Mascara is one of those makeup products that many of us can’t live without. I’ve been a devotee since when I was in my teens and realised the magic a little lash lengthening and darkening could do.
However, in a similar way that foundation is a personal choice, there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to mascara. Every set of eyes are different, some peoples’ lashes are longer/thicker/shorter than others - I might want drama whereas you might want a natural finish, and so on.
For a make-up artist, choice is key when it comes to building our professional kits. We know that one mascara/foundation/powder etc. just won’t cut it, which is why you’ll often see us (well, me at least!) lugging around a huge suitcase full of stuff.
There are plenty of different types of mascara formula to chose from to suit a variety of different needs, below I've put together a little list of some of my go-to products, but if there are any glaring omissions let me know down in the comments.
- Volumising
Short lashes can always benefit (excuse the pun...) from a little oomph which is where Benefit They’re Real (€26) and L’Oreal Volume Million Lashes Feline (€14.99) come into play. Both of help to fan out, separate, lengthen and volumise for added drama.
- Defining
If you have naturally thick lashes it can mean some mascaras clump and look messy, but Chanel's Sublime de Chanel Infinite Length and Curl Mascara (€32) and Bourjois Liner Effect mascara (€12.99) both work well to give colour and definition without too much excess volume.
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- Added Length
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the Essence Forbidden Volume False Lash Mascara Top Coat (€3.50) is a waterproofing product or something similar (I did!), but it’s actually a fibre formula that can be worn on top of any mascara to boost the length. For the price, it works a treat too!
- Sensitive eyes
For people that wear contacts or have sensitivity, it can be a bit of a battle to find a good mascara that won’t irritate or cause redness. I really like RMS Beauty’s Defining mascara (£24 on beingcontent.com) for lengthening and separation, as well as Physicians Formula Organic Wear Fake Out (€14.90) for a bit of drama.
- No Clumps
Dry, flaky, clumpy mascara is never fun – especially when you forget you’re wearing it and rub your eyes. NARS Audacious mascara (€26) is fantastic for lengthening lashes but won’t clump or go crispy over the course of a day. You can see it in action with Aisling's review here.
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