We Put Some Of The Best Mascaras To The Test

A good mascara has the ability to totally transform your makeup, namely due to its ability to awaken tired-looking eyes and up the ante of makeup within a few swipes of the wand.

But we're so spoilt for choice with the gazillions of mascaras out there, that it can prove very hard to decide which one to buy. They all promise to give us the curly, long, fluttering lashes of our dreams, but which of them actually do?

Their ability to do this rests on the formula and the wand, both of which need to work in unison to coat your lashes with an inky formula that doesn't flake or smudge, while leaving your peepers looking better than ever before.

So we went on a mission to help you find the one and tried out some of the latest mascaras to launch, so you can see the finished result without having to try them yourself...

'This mascara thickened and lengthened at the same time. It glided onto the lashes really easily and the brush was really good to create volume and easy to control.' Smith & Cult Lash Dance Mascara, £24

'I was a big fan of this mascara and the big brush worked a treat on my lashes. It left them big, bold and defined.' Max Factor 2000 Calorie Curl Addict, £6.99

'After much anticipation to try this mascara, it's one I'd reach for for length, but not necessarily definition - which is fine! Every mascara gives you something different. In terms of colour, it's the perfect shade of jet black so gave my lashes loads of drama.' Guerlain 'La Petite Robe Noire' mascara, £22.50

'I absolutely loved the brush on this mascara! It separated my lashes as it curled and it was really easy to get close to the lash line because of the curved brush shape. It was really easy to apply - I layered up a few coats to really thicken the lashes.' MAC Instacurl Lash mascara, £19.50

'I wouldn't usually use a purple mascara, but I have to admit I was really impressed and loved how it looked - it really brought out the colour of my eyes.' Diego Dalla Palma Purple Volume Mascara, £17.50

'I was a bit dubious about a Barry M mascara as I tend to rely on luxury brands for mascara pay-off, but this is an affordable rival to my trusty YSL. In one sweep my lashes were fuller, thicker and more dramatic - exactly what you want from a mascara!' Barry M That's How I Roll Mascara, £4.99