Beauty haul: best high street mascaras
I'm often asked what mascara I'm wearing when I show my makeup looks over on my Instagram Stories, so I thought I'd share some of my faves here. They can all be found on the high street (all of those featured were bought at either Boots or Superdrug) - or in the drugstore, for those of you reading this outside of the UK. I actually took to my Instagram Stories to ask which mascara my followers loved, so if you came back to me, you might see your fave below!
My mascara habit
Some background: I wear mascara almost every day. If I was ever asked one of those desert island questions like what beauty product would I take, it would be mascara. It makes me look alive, even when I feel otherwise. Day to day I'll do two coats, but if it's a 'special' occasion or night out, I'll wear four. Therefore I've tested each of the below on four applications.
L'Oréal Paris Lash Architect 4D Mascara, £10.99
This is one of those mascaras that I go back to several times a year. Each time it runs out, I'll be tempted to try something else, but few compare when it comes to what I want from a mascara. The lengthening properties are amazing, even when you're having one of those months when your lashes seem a bit short and stubby. But it also seems to have a thickening effect too. It's jet black so it always blends in well with falsies as well as your eyeliner and you can't beat the volume that it gives.
YSL Mascara Volume Effect Faux Oils The Curler, £26
I don't usually bother with curling mascaras as my natural lashes are very curly, but I thought I'd try this after a couple of Instagram followers suggested it. With a 2-in-1 wand, YSL's latest promises curl and defined volume. The wand is a kind of hybrid between brush and comb, and at first sight, I really didn't expect much from it. I don't usually go for any kind of comb situation when it comes to mascara, but I was pleasantly surprised with this. It gives just the right amount of volume and length, but I didn't really see any curling effect.
L'Oréal Paris Paradise Mascara, £11.99
Claiming intense volume and 'spectacular length', this mascara is enriched with nourishing Castor Oil, so I was really keen to try it. I liked how the wand felt in my hand - it didn't feel flimsy, which meant I was less likely to drop it and get mascara on my face when it came to early morning applications. I think this is a good no-nonsense all-rounder for everyday wear.
Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara, £25
This is an award-winning mascara, many times over, with thousands upon thousands of positive reviews, and yet I've never tried it. It was also suggested by a couple of my followers. However, initially I really didn't like it - the handle part of the wand is a curvy design that tapers off, meaning it doesn't feel very secure in the hand. On application I can see it's definitely an ideal option for those with fine, pale lashes who want some depth.
L'Oréal Telescopic Mascara, £10.99
This was the most comb-like product out of the five and I instantly sneered at it. I really didn't expect anything from it at all, plus the comb is a bit of a pain to get in and out of the canister. However, when I got to the fourth coat stage, I realised my lashes were pretty damn long! Granted, they were super separated, which isn't a look I'd normally go for, but it definitely created a very doe-eyed, 1960s style look, that's actually really pretty.
Worth mentioning: Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara, around $6
Covergirl is a brand you can't really buy easily in the UK, so I always stock up on this mascara when I'm in the US. It's one of those products that really doesn't let you down when it comes to giving thicker, longer, lusher-looking lashes. I love the chunky packaging and brush that gives me the confidence to just swipe away, and it more than lives up to my four coats challenge. I can't wait to stock up on this next week in New York!
Tell me, what's your fave mascara and why?