Dior Backstage
Like the name suggests, this achieves a dramatic effect, perfect for full-impact make-up. Goes on fairly thickly so no need to load lashes and because the wand is quite large, it can be quite difficult to manoeuvre around smaller lashes. Once dry though, lashes really stand-out.
£18.50, 020 7216 0216
Clarins Wonder Length
Elegantly-shaped mascara that coated lashes quickly and effectively. No thick clumpiness and the thin brush made precision work easy. The length of the wand could be a bit shorter though as it's quite long! Results are soft, long lashes that look pretty and natural.
£16.50, available nationwide
Rimmel Lash Maxxx
A thin, comb that I thought was a bit of a gimmick at first but it's actually very easy to use and very effective at separating lashes with no clumps. Takes a few coats because it's not that thick but the comb provides precision application. Packaging is cheap and cheerful but not tacky. A good impact that is still fairly natural looking.
£6.99, available nationwide
YSL Ever Long
Signature gold packaging makes this mascara stand-out and say luxury. Because it's not very thick, quite a few coats were required to get a full effect. With a bit of patience, you can get a nice finish from the separated combs on the fat brush. Not particularly dramatic, but very nicely separated and defined with no clumps.
£19, 01444 255 700
Elizabeth Arden ‘Ceramide' Lash Extending Treatment Mascara
Attractively boxed with gold packaging that makes it look chic not tacky. The formula is quite thick and wet so you have to be careful to avoid clumping. Get it right though and you only need a couple of coats for a big impact finish.
£16, boots.com or 020 7574 2714
