1 Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes
$45, from Isetan Scotts, Metro Paragon and BHG Bugis Level 1

The spiky ball design of this brush has forever changed our idea of what mascaras should look like.

Once you get over the alien-looking brush and start using it, you will be won over by how user-friendly it is - just twist the wand this way and that to reach tiny lashes at the corners of your eyes.

2 Blinc Mascara
$52, from The Make Up Room, 10 Bukit Pasoh Road; The Beautybox Studio, 02-00 Nam Peng Building, 452 North Bridge Road; and Chai, 01-36 Liang Court

There is no need to use make-up remover to clean this mascara off. Just splash plenty of warm water on your lashes and rub them to remove the coating.

This is the first mascara with the 'tube' technology, a formulation that wraps around each lash to give maximum volume and length.

3 Maybelline Unstoppable Curly Extension Mascara
$17.90, from Watsons and Guardian

Renowned for its cheap and good mascaras, Maybelline's newest offering delivers as usual. The finely bristled brush makes it a cinch to catch sparse lashes and the smudgeproof formula washes off easily with just soap and water.

4 Diorshow Iconic Mascara
$46, from all Dior counters including Tangs Orchard and Robinsons The Centrepoint

There is no need to worry about fiddly motions when you apply this idiot-proof mascara. Simply swipe the formula onto your lashes in one motion - the unique bias-cut brush ensures clump-free lashes.

5 Majolica Majorca Lash Gorgeous Wing
$25.90, from Watsons

The micro-fibres of this version, which hold fast to your lashes when applied, are great for lengthening short, stumpy lashes. Brush additional layers onto the tip of your lashes for more drama.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Jan 9, 2009.