Making It Up: Lash on the sex appeal

Flaking, smudging, glopping, clumping. New dance steps? No, they are what happens when mascara goes wrong ...

Karen Krizanovich
Wednesday 26 November 1997 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Mascara gives us mate-attracting eyes. No wonder Rimmel claims to sell one Endless Lash Mascara in black (pounds 2.95) every 22 seconds. Yet Rimmel's Exaggerate (pounds 3.99) lengthens better. Cover Girl Long 'n' Lush (pounds 4.29), Agnes B Ultracil (pounds 6.90) and Max Factor Stretch (pounds 5.79) do, too.

Before you buy mascara, look at the wand. It needs to be a huge, thick bristle brush. Those weedy brushes with big gaps give you big, gloppy lashes. Molton Brown Protein Mascara (pounds 12), Revlon Colorstay Lashcolor (pounds 7.95) and Screenface Supreme (pounds 7.25) have sensational wands. Lengthening mascaras look natural; thickening mascaras more glamorous. For daytime, Sensiq Volume Rich (pounds 4.25) darkens the lash-ends. Estee Lauder's Minimalist (pounds 13.50) creates those just-believable lashes you would have naturally if you were, uh, perfect.

At night, it's time to pile it on. La Femme Cake Mascara (pounds 4.95) is having a comeback. Max Factor 2000 Calorie (pounds 5.79) and l'Oreal Perfection Voluminous Mascara (pounds 4.49) create lashes as thick as two short planks. Estee Lauder's Pure Velvet (pounds 13.50) lasts, and isn't stubborn at bedtime.

For "sensitive eyes", Kanebo 38 Degrees is gloppy but comes off with 38 C water. Clinique's fine wand (pounds 11) takes its gentle lengthening formula to the lash-base. Almay Amazing Lash Waterproof (pounds 7.95) strikes a sensitive balance between thick 'n' thin. Make-up Forever Waterproof (pounds 12) comes in a host of funky colours.

While we await l'Oreal's Color Endure, everyone's talking about Sainsbury's mascara. It's being discontinued. It costs pounds 3.99. The word? Buy it.

Maybelline Great Lash and La Femme, from Screenface (0171-836-3955). Agnes B: mail order, Le Club Createurs de Beaute (0990 902090); Molton Brown (0171-581-7660); Make-Up Forever, Dickins & Jones (0171-734 7070)

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in