Mascara is a staple in most make-up bags and it can transform any eye look with little effort, even helping women look younger.
GB News tested some of the biggest brands on the market to find the top mascaras.
Not only will mascara accentuate your eyes, but it can also be used as an anti-ageing tool, according to professional makeup artist and founder of La Beaute Fatale luxury cosmetics Nev Tomic.
She told GB News: “Mascara is a well-known versatile makeup product that can significantly transform your appearance, making your eyes look bigger, brighter, and more youthful.
“Mascara is a transformative product that takes you from an everyday appearance to a more bold look by making your makeup look appear more cohesive.”
So which ones are the best? Benefit, Maybelline, Charlotte Tilbury and Aldi were all considered to find the best products.
Taking the top spot was Maybelline with its Sky High Mascara, available for less than £10.
Maybelline Sky High Mascara results
MAYBELLINE
Benefit They’re Real came a close second
BENEFIT
Maybelline Sky High Mascara, £9.99 – 9/10
The beauty product came to impress in the test by GB News. It’s description reads: “Achieve Sky High lash impact in new vibrant shades. Lash Sensational Sky High mascara delivers full volume and limitless length.
“Exclusive Flex Tower mascara brush bends to volumize and extend every single lash from root to tip. Washable mascara formula infused with bamboo extract and fibers for long, full lashes that never get weighed down.”
The verdict: The mascara was found to be lengthening while giving more volume and it lasted all day without smudging. Testers could not believe its affordability and how quickly it transformed the lashes with just a couple of strokes.
If you are looking for value and to get compliments on your makeup look, this could be the one for you.
Benefit They’re Real, £27 – 8/10
This dramatising mascara received a lot of praise as reviewers noticed their lashes were immediately thicker and longer – almost as if lash extensions had been applied.
It’s description said: “Bigfoot. Unicorns. A mascara so magical it makes your lashes look fake. We used to consider these the stuff of legend—until now (on the mascara front, that is… sorry, Bigfoot hunters!).
“If you want to spark speculation yourself, swipe on They’re Real! lengthening mascara for lashes they’ll need to see to believe. Good thing they have 36 hours to spot this lash-separating, curling, and volumizing formula in the wild.”
The verdict: The ‘They’re Real’ mascara was a close second and GB News journalists praised that the brush felt sturdy and was easy to use, giving length and volume quickly without clumping. It extended lashes and lasted all day without needing to be reapplied.
It was slightly let down by the price as reviewers found comparable results with the more affordable Maybelline brush. While it was a favourite, it may not be the best option if on the hunt for a deal.
Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes, £28 – 6/10
The most expensive mascara tested, reviewers were impressed by the pretty packaging and ease of application.
Its description read: “Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! mascara is my lash innovation and the secret to instant length, weightless volume, stretch and a 24-hour vertical lift effect for the lashes of your dreams.
“Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes is your beauty amplifier to make your eyes look bigger, brighter and more awake. Make your eye colour POP and create the perfect Pillow Talk lash! Super Black is a classic jet-black shade to add definition and intensity for dark, thick and full looking lashes.”
The verdict: As the name suggests, the mascara did give lashes an instant push without the need for lash curlers. However, the product did not provide as much volume as Benefit or Maybelline, putting it in third place overall.
One journalist said it was great layered on top of other mascaras but they were slightly let down by the mascara on its own.
Aldi’s Girl Gone Bad Mascara (£5.99, 15ml) – 5/10
The most affordable mascara on offer, it was a good option if looking for a budget product.
Its description reads: “The first thing everyone notices about you will be your eyes with the Lacura Girl Gone Bad Mascara.
“Long-lasting, this makeup essential will make sure your eyes pop by adding curl, definition, dramatic length and volume to your lashes. Perfect for everyday or evening wear, this will soon become your new go-to beauty item.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk offers a great lift
CHARLOTTE TILBURY
The verdict: Reviewers noticed it lengthened – with one person receiving compliments on the length of their lashes – however it did little to make lashes appear fuller or thicker. The product was also the most difficult to apply as the brush felt flimsy and it caused clumping easily.
While it promised lifted lashes for “up to 36 hours”, testers found it started to fade much earlier in the day, but with it offering unrivalled value, it landed an average score of five out of 10.
Once you have your perfect mascara, Nev shares the benefits of wearing the beauty product. She listed:
Instant Eye-Opening Effects
1. Lifts and separates lashes, making eyes appear larger.
2. Creates the illusion of thicker, fuller lashes.
3. Defines lash line, enhancing eye shape.
Anti-Ageing Benefits
1. Conceals thinning or sparse lashes, common with aging.
2. Draws attention away from fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles.
3. Creates youthful, bright-eyed appearance.
Application Tips for Anti-Ageing
1. Coat upper lashes only: Focus on upper lashes to create a lifting effect.
2. Wiggle wand: Separate lashes for a fuller appearance.
3. Layer carefully: Build volume without clumping.
4. Focus on outer corners: Emphasize outer lashes to create a lifting effect.
Best Mascara for Anti-Aging
1. Lengthening formulas: Look for mascaras with fibers or lengthening ingredients.
2. Volumizing formulas: Thicken lashes for a fuller appearance.
3. Waterproof or smudge-proof: Reduce smudging and flaking.
4. Mascara with microfiber extensions that add length to your natural lashes by adhering to the tip
Combining Mascara with Other Anti-Ageing Makeup
1. Pair with eyeliner to define the lash line.
2. Apply highlighter under brows or inner corners.
3. Use concealer to cover dark circles.
4. Enhance brows to frame face.
