend to be a little more puny, a little less regular in placement. Likewise, your regular mascara could overload them. Therefore, you may want to use a mascara specifically designed to hold but not weigh them down.
Spend: Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara, £21.50, clinique.co.uk
Save: Pixi Lower Lash Mascara, £11, pixibeauty.co.uk
Waterproof
These build a barrier around lashes, making them water resistant. How resistant they are depends on the formula, but you should be able to swim and generally go about life without them moving. The only downside? You will need to use an oil-based make-up remover to remove them without scrubbing.
Wear: Lancôme Hypnôse Waterproof Mascara, £29, johnlewis.com
Save: Maybelline Lashsensational Waterproof Mascara, £9.99, boots.com
