MASCARA – it can be a boon to any girl, making lashes look long and luscious, creating that perfect doe-eyed look. Or, of course, it can be a bane, thanks to smudging.
 
Modern mascara – originally a mix of coal dust with Vaseline petroleum jelly, which was created in 1913 by chemist T. L. Williams for his sister, Mabel (leading to the creation of Maybelline) – has come a long way.

Wands and formulas of all sorts are on the market, each touting itself to be the Holy Grail of mascara.

But, with hundreds of formulas out there (including those of the recently launched vibrating mascaras), how do you know which is the one for you?

my paper went on a mascara testing spree, checking out everything from cheap to steep and wearing each for at least an entire day. Here’s our list of the best ones.

1) Estee Lauder Turbo Lash Mascara ($50)

Pros: Don’t be scared of the battery-powered wand, which vibrates as soon as you twist open the cap. Yes, your boyfriend may look at you funnily when you first start using it, as it sounds like (ahem) a toy made for pleasure.

But the vibrating wand is actually useful rather than gimmicky. It helps separate lashes for more definition. Lashes were full, curled and almost fluffy, with nary a clump in sight even after multiple coats.

Cons: The constant vibration of the wand can leave your fingers a little numb.

Buy it at: Estee Lauder counters islandwide

2) By Terry Mascara Blackstar ($71)

Pros: Makes lashes look like a perfect fringe of falsies. Long, lush, volumized,curled, defined and soft to the touch. In fact, even after removal (you can just use warm water), lashes feel as though they’ve gone through a conditioning treatment.

Cons: It’s rather pricey, so make your dollar stretch by wearing it in the evenings only.

Buy it at: Escentials counters at Tangs VivoCity and Scotts Road

3) L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes ($25.90)

Pros: This dual-ended mascara with a primer – to be used before the actual mascara goes on – gives you lashes longer than a supermodel’s legs. It has got great definition, seriously inky colour and decent volume.

Stayed perfect throughout a two-hour sweaty gym session, yet was removed easily with just a touch of warm water.

Cons: Doesn’t give any curl, so use it with an eyelash curler. And you need to move fast to apply the colour over the primer or the results can be a little clumpy.

Buy it at: Watsons and Guardian stores

4) Lancome Oscillation Mascara ($68)

Pros: Another mascara with a vibrating wand. Lashes were lengthened, full, curved, and defined.

Gives a slightly more dramatic look than the Turbo Lash. The brush is fantastic, the tiny plastic bristles giving great control over the mascara placement.

Cons: It can be a bit tedious to keep your finger on the motion- activating button.

Buy it at: Lancome counters (check counter locations at www.lancome.com.sg)

5) Maybelline Volum’ Express Cat Eyes Mascara Waterproof ($18.90)

Pros: The comb-like wand gives great control, while the formula really does give big fat lashes, with length and curl to boot.

It even stayed on after a swim, though there was a little smearing.

Cons: There was slight flaking around the eyes after a 45-minute run, but on the whole, great value for money.

Buy it at: Watsons and Guardian pharmacies

6) Clinique Lash Power Curling Mascara ($36)

Pros: Gives nice length and curl with clean definition.

Smudgeproof and the small brush gives great control, even over the shortest lashes.

Cons: Doesn’t add muchvolume, which means it’sbetter for a natural day look.

Buy it at: All Clinique counters

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