The best mascaras on the market according to the experts

Where should we be really putting our money when it comes to mascaras? We asked the experts…

Ask any woman on this earth what her make-up essentials are and mascara will always be one of them.

However, with such an extensive range on the market, it can be difficult to find the perfect one. So much thought has to be put into the purchase. Do you want curly or straight? Length or volume? Should you spend or save? And which one will give us that false lash effect?

For that reason, we asked the lash and make-up experts what their favourite mascaras are, and they have kindly enlightened us with the knowledge we need.

STILA Huge Extreme Lash Mascara

€25, from Boots

Promising to give volume, length, curl, and lift to lashes with just one coat, it’s no wonder lash artist Sueann O’Leary from The Velvet Rooms swears by it.

Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara

€9.99, from Boots

Thereasa Arcari from The Lash Boutique believes the perfect wand is the key to the false lash effect, saying “I love the Max Factor 2000 Calories Mascara. I love the curl shape on the wand; it helps to get those little inner lashes”. She prefers a brush wand over a silicone wand, adding, “you get great volume and length and no smudging or flaking.”

MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara

€20, from Brown Thomas

Make-up artist John Bowes says this mascara is perfect for mature clients, adding, “it’s a super defining mascara with a nice fine wand.” It’s also received universal praise from those he has recommended it to, with John saying, “Every time I have bought this for a family member they have raved about it to me, so I swear by it.”

L’Oréal Paris Paradise Extatic Mascara

€14.38, from feelunique.com

Make-up artist Judy Wong says this is a holy grail mascara and is a must-have for every beauty bag. It’s “excellent on all lash types,” she says.

Benefit Badgal Bang Mascara

€27, from Boots

Lash artist Olivia Fitzsimons is a huge fan of this mascara telling us, “It definitely adds volume and length, and at a reasonable price point, it’s a win-win!”

MAC In Extreme Dimension 3D Mascara

€25.50, from Arnott’s

Make-up artist Tara Donaghy says this is the most consistent item in her make-up bag for the last five years saying “It’s whipped cream-like formula creates the thickest, fullest effect without feeling clumpy”. She added: “The moulded wand shape ensures the coating of every lash, pulling and lifting your lashes to their full potential.” And it’s sweat and humidity-resistant too.

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