When it comes to mascara, everyone has their own preference in what they are searching for. Personally, I love a full and voluminous lash look, combined with a formula that doesn't flake throughout the day and won't transfer onto my eyelid. A lot to ask for, I know. Long, lengthy lashes are usually a favourite. My go-to is Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara, but I am always testing new releases to find the very best out there, because who doesn't want to find the best mascara? When our Beauty Lab pros test mascara, we start by rounding up hundreds of the most popular mascara formulas on the market and then whittle down the field. We test each product for performance, wearability, ease of application and consumer satisfaction. For waterproof mascara, the Lab monitors results as testers doused their mascara-coated lashes in warm water to see how well each product resisted smearing and running. We've tested hundreds of mascaras over the past decade, but in our most recent test, experts tested 10 mascaras individually and evaluated them across 40 surveys, resulting in over 100 data points and comments. We've trialled and tested so many mascaras over the years that we've genuinely lost count. From Bobbi Brown's Smokey Eye Mascara– a cult classic – to Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes, which has taken the industry by storm, we've done our fieldwork. And what we can definitively say is that the best mascaras really do have transformative effects.

So how do we test? There are certain things that we look out for when testing any new mascara that lands in our laps. We're interested in things like the wand - bristle type and shape; the effect on lashes - whether it adds volume or length (or both?!); the formula - can you feel it on your lashes or does it nourish those tiny hairs? and finally the price.The GLAMOUR beauty team has tried over 300 different mascaras, so rest assured, you'll find our go-tos and favourites at the very top of the list. From old classics (such as Lancome's iconic fluttery Hypnose Mascara) and Too Faced's Better Than Sex Mascara (which by the way, sells every 7.5 seconds), to exciting formulas like the viral Maybelline Sky High Mascara (which has already collected holy grail status and over millions of views on TikTok since it launched earlier last year), we've road-tested the lot. Meet the experts:

As for your bottom lashes, turn the brush vertically. "The thinner end will help you control your application with more precision," Charlotte adds. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Looking for the next level of lash drama? Layer your mascara with a lash-plumping primer. A few sweeps underneath and the maximising power of your mascara will be heightened.It’s safe to say all the above may be exacerbated by make-up products, which is why we’re here to help. Don't forget to use an eyelash curler to really lengthen and open up the eyes; it's our best beauty secret. This is the best mascara for all of your lash needs. It does everything: lifts, lengthens, defines andadds volume. Transforming your lashes in every way, it's infused with vitamin B5 to condition and nourish lashes (plus, it makes it super easy to remove). And then of course, the next decision is do you need a long-wearing, hardy waterproof formula? If you have watery eyes or are prone to smudginess, you may want to opt to shop a waterproof (or at the very least water-resistant) buy. The best tips for applying mascara

No matter which formula you eventually choose, here’s a tip from legendary make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury on the best application technique: "As you drag the brush up from the base of your lashes, zig-zag the wand from side to side. This creates more volume as you are depositing more product onto your eyelashes."The only constant? Mascara. In fact, as a beauty editor, there is not a day that goes by that I leave the house without it. But what actually makes a mascara the best? We've been finding out. What makes the best mascara?

Mascara is an essential make-up buy, whether you like a natural look or a bolder statement eye. This classic beauty product adds volume, definition and length by gripping, separating and lifting eyelashes. Applying mascara is an effective way to make your face appear more awakened, and it can be added to both top and bottom lashes.

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