![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/130\/590x\/secondary\/best-mascara-4939028.jpg?r=1693723401194\")
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Mascara is my all-time favourite beauty item and is the one product I favour above anything else in my makeup bag.<\/p>\n
Forget foundation, blusher, eyeliner, eyebrow pencil and even concealer; mascara is my go-to for bigger, less tired and more defined eyes.<\/p>\n
So, why mascara? Unfortunately, I was not blessed with long, luscious, voluminous lashes but short, stubby fine eyelashes that look pretty non-existent under certain lights.<\/p>\n
And while there are plenty of other solutions out there such as eyelash lifts, tints, serums, fake eyelashes and extensions, for a low-maintenance person, mascara has always felt like the best option.<\/p>\n
With this in mind, I\u2019ve tried hundreds of mascara formulas over the years ranging from luxury brands such as Clinique to high street favourites such as Rimmel.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> Kate’s immaculate makeup look can be achieved with a \u00a315 Boots lip gloss<\/strong><\/p>\n So which mascara is best? I\u2019ve tested five mascaras at different price points to find the best formula.<\/p>\n Price: \u00a325.50<\/strong><\/p>\n While shopping at my local Benefit makeup counter, I was informed about the brand\u2019s latest mascara offering, Fan Fest Fanning Volumising Mascara, which claims to give lashes a \u201c24-hour full-fan effect\u201d.<\/p>\n Fans of the cosmetics brand will be well aware that all of their mascaras with some formulas already earning cult status.<\/p>\n Before the release of Benefit\u2019s Fan Fest Fanning Mascara, I was a huge fan of the brand\u2019s They\u2019re Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara and the BADgal BANG! Volumising Mascara. Both products gave my eyelashes that false-lash effect we all crave without having to mess around with eyelash glue.<\/p>\n But Benefit\u2019s new Fan Fest Mascara may have just beaten them all. The product\u2019s full-flex fibre brush has a 40\u00b0 curve that\u2019s flexible and curves around lashes from root to tip, giving them definition and a beautiful fanning effect.<\/p>\n The mascara\u2019s formula is also luxurious and contains cranberry extract and rice wax to avoid clumping and ensure lashes stay nourished.<\/p>\n Benefit claims the mascara is \u201csmudge-proof\u201d, \u201cwater-resistant\u201d and \u201chumidity-proof\u201d, and I couldn\u2019t agree more. The formula didn\u2019t even budge after a three-mile walk in the rain.<\/p>\n And it\u2019s not just me who thinks this is a winning formula, in fact, the mascara has garnered a whopping 2,469 five-star reviews on the Boots website.<\/p>\n While this isn\u2019t the cheapest mascara out there at \u00a325.50 a pop, shoppers can try out the mini version for just \u00a313.50 first.<\/p>\n LOOKFANTASTIC are currently selling the formula for just \u00a320.40, giving shoppers a saving of \u00a35.10.<\/p>\n Price: \u00a327<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019m a big fan of MAC Cosmetics, especially their Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, Studio Face and Body Foundation and their individual eyeshadow pots, so I was pleasantly surprised when I tried out the MACStack Mascara and discovered I loved it. The product has become a go-to in my makeup bag and is really easy and fast to apply.<\/p>\n MAC claims the product is a \u201ccontinuously buildable, clump-resistant mascara that stacks on infinite layers of volume and length\u201d – and I couldn\u2019t agree more.<\/p>\n For a more natural look, I only apply a small amount and when I want to create that false eyelash-effect look, I layer it up to add volume and length.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, this product comes with two brush options, a \u201cmega brush\u201d and a \u201cmicro brush\u201d so shoppers can choose the best option for their lash type.<\/p>\n The MACStack Mascara Mega Brush has received a whopping 18,000 five-star reviews on the Boots website, so it comes highly recommended.<\/p>\n The only sticking point with this product is the price. At \u00a327, this item is nearing \u00a330 which for many is extravagant.<\/p>\n However, LOOKFANTASTIC are currently selling MACStack Mascara Mega Brush for \u00a321.60 which means shoppers can save \u00a35.40.<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> Price: \u00a33.50<\/strong><\/p>\n A dupe of the award-winning Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, this is just as good in my opinion and a massive \u00a324.50 cheaper.<\/p>\n I was introduced to this beauty product as a student and now always have one stashed in the bottom of a bag when I\u2019m on the go. The formula effortlessly volumises my stubby lashes while adding length, giving me that false lash look.<\/p>\n Primark claims the formula aims to deliver an \u201cintense false lash effect\u201d, \u201cdramatic volume\u201d, \u201cfullness\u201d and \u201clength\u201d which it certainly does.<\/p>\n However, there are a few downsides to this formula. I\u2019ve found that after a few months, this mascara can start to look a little clumpy. The brush is also quite large which means it can be difficult to apply the product to lower lashes.<\/p>\n But I think you will be hard-pushed to find anything as good as this for \u00a33.50.<\/p>\n Price \u00a311.99<\/strong><\/p>\n Maybelline\u2019s Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara is one of the few waterproof formulas out there that does the job.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re taking a dip in the sea, doing an intense workout at the gym or walking in the rain, this mascara won\u2019t budge.<\/p>\n There has been a lot of hype around this product, and I can see why. The \u201cflex tower\u201d brush works well to separate my lashes and create a natural, fanned look while adding volume.<\/p>\n This formula also doesn\u2019t clump at all which can be a common problem in waterproof formulas. However, the effective waterproof formula does come with a downside – it\u2019s very difficult to remove.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/130\/590x\/secondary\/best-mascara-4939030.jpg?r=1693723401246\")
<\/p>\n1. Benefit Fan Fest Fanning Volumising Mascara<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/130\/590x\/secondary\/best-mascara-4939036.jpg?r=1693723401315\")
<\/p>\n2. MACStack Mascara Mega Brush<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/130\/590x\/secondary\/best-mascara-4939040.jpg?r=1693723401426\")
<\/p>\n3. PS\u2026 False Lash Queen Volumising Mascara<\/h3>\n
4. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/130\/590x\/secondary\/best-mascara-4939044.jpg?r=1693723401518\")
<\/p>\n5. Lacura Too Legit Mascara<\/h3>\n